Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week
Name: Rose Kuchera
School: Canon-McMillan
Sport: Track
Year: Sophomore
Kuchera’s week: Kuchera won the triple jump and 100-meter hurdles and finished third in the 400-meter relay and fifth in the long jump at the WPIAL Class AAA Track & Field Championships at Slippery Rock University last week.
The Canon-McMillan sophomore crossed the finish line in the 100 hurdles in 15.25, .33 faster than Emily Cooper of Oakland Catholic. Her triple jump of 37-04 1/2 was 01 ½ longer than Marla Owens of New Castle.
Her long jump effort was 16-11 ½ and her 400 relay time was 48.88, a whisker behind winner South Fayette. The other members of the team were Bryce Dean, Abigail Mitrik and Bennett Pidro. The group qualified for the PIAA Class AA Track & Field Championships at Shippensburg University this weekend.
Kuchera had been in dance class since the age of 5 and got into track because she wanted to try something new.
“I think dance helped with my rhythm for hurdles,” said Kuchera. “It definitely helped with my strength.”
When the state tournament is completed, Kuchera will turn her sites to summer track.
“I compete on the Stallions,” Kuchera said, “and we work out at (Robert Morris University). It’s fun. We have good coaches. We have meets near here and at random places.”
Kuchera gave up her dancing career to concentrate on track. She danced at the Synergy Performing Arts Academy, which is located near Canonsburg.
“I did all kinds of dance, like jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop,” said Kuchera. “I did it all.”
Kuchera is about to set her site on colleges. She knows that how she does in the state meet could open doors to schools. Fortunately, she has some time.
“I want to go to college for track,” she said. “So hopefully, I’ll look into some schools at the beginning of the (school) year.”
Compiled by Joe Tuscano
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