In 1st meet of season, Derry junior fires off state’s best javelin throw

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Thursday, March 28, 2024 | 2:10 PM

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After winning a WPIAL Class 2A championship and finishing second in the state last year in the javelin, Derry junior Sophia Mazzoni brought high expectations into this track and field season.

She didn’t waste any time showing just how motivated — and prepared — she is to continue her upward swing.

Mazzoni on Wednesday sent the javelin soaring 156 feet, 10 inches to break her school and personal records and jump into the state’s best conversation.

The mark is the top throw in the state and ranks No. 3 in the nation.

“Coming into the first meet, I was very confident and positive about performing,” Mazzoni said of the tri-meet with Frazier and Geibel that Derry swept at Trojan Stadium. “I had a major amount of trust in my hard work and dedication during summer and the offseason.”

First DAHS track meet of 2024, and new record made. First throw, 156’10. Time to work even harder, and focus on the little things. Trust the process. @CoachNixonTF @PennTrack @PrincetonTrack @UMichTrack @DerryAreaTFXC @DASDTrojans1 @DukeTFXC @WestmorelandSN pic.twitter.com/xEm2mF5fhm

— Sophia Mazzoni (@sophia_mazzoni) March 28, 2024

Mazzoni swam for Derry during the winter season, which she said improved her shoulder strength.

“Personally, it was very noticeable,” she said. “Adding in weightlifting and plyometrics, I felt extremely comfortable and positive going into my first meet.”

For perspective, Mazzoni threw 140-5 to win the WPIAL title. Her distance of 143-6 earned her silver at the state meet.

“I was expecting a personal best for sure,” she said about Wednesday’s meet. “But I wasn’t expecting a huge, 9-foot jump. Now that I know what i’m capable of, the sky is the limit, and I’m extremely excited for the rest of the journey.”

Credit- Jim Faiella All-Time WPIAL Girls' Track & Field Top 25 List pic.twitter.com/z6WT5qXZP2

— Coach Nixon T&F/XC (@CoachNixonTF) March 28, 2024

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Derry Area