Avonworth/Northgate sprinter Hayzes Robinson joins sisters’ tradition with PIAA gold in 100

By: Chris Harlan
Sunday, May 26, 2024 | 12:19 AM

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SHIPPENSBURG — Winning gold medals at Seth Grove Stadium is somewhat of a tradition for the Robinson sisters, one that Hayzes was more than excited to join Saturday.

The Avonworth/Northgate senior earned her first by winning the 100-meter dash at the PIAA Class 2A track championship, joining sisters Hunter and Hayden as state title winners. The Robinsons now have a collection of seven PIAA gold medals, in part because they gave their little sister some good advice from their experience at states.

“They were like, ‘Don’t overthink it. Just go out there and run like you’ve been doing all season,’” Robinson said. “’Act like it’s any other race and you’ll be fine.’ I think that’s really good advice.”

Hunter Robinson, a 2018 graduate who later ran track at Tulane and Appalachian State, won five individual PIAA gold medals, including the 100 meters as a junior. Hayden, who graduated in 2019 and ran at Quinnipiac, won the state 100-meter title as a senior.

Now Hayzes has one, too.

The Pitt recruit reached the finish line in 12.11 seconds, with two fellow WPIAL sprinter just behind her. Winchester Thurston sophomore Monroe Law was second (12.18) and Greensburg Central Catholic’s Eva Denis was third (12.20).

“I’m really glad that I got the gold medal because last year, I was ranked first and I came in fourth,” Robinson said. “This year my time was fourth and I came in first. I’m really happy that happened. I wanted to end my last 100 meters as a high school student on top. That’s what I did.”

Robinson’s time in the finals a year ago was 12.31 seconds. She said the disappointment from that race had lingered with her ever since.

“I just trained harder, honestly,” she said. “Last year, I was still trying my hardest, but I ran out of stamina at the 50, and three other girls passed me. I really made sure to focus on that last 50 so that wouldn’t happen again.”

Chris Harlan is a TribLive reporter covering sports. He joined the Trib in 2009 after seven years as a reporter at the Beaver County Times. He can be reached at charlan@triblive.com.

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