Shaler Area’s Kalbaugh sets sights on another trip to state championships

By: Josh Rizzo
Thursday, March 28, 2019 | 9:47 PM

Shaler junior Dalton Kalbaugh is in position to make his accomplishments a seasonal affair.

Heading into the outdoor track season, Kalbaugh will try to be the only member of the Titans’ track and field team to reach states in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track.

Kalbaugh qualified for the PIAA Class AAA cross country championships in the fall before qualifying for the 3,000-meter championship during indoor season in the winter.

Going back in the 3,200 will be another tough task. There aren’t many spots for the taking. Hitting a qualifying mark isn’t any easier.

“I think the biggest challenge for making it in the outdoor season is only four people make it in the WPIAL unless you hit the qualifying time,” Kalbaugh said. “It’s a tough field of boys running in the 3,200. The qualifying time is around 9 minutes, 28 seconds. If I keep my momentum from indoor into outdoor, I can run that time.”

Cam Mbalo also will be seeking another PIAA appearance after reaching in the triple jump during the winter.

“I think the kids are truly excited,” Titans coach Shawn Ryan said. “They are eager, especially those kids who competed during the winter. We have a strong group of about 20-25 kids that work out, and we had that handful of kids at competition.”

Shaler will open its section dual meet schedule April 8 at North Hills. The Titans are in Section 3-AAA with Butler, Fox Chapel, North Allegheny, North Hills, Pine-Richland and Seneca Valley.

The Titans also return several other WPIAL qualifiers from last season. Sophomore Mayah Charity reached WPIALs in the 100 and hit a personal best of 12.95 seconds at the event. Senior Lydia Valentine placed 11th in the shot put at WPIALs.

Danielle Eshelman also will be a key in the distance events. Josh Maida, Evan Walsh, Jack Keenan and Andrew Dadowski made up a strong relay team during indoor, placing eighth at the Tri-State Track Coaches Association championships with a time of 1:38.29.

“Mayah participates in club track and field, and I’m excited to see her come up,” Ryan said. “I’m excited to see where she fits in this year. The 200 is a tougher event for younger kids. If she stays with her progression, I think we are on the right track with her.”

Good weather has helped put Shaler on the right path.

Ryan would like to see everyone progress in that direction to allow the Titans to send several athletes to Shippensburg.

“We have a great group of underclassmen,” he said. “We have a lot of ninth graders adjusting to the routine of the varsity program. We treat this program as we want these kids to succeed. Their attitudes are great. The younger kids are being led by the kids who were in indoors.”

Kalbaugh knows making it will require sticking with his training. He’s racing against opponents, but his race against the clock will be as important.

“I really work on running race pace to get the feel down for my legs,” Kalbaugh said. “I try to run with the kids in front of me and judge based on how I feel. If I feel good, I push up with them.”

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