Westmoreland athletes of the week: Belle Vernon’s Hunter Martin, Norwin’s Jessica Kolesar

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 | 10:09 PM

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Hunter Martin

School: Belle Vernon

Sport: Track and field

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: Martin was named the combined MVP after winning the 110-meter hurdles (15.29 seconds) and long jump (21 feet, 6 inches) at the Westmoreland County Coaches' Association meet Saturday at Latrobe's Memorial Stadium. Martin finished second in the triple jump (43-6) and third in the 300 hurdles (41.79).

“That was the fastest time I've ever run in the 110 hurdles. It was nice to have competition to push you. I put in my best effort for every event that I tried,” Martin said.

What did it mean to you to defend your 110-meter hurdles title at WCCAs?

It felt pretty good. It put a smile on face that I did it last year and this year again. It pushed me harder this year because I wanted to do it again.

What were your goals going into this season?

I wanted to improve my times from the years before. I would like to make it to states with my hurdles and jumps.

What's your favorite event?

(The) 110 hurdles. It's a ton of pressure on your shoulders since if you make one mistake you can't make it up. I like how all eyes are on you and there's a ton of pressure.

What goes through your mind as you prepare for an event?

Honestly, I'm trying to push myself to do better than my PR and give it my all on the field.

If you had any superpower, what would it be?

Most speed ever. I want to get everything done faster, get places faster and work faster.

Jessica Kolesar

School: Norwin

Sport: Track and field

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: Kolesar was named the combined MVP after she won the 200-meter dash (26.27) and long jump (18-2.75) at the Westmoreland County Coaches' Association meet Saturday at Latrobe's Memorial Stadium. She also was part of the winning 400-meter relay team that finished at 50.49. In the triple jump, Kolesar finished second with a leap of 35-10, which was just behind Ligonier Valley's Rachel Horrell (36-0). The Norwin girls won the Class AAA team competition.

“We went into counties with the hopes to win and we knew we could do it,” Kolesar said. “From the beginning of the season, we wanted to compete as a team. We're going to go from there and see where that takes us.”

What does it mean to you to defend your WCCA titles this season?

It feels really accomplishing knowing all the hard work I put in this year and last year has really paid off.

Can the relay team finish on top of the podium at WPIALs?

We've been working really hard in practice with our handoffs. It has been a real big focus of ours. Once we get that down, the rest will take care of itself.

What do you need to do to improve on your fifth-place finish in the long jump at states this season?

I'm drilling technique every day and continuing to work hard. I was happy with how I did last year, but I know I can do better. I want to push myself to see how far I can go. I'm working hard every day in practice and doing everything I can to reach my fullest potential.

What's your favorite sport?

Track and field. Whenever I was young, I always knew speed-wise I excelled in that category. Every sport I do is based off that speed, and it's the sport I excel the most.

If you were able to meet anyone famous, who would it be?

Michael Jordan because of his story of getting cut from his high school team and him coming back and being one the best players.

— Andrew John

Tags: Belle Vernon, Norwin