Avonworth/Northgate’s Hayden Robinson finds ‘relief’ in 100-meter victory at PIAAs

By: Chris Harlan
Saturday, May 25, 2019 | 3:04 PM

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SHIPPENSBURG — There, of course, was happiness and excitement as Hayden Robinson crossed the finish line first at Seth Grove Stadium.

But, she said, there was also relief.

The Avonworth/Northgate senior won the girls 100-meter dash Saturday at the PIAA Class AAA track and field championship, winning gold after finishing as the state runner-up twice before.

“It’s honestly kind of a relief because I’ve been trying to win a state title for four years now,” Robinson said. “I finally have done it.”

The Quinnipiac recruit finished second as both a junior and a freshman. An injury prevented her from reaching the state finals as a sophomore.

In her final chance, Robinson won with a 12.03-second time in the finals. She edged three Warwick teammates including junior Lily Palacio-Lewis (12.19) who finished second.

“My start was not great,” Robinson said. “I always start behind all of my competitors, but then in the middle of the race is where I use my acceleration and arms to try to catch back up.”

Avonworth/Northgate’s Hayden Robinson feels “relief” as she wins the #PIAA Class AA 100-meter title after finishing as state runner-up twice #TribHSSN pic.twitter.com/vEmhAV7gzA

— Chris Harlan (@CHarlan_Trib) May 25, 2019

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.

Tags: Avonworth, Northgate