Fox Chapel track standouts pick up medals at indoor state meet

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, March 2, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Fox Chapel track coach Tom Moul felt it was fitting for the Foxes to wrap up the indoor season by having three athletes medal at the PTFCA Indoor State Championship at Penn State. The Foxes have spent all season piling up accolades.

Fox Chapel set seven school records during the year and gained a lot of important experience.

“Our distance kids trained all through the winter season, and they’ve made good strides,” Moul said. “The team all took some big strides forward.”

Anna Troutman, who has Fox Chapel’s school record in the high jump, earned her first medal at the state indoor meet. Troutman had previously qualified for the state meet but hadn’t been able to bring home any hardware.

Troutman finished in sixth place in the high jump with a leap of 5 feet, 3 inches.

“She was hoping to get one this year,” Moul said. “She’s mature. She’s a senior and had been there before. She knew the stakes were high and was able to get it done.”

Rowan Gwin had to make some adjustments after a mistake in the one-mile run. Gwin finished in 12th place with a time of 4 minutes, 18.79 seconds. The Appalachian State recruit was able to bounce back and finish eighth in the 3,000-meter run with a time of 8:46.54.

“He definitely made a tactical error in the mile,” Moul said. “He went out too fast and wasn’t able to hang on. He was super disappointed but was able to bounce back from that in the 3,000. It was a testament to his mental toughness.”

Foxes’ shot putter Mason Miles turned in a strong performance as well. Miles unleashed a throw of 56-3½ to place fourth. Miles has put together a solid season after missing last season’s indoor season due to an injury he suffered during football season.

“That was huge for him,” Moul said. “He was consistent the whole meeting, throwing in the mid 50s. He’s been super focused and that has been his goal.”

Moul said he expects Fox Chapel will have a good spring as well. All three athletes who competed at states and medaled were seniors.

“It gives them confidence to start outdoors,” Moul said. “They know the process and how to handle the beginning of the season. Having the comfort from a strong performance at this meet will give them confidence and motivation to do well in their last-ever season.”

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