BUTLER TWP — The numbers 139 feet, nine inches. inspired Jena Reinheimer for three years.

So did the name behind them.

Recently, the Butler junior track and field throwing specialist was able to conquer the former and meet the latter.

Reinheimer snapped Liz Eury's Golden Tornado record of 139-9 in the discus with a toss of 140-4 in winning the WPIAL championship this spring. Eury's record had stood since 1998.

“I knew that name since I started ninth grade,” Reinheimer said of Eury. “Her record inspired me to do what I've been able to do in the discus.

I wanted to meet her. I wanted to thank her and let her know that.”

Eury won the state title with her school-record throw. Reinheimer wound up fifth in the discus at the state meet this year — rte same place Eury finished her junior year.

“I'm hoping to get that state title next year, just like she went on to do. That's the next goal,” Reinheimer said.

Introduced to track and field in sixth grade, Reinheimer tried a number of events, as do other kids that age, and admitted she didn't want to throw the discus.

“I liked the shot put, but I didn't liike discus,” she said. “Bill Elliott was coaching me in junior high and kept telling me to try it, we'll see how you do. Obviously, I've grown to love it.”

Reinheimer works with Butler throwing coaches Rick Schontz and Mike Snow, along with North Allegheny coaches Jade and Mike Hambrick. She practiced with Butler all week and the Hambricks work with her on Sundays.

Eury, now married and with the last name Weber, was coached by Schontz as well.

“Coaches Schontz and (Mike) Seybert are still there, still coaching after all this time,” Weber said. “It shows the dedication they have to the kids.”

Weber still lives in the Butler area and works at the Butler VA hospital. She still follows the Tornado track and field program.

“I know what's going on there,” she said. “Records are there to be broken. I was surprised my discus mark lasted this long.

“When I found out (Reinheimer) wanted to meet me, that meant a lot. Records do inspire athletes and I'm glad mine had a positive effect on her.”

Schontz watched Reinheimer progress in her career from 100 feet, “into the 120's and 130's,” he said. “That 140 was a target for a while.

“Jena has room to get better. She can extend that record out to close to 150. I know she's capable of that.”

Reinheimer has her sights set on another school record as well — Alison Sams' 43 feet, one inch shot put in 1994. Sams won the state title in the event that year.

Reinheimer has hit 40 feet, one inch in her high school career.

“I'd love to get that one, too,” she said of the shot put. “I'm working with my coaches now transitioning from a spin to a glide in how I throw it.

“I'm not completely comfortable with that yet, but I'm getting there.”

Schontz said track and field records are meant to provide motivation for other athletes down the road.

“Absolutely. That's why you keep a record book,” he said. “We've had girls come close to Liz's record, but just couldn't get over the hump. Liz was thrilled when she found out Jena got it.

“Can she get Alison's record? I believe she can and Jena believes she can.”

Also an outstanding student, Reinheimer aspires to get into civil engineering in college. She plans to compete in track and field at the next level as well.

“I'm looking for a school with a good engineering program and a good track program,” Reinheimer said. “My education will always come first, but I want the best of both worlds.”