Emily Campbell

SHIPPENSBURG — Emily Campbell admits she was battling her nerves as the Class AA girls discus began Friday at the state championship track and field meet at Shippensburg University.

Then she executed her first throw.

“After that, I was into it,” said the Slippery Rock High senior.

Campbell entered the event ranked first in the state by more than 10 feet and captured her first PIAA title in dominating fashion. Her effort of 146 feet, eight inches was 10 feet and eight inches better than the runner-up, Taylor Weiss of District 3’s Boiling Springs High School.

“It’s very fulfilling to see that hard work does pay off,” said Campbell. “I knew that 140 would take it, but I was hoping to get 150. It was really windy during the competition and I think that was a factor.”

Campbell’s best effort in the discus is 148 feet, three inches, which broke the record at the Hermitage Invitational earlier this month. She won the District 10 title last week with a heave of 143-2.

Not bad for an event that used to take a back seat to the shot put, which Campbell was scheduled to compete in at states for the third time Saturday.

“I just learned to spin the discus last summer,” Campbell said. “I always thought my first state title would come in the shot put.”

Campbell, a Wake Forest University recruit, has recently put in a lot of time for both events.

“In the off-season, I lift weights four to five times per week and make about 150 throws per day between the discus and shot,” Campbell said. “Being a senior, I felt some pressure before the season started, but I put faith in my friends and family to help keep me calm. They helped me a lot.”

Her experience was one to remember and not just because she won a state title. Camaraderie also played a role.

“It was very positive,” she said. “We all cheer for each other. We all want everybody to do their best.”

Two other area athletes earned medals. Butler junior Julia Baxter in the Class AAA girls high jump (5-6) and Knoch freshman Jordan Geist in the Class AAA boys discus (169-11).

Both placed fifth in their respective events.