Schessler running with a purpose
CRANBERRY TWP — When it comes to running, Owen Schessler runs into Joella Baker a lot.
Baker is the Mars resident and North Catholic junior’s high school cross country, swimming and track and field coach. Baker also coaches Schessler with the Get Fit Families triathlon team.
“She’s been coaching me since about fifth grade,” Schessler said. “I’ve learned a lot from her.”
He’s been a good student.
Just in the past year, Schessler qualified for the PIAA meet in cross country as the Trojans’ top runner — North Catholic boys cross country team’s first PIAA qualification since 1994 — qualified for the state meet in the 500-yard freestyle, broke the school record in the 3,200 meters at 9 minutes, 57 seconds while qualifying for the PIAA track and field meet and won the Mighty Moraine Man Sprint Triathlon at Moraine State Park.
The latter victory — which occurred la week ago — also crowned him Pennsylvania High School Triathlon champion for 2022.
“I can’t believe I’m the state champion there,” Schessler said. “I’ve been doing the Mighty Moraine Man triathlon every year since eighth grade, fall and spring. This is the first time I’ve ever won it.”
Schessler completed the Sprint version of the event last week — 750-meter swim, 12.4-mile bicycling and 3.1-mile run — in 1 hour, 52 minutes. He crossed the finish line nearly four minutes ahead of runner-up Sam West.
While qualifying for the PIAA swim meet, Schessler’s time of 5 minutes, .07 seconds broke the North Catholic record previously held by Baker’s son, Zachary.
“Owen works hard, he never misses a practice,” Coach Baker said in a prepared statement. “He is very humble and a great teammate. He always puts others first.
“He is very dedicated and follows his training plan.”
Schessler said he began running with his father at age 6. He’s been a runner ever since, expanding that passion into becoming a triathlete.
“My goal is to run the triathlon in college,” he said. “Queens University and Wingate are two schools who have standout triathlon teams. I’d love to compete for one of those schools, but there are others out there as well. My options are open right now.”
With Get Fit Families, Schessler competes in the Junior Elite division of USA Triathlon. He’s traveled with his GFF team to triathlons in Virginia, Iowa and Missouri, among other states. The USA Triathlon National Championships are in Cincinnati, Ohio.
His best time in a triathlon was 56 minutes, 30 seconds, last spring in Richmond, Va.
“The Mighty Moraine Man is a tougher course. It’s challenging because it’s so hilly,” Schessler said.
Among goals for his senior year are running the 3,200 meters in under 9:50 and getting the North Catholic 500-yard freestyle record under five minutes.
“He is also a straight A student,” Coach Baker said. “I can’t wait to see what his senior year will bring for him and where he will go to college. I know he will have many great choices.
“Owen is an athlete that most coaches might get once in a lifetime. He is the whole package, he’s talented, works hard, is a great student and a great teammate.”
