From a sophomore with a lot of promise to second place in the WPIAL.

That's the path Ashley Turici has taken to the PIAA Track and Field Championships.

The Seneca Valley sophomore finished second at the WPIAL Class AAA Championships last week in the javelin with a heave of 136 feet, 9 inches.

Not only did the mark send her to the state meet, it also broke the school record.

Actually, shattered would be a more accurate description of what Turici did to Caroline Stratton's previous school record of 127-2 set in 1996.

"Usually when you see a record broken, it's by six inches or so," said Seneca javelin coach Bob Harsh. "She demolished it."

"I thought I might have a shot at the record by the time I was a senior," Turici said. "I definitely didn't think I would break it this year."

Turici's best throw in 2003 was just over 100 feet.

That's where she was when this season began.

"I think she got up to 105 or 106 early in the season," said Harsh. "But she continued to improve. Near the middle of the season, she threw 121 at the Moon Invite. I thought that was great because the PIAA standard was 120."

"My goal at the beginning of the season was to consistently get over 100," said Turici. "It's surprising to me that I've been able to do so well. I guess it's all the practice time I put in."

"The biggest thing with Ashley is that she is very coachable," said Harsh. "Some athletes, it's like they're on railroad tracks. It's very hard for them to try something new with their technique once they've done it one way for a while.

"But Ashley has the ability to tweak her skills so she can improve."

So much success at such a young age might cause some athletes to become a bit too confident in their abilities.

"She's still trying to convince herself that she's one of the best javelin throwers around," said Harsh. "She's always looking at older girls and thinking that they are more deserving of the praise than she is.

"Ashley's got a humble spirit," added Harsh. "That's a good thing and I hope she keeps it."

Turici is keeping her modest approach heading into the state championships, which begin Friday.

"I'd like to finish in the top eight and medal," she said.

For Harsh, the opportunity to instruct Turici is one he'll always remember.

The 34-year veteran track coach will retire after the PIAA meet.

"I've coached some fine athletes through the years," said Harsh. "And I feel very fortunate to have been able to coach Ashley. She's still got some flaws to work out, but will continue to improve."