The Butler girls 1,600-meter relay team claimed WPIAL gold on Thursday at Baldwin High School. The team is comprised of, from left, Alexis Lee Huguenot, Shana Hoy, Liz Simms and Maddie Tonini.

WHITEHALL — Two short months ago, Hannah Rowe had no idea what she was doing in the high jump.

The Knoch freshman had never tried the event before. In fact, she had never even stepped foot on a track before.

“I knew absolutely nothing,” Rowe said, laughing. “Nothing.”

But Rowe proved to be a quick learner. Tall and lean and with an uncanny ability to explode over the bar, Rowe took an early shine to the event.

And now, she's a WPIAL champion.

Rowe cleared 5 feet, 4 inches at the WPIAL Girls Class AAA Track and Field Championships Thursday at Baldwin High School to claim the title.

She highlighted a big day for Butler County girls athletes. Three individuals and one relay team left with gold medals around their necks.

“I didn't expect this. I definitely did not,” Rowe said, smiling. “My first jump was 4-10 and I was just trying to get 5-foot. It took almost a month to get there.”

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