Hartman fourth in Javelin

“This is amazing. I’m beyond happy. I’m beyond ecstatic,’’ Hartman said after placing fourth in the Class AAA javelin with a career-best throw of 138 feet, 10 inches at the PIAA Girls’ Track and Field Championships Friday.

Hartman was the top finisher among Lancaster County girls at Friday’s opening day of competition in the annual two-day state meet at Shippensburg University.

“There are just no words to describe what I’m feeling,’’ Hartman said while fighting back tears on the infield at Seth Grove Stadium. “I mean, I started out the year really well, then didn’t get one to pop. My coaches kept telling me I had a 140(-foot throw) in me, but I began to doubt that.

“I really wasn’t sure what to expect,’’ she said, “but this is a huge PR for me.’’

Hartman, who will attend college and throw for Shippensburg in the fall, unleashed her best effort on her second attempt of the afternoon. Connellsville’s Madison Wiltrout won the event with a throw of 151-1, followed by Sarah Stanley of South Park at 146-11 and Morgan Defloria of Hempfield (District 7) at 139-6.

“At that point, I just lost it,’’ Hartman said of hearing the distance on her best throw. “I was an emotional mess after that. I tried to re-collect myself, but really couldn’t. It was just trying to go out and throw, but couldn’t keep myself together. I mean, this is unreal; unbelievable.’’

Alos competing at States was Ephrata Junior Kelly Liebl, who finished 18th in the Long Jump with a distance of 16 feet 9 inches. Liebl also made it to the final heat of the 100 Meter Dash, where she finished 8th overall with a time of 12.46 in the finals.

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