Shaw shines at Penn Relays
Though her scholastic running career is winding down, it continues to be a whirlwind schedule for Savannah Shaw. The past week and the month ahead are no exception as the pace continues to quicken for the Upper St. Clair High School senior.
On April 26, the daughter of Tara and David Shaw successfully competed in the prestigious Penn Relays held at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. The 18-year-old senior took third in the High School Girls’ Mile Run Championship.
She will compete May 5 in the 45th annual Baldwin Invitational, racing in the 800- and 1,600-meter races, as well as run a leg on USC’s 4×400 relay team.
After being honored as one of 21 WPIAL Scholar/Athlete Award Winners on May 14 at the DoubleTree Hotel-Green Tree, Shaw will compete three days later in another big meet, the WPIAL track and field championships. They are the qualifier for the PIAA finals to be held May 25-26 at Shippensburg University. Shaw is the defending WPIAL champion in the 1,600 and a fifth-place finisher at states.
“It’s been a little crazy,” Shaw admitted of her hectic schedule.
Shaw’s march to the finish in her academic as well as scholastic career commenced in force once she competed in the nationals for both the cross country and indoor track seasons and then committed to North Carolina State University. Those competitions and that college choice prepared her for the stage that is the Penn Relays, the oldest and largest track and field event in the United States.
“It was such a cool experience,” Shaw said.
Just visiting Philadelphia proved a runner’s paradise paved with adventure. To tune up for her event, Shaw, along with her coach Doug Petrick, and teammate, Nicole Naumann, did a training run along the bike path near the Schuykill River that showcases Boathouse Row. They visited Fairmont Park and, of course, just like Rocky Balboa, ran up the stairs of the Musuem of Art. Then they carb-loaded on noodles at Pho 20 in Chinatown.
But, Shaw’s own race took her breath away.
“It’s hard not to be starstruck when you see Georgia Tech, Michigan, Pitt, NC State and other collegiate teams at the event,” Petrick. said. “Seeing athletes at the next athletic level is inspiring. It’s such a positive atmosphere.”
Shaw agreed. “The stadium was packed and there was talent everywhere.”
The only talent better than Shaw was Marlee Starliper from Northern High School in Dillsburg, Pa., and Victoria Starcher from Ripley, W.Va. The duo finished 1-2 in the mile while Shaw took third with a 4:55.74 time.
“The race itself was a little chaotic,” Shaw said noting the field of 16 runners and a race that had to be restarted. “I was able to stay close to the front even from the beginning, though. About halfway, though, the field split and I’m happy to say I moved forward with Tori and Marlee. I’m excited by my place but was hoping for a faster time. No matter. Lots of time to have the right race.”
Petrick, though, felt Shaw ran well.
“She worked a great race plan,” he said. “She went out with the lead pack and was able to peel away with the top three races at the halfway mark. She had a great last lap with a strong finish and championship form through the finish. Savannah is such an experienced runner.”
Shaw’s experience comes from competing against Starliper and Starcher at the Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships held in December. Through weekly long-run and ancillary work, Shaw has also mastered her finishes.
After her race, Shaw settled into a true Philadelphia experience. She walked with her coach and teammate to Abner’s and enjoyed a cheesesteak sandwich. Then Shaw, Naumann and Petrick returned to Franklin Field to watch the collegiate distance races.
“I got to meet some of my teammates that I will run with at NC State. That was awesome to hang out with my college coach and a few of the runners as we watched the races. It was cool to see the college side of the Penn Relays as I look onward to next year.”
Petrick says he has “no doubt” Shaw will be racing at Penn Relays in the next few years.
“Savannah is an elite racer and a mature young lady,” Petrick said. “When you can compete and stay centered among excitement and chaos, big things happen. As we move into championship season this week, it’s exciting to know the best is yet to come.”
Shaw’s best isn’t reserved just for the track. She is an honors student, maintaining a 4.28 GPA. She will major in business in college.
Her athletic achievements as well as her academic accomplishments are reasons why she was selected as a WPIAL Scholar-Athlete.
“It’s such an honor to win this award,” she said. “It’s very special to be recognized by the district for both running and my life outside of running.”
NOTE: Shaw was not the only local talent competing in the Penn Relays. Molly Mangan of Mt. Lebanon ran in the 400-meter hurdles event. The junior finished 14th overall with a 1:03.07 time.