Apr 24, 2015 3 min read

Katie Demi knew her javelin throws were pretty good, but she wasn’t sure exactly how good.

The junior from McGuffey High School went through most practices without her distance being yelled out by coaches. The emphasis was on technique. Perfect that, then the distance will increase.

It’s worked.

Demi heads into today’s Washington-Greene County Coaches Track Meet at Peters Township High School with the best javelin throw in Class AA at 127-10. That throw came in the first meet of the season and when the weather was better.

“We didn’t measure in practice,” said Demi. “I knew they were in the 120s because we had some rough lines out there.”

Action gets under way at 9 a.m. and will last until late afternoon, ending only after the trophy ceremonies are held.

Fort Cherry is the defending team champion in girls Class AA and Peters Township is back to defend its Class AAA title. Washington is the boys Class AA defending champion and Canon-McMillan will be back after winning in Class AAA.

Demi is not the only Highlander highly ranked in the javelin. Teammate Rachel Czulewicz is fourth with a 120-8 effort made two weeks ago in a tri-meet at Burgettstown.

Marissa Bitonti of California is 10th with a 112-5 throw and Nikki Hoffman of Washington is 14th at 108-10. In Class AAA, Michaela Rohaley of Canon-McMillan is fifth with a 117-9 and teammate Natalie Britvich is in 15th place with a 109-7 effort.

“I’m excited to see what the Class AAA (throwers) do,” said Demi. “Last year, I threw my PR of the season, 123, at the county meet. I like their runway because it’s a grass runway. My last two PRs came off grass runways. I use soccer cleats, and I think they give me a better run up to it.”

Demi was recruited into track by Czulewicz and blossomed last season, her second on varsity. Demi’s freshman throws hit only in the 90s, but she added more than 30 feet last season.

“Having Rachel at practice to compete with is great,” said Demi. “I think it helped both of us improve.”

Czulewicz knew her throw of 120-8 was good, but not good enough for fourth place in Class AA.

“Most of the time,” she said, “if my follow-through is good, then the throw is good.”

Czulewicz hopes to be throwing in the 130s this season, which could carry her well into the postseason. She knows stiff competition can only help and is eager for the county coaches meet.

“I don’t know the (Class AAA) throwers,” said Czulewicz. “I haven’t thrown against any of them. That’s what makes it exciting.”

Demi and Czulewicz are part of the 1,600-meter relay team and each run the 400. Demi triple jumps and Czulewicz throws the discus.

“This is a good meet,” Czulewicz said. “You go against good competition.”