In the beginning, Kirstin West wasn’t even sure she wanted to go out for the sport, she had a hard time envisioning herself as a track-and-field student-athlete. Or even which event she might be good at.

But she made herself vulnerable, put herself out there, and through perseverance discovered her niche. It was because of that same spirit that West became the best javelin thrower she could be.

On Saturday afternoon at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, West capped an outstanding scholastic career by earning a bronze medal in the Class AAA javelin, at the PIAA Track and Field Championships. The Palmyra senior’s third-place showing was the shiniest medal earned by a Lebanon County competitor at the state meet.

Seeded 14th entering the competition, West uncorked a 134-6 on her initial heave of the preliminaries to earn the distinction. Earlier in the season, she had gone into the 137s, with her best throw.

Throughout her career, West has garnered more than 15 medals for javelin throwing, on the Lebanon County, Mid-Penn Conference, District Three and PIAA levels. She is the reigning Lebanon County champion in the event.

Also an accomplished volleyball player, West plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, where she will explore further horizons in javelin.

– Jeff Falk