By Mike Longo Jr.
Relaxed and poised in appearance is how Our Lady of the Sacred Heart track star Antonio Votour arrived at the PIAA Track and Field Championships.
Having been to Shippensburg before, knowing what to expect this time would prove different for all concerned. Votour was focused, well-trained and well-coached. This trip was no joke, ready to show the masses why he broke a long-standing WPIAL record in the 110-meter hurdles.
As the old saying goes, "He came, he saw, he conquered." He then left as the newest PIAA State Gold Medal Champion.
On a bit of a whim three years ago, he took a shot at the 110-meter hurdles and quickly discovered he wasn't half bad at it. Sure is a good thing Coach Roger Kowal had the insight to give Voltour the kick in the backside he needed.
Kowal is grinning from ear to ear knowing his effort shaped a two-time WPIAL champion and now state champion in an event that started with a simple, “I'm doing this for fun.”
"I may not be the fastest runner, but I definitely have my technique down to a science. That's the difference in close races, you have to be technically sound," he said.
Votour attained a new personal record time with a blistering run of 14.28 seconds on his golden route. He won the Adidas Indoor Nationals in March and plans on competing in either the Nike or New Balance nationals, as well.
Moving forward, Votour will be attending High Point University.