Scanlon Breaks Records, Receives Scholarship

Maria Scanlon has set goals for herself each of the four years she’s been a member of the track and field team.

This year, a couple of her most important goals were achieved.

Scanlon has not only broken a school track and field record, she’s received a scholarship to run for Robert Morris University, a Division I school.

“After every year, I’d always make goals for myself,” Scanlon said. “I usually set them pretty high so I’d always have something to work toward.”

Scanlon said she received a $15,000 per year scholarship from Robert Morris, as well as addition money for academic achievements.

The scholarship is well deserved, according to coach Felix Yerace.

“This isn’t a thing that just materialized. She worked at it,” he said. “She’ll stay out there for as long as she needs to. She works hard at improving herself and she’s just a really nice young lady.”

Scanlon went to states as a sophomore and again last year, when she medaled in the long jump. As a senior at Keystone Oaks, she broke the school record for the 100-meter dash, with a time of 12.2 seconds. The previous record, set by Mame Brumbaugh in 2000, was 12.3.

She also is a team captain, elected by her teammates. Receiving a Division I scholarship is an honor, she said. It’s also really exciting.

“I was not even knowing what to think when I heard about the scholarship,” she said. “I knew I could run Division I but I needed to get in. I’m just really, really excited about it.”

It’s rewarding for the people who coached her, too.

“This is a big deal, that a Division 1 school has given an offer,” Yerace said. “They must see her potential. This really gives an indication of what she’s done.”

Scanlon said she hasn’t yet chosen a course of study, but is considering nursing.

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