Baggetta opts for Bucknell
BUTLER TWP — Megan Baggetta will be leaving one standout track and field program for another.
The Butler senior and stellar triple jumper will continue her academic and track and field career at Bucknell University. She plans to major in psychology.
Baggetta has been part of WPIAL championship teams with the Golden Tornado and is a two-time state placer in the triple jump. She is also Butler’s top long-jumper and runs a leg of the team’s 4x100 meter relay.
She holds the school indoor triple jump record of 38 feet, 2.5 inches. he owns the outdoor record as well at 39 feet.
“She was jumping 38 or 39 feet at the end of last season,” Butler girls track coach John Williams said. “Megan was hitting those numbers two weeks into this season. She’s well ahead of her pace from last year.
“I think she has a genuine shot at hitting 40 feet this season. That would be a neat thing because not many high school girls do that.”
Baggetta’s triple jump of 39 feet ranks third among all Pennsylvania high school girls so far this spring.
“I’d love to hit 40 feet this year, maybe at the WPIAL or state meet, if I get there,” Baggetta said. “If I don’t, it’s no big deal. But I want to hit that mark, maybe even 41 or 42, in college, for sure.
“I chose Bucknell because it’s good for my education and what I want to study. That was my main consideration. They do have an indoor track program and I know their overall (track) program has been very good.”
Baggetta also considered Duquesne and Youngstown State before deciding on Bucknell.
The Bison women’s indoor team won the eight-team Gulden Invitational this year. The outdoor team took second in the 29-team Colonial Relays and won the Bucknell Team Championships.
Kevin Donner is in his 21st year as head coach of Bucknell cross country, men’s and women’s track. Between the three teams, he is a 32-time Patriot League Coach of the Year. He’s guided Bucknell’s women’s track team to 12 Patriot League titles.
Bucknell women have won 160 individual Patriot League championships during Donner’s tenure. He’s coached 88 All-East performers and 12 NCAA Championship performers.
“Megan’s best (triple) jump from last year (39-0.75) would have ranked fourth in the Patriot League,” Williams said. “Her best jump so far this year would rank fifth or sixth.
“That shows she can compete favorably in that league for all four years she’s there.”
Baggetta placed eighth in the triple jump at the PIAA Championships her sophomore season. She placed third last year. She joined Butler’s track and field program in eighth grade.
“I believe she can compete for the state title this year,” Williams said.
Baggetta was a gymnast for 12 years before giving that sport up in ninth grade. She believes she’s benefited from the training that comes with gymnastics.
“The triple jump is a very technical event,” she said. “Form is everything. My gymnastics background, the drills and conditioning we did, has definitely helped me in that event.
“I haven’t given much thought to my long-range (track and field) goals at Bucknell. The team has been winning. Hopefully, I can help them continue to win while I’m there.”
