KUTZTOWN, PA (May 14, 2010) – Long before Ashley Pinter blossomed into one of the top throwers in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), she was a hurdler, sprinter, swimmer and cheerleader. That may surprise everybody, especially considering that Pinter enters this weekend's PSAC championship meet as the top seed in the discus and the second best marks in the hammer throw and shot put.
Actually, throwing was not a part of the grand track plan for Pinter, sociology and criminal justice major. When she started running in 10th grade and her high school coach suggested Pinter try throwing, she had about as much interest in the shot put and discus as LeBron James would have in buying a slice pizza from Mama's.
“I was not happy about that at first when I was forced into throwing,” Pinter said. “I wasn't too excited about that because I wanted to run. In 10th grade, my swimming coach who was also the track coach told me 'let's fool around with throwing'. I wasn't slow, but I was really strong leg-wise compared to the other girls. Even though it wasn't my plan and took time to get used to the fact that I was going to be a thrower, but I love it.”
In addition to succeeding in the field, Pinter has worked hard in the classroom to become a scholar-athlete, leader and role model. With Pinter seeded high in three events this weekend, she has the potential to be a human point producing machine for the Golden Bears. The two-day championship meet is hosted by West Chester University at Farrell Stadium. General admission tickets are $7 and student tickets are $2. Students from PSAC schools will be admitted free with ID.
Pinter is looking to add another individual championship to her resume. She won the 20-pound weight throw during the PSAC indoor championships. She has earned a NCAA provisional qualifying effort in the hammer throw with a throw of 165 feet, 11 inches. She has thrown the shot put 43-8.5 and discus 140-1. However, her only concern this weekend is to do whatever she can to help the Golden Bears finish near the top of the final team standings.
“We can do an awesome job this weekend if the girls perform as well as they have all season,” Pinter said. “I would be ecstatic to win the hammer and discus. I would also like to improve my national mark in the hammer throw. April Doyle (Greenfield Twp., PA/Lakeland) and I are looking to go 1-2 in the shot put because that would be big points for us as a team.”
Pinter is proof that having an open mind can eventually lead to happiness. She has studied her craft and become an expert in the nuances of the hammer throw, discus, weight throw and shot put. Preparing for this weekend's championships, Pinter has properly prepped her body with extra rest. She believes that will make a difference and give her the extra juice needed to finish on top.
“You kind of come into these events like a baby because you have no idea of what you're doing or if you're doing it right,” Pinter said. “It was a lot of fun to pick up something new than rather keep doing the shot put or discus. Learning the hammer throw, just kind of added a new flair to throwing.”
Even though Pinter became an elite thrower by accident, she definitely knows what she wants to do in the future. Pinter would like to become a private investigator because “she likes to know what's going on and is kind of nosey.” Pinter spends her free time watching Criminal Minds and CSI, among other shows. Sandra Bullock is her favorite actress.
Pinter's had a memorable year and now she is poised to finish with a flourish. Her experience could be vital.
“I put in a lot of hard work during the season,” Pinter said. “The girls are very talented so with the competition being so close, you just need to have a clear mindset, relax and take each event individually rather than worrying about too much at once. Up to this point, I am pretty satisfied with my outdoor season.”
--KU--
