Leaps and Bounds : Interview with MC Hurdler Ella Spriggle

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: February 23, 2021

Editor’s note: Recently, Hometown Sports Editor caught up with MIfflin County senior hurdler Ella Spriggle. We asked talked about her recent decision to go to Slippery Rock, we looked back at her long and distinguishing career and her future.

HS: How great did it feel to find out you were accepted by Slippery Rock?

ES: I have been excited about running for Slippery Rock ever since I was contacted by the coach shortly after my sophomore season. Now that Im committed, I feel honored to be able to run for such a consistently, winning program.

HS: What was it that made you pick Slippery Rock?

ES: I chose Slippery Rock for both the academic and athletic programs. I wanted a school that had a Physical Therapy program, where I could stay there all through my college years without transferring. The Slippery Rock Track and Field program has an exceptional coaching staff. For example, the head coach, Coach Papa, has lead the team to 25 PSAC Championships.

HS: What will you be majoring in?

ES: I will be majoring in Exercise Science/Pre-Physical Therapy in a 3+3 Doctorate program.

HS: How long have you been involved in track and field?

ES: I started in 8th grade as a manager and this will be my fourth official outdoor season.

HS: When did you find out that the hurdles would be your sport of choice?

ES: Right off the bat, as a manager, they had me try out the hurdles due of my height, flexibility, and long legs. I soon fell in love with hurdling and it became my main event.

HS: What moment and/or moments were your favorites , when you look back at your career?

ES: My favorite moment was winning districts and going to states my sophomore year. It was one of the best weekends of my life and I felt so honored to be able compete against all the top hurdlers in PA.

HS: How did you get involved in track?

ES: My close friend, Taylor Ciccolini, asked me to try track and manage our 8th grade year together. I played field hockey prior in the fall so I was excited to have a spring sport and I quickly fell in love.

HS: What are your goals going into your final high school outdoor track and field season?

ES: I am hoping to PR in all of my events and win districts. The ultimate goal would be to place at states and have a spot on the podium at Shippensburg.

HS: What goals do you have going into the next level at college?

ES: As a freshman, I would like to attend and place at the PSAC Conference Championship meet and improve my hurdling skills.

HS: What advice would you give to someone starting out in your sport?

ES: Don’t be afraid to try out a lot of different events. You never know what event will be your niche and it might surprise you what you excel in.