a lot. And I’ve made some good friends on
But Alex knows they couldn’t have gotten
the team, too. The only thing missing is a
that far without his relay mates, Aiden
‘clap out’ on our way to the big meets. That
O’Donnell, Lucas Reese, Tyler Anderson,
would be nice.”
and Justin Kocur, and Coach Bell’s
To say that Coach Bell and head coach
motivation to improve. “Coach pushes us
Frank Todd are over the moon with pride
because he knows we all have potential. I like
for their track and cross-country runners
his style. He’s very approachable and instills a
would be putting it mildly. And, while they
lot of humility in us, too. We can talk to him
had several students graduate this year, many
about anything—he’s almost like a second
are coming back.
parental figure or life coach. It’s pretty cool.”
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what
Another standout student-athlete on
the kids bring to the table next year,” says
the team last year was ninth grader Mia
Bell. “They are fully invested in their team
Cochran. She considers herself a swimmer
and work to get other kids involved, too.
and only began running two years ago.
They bring their friends to recruitment night
But her 2019 season makes her look like a
and are terrific representatives of the school,
natural. Participating in the 1600-meter and
not only as athletes and students, but also as
3200-meter events, both individual and relay,
citizens of Moon and Crescent townships.
she placed second in the 1600 and third in
And they understand that everyone on the
the 3200 in the South Fayette Invitational;
team has value, no matter their skill level
first in the 3200 relay and individual
or ability. This is a team where anyone is
events at the MAC Championship; first
welcome, and we all work together to see
in the 1600 and second in the 3200 at the
Mia Cochran running anchor leg of 3200
everyone improve.”
Butler Invitational; third in the 1600 and
meter relay in a dual meet at Moon Area
At the end of each season, Bell sends a
second in the 3200 at the TSTCA Outdoor
High School (graduates in June 2022).
letter to all the runners he coaches, thanking
Championship; third in the McKinney Mile
them for their effort and dedication. “It’s really important for
at the Baldwin Invitational; second in the 1600 at the WPIAL
them to know I believe in them and I’m there for them every
Championship and 10th at the PIAA State Championship. She
day. But more so, I want them to know that if they take the same
also set school records in the mile, 1600- and 3200-meter events.
approach in life as they do on the track—which is hard, smart
“I like pushing myself and seeing how well I can do,” says Mia.
work over time—they will succeed in life, too.” ■
“Plus, Coach Bell makes practice enjoyable and he jokes around
» To get information on how to join the Moon Area High School track and field team, contact Head Coach Frank Todd at [email protected].
Boys 3200 Meter Relay + alternate (from left to right). Justin Kocur (alternate, graduates in June 2020), Lucas Reese (graduates in June 2020), Tyler Anderson
(graduates in June 2020), Aidan O’Donnell (graduates in June 2020), and Alex Estright (graduated in June 2019).
MOON TOWNSHIP
❘
FALL 2019
11