Speed, Strength, and Glory: Meet Butler County’s Top Track & Field Athletes of 2025…Read More…
Another spring has come and gone, and as the final race was run and the last relay baton passed, Butler County’s track and field season left fans breathless and coaches proud. The 2025 season proved to be one of the most competitive and record-breaking in recent memory, with athletes across the county pushing boundaries, smashing personal bests, and putting their names in the record books. Now, as the dust settles, it’s time to recognize the elite performers who brought speed, strength, and glory to their schools.
The Butler County Track and Field All-Stars for 2025 have officially been announced, highlighting the Athletes of the Year, First Team honorees, and Honorable Mentions. These young stars didn’t just win races or throw for distance—they inspired teammates, led by example, and elevated the standard of performance for the entire county.
Athletes of the Year
Boys Athlete of the Year: Mason Caldwell (Slippery Rock High School)
When it came to domination on the track, few could match the impact of senior sprinter Mason Caldwell. A multi-sport athlete who focused solely on track and field this year, Caldwell made the most of every moment. He swept the 100m and 200m at the District 10 Championships and anchored Slippery Rock’s 4×100 relay team to a school record. At the state meet, he clocked a blistering 10.57 seconds in the 100m finals, earning silver, while finishing third in the 200m.
“Mason’s work ethic and drive are unmatched,” said Slippery Rock head coach Tim Whitman. “He trains like a professional and competes like a warrior. His leadership lifted our whole program.”
Girls Athlete of the Year: Olivia Thompson (Butler Area High School)
Distance running has always been a strong suit for Butler, but Olivia Thompson redefined dominance. The junior not only won the WPIAL title in the 1600m and 3200m but also posted the fastest mile time in the state this year—4:49.32. At the PIAA State Championships, she secured gold in the 3200m and silver in the 1600m, cementing her status as one of the top distance runners in Pennsylvania.
“Olivia is a coach’s dream,” said Butler distance coach Erin McAllister. “She’s humble, fearless, and constantly wants to get better. There’s no doubt she’ll be running at the NCAA Division I level very soon.”
First Team All-Stars
Boys First Team:
- Caleb Morris (Knoch) – Took first in the 400m at WPIALs and broke Knoch’s school record at 48.71 seconds.
- Ethan Bell (Moniteau) – A powerhouse in the 800m, Bell consistently ran sub-2-minute races, earning him a district title.
- Jalen Reyes (Butler) – Excelled in long jump and triple jump, medaling in both at states.
- Cameron Lin (Seneca Valley) – One of the most dominant hurdlers in Western PA, taking gold in the 300m hurdles.
- Dylan Kramer (Freeport) – Discus specialist who broke the 170-foot barrier and won districts with ease.
- Zachary Hines (Mars Area) – A versatile athlete, starred in high jump and 110m hurdles.
Girls First Team:
- Ava Stetson (Mars) – Triple WPIAL medalist in 100m, 200m, and 400m; one of the most feared sprinters in the region.
- Grace Kelly (Karns City) – Led her team in shot put and discus, winning both at districts.
- Jordyn McKnight (Seneca Valley) – Crushed the competition in 100m hurdles; a technician with remarkable agility.
- Sophia Russo (Slippery Rock) – Owned the pole vault all season, clearing 12’0” at her peak.
- Hailey Anderson (Butler) – Just a sophomore, she was consistent in the 800m and helped her team place in the 4×800 relay at states.
- Maya Foster (North Catholic) – Her strength in the javelin earned her a WPIAL title and fourth at states.
Honorable Mentions
Not all heroes take center stage, but their efforts were vital to team success. The honorable mentions represent athletes who delivered standout performances, narrowly missed the podium, or provided unmatched consistency throughout the year.
Boys:
- Ryan Decker (Mars) – 3200m runner with strong late-season form.
- Liam Scott (Butler) – Steeplechase innovator who introduced the event to his team and medaled in invitationals.
- Noah Rich (Karns City) – Reliable relay team member with strong 200m splits.
Girls:
- Emily Sloan (Slippery Rock) – Quietly built a dominant record in the 400m and relays.
- Tiana Henry (Moniteau) – Versatile field competitor in long and triple jump.
- Claire Zimmerman (Seneca Valley) – Key contributor to her team’s success in relays and open sprints.
A Season to Remember
From snowy March practices to sweltering late-May championships, the 2025 track and field season in Butler County offered no shortage of drama, heart, and exceptional performances. Coaches marveled at the growth of their athletes, parents cheered through every lap, and teammates pushed one another through exhaustion and triumph.
Athletic Director James Halbert from Mars Area summarized it best: “This wasn’t just a good year for Butler County track and field—it was an extraordinary one. These kids set records, showed sportsmanship, and competed with heart. They’ve made our schools and communities proud.”
With the season now in the books, attention turns to the next wave of talent. But for now, the 2025 All-Stars bask in the glow of well-earned recognition. Whether they’re heading to NCAA programs, returning next season, or wrapping up their high school careers, these athletes have earned a lasting place in Butler County’s rich track and field legacy.
Speed. Strength. Glory. That’s what defined Butler County’s 2025 stars.
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