Shady Side Academy recent graduate Melissa Riggins '21 earned first-team all-state honors in the girls 800 meter and 1600 meter events from the Pennsylvania Track & Field Coaches Association (PTFCA), which announced its 2021 Outdoor All-State Teams on June 4. The PFTCA honors four individuals or relay teams per event with the First Team, Second Team, Third Team, or Honorable Mention distinction.

Riggins, who collected six WPIAL gold medals and six PIAA gold medals in the 800 and 1600 meter events in her high school career, will compete at Georgetown University in both track and soccer next fall.

In addition, SSA alumnus and State College Area High School boys track and field coach Artie Gilkes '93 was named PTFCA Boys Coach of the Year. Gilkes has been voted Coach of the Year a number of times and ran track for Shady Side in high school.

See the 2021 PTFCA Outdoor All-State Teams

Congratulations, Melissa and Artie!