Kacie Urian didn’t believe what Darren Diehl was telling her.

Even though she’s one of the best pure sprinters to emerge from Wayne County in the past decade, Kacie had a hard time processing Coach Diehl’s laudatory words.

“He kept telling me that I was going to win all three events at Districts,” Urian told TWI Sports. “But I wasn’t sure. I was definitely a little bit nervous going in.”

Kacie dominated the Lackawanna League’s junior high track scene this spring. In addition to anchoring a record-setting 4x400M relay team, Urian blew away her competition in the 100M, 200M and 400M dashes.

“She’s just lightning quick,” Coach Diehl said. “Kacie has the most natural talent of any runner I’ve ever worked with. The sky is absolutely the limit with all her potential.”

When Urian arrived at this year’s District Two event, the butterflies were back, but Coach Diehl provided the remedy.

“I like when he takes me aside and talks to me right before I run,” Kacie said. “For some reason, it really calms me down. He helps me breathe better and focus.”

The combination of Darren’s pep talk and Kacie’s blinding speed proved too much for the competition. Urian once again ran wild, taking first place in each event...just as Coach Diehl had predicted.

Kacie sprinted her way to gold medal times in the 100M (:13.1), 200M (:27.6) and 400M (1:00.9).

She combined with teammates Abby Hemmler, Jordan Jacques, and Carly Thorpe to post a 4:26.7 in the 4x400M relay. That time was good enough for a bronze medal.

“We’re very proud of Kacie,” Western Wayne Middle School Principal Pete Chapla said. “She is a well-rounded young lady and a fine student/athlete.”

Urian excels in the classroom. She also plays trumpet in concert band and hopes to join marching band next year.

Kacie is the daughter of Ken & Sue Urian, Waymart. She also competes in cross country, soccer and basketball.

TWI Sports and Dave’s Super Duper are pleased to honor Kacie Urian as our latest Athlete of the Week.