The 2016 State College Area High School boys track and field team delivered a historic breakthrough, capturing the program’s first-ever PIAA team championship and cementing their place among the school’s most accomplished athletic groups. Though State High has long been known for excellence in track and field, no boys team had previously secured the overall state title making the victory both long-awaited and deeply meaningful.
Under first-year head coach Steve Shisler, the Little Lions entered the state meet as underdogs behind powerhouse Downingtown West. What unfolded over two days was a display of grit, depth, and clutch performances across events. Senior Griffin Thompson sparked the team’s momentum by battling through early misses to win the pole vault at 16’3”. In the 1600 meters, Alex Milligan delivered a defining upset victory, earning crucial points and shifting the team standings. Additional scoring came from standout efforts by Tristan Daman in the 100 meters, Kellin Valentine in the long jump and triple jump, and strong placements in the 800 meters by Nick Feffer and Tony Degleris.
The team’s signature moment came in the 4×800 relay, where Owen Wing, Feffer, Degleris, and Milligan dominated the field with a school‑record 7:37.25. Their performance embodied discipline, resilience, and a fierce team dynamic.
The championship ultimately came down to the final event, the 4×400 relay. Despite fatigue from multiple races, Noah Oesterling, Milligan, Degleris, and Noah Woods delivered their fastest time of the season, securing the runner‑up finish needed to clinch the state title by a single point.
The 2016 Little Lions not only made history, they honored decades of tradition, inspired alumni, and elevated State High’s legacy in Pennsylvania track and field. Their achievement remains a defining moment for the program and the community.
Student-athletes:
Brandon Clark
Tristan Daman
Anthony Degleris
Erik Ebel
Nick Feffer
Lucas Gray
Max Herbst
Craig Hilliard
Alex Milligan
Noah Oesterling
Matt Russell
Griffin Thompson
Kellin Valentine
Owen Wing
Noah Woods
Coaches
Steve Shisler, Head Coach
Chris Cipro
Artie Gilkes
Nick Kello
Tom Kleban
Joe Sarra
Matt Seeland
According to Shisler, “Ten years later, four school records that were set that day have yet to be broken, even with all the success the Boys team has continued to have.” The team won titles in 2019, 2021 & 2025. Artie Gilkes took over as head coach in 2019.
The records still on the books at State High are: Griffin Thompson in the pole vault, Alex Milligan in the 1600 meters, 4×800 meter relay of Owen Wing, Nick Feffer, Anthony Degleris, Alex Milligan and the 4×400 meter relay of Noah Oesterling, Anthony Degleris, Alex Milligan and Noah Woods.