Del Piano Ready to Continue Setting Records at University of Pittsburgh

After an amazing four-year career at , senior track star Cayla Del Piano will be taking her talents to the University of Pittsburgh as one of the most decorated runners in school history.

Del Piano signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Pitt on a full scholarship.

"I really liked the college and coaches and I fit in with the team well," Del Piano said. "They have a good academic program and a good athletic program as well."

As she prepares to wrap up her final season at SBHS during spring track, Del Piano said she's encouraged by her performance during the indoor season and hopes to see that continue.

"I'm really excited for the spring because I've been running really good during the winter and I think I run better outdoors," she said.

Del Piano's final season offers a chance to etch her name even further in the record books at SBHS, as her list of accomplishments for the track team is already extensive.

Del Piano finished off a successful winter track season in 2010-11 at the Del Piano won the Emerging Mile with a time of 5:01.59. She also joined teammates Rachel Johnson, Janae Baker and  in placing fourth in the sprint medley (4:07.95), 

Del Piano also earned individual and relay medals in the Nationals, Eastern States and the Meet of Champions. She is the reigning Greater Middlesex County champion in the 1600 and 3200.  Del Piano also joined Julia Lekht, Aspen McDonald and Rochelle McDonald in winning the 4x400 relay with a time of 4:10.93. Del Piano has also won six individual GMC indoor titles.

In the  Del Piano set a new school and county record in the 1000.

"I think my best memory was winning the Emerging Mile," she said.

In addition to her individual success, Del Piano added that she enjoyed the camaraderie she developed with her teammates on the record-setting relay squad.

"We're definitely all really close and we get along well," she said. "We all just want to be at our best, to compete and we want to win."

When she gets to Pitt, Del Piano said she plans to focus on running the mile and the 800. She credited the support of her family and the work of her coaches for helping her to make a run towards further success at the next level.

"My coaches taught me to make good decisions during my running career," she said. "They gave me great advice and treated me really well."