Through his first three years, Northampton's Kory DeCesaris has enjoyed his share of big moments in the school track and field program. He also had garnered his share of being in the spotlight as a goalie on the boys' soccer team the past four seasons.

With his athletic career in its final stage, DeCesaris is focused on achieving a milestone that has eluded him as his sights are set for a performance on his final stage later this season - advancing to the PIAA state track meet.

So far this season, DeCesaris has given every indication he is on track to reach his goal. He has already set personal best in the discus, shot put, and javelin, and is also recognized as one of the top performers in the Lehigh Valley.

"Kory has done an outstanding job for us," said Northampton head track coach Tim Caffrey. "He (DeCesaris) has been throwing very well and he is working very hard. He is off to a good start and he should continue on this pace."

DeCesaris also has been pleased with his performance. He credits his performance to some added work in the javelin during the offseason.

"Things have been going really well for me," he said. "I wanted to work on my form and cross stepping with the javelin. I also worked with the shot put and discus. This season, I have been more stronger in the early going. I feel like I am in a pretty good groove right now."

His personal and all-time bests this season have been a toss of 141-1 in the javelin, 50-7 in the shot put, and 175-7 in the javelin. Last season, he finished 13th in the discus at districts, eighth in the shot put there, and just missed the state qualifying mark with a toss of 175-7 in the javelin.

"I just want to continue to work toward reaching and performing well at districts and states," he said. "My goal is be able to place at states. It is a confidence booster to be off to a good start. Over the years, I have gained more confidence along the way."

DeCesaris traced back his initial involvement in track in a limited program at St. John Neumann Regional School in Palmerton. Once he began as a freshman at Northampton, he was ready to take the next step.

"When I was in grade school, there was a small program in the CYO," DeCesaris said. "During my freshman year, I knew track was going to be a good fit for me. I also have had a great group of coaches at Northampton, all of them whom have helped me gain more confidence."

That confidence also can help prepare DeCesaris for his future at Penn State next year where he has plans to pursue a degree in engineering as well as trying out for the track team.

In the meantime, DeCesaris is optimistic he can take a slight detour, focusing on taking a visit to Shippensburg University in a few weeks for the state track meet.