Julia Harth has been enjoying her track season running hurdles for Catasauqua, but she readily admits that it is never easy.

“I don’t think I’ll ever feel comfortable with the hurdles, there’s always something I can improve on,” stated the senior. “It was and is definitely a mental challenge as well as physical. Learning how to three step is very difficult especially as I am on the shorter side and when I’ve started to get the steps down it turns into a mental game of forcing myself to get over the hurdles.”

So far this season, Harth has recorded a first-place finish against Northwestern in the 100 hurdles in 17.10, a second place against Palmerton (18.20), and third against Bangor (17.80).

Harth sees herself on track to getting back to the state meet, where she was 25th last year in a time of 17.92.

Harth also runs the third leg of the Rough Riders 4 x 100 relay along with Kayla Davis, Hailey Jenkins, and Javeaha LaFond. The Roughies took a first against Northwestern (52.40) another first against Palmerton (51.10) along with a second-place finish against Bangor (52.40).

She sees her relay team also making it back to Shippensburg this year. Harth was third in the 100 hurdles (17.40) at districts last year.

“I would say my season is off to a good start. I would love to make it back to states this year for the 4x1,” said Harth recently. “I do really enjoy running the 4x1. I did not start running it consistently until last year but I ran it once or twice my sophomore year as an alternate.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock has been pleased with what he has seen from Harth, and his expectations are high.

“Julia is running the 100 hurdles great so far,” beamed Rusnock. “She came in fast to start the season and with her work ethic and drive we expect her to improve even more. We expect her to once again be a contender for the district title again and a berth to states.

“Julia is also the first leg in our 4x100 relay and we also expect the same to contend for a district title. Julia also is doing great in the triple jump. She is a fantastic girl and athlete.”

Being a senior, Harth has appreciated her role on the team.

“I would say my role on the team is teaching new hurdlers,” said Harth. “as I enjoy helping them get their form down.”

Harth, who plans to pursue a career as a physician ‘s assistant, has been motivated by her older sister Maddie’s contributions four years earlier. Maddie has the school’s best time in the 100 hurdles at 19.11.

“I sort of always knew I would run track in high school,” said Julia. “Honestly, my motive was to beat my older sister’s PRs as I do some of the same events she did.”

The younger Harth still has plenty of time.