North Hills Star Runner Signs of Letter of Intent

North Hills cross-country, track and field runner Shannon Malone has signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Virginia. Like her older sister Margo, she earned an athletic scholarship after an impressive running career at North Hills.

• Shannon led her team to three consecutive section 3 championships, Two WPIAL Championships and four consecutive trips to the State Championship.
• She is a three-time PIAA State medalist, twice cross-country and once in track.
• She is a five-time WPIAL medalist; three times in cross country, twice in track. This includes two silver medals, behind sister Margo's gold medal performances.
• She is a member of two North Hills record setting relay teams--the 3200 relay and the distance medley relay.
• Her personal bests are: 4:56.17 in the 1600, and 10:53.65 in the 3200. Both times are #2 all-time at North Hills.

"Despite occasionally being slowed by injuries, Shannon has been one of the top runners in the WPIAL and the state for four years," said Coach John Wilkie. "She is also an outstanding student, and currently serves as the president of the North Hills National Honor Society, a position formerly held by sister Margo, now at Syracuse University. 

Wilkie retired a few years ago as North Hills Cross Country coach, but continued to work with the Malone sisters.

The youngest of the sisters,

Wilkie said that when Shannon gets to Virginia, she might find herself competing against her older sister.

"The future could see some very interesting matchups between Margo and Shannon, as Syracuse will be entering the Atlantic Coast Conference, the same conference the University of Virginia competes in," Wilkie said. "Like her two sisters, Margo and Mary, Shannon exemplifies the true student-athlete, excelling both in the classroom, and in athletics. She will be an outstanding addition to the University of Virginia."

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