Reagan Irons Set to Begin Dual-Sport College Career at Lock Haven University

Reagan Irons has been one of the top athletes from Blair County in recent years. Between her success on the track and on the volleyball court, not many have achieved the success that she has. Not wanting to depart with either sport and hoping to find an accelerated physician assistant program, attending Lock Haven University became and easy choice.

(Photos courtesy of Terry McCaulley Jr.)

The Bald Eagles welcomed the opportunity for her to show out in the fall in volleyball and continue her jumping and sprinting career during the winter and spring. “Playing a sport in college has always been a goal of mine since I was very young,” said Irons. It wasn’t until my junior year when I realized playing two sports in college was an option for me. When I made the decision to commit to two collegiate sports, I wasn’t necessarily worried about the workload, but I was concerned about the lack of time to come home and see my family and my dogs. Since my freshman year my gut feeling was that Lock Haven was the place for me. After my visit for track, the decision was clear. I had a great time meeting members of the team and the coaches. As for volleyball, what sealed the deal was my high school volleyball coach, (Mike) Kraft, was named the new Lock Haven Volleyball coach. He built up our high school program, so I am excited to see what can be done at the Haven.”

Irons was consistent in both sports throughout her high school career as she accumulated over 1,000 kills, over 500 digs, and helped the program to the state semi-finals. In track and field, she was a two-time team champion for District 6, a three-time District 6 champion in the 4x100m relay, a three-time state qualifier in the 4x100m relay, placed third in states in high jump as a junior, placed first in triple jump at the Mountain League Championships with a 37’3” jump; breaking the record for the Mountain League, and was named a Altoona Mirror Athlete of the Week. “I really value all of the memories my teammates and I share. The accolades are a reminder of all of the hard work and time my teammates and I put in.”

From her entire athletic career, some of her top memories include her weekend at states for track and field her junior year and defeating D6 rival Somerset to advance to the PIAA state-semifinals in volleyball. “I will always get chills rewatching the video of the final point and seeing all of us crash to the middle of the court with our town cheering us on in the bleachers,” Irons said of this volleyball match.

As her college career is set to begin in just a few short weeks, she has not lost sight of the people who have helped her get to this new stage. Coaches Brad Kunuch from her high school track and field career and Coach Mike Kraft from high school volleyball were instrumental in her success as an athlete overall. But prior to her introduction to them her family encouraged her to stay active and give her best. Certainly, the results have followed from their support.

Coach Kraft and Reagan Irons will have the unique opportunity to continue their respective careers together for the Bald Eagles. It’s a very rare opportunity to play for your high school coach in college, but this duo has made some wonderful things happen in the sport together. As for her track and field career, Lock Haven is one of the top programs in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, and Irons will certainly aid in their success as she continues her career. Her time at Tyrone has come to an end, but the memories she made will last a lifetime. Next up; a college career with a great deal of promise on the court, on the track, and in the classroom.