‘The Brady Mider Show’ plays well on the District 3 championship stage

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By  Julie Pelchar Cohen — MikeDragoSports.com senior correspondent

SHIPPENSBURG – Brady Mider certainly makes coaching easy.

“I just lead the cheering section,” said Berks Catholic throws coach Tiger Lea. “I just need my pom poms when it comes to Brady. Welcome to the Brady Mider Show.”

Mider put on a show during Friday’s opening day of the District 3 Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University.

It was finally his time to shine.

In his first appearance as the top dog on a big stage, Mider won the Class 3A shot put title with a heave of 59 feet, 2¼ inches.

Mider quietly produced a productive sophomore season that was overshadowed by The Jven Williams Show. The Wyomissing thrower and current Penn State offensive lineman proved he was one of the country’s best in 2022 when he broke the PIAA and Berks records.

“Being the favorite definitely made me want to push harder and really work at it and get the job done,” said Mider, whose personal best of 59-4 at last weekend’s Firing Meet ranks first in the state this season. “I didn’t have the win until I threw it the farthest. Anyone can pop a big one and beat me. It’s always anyone’s game.”

Mider and two other Berks boys were gold medalists Friday at Seth Grove Stadium. Wyomissing’s Collin Niedrowski won the 2A javelin. Teammate Paul Monsour took the 3200 title.

Mider was a delight to watch. The crowd cheered when he found the high 50’s twice; they tried to will him toward the 60-foot milestone.

Momentum rolled. Mider uncorked his best for last.

“Brady steps up to the plate every time,” Lea said. “Every time he competes he throws really smooth. It’s the same technique again and again and again. It’s beautiful to watch.”

Just as impressive was Mider’s exit from the circle after his final toss. Mider and teammate Alex Witmer, who finished second, shook hands and thanked each PIAA official who oversaw the contest.

Mider conducted himself impeccably in and out of the circle.

“Handling expectations is definitely something I feel at the big meets,” Mider said. “The nerves are there until after I get that first throw. I just tell myself: ‘I’m good. I work at this every single day and I’m here for a reason.’ ”

Niedrowski was flanked by his teammates on the medal stand. Silver medalist Isaac Focht will join him at next weekend’s PIAA championships. Drew Forrey took bronze.

Monsour ran a 9:48.55 to win by less than a quarter of a second.

While Niedrowski’s toss of 181-8 was 11 feet shy of his personal best he found redemption after a disastrous district showing that ended last year’s season prematurely.

“I’m not very proud of it,” Niedrowski said of Friday’s throws. “But it is what it is. It was survival of the fittest today and on to next week.”

He also added another story to the Niedrowski family javelin chronicles. His first district title helped him join father Jeff, uncle Rocky and brothers Hunter and Evan as district champs.

“It’s just really enjoyable,” Niedrowski said. “I’m happy about it.”