Senior Robin Hall has been selected to represent the United States on the North Central Conference Track and Field Team as part of the 2013 Down Under Sports Program in Australia this summer. The Track and Field competition is a 3-day international competition with athletes from the U.S., Australia, and various other nations. Robin was chosen to participate based on his accomplishments during this junior year in track. These included placing in the 400-meter dash and 4x400-meter relay (both indoors and outdoors).

Down Under Sports was founded in February 1989 by New Zealander George O'Scanlon, who loved athletics, particularly American football, and wished to promote that sport in both New Zealand and Australia. This led to the establishment of the Down Under Bowl, Down Under Hoops Classic, and Down Under International Games. The Down Under Sports programs use the common language of sports to bridge the continents and provide a forum for athletes from around the globe to compete head to head in the sport they love. The 2013 Down Under Sports program will include competition in track and field, cross country, wrestling, football, volleyball, and basketball. Down Under Sports' goal is to continue to provide athletes who excel in their sport the opportunity to experience the culture, beauty, and grandeur of the land Down Under, all within the framework of spirited and intense competition.  A few years ago, Penn Hills Student Malcolm Muhammad represented the U.S. in cross country and placed second in his two races.

Robin ran for the first time at Penn Hills last year, after moving into the District from Woodland Hills. Coach Lee Zelkowitz said he ran both indoor and outdoor track, with his main event the 400-meter dash. He qualified and ran in in the state championships in both indoor and outdoor and anchored and led off the 4x400-meter relay. Coach Zelkowitz said that Robin has a great chance this year to win the 400 at the WPIAL Championships and TSTCA Indoor Championship as well as medal at states in both championships.

When he received the invitation, Robin said he was very surprised.  "When I began running track," he explained, "I never imagined that I would enjoy it as much as I do or that I would excel in the sport. I am truly thankful that God has blessed me with athletic abilities."

At school, Robin said he is involved in several activities, including participating on the football and track teams. Outside of school, he participates in the Black Male Leadership Development Institute (BMLDI), a program to help teenage African-American males learn leadership skills and become leaders in their communities with the help of successful African-American male role models. He is also involved in the Missionary Temple Ministries youth group.

"Robin is a great kid and very team oriented," Coach Zelkowitz said, as exhibited in him stepping up and running in the 4x800 relay at The Penn Relays. As his coach, he said that "it is a pleasure to have Robin on the team, both for his athletic talents and his commitment to the team." He went on to say that the senior athlete is "highly intelligent and his hard work filters down to other members of the team."

There are many things that Robin likes about running, including how it helps him clear his mind and acts as a getaway from all the stress of school, grades, and preparing for college. While at track meets, he said the only thing that he has to worry about is running and not what homework he has or studying for the college entrance exams. "It is like I'm in my own little world," he explained. He went on to say that running track has given him the chance to travel to many places. This past year, he went to Penn State for the Indoor State Competition and had the opportunity to visit the Creamery. He also had the opportunity to see what a Division I track looked like and how it felt to run on one. Not many people can say that they've done that," he said. Finally, he stated that another thing he likes about running is the people. "I've built some of the best friendships with the people that I run with and have met throughout my track career," he mused.

Coach Zelkowitz said it is a great honor to receive a letter from this organization and he is happy Robin will be able to participate. "Robin has a very promising future in track if he decides to pursue it at the collegiate level," he stated, adding that "this will be a great experience for him competing at the international level."

After graduation, Robin plans to attend college and major in either chemical engineering or marine biology. He would like to continue to train and run track in college, with the dream/vision of earning a spot on the American team for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Robin has already begun fundraising for his trip Down Under. He has started with friends, family, and church members. While he has reached out to prominent local leaders for sponsorship monies through his involvement in the leadership program, he said he is also willing to wash cars, shovel snow, or bake cookies to sell if that is what it takes.  He said it his hope that Penn Hills businesses will consider sponsoring him as well, since he is representing the community. Anyone who sponsors Robin in some way will be entered in a contest for a trip to Australia or a cruise (for more information, click here).

"I hope to gain many things from this opportunity," Robin stated. First, he said he hopes to meet new and interesting people and build new friendships. Second, visiting Australia will be very nice. "I've not yet had an opportunity to leave the United States," he explained, "so the experience will be unforgettable."