Former Western Wayne multi-sport star Lyndsay Barna tapped by the PIAA

MECHANICSBURG — Lyndsay Barna is undoubtedly near the top of the list in any discussion about the best all-around athletes Wayne County has ever produced.

A 2009 Western Wayne graduate, Barna closed out her high school career with 11 varsity letters after starring in track & field, cross country, soccer and gymnastics.

Along the way, she set numerous school records, earned countless league and regional accolades, along with multiple invitations to the state championships.

“Lyndsay’s high school athletic career was what interscholastic athletics are all about,” said veteran Western Wayne Coach Justin Collins. “She was a multi-sport athlete. She was a super-supportive teammate. She was a hard worker and a fierce competitor.”

Following an equally impressive college career at Shippensburg University, Barna put her degrees to good use as a highly-respected multimedia sports journalist.

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Now, after nearly a decade reporting and anchoring at WPMT-Fox 43 in York, Barna is embarking on a new and exciting chapter. As of January 4, she’s joined the staff at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) as Assistant Executive Director.

Her role will encompass many aspects of high school sports, from overseeing team championships to helping high school coaches and administrators interpret PIAA rules, policies and bylaws.

“I’m truly excited,” Lyndsay said. “It never mattered what it was, coaching at Western Wayne or my career in broadcasting, I always wanted to make a difference. This is just another step in being an advocate for high school student-athletes.”

Ringing endorsement

Robert Lombardi was co-President of the very first class to graduate from the newly-created Western Wayne High School back in 1973.

He went on to earn both his Bachelor’s and Masters degrees at East Stroudsburg before being awarded his Doctorate by the University of New Mexico.

Dr. Lombardi served in various capacities at the PIAA for nearly a quarter century before being named Executive Director in 2012. Over the course of the next 12 years, Dr. Lombardi steered the organization through both calm waters and rough seas, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, he’s happily welcoming Barna, a fellow Wildcat alum, to the PIAA team.

“I’m thrilled to have Lyndsay joining us,” Dr. Lombardi said. “Her experience with the media and as an athlete herself will be a tremendous asset. Lyndsay’s resume is just outstanding and she’s definitely ready to hit the ground running.”

For her part, Barna is anxious to begin this next stage of her career after nearly a decade on television.

“Call it right place, right time,” Lyndsay said. “I really wasn’t in the market for a new role and it’s always hard to leave a career that you’re very passionate about.

“I’m just fortunate enough that I was able to step into another position that will permit me to fulfill my passion for sports and give back to student-athletes in the Keystone State.”

Small town roots

Lyndsay was born in Wayne County, the daughter of Dave and Gail Barna.

She grew up in Waymart, attended Western Wayne schools and showed an early aptitude for athletics. Barna excelled in several different sports, but track & field quickly became her favorite.

By the time she arrived on the high school scene, Barna was developing into a bona fide star. While she specialized in the hurdles, she also made key contributions in the long jump, relays, pole vault and javelin.

Over the course of her varsity career, Barna rewrote the Lady ‘Cat record book. She earned a trip to the PIAA state meet as a freshman in the 4x100M relay, then set a new girls pole vault mark during her sophomore season.

Barna captured three consecutive District 2 titles in the 100M hurdles, finishing as a state semifinalist as a senior. She was a fixture on the Lackawanna League’s First Team All-Stars and twice named Western Wayne’s overall Female Athlete of the Year.

“What impressed me most about Lyndsay beyond all the accomplishments was her sportsmanship,” said Coach Collins. “She has always been humble and gracious in victory or defeat.”

Barna enjoyed her years at Western Wayne and thrived in the rural NEPA setting.

“I loved growing up in a small town,” Lyndsay said. “I liked knowing everyone. It made me who I am. It taught me to work hard, never take an opportunity for granted and never settle.”

Climbing the ladder

After graduating in 2009, Barna made a seamless transition to the NCAA ranks at Shippensburg. There, she excelled in the classroom while also continuing to hone her skills on the track.

As an undergraduate, Barna studied communications and journalism with an emphasis on electronic media. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in 2013, she returned and received a Master’s in 2015.

Not surprisingly, Barna played an integral role for the Shippensburg women’s track & field team. She became an All-Conference performer in the long jump and helped lead the Raiders to four indoor and five outdoor PSAC team championships.

Barna closed out her collegiate career as an 8-time PSAC placewinner in events ranging from hurdles to jumps and relays.

“There are quite a few similarities between Wayne County and 'Ship,” Lyndsay said. “Shippensburg is a small town and the school is surrounded by farms. It gave me that hometown feel.

“I never felt like I was a number there. I felt like I had a purpose. Ship was the perfect fit for both my academics and athletics.”

In 2016, Barna landed what was then her dream job as a multimedia journalist at Fox 43 in York. She started out behind the scenes as a reporter and videographer, but eventually moved up front to sports anchor.

Along the way, she enjoyed many amazing experiences, including working an NFL game, covering the Calder Cup and the Hershey Bears ice hockey team. In addition, Barna was given the opportunity to create her own recurring segment, “Fast Lane,” which featured the sprint car racing scene in central Pennsylvania.

“I dreamed of working in sports ever since I was a little girl,” Lyndsay said. “Sports has always been my passion. I absolutely loved my job as a sports anchor/reporter.

“It was very rewarding, getting to be the voice for every story I told. I also had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and I got to do things most people only dream of.”

Maintaining perspective

While Barna is passionate and laser-focused when it comes to her career, she also strives to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

She currently resides in central PA with her best friend and fiancé Eric Rife. The couple plan to marry in November.

Barna is genuinely grateful to her family and friends for supporting her during her journey. She also has a few words of wisdom for any ambitious young Lady ‘Cat who might like to follow in her footsteps.

“Never stop dreaming!” she exclaimed. “Anything is attainable if you keep working towards your goal. The road might not be easy, but all the sacrifices and challenges will pay off one day.”

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Former Western Wayne and Shippensburg track star hired by the PIAA