A 15-time New Jersey state running champion and Pennsauken High School senior stopped by the South Jersey Running Co. of Haddonfield on Jan. 11 to talk about her time in the sport.
About 20 people showed up to see Sianni Wynn answer questions from Edward Brittingham of New Balance about her track record and highlight the company’s shoes. She plans to attend the University of Florida to study either sports analysis or public administration.
Brittingham asked Wynn a variety of questions that included what she eats before morning meets (boiled eggs), whom she’s excited to see in college (Gabby Thomas and Sydney Sutton) and what time of day she prefers meets (early morning).
When asked about her performances, Wynn said she does well because of her parents.
“I would say, knowing my parents are there … just knowing they’re there because everywhere I go, they go,” she noted.
Wynn is one of 13 high-school athletes who signed a name, identity and likeness deal with New Balance last summer. She described the company’s nationals last June as a great event.
“The meet in general, it’s always amazing,” she explained, ” … from the build-up, to the entrance for the athletes, to the coach interviews. You can tell that it’s a track meet.”
Wynn’s running coach, Clinton Tobb, attributes her success to a strong work ethic.
“Everybody wants to say the talent, the talent,” he observed. “Her work ethic is crazy. She doesn’t miss workouts. She doesn’t hide from workouts. Where you get some kids with talent and they just (say), ‘I know I’m gonna win,’ that’s never been her, which I appreciate …
“When the best kid is the hardest worker,” Tobb added, “everything else takes care of itself. And the best kid is the hardest worker. If I’m asking her to do it and she’s doing it, come on, everybody get in line.”
Tobb – who has also worked with Wynn’s brother – said he and Sianni balance each other when it comes to knowing how far to push.
“There’s time where me and her dad kind of have to hold her back,” Tobb pointed out. “And there are times where even I get a little ahead and she pulls back. The plan’s the plan. You’re right, you’re right. So it works well.”
South Jersey Running Co. manager Patrick Rodio was pleased with Wynn’s appearance.
“It call came together last minute,” he recounted. ” … But it’s great that people showed up.”
Rodio also talked about the area’s large running community.
“Like Philly is obviously a huge running community, but South Jersey, you can run out the door any time,” he emphasized. “There’s runners out there in the day. It’s a thriving running community. Lucky to be here …
“It’s just such a great area for runners, walkers – anyone that wants to move.”
