Sportzwire Athlete of the Week: Tim Leonard of WBA
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | May 3, 2026 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire
Sportzwire Athlete of the Week (April 27) — Sponsored by Envy Electrical
This week’s Sportzwire Athlete of the Week honors a sprinter whose speed, resilience, and leadership are electrifying the track scene in northeastern Pennsylvania. Wilkes-Barre Area junior Tim Leonard has put together a standout stretch of performances that not only turned heads—but may also signal a historic season in the making.
Leonard, a member of the Wilkes-Barre Area boys track and field team, competes in the 100m, 200m, 4x100 relay, and 4x400 relay. Most recently, he delivered a series of remarkable performances, highlighted by a blazing 10.4-second 100-meter dash against Pittston—a time rarely seen in the region for decades.
But what makes Leonard’s week even more impressive is the way he responded to adversity. At a meet in Shippensburg, he slipped out of the blocks in the 100m and finished eighth with a 10.98. Instead of letting the setback linger, Leonard went back to work. He focused on refining his start in practice—and the results spoke volumes. Just days later, he exploded out of the blocks to clock his 10.4 performance, demonstrating both mental toughness and elite athletic ability.
Leonard’s impact wasn’t limited to individual races. Competing on one of the biggest stages in high school track, the Penn Relays, he anchored the 4x100 relay team to a second-place finish in their heat. He followed that up by leading the 4x400 relay team to a first-place victory in Event 529, showcasing his versatility and composure under pressure.
Beyond the stopwatch, Leonard has emerged as a cornerstone of his team’s culture. As a peer tutor for younger athletes, he leads by example—balancing performance with mentorship. His coach, Paul McGrane, emphasizes Leonard’s role in fostering a competitive but supportive environment, particularly alongside teammate Kevon Creech. The two push each other daily in practice, raising the standard for the entire Wolfpack squad.
Leonard’s confidence and leadership have become driving forces behind Wilkes-Barre Area’s pursuit of success this season. With the PIAA District 2 Championships on the horizon—and aspirations for a deep run at the state level—his presence is setting the tone.
What sets Leonard apart is not just his speed, but his mindset. Whether bouncing back from a stumble or anchoring a relay on a national stage, he brings focus, determination, and a team-first attitude every time he steps onto the track.
For his exceptional performances, resilience, and leadership, Tim Leonard is Sportzwire’s Athlete of the Week for April 27, proudly sponsored by Envy Electrical.
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter / X
YouTube
