Emma Planck (Downigtown West) / Photo by Patty Morgan
Whippet Invitational - Meet Preview
GIRLS' PREVIEW
The 800 meters should be a good early season race. Downingtown West's Emma Planck will look to take down a strong Downingtown East quartet of Maddy VanBlunk, Caroline Roumpz, Lexi VanBlunk, and Charlotte Roumpz. Planck is also entered in the 400 meters. In the 1600 meters, watch for Souderton's Emily Bonaventure.
Souderton's Cara Jackson is the top seed in both the 100 and 200 meters, while Downingtown East's Eveyln Berecz is the one to watch in the 100 meter hurdles. Berecz is also entered in the triple jump, where she's the top seed. Souderton's Moira O'Malley is the top seed in the high jump.
Photo by Howard Anderson
BOYS' PREVIEW
The sprints will take centerstage for the boys. Indoor 400 state champion Nate Alleyne of Bishop Shanahan will look to open his season up well in that event. It's also a return to his old stomping grounds for Alleyne, who attended Dowingtown West last year. Shanahan's Keegan Hughes is the top seed in the 100 and 200 meters, but he'll see a good challenge from Penn Charter's Chris Tucker in both races.
In the 110 hurdles, Souderton's Stephen Scott returns to the track. He won the event at the PA Track Classic in a PA#2 time, so watch for Scott to try and lower that time. Penn Charter's Dylan Burnett is also in that race.
Souderton's Shamar Jenkins got his season off to a great start at the PA Track Classic, winning both the long jump and triple jump. He sits at PA#1 and PA#2 respectively in those events and he's the top seed for Friday's meet. In the high jump, Penn Charter's Akeem Blake will be the one to beat.
The 1600 figures to be competitive. Souderton's Connor McMenamin is in the field, but so are a handful of strong Downingtown West runners, including Ryan Barton, Shaun Bullock, Jake O'Neill, and Ben Codd.