Kratz and Hemphill at the Ship Invite '16 / Photo by Megan Zeller
Shippensburg Invitational - AA Boys' Preview
Last year they battled in a close race at Ship and they'll do the same again this year, it seems. Bloomsburg's Jahvel Hemphill and Dock Mennonite's Austin Kratz will square off in the dash in what should be a good preview of what to expect at May's state meet, where the pair should meet again. Hemphill has won three straight AA state 100 meter titles. Kratz returns later for the 200 meters, where he's the overwhelming favorite. Kratz is also entered in the 400 meters and the long jump in what should be a busy day for the junior.
Zach Kuntz (Camp Hill) / Photo by Ethan Rissell
In the 110 meter hurdles, look for Camp Hill's Zach Kuntz. Kuntz is the top returner from last year, but he currently sits at PA-AA#2 behind Penn Cambria's Kamryn Stoy. Stoy is entered for Saturday, so it should be a good showdown and potential states preview. Stoy and Kuntz also return for the 300 hurdles later, which will feature McConnellsburg's Josh Booth and Bermudian Springs' Trevor Grim. Kuntz is also the top seed in the high jump.
In the 3200 meters, watch for Winchester Thurston's Tristan Forsythe. The junior is the top seed and heavily favored to win. Dayspring Christian's Caleb Sneller and Bishop McCourt's Jacob Schulte are also in the field. Schulte returns for the 1600 meters to race freshman standout Garrett Baublitz of Juniata as well as Morgan Morrison of West Shore Christian. The in the 800 meters, Forsythe, Baublitz, Morrison are back to race Camp Hill's Ian Gabig and Trinity's Matt Geisler.
In the javelin, Bloomsburg's Elijah Knapp will be the one to watch for.