New state qualifying system brought new pressure to Meets of Champs
This past weekend represented the last chance to qualify for the state meet. The best of the best in the east and the west took to the track at their respective Meets of Champions knowing that everything was on the line. If they wanted to make it to states, they had to get it done on that night or they were headed to an off week before the March 2 start of outdoor practice.
But this year, there were a lot of nerves running through coaches and athletes. Someone could argue that running well over the weekend was one thing, but the fact that a season best that hit the state guideline could still not be enough for a state berth. That is a frustrating situation for many coaches and athletes.
The pressure arguably brought out some great performances, as the girls DVGTCA meet brought out 148 state guideline performances, the TFCAofGP meet had 99, and the TSTCA had 40 for the girls and 34 for the boys despite the meet being cut down due to snow.
The tension at these meets was new to the indoor season, but the performances were some of the best we’ve seen as we approach a deep state championship meet on Sunday.
Girls’ race for the team title Sunday could be one of the best
Friday’s DVGTCA Meet of Champions provided a sneak preview of what Cheltenham and Pennsbury will bring to the table this Sunday at the state meet. The sprint power of Cheltenham and the depth of Pennsbury were on display throughout the evening.
From Cheltenham’s view, victories in the 4x400 meter relay, Ciara Leonard in the hurdles, and Alexis Crosby in the open 400 were the big highlights. They also had a 4th place in the hurdles and a 5th place in the long jump. Add that to their top seeded 4x200 meter relay and they are in line to put up a strong title defense.
On the flip side, Pennsbury showed their depth, placing 2-3 in the 200, 4th in the 800, 6th in the mile, 5th in the hurdles, 2nd in the 4x2, 4x4 and distance medley relays, 3rd in the pole vault, and a win in the triple jump. The biggest moment for the title contenders came in the 60 meter dash, when Dasia Pressley ended the undefeated run of Cheltenham’s Chanel Brissett with a 7.57 performance to win by .04 seconds. That was Pressley’s first win over Brissett this season and a huge win over the state favorite.
The rematch on Sunday could have a large say in the title race. How the two teams match up against each other when they see each other on the track will decide the title. Can Cheltenham continue to fire on all cylinders in the sprints and jumps? Or will Pennsbury perform like the well rounded unit they are and take the title away from the holders?
The competition between these two teams will be something to keep score of at home and in the arena!
Boys’ straightaway races may steal the show this Sunday
The boys’ 60 meter dash and 60 meter hurdles have emerged as the front runners for best event of the state meet coming up on Sunday.
The hurdles can be won by one of four competitors, with the 1-2 Upper Darby combination Mason Weh and Akeim Thomas joining Charles Bowman, Jr of Central Dauphin East and 2014 runner up Mitch Valko of South Fayette in the title race. Weh and Thomas were in the middle of an anything you can do, I can do better game on Saturday, with the two breaking 8.10. Bowman Jr ran 8.1 Thursday night, while Valko has spent the most time in the state number 1 position. More on this later this week, but fans should get excited for this one.
In the 60 meter dash, Christian Brissett of Cheltenham shook off Charles Headen of Lasalle at the TFCAofGP Meet of Champs on Saturday by .01 seconds! The ability of these two, the champion Brissett and the rising star Headen, may be the best head to head match up at states. Brissett has proven to be the best, but how will the senior react on the biggest stage with his title on the line? Headen will have nothing to lose.
Both of these races should be a lot of fun to watch and the margin for error will be razor thin. Perfection may be required to earn state gold!