3/20 Rustin Invitatioinal @ Bayard Rustin HS, West Chester
Braving the high winds of late March, the Rustin Invitational in West Chester saw five hardy teams gather (and maybe huddle for warmth a bit) for the first invite of the outdoor season. Rustin teammates Dan McCullough and Ben Ashby each won a vertical event. McCullough captured the long jump at 21-06, and his 43-07.50 triple jump was 2nd to Ashby's 44-06.50 effort. Rustin's Alanna Owens threw the shot 41-08.50, and also won the discus. The Unionville girls took the top five spots in the 800, all under 2:35 behind Christine Smith's 2:27.98. They also won the 4x800 in 10:02.00.
3/22 Golden Ram Invitational @ West Chester State University
Guess what the Methacton boys are aiming for this season? Well, for a few hints, all you have to do is look at their first invitational, the Golden Ram at West Chester University on 3/22. They showed the talent that most knew they had. But they gave everyone a good look at the remarkable depth, as well. While the weather was cool, the wind was un-March like and even the sprints were quick. Methacton dominated the field, scoring 189 points, with second place over 120 point less. Athletes from the Norristown school captured 12 first place titles, and finished 2nd in three, 3rd in five. 4th in three, 5th in two and 6th in three. The Lavong boys were obviously a key, with Carlton taking the high, long and triple jumps, with his 44-05 in the triple the strongest of the three. Wesley threw 51-06 in the shot, and took 3rd in the discus. In the javelin, Eric Brittingham threw a very strong 180-10. Methacton also had two over 13-6 in the pole vault, and captured the 4x100, 4x200, 4x400, 4x800, and 1600 sprint medley. Ridley's Kevin Wilbank blew through the brisk air in 11.12 for the 100 and 22.15 in the 200. His teammate, Samantha Smarkola, also pulled off the sprint double, going 12.69 and 26.40. In the 800, Upper Dublin's Mike Palmisano posted a fast 1:57.84.
3/22 "Pop" Emrey Warm-Up Relays @ Liberty HS
3/22 Phoenix Relays @ Phoenixville Area HS
Pennridge busted two meet records... in the shuttle hurdle relay, going 1:08.92 and the 4x800, going 9:58.30. Meet records were also set by Spring Ford in the sprint medley at 4:20.34, and by the Phoenixville girls in the 4x100 in 50.16. Kaleena Gray won two events, the shot in 38-07.50 and the discus with a toss of 127-11. Tony Shirk, Phoenixville, cleared 14-06 in the pole vault.