The Philadelphia Catholic League Championships get underway on Sunday February the 15th at 9am at Lehigh University.
On the boys' side, defending league champ Cardinal O'Hara looks to be the favorite again. Senior Steve Hallinan, who will be looking to add to his many individual league titles, leads O'Hara. O'Hara will be strong in all events. Anthony Heygood will be leading the field portion for the Lions, and you can expect some great times from Soph Greg Thomas and Jack Braconnier in the middle distances.
In the sprints, Conwell-Egan's Steve Slaton is the man to beat as he has the fastest time in the state in the 60 as well as the top long jump in the state.
Others to watch will be Mike Tilger from Archbishop Carroll, who has the top time in the state in the 3000, while Joe Fedorowicz of LaSalle leads the state at 800m.
The shot should be a great duel as Kevin Moore from LaSalle and Earl McNeil from Bonner battle for the top spot. And how could we forget the top high jumper in the state in Juan Cave from St. Joe's Prep at 6'8".
On the girls side, St. Huberts appears to be the favorite, but this championship will not be decided until the final event with five teams having a real shot at winning.
Huberts is led by senior Amy Kelly who will be looking to lead Huberts to their first ever indoor title. Kelly has the fastest mile time in the state. This team however is not a one trick pony. Seniors Late Mehaffey and Meghan Neary will lead a solid distance group. And keep your eye on freshman Meghan Delanney. She has had a solid indoor season and is looking to score big. Samantha Scoda will be looking to get some big points in the hurdles and jumps.
West catholic will be trying to win its first indoor title in four years. Nicole Leach, who will be up for state runner of the year, will be doing her part as she trys to win four individual titles. Leach has the top time in the state for the 200 and 400. Sophomore Latavia Thomas, who is 2nd in the nation at 800m, will also bolster West Catholic's chances for a title.
The defending champs, Archbishop Ryan, lost a lot last year, but with the return of seniors Sara Brown and Jess Starace, and one of the best field teams in the state, Ryan looks like they may win the title again.
Archbishop Prendergast will be leaning on senior Pilar Batts in the sprints and Soph Kelli Fiearrs in the middle distances. This team is very young with a nice mix of senior leadership. The team is looking to surprise the league this year and set the tone for years to come.
Cardinal O'Hara is always a factor at champs. With senior Mary Debevec and Soph Kate Kelly, O'Hara is looking to get back on top. This is a solid team in the field and will be in the meet until the final race.
The girl's champs will be a barn burner. Come on out to Lehigh on Sunday the 15th and see a great meet!