PIAA District 12 Championships
- Meet Date: Wednesday 5/15 - Thursday, 5/16
- District 12 Leaderboard Links: AA Girls | AAA Girls | AA Boys | AAA Boys
Who To Watch For: Neumann Goretti's Sprints/Mid-Distance Squad
Why?: It's no secret just how loaded the Neumann Goretti squad is. The indoor state team champions rode it's depth from 200 to 800 meters to the title. Unsurprisingly, the Saints have carried that momentum into the outdoor season. Mykala Perry is No. 1 in the district in the 100 and 400 (and No. 2 in the 200). Kami Joi Hickson is No. 1 in the 800 and 1600. Dasia Wilson, Sanaiya Watts, Acey Pratt, Sherisse Peterson, and Kimberly Johnson are among the other NG stars that will be worth watching for at D12.
What to expect: Last year, the Saints remarkably swept the relays at the PIAA State Championships. They will be the heavy favorites in the 4x400 and 4x800, but they will get a good test in the 4x100. The District 12 meet should give a good glimpse of what they'll see at states with SLA Beeber and Paul Robeson in the fields in AA. At the D12 meet, look for NG to set the stage for what should be another AA state team title run.
Others to watch for: Jayla Bernard (AA - Hurdles/Jumps); Shynera Dorin (AAA - Hurdles); Chelby Elam (AA - Sprints); Christine Mancini (AAA - Distance); Theresa Richardson (AA - Jumps); Kelsey Sebwe (AAA - Jumps/Hurdles); Jada Smith (AA - Sprints/Hurdles); Marlina Voker (AAA - Sprints); Khaliyah White (AAA - Sprints)
Who To Watch For: LaSalle College's Distance Squad
Why?: The Explorers put on a show in the distance events at last week's Philadelphia Catholic League Championships. LaSalle took the top 3 spots in the 800, top 4 spots in the mile, and top 6 spots in the 3200 meters in a dominant performance. With a number of the same teams set for the District 12 meet, we could see a similar type of performance on Thursday.
What to expect: LaSalle's holds down the top D12-AAA spots in the 800, 1600, and 3200 meters. Paul Ghantous (1:57.79) is No. 1 in the 800, Jack Seiberlich (4:17.68) is No. 1 in the 1600, and Vincent Twomey (9:27.11) is No. 1 in the 3200. Griffin Pumilia, Ethan Maher, Matthew Zilligen, and Michael Eastmond are among the other top LaSalle runners that will be on the hunt for the state qualifying spots. Twomey was fourth at states last year in the 1600 meters.
Others to watch for: Saabir Ali (AAA - Distance); Tre'Sean Bouie (AA - Sprints); Tyler Byrd (AA - Sprints); Tommy Christie (AAA - Jumps); Salim Epps (AAA - Sprints); Ronald Holmes (AA - Hurdles); Tymir Jackson (AAA - Sprints); Godwin Kabanda (AAA - Hurdles); Lansana Kromah (AAA - Hurdles); Levi Mayer (AAA - Throws); Hafis Upshaw (AA - Sprints)