The Red Lion boys asserted themselves as a major sprint threat this season after a big day at the Bruce Dallas Invitational at Cumberland Valley.
It started in the 4x100 meter relay for the Lions. The quartet of LaDainain Strausbaugh, AJ Virata, Jeff Nyamekye, and Randy Fizer went 43.43 for a new state leading time in the event. After a good lead off leg by Strausbaugh, Virata supplied a big second leg on the backstretch making moves to the front, while Nyamekye put Fizer in perfect position for the stretch run.
Fizer held off a good challenge from State College anchor leg Eniayo Ogunranti to take the win. Red Lion's time took over the PA No. 1 spot from Avon Grove, which ran 43.50 two days prior. State College came home second to Red Lion in a PA No. 3 time of 43.71.
Then the duo of Virata and Fizer returned for an epic battle in the fastest section of the 200 meters.Fizer had the advantage coming off the turn, but on the homestretch, Virata turned on the jets and narrowly nipped his teammate Fizer at the line.
Virata took the win in 22.09 and Fizer was a very close second in 22.10. For Virata it ties him atop the state rankings with Butler's Guinness Brown, who also went 22.09 at a tri-meet. Fizer takes over the PA. No. 3 slot.
Red Lion has asserted itself as a big factor in the early going of this season in the sprints. Surely, it isn't the last we've seen of this squad this spring.
Watch the 4x100 win above and the 200 meters below.