Weber Long's hot start to the outdoor season continued on Saturday with a state-leading time in the 3200 meters at Shippensburg.
Long, a junior at Greencastle-Antrim, battled it out with Lewisburg's Jacob Hess in the 8-lapper at the Jack Roddick Invitational on Saturday morning. Long picked up the win in 9:12.19, the fastest time in the state so far this season.
Hess took out the pace early and led the way through five laps. Long sat on his shoulder the whole time. Then with 3 laps to go, Long made a move to the front and it proved to be decisive. From there, he pulled away and won by 16 seconds over Hess.
Long wasn't done as he returned to take second in the 1600 meters. Brady Bigger of State College won that race in 4:16.62 and Long was second in 4:19.79.
Long will be back to Shippensburg next month for the PIAA District 3 Championships, where he'll aim to book another trip to Ship for the following meet with the state meet -- also held at Ship. Watch the 3200 from the Roddick Invite above and check out an interview with Long after his races below.