Just two weeks after a jaw-dropping array of performances at the PTFCA Indoor State Championships, Avery Lewis returned with perhaps an even better meet at New Balance Nationals Indoor.
The Friends' Central sophomore won the 60 meter dash, took second in the long jump, and placed fourth in the 200 meters during a busy championship Sunday at the Armory.
Lewis dropped a 7.27 in the 60 meters, taking over sole possession of the all-time Pennsylvania state record in the event. She accelerated well in the middle portion of the race and pulled ahead of top seed Kaila Jackson of Michigan to claim the victory. Jackson went 7.32 for second. At the indoor state meet two weeks ago, Lewis ran 7.30 to tie Thelma Davies' record.
Spring Grove's Laila Campbell was third in 7.34 for a new PR to improve on her own PA No. 4 all-time.
After a long weekend of competing, Lewis pulled out her best long jump series of the season. She got better with nearly every jump, leaping 20-7 on her fifth attempt, and then bettering that with a 20-8.5 on her sixth and final attempt to move her into second position behind champion Alyssa Jones of Florida (21-0.75).
It was Lewis' first time over 20 feet in the long jump this season, and moved Lewis all the way up to US No. 2 on the season, trailing just Jones.
Before the 60m and long jump, Lewis went 23.82 to take fourth in the 200 meters. Campbell was fifth in 23.97 after running 23.83 in the prelims on Saturday.
Lewis said she isn't done with the indoor season just yet. She will head to Virginia Beach for adidas Indoor Nationals, where she will likely have another big slate of events. And another chance to chase more records.