Above: Jackson Warfel broke the freshman state record at NBNI.
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On Thursday evening, Pennsylvania freshmen kicked off a long nationals weekend with big performances at New Balance Nationals.
Leading the charge was Jackson Warfel of Pennridge.
Warfel ran an absurd 4:24.01 to break the Freshman State Record in the event, shattering the mark that Rowan Carr (4:28.31) set earlier this season. He finished fourth overall and will rise into the PA Top 21 this year.
It was his first time breaking 4:30.
Just behind him was Knoch's Carter French. He ran a 4:28.76 for eighth overall, his first time under 4:30. State College's Theo Opperman finished in 15th at 4:32.20.
All three move into the top 10 of the freshmen all-time list.
Gracie Plastino (North Catholic) finished in 14th on the girls' side with a 5:12.33. We also saw two middle schoolers perform exceptionally well.
In the Middle School Girls' Championship, Downingtown's Julia Kelly ran an astounding 5:08.77 mile for sixth. Springton Lake's Cassidy Jones ran a 5:16.85.