Sam Bair lost his first 800 in Pennsylvania since his freshman year at the Butler Invitational Friday night. The race began in usual Bair fashion with everyone postioning themselves for 2nd. A 53.5 opening split will do that. But during the final 200, Bairunexpectedly began to tie up. He was caught with 60 meters to go by Mount Lebanon's Andrew Davidson and Ian Fitzgerald of North Hills. Davidson set a PR with his 1:54.5 win, while Fitzgerald edged Bair at the line, both timed in 1:56.2. According to published reports, Bair has inflamed tendons in his right foot which began to bother him as soon as the race began. He apparently began to compensate with his stride, which caused him to tire rapidly. Bair went to Tennessee for an official visit this weekend and is unsure of the time needed for recovery from his injury.
Andrew Johnson, North Hills, got off to a great start with a 10.7 100. In addition to his 2nd in the 800, Fitzgerald won the 1600 in 4:25.37. Jim O'Toole, North Allegheny, captured the 3200 in a strong 9:23.6. Calvin Littlejohn, Butler cleared 6-07 to win the High Jump. And Mt. Lebanon took both the 4x400 and 4x800 Relays.
Holly Geibel of Butler threw one of the best Javs in the state this season, going 137-3. Hurdle specialist Juliana Reed of Hampton, captured both the 100 (14.6) and the 300 (45.1). Nicole Smith of Erie McDowell was a double winner, taking the Triple Jump (36-3) and Long Jump (17-1-1/2). North Allegheny's Kim Markel 5-4 tied state #1 high jump and 15.0/45.9 hurdles state #4/#3. She also anchored the 2nd place 4x400. KatieOrchowski, Upper St. Clair goes state #1 2:19.4 800. Molly Friel, North Allegheny, 2:19.8 for state #2. Anna Marie Thompson, Villa Maria 38-10.5 state #2 Shot Put.