Erin Davis, Western Wayne, 5-11 HJ on Thur @ District 2 AA - Tie US#2 - Story in Scranton Times

Krista Simpkins, Wissahickon 23.71 200, Tiffany Abney (right), Merion Mercy, 56.08 400, 43.88 300H, 24.79 3rd in 200, anchors 4x400 to 3:54.99 Saturday @ D1

Thomas Jordan, Cedar Crest, US#1 219-05 Jav on windy & wet day @ D3, Shippensburg (all five throws over 200')

Ian Fitzgerald, North Hills, 4:11.97 1600 (breaks 4:12.45 WPIAL record set in 2002 by Sam Bair) @ D7 Thursday

Left: Fitzgerald at finish in photo by Bill Rex for PennTrackXC

Sunday, May 18 - Philadelphia Catholic League Championships @ Widener University - Can Nicole Leach get better? Chances are very good were going to enjoy finding out. She won four individual championships at the PCL Champs on Sunday, taking the 100 in a Meet Record 12.21, the 400 in 55.02, breaking a 20-year-old Meet Record, the 200 in 24.55, and the 400 Hurdles in 1:02.29. Wow! West Catholic's Latavia Thomas, a frosh with one less year experience than teammate Nicole, ran a 2:13.82 to win the 800. St. Hubert's Amy Kelly won the Mile in 5:02.42, and Archbishop Prendergast took the 4x800 in a Meet Record 9:27.76 (It was theirs'). Multi event talent Denise Tetkowski of led team champion Archbishop Ryan with her 17-00.50 Long Jump and 34-09 Triple Jump wins. The Cardinal O'Hara boys were victorious behind the 59-06.50 Shot Put and 181-01 Discus (Meet Record) of Bob McDade. Teammate Tom O'Brien contribued two wins, the 400 in 50.47 and the 400 Hurdles in 54.89. Results courtesy of Mike McMillen and the PCL.

Saturday, May 17 - PIAA District 10 AA Championships @ Hickory HS - The throwers took center state in Hermitage, as Justin Clickett of Union city easily won the Shot Put with a throw of 60-11.25. Sharon junior Austin Papay was busier, taking the Discus with a stellar (and PA#1) 176-00 throw, and getting 2nd in the Shot Put (55-05.50) and the Javelin (169-05). Eisenhower's Josh Abbey won the Jav with his 182-01. Sharon senior Justin Turnbaugh took both the Long Jump (20-08.50) and the 110 Hurdles (14.98). Teammate O'Brian Bridges was the sprint king, taking the 100 in 11.05 and the 200 in 22.44. Sophy Jed Christiansen of Greenville, captured both distance events, the 1600 in 4:27.10 and the 3200 in 9:35.45. Graduating senior (and former 3200 and XC state champion) Jesi Christiansen won her 3200 in 11:18.03. Frosh Kari Hedderick of Fort Leboeuf went 26.48 (200) and 58.03 (400) for two titles. Fairview soph Ashey Keck took the 800 in 2:21.71 and the 1600 in 5:10.34. And Wilmington junior Sunny Daugherty was champ in two events, taking the 100 in 15.54 and the Triple Jump with a 36-03.25. And Oil City junior Chi-Chi Nwokedi won the unusual combo of Long Jump (16-07.00) and Shot Put (38-05.50). Results courtesy of Barb Dzuricsko and Hickory High School. Results courtesy of Barb Dzuricsko and Hickory High School.

Saturday, May 17 - PIAA District 4 AA Championships @ Montoursville HS - The Lewisburg distance stars Ashleigh Wetzel and Chris Spooner each set two meet records. Wetzel ran 2:17.39 in the 800 and 5:02.45 to take the 1600. Spooner won the 1600 in 4:14.13 and 3200 in 9:27.55. Sprinter Kal James-Wintje of Lewisburg, won the 100 in 12.70 and the 200 in 26.50. Warrior Run soph L. Laidacker captured the Triple Jump with her 35-00.25 and the Long Jump going 16-02.75. In other boys competition, Jayme Crain took the 100 in 11.27 and the 200 in 22.78; Montoursville's Eric Baker won the one- and two-lappers in 49.14 and 1:57.82, respectively. Bloomsburg jumper Ekema-Agbaw won the Long Jump (20-09.75) and Triple Jump (43-10.75), while Rob Kerris, Southern Columbia, won the Shot Put (56-09.75) and the Discus (152-04). Results courtesy of District 4.

Saturday, May 17 - Inter-Academic League Championships - Penn Charter's Kamal Marell was the only double winner, taking the 110 Hurdles in 15.17 and the 300 Hurdles in 40.03, to lead his Penn Charter team to a 61 point total. Germantown Academy was 2nd with 43 points. Penn Charter distance runner Lex Mercado won the 1600 in 4.26.26. Results courtesy of Brad Wilson.

Saturday, May 17 - Friends' League Championships -

Friday-Saturday, May 16-17 - PIAA District 1 AA|AAA Championships @ Coatesville HS (PennTrack on site Saturday) - Upper Darby could challenge Merion Mercy for the AAA state title if Jannea Bridgeford keeps the pace she has set this season. Bridgeford took the 100 in 11.98, was 2nd in the 200 in 24.54, and anchored her 4x100 team to a 1st place 47.14 in the 4x100. But she's not the only one at the top of the sprints in PA from District 1. Sophomore Krista Simpkins posted a 23.71 200 win, defeating both Bridgeford and former 200 state champ Tiffany Abney of Merion Mercy, who was 3rd in 24.79. Abney did win the 300 Hurdles in 43.88, the 400 in 56.08 and anchored her 4x400 to a 3:54.99 victory. Simpkin's 4x100 was 2nd in 47.88. In the 4x800, Haverford won a District title with their 4:18.58, despite one key member recovering from lost sleep after a Friday nigh prom (there were a lot of athletes at most Saturday meets with the same handicap). Hatboro-Horsham was 2nd in 9:25.39; North Penn 3rd in 9:28.04; and Downingtown 4th in 9:29.62. In AAA boys, Drew Eckman of Oxford, held off a hard-charging Tracey Robinson of Henderson, a junior, 47.53-47.64. Garnet Valley's Ryan Reeser ran 1 1:53.81 800. In the 300 Hurdles, Stath Haven's Phil Atkinson posted a 38.08. The defending state champs from North Penn served notice that the relays remain a strength, winning the 4x1000 in 42.47, the 4x400 in 3:19.88 and the 4x800 in 7:56.78. Other nationally ranked performaces included Souderton's Princeton Davis, 23-04 Long Jump; Tyree Suber, Glen Mills, 60-08 Shot Put; and Michael Whitehead, Norristown, 47-11 Triple Jump. In AA girls, Meghan Bishop, Gwynedd-Mercy, ran 5:01.63 for the 1600 win, while getting 2nd in the 800 in 2:16.17. Results.

Friday-Saturday, May 16-17 - PIAA District 3 AA|AAA Championships @ Shippensburg University (PennTrack on site Friday) - Cedar Crest's Thomas Jordan not only threw over 200' on five throws (he declined the 6th throw), he popped a 219-05.00 which is now tied for US#1 and a new District 3 record. Warwick's Brad Zimmerman was 2nd with a 202-09.00 effort. Cumberland Valley's 4x800 tuned up for states with a 7:57.54 win (Central Dauphin 7:58.19). Ryan Whiting, Central Dauphin, took the Shot Put with a throw of 58-02.00. The AAA girls posted six nationally ranked performances, including Ganne Way's 2:13.97 for Warwick, just missing her District Record set in 2002; Angie Saterstad, Hershey, going 10:43.72 in the 3200, with Chambersburg junior Kylee Schuler 2nd in 10:46.95, and Red Lion junior Kate Papenberg 3rd in 10:57.68; Kirsten Andrews, Garden Spot, 11-06.00 (inside) in the Pole Vault; and Cumberland Valley's 4x800, 9:31.21. In boys' AA, Wyomissing senior Jon Hart threw won three events, including a strong 197-04.00 Javeline, plus 53-08.00 Shot Put and 159-03 Discus. And in Girls AA, Debbie Huss, Wyomissing, captured three district titles, winning 4x800 in 10:58.23, a District 3 record, the 800 in 2:21.85 and the 1600 in 5:08.88. Twin Amy was 2nd in the 3200 (11:21.12) and the 1600 (5:15.43). See results page for other notable performances. Results courtesy of District 3.

Friday, May 16 - PIAA District 9 AA Championships @ Brookville HS (Raindate May 17) - The top performance of the meet was turned in by Clarion junior Dave Larson who won the Discus with a throw of 171-06. Elk County junior Emily Pfeufer captured two events, the Long Jump (16-06.75), the High jump (5-01), and was 2nd in the Triple Jump (35-07.50) to Kane's Molly Darr (35-07.75). Ashley Murdock, Brookville, won the sprints, taking the 100 in 13.08 and the 200 in 26.79. The distance races belonged to Erica Hoffman of Elk County (5:19.93, 11:59.76). The 200 and 400 were won by Evan Rowe of Redbank Valley in 23.41 and 50.27. Clarion sophomore Molly Smathers took the 400 in 1:00.77 and the 800 in 2:22.06. Smethport's Matt Bango won the 800 (2:0.85) and Triple Jump (43-00.00). Sprinter Mike Mitchell of Smethport, was the hurdle specialist, winning the 110 in 15.90 and the 300 in 39.83. Aaron Benson, Kane, was first in the 1600 in 4:28.62 and the 3200 in 9:53.90. Results courtesy of Patty and Bob Tonkin.

Friday, May 16 - PIAA District 4 AAA Championships @ Montoursville HS - Williamsport junior Ruby Radocaj posted a 143-04 throw in the Javelin, and also won the Discus with her 109-02 effort. Another freshman breaks onto the state scene - this one in the girls sprints. Melissa Miller of Athens, captured three events, winning the 100 in 12.76. the 200 in 26.89, and the 400 in 1:00.24. In the Hurdles, Bethany Riley of Danville, took the 100 in 16.11, and the 300 in 48.50. In boys action, Jersey Shore senior Jesse Hershey won the Javelin with a throw of 197-10. Results courtesy of District 4.

Thursday, May 15 - PIAA District 11 AAA Championships @ William Allen HS - Two fast 1600's in District 11 AAA from Frances Koons, of Allentown Central Catholic (5:01.60), and Freedom's Lauretta Dezubay (5:01.99). Koons also captured the 3200 in 10:59.83, and will race the longer distance at States. Dezubay will race the 1600. Koons also anchored her team to a 9:34.2 4x800 win. In the Pole Vault, the strongest district for girls in this event will send Easton sisters Courtney (11-06) and Lindsay Regan (11-06), along with Liberty's Lauren Birckhead (11-00. In the Javelin, Freedom's Beth Crocus was first with a throw of 137-08. Double winners included Danielle Lattimore of Easton, (17-10.50 LJ | 57.52 400); and Allen's Brianna Broyles (15.73 100H | 45.42 300H). Parkland's boys swept the relays (43.18, 3:24.72, 8:16.41). Results courtesy of Allentown Central Catholic (www.acchsvikings.org).

Thursday, May 15 - PIAA District 6 AAA Championships @ Mansion Park, Altoona - Lewistown's Emily Lepley was a triple district champ after wins in the 400 (59.27), tyhe 100 Hurdles (15.09), and the 300 Hurdles (45.41). The State College girls swept the relays, with times of 50.72, 4:05.22, and 10:05.79. In field events, Megan Sommers of Hollidaysburg was victorious in the Shot Put (35-05.50) and Discus (114-03). On the boys side, Altoona took all three relays, going 43.52, 3:31.41 and 8:15.08. State College junior Jay Hardin won the two distance events, the 1600 in 4:24.32 and the 3200 in 9:48.12. Results courtesy of Tom Musselman, Altoona HS

Thursday, May 15 - PIAA District 2 AA Championships @ North Pocono HS - Western Waynes Erin Davis saved the best for the end of the season, leaping 5-11 to take over the top PA spot by a lot. It's also a tie for US#2. Meyers' Rose Morgans won two events, the Javelin with a throw of 138-06 and the Shot Put with a toss of 33-09.25. Teammate Andre Broussard captured the 100 in 10.86, the 200 in 22.09, and the Long Jump (20-11.5). Dunmore's Jim Ross took both Hurdles events, the 110 in 15.29 and the 300 in 39.06. And Lakeland's Sue Bochnovich won two sprint titles, the 100 in 12.99 and the 200 in 27.18. Results courtesy of Paul McGrane, Coughlin HS.

Thursday, May 15 - PIAA District 7 (WPIAL) AAA Championships @ Baldwin HS - North Hills junior Ian Fitzgerald broke Sam Bair's WPIAL record in the 1600 with his 4:11.97. He also set a WPIAL record in the 3200, going 9:18.07. Mount Lebanon's Jim O'Toole was 2nd in 9:20.83. The Mount Lebanon 4x800 set up their bid for a state title in the 4x800 with a 7:56.43. In the Pole Vault, some big PR for Tim Tray of Norwin, who cleared 15-00. In the Discus, Andrew Cohen of Franklin Regional won with a toss of 171-03. In girls competition, Butler's Melanie Buczko took a step toward the top with a Pole Vault win of 12-06, with frosh Caitlin Hewitt of Greater Latrobe clearing 11-06, two feet above her seed. The 4x800's were quick, with North Allgeheny coming out on top in 9:27.16; followed by Mount Lebanon, 9:28.75 and Hempfield Area, 9:29.16. In the Javelin, strong throws from Beverly Rogers, Ringgold, 139-09, her teammate Stephanie Kuhn, 139-02, and Montour's Alyson Miske, 138-03. In the Hurdles, Julianna Read, Hampton, beat Penn Trafford soph Mycaiah Clemons in both the 100 Hurdles (14.54-14.58) and 300 Hurdles (43.18-43.37). West Allegheny's Chris Nardi won two events, the High Jump, clearing 6-07, and the 110 Hurdles, going 14.60. And Elyse Goode, the Ambridge junior, took both sprints, the 100 in 12.05 and the 200 in 24.93. Results courtesy of the WPIAL.

Wednesday, May 14 - PIAA District 11 AA Championships @ William Allen HS - Lindsey Smith, Nativity, qualified for States in three events, taking the High Jump (5-0), the Discus (114-04), and the Javelin (132-11)-her best effort of the three. Her Nativity teammates won both the 4x400 (4:09.80) and the 4x800 (9:54.10). In the sprints, Catasauqua's Erin Recker captured the 100 in 12.70 and the 200 in 26.43. In boys' competition, Bethlehem Catholic won the 4x400 in 3:29.34 and the 4x100 in 43.04. Results courtesy of Robert Ford.

Wednesday, May 14 - PIAA District 10 AAA Championships @ Hickory HS - Andy Rademacher used his last home meet of the season to tune up for States with a 15-03 Pole Vault win. Dante Marshall, also of Hickory, jumped 47-00.00 to win the Triple after his 49-04 US#2 the week before. General McLane joined the sub 8:00 4x800 class this year with a 7:59.09. The Soder brothers of Harborcreek traded championships and 2nd places, with Eric winning the 1600 in 4:27.68 (Brian 4;29.99), and Brian taking the 3200 in 9:35.95 (Eric 10:07.39). Cathedral Prep's Tom Dance sprinted to wins in the 100 (10.92) and 110 Hurdles (14.42). Meadville's Maris Reutzel posted a fast 11:05.94 3200. Results courtesy of Barb Dzuricsko and Hickory High School.

Wednesday, May 14 - PIAA District 9 AAA Championships @ Brookville HS (Raindate May 15) - Shawn Colligan, the Bradford senior, has been performing at a top level much of his high school career, and he showed the experience at his district meet, winning three events, the Long Jump (22-02.25), the 110 Hurdles (14.58), and the 300 Hurdles (39.10). Teammate Sean Hvizdzak also won three events, the 100 in 11.24, the 200 in 23.07, and the the 400 in 50.83. Saint Mary's Robbie Meyer was champ of the 800 (1:59.68) and the 1600 (4:27.77). Bradford senior Pat Confer took the Shot Put (48-10.75) and the Discus (146-00). Bradford freshman Erin Hannon won the two Hurdles events, the 100 in 16.26 and the 300 in 49.17, along with the Long Jump (16-11.25). Additonally, she was 2nd in the Triple Jump (35-01.25). Sonya Swanson, Saint Mary's, won the 400 in 1:00.39 and the 200 in 26.62. Results courtesy of Patty and Bob Tonkin.

Wednesday, May 14 - PIAA District 5 AA Championships @ Chestnut Ridge HS - David Houseworth of Bedford dominated two events and got 2nd in another. His 47-06 Shot Put and 132-00 Discus won him district championships, while his 173-05 Javelin was 2nd to George Childers of Shade. Bedford's John Marshall took two events, the 200 in 23.76 and the Triple Jump with a 41-08.50 effort. In girls' competition, lots of double winners: Ashley Hartman of Berlin, 12.99 100, 27.57 200; Sheena Smith, Northern Bedford, 16.83 100 Hurdles, 48.86 300 Hurdles; Steph Blackstone, Everett, 5:34.05 1600 and 11:57.29 3200; and Vanessa Housel, Meyersdale, 115-10 Javelin, and 15-07.25 Long Jump. Results courtesy of Mike Miller, Meyersdale High School.

Wednesday, May 14 - PIAA District 2 AAA Championships @ North Pocono HS (postponed from 5/13) - A fast 300 Hurdles from Coughlin's Steve Kerestes, 1st in 38.25. Kerestes also took the 110 Hurdles in 15.13. Dallas' Steve Salavantis was a triple winner, topping the field in the Discus (154-02), the Javelin (182-03) and the Shot Put (49-08). In girls competition, Tiffany Sartin of Scranton won the sprints, with a first in the 100 in 12.84 and the 200 in 26.51. There's a new frosh ready to introduce herself to the state in the person of Elizabeth Drazdowski of Crestwood. Coming off a PR week at her league meet, she attempted the distance triple and succeeded, taking the 800 in 2:24.09, the 1600 in 5:19.71, and the 3200 in 11:38.35. Jumper Amy Mantush of Hazleton captured the Long Jump (16-03) and the High Jump (5-02). Results courtesy of Paul McGrane.

Tuesday & Wednesday, May 13+14 - Philadelphia Public League Regional Championships @ Various Locations - In Philadelphia Public League Divisionals, highlights included: Division A: Sharif Nash, Frankford, 22.57, 50.35; Tynisha Gardner, Girls' High, 59.44, 1:10.03. |Division B: B Mike Syrnick, Central 2:00.92, 4:23.33 Public League Record; Marques Dexter, 20-10 LJ, 43.5 TJ; Central, Dior Lowry, Martin Luther King, 14.35 110H; Michael Wray, Central, 57.87 400, 5-10 HJ; Central sweeps FOUR relays-boys and girls; Rita Brown, Martin Luther King, 2:31.27 800, 5:37.66 1600. | Division C: Dobbins Tech boys take three relays, Justin Binsbon, Franklin, 5-8 HJ, 19-01 LJ; Juanita Broaddus, William Penn, 24.90 200, 57.59 400, 17-02 LJ; Christina Smith, William Penn, 14.65 100H, 1:03.56 400H, 4-10 HJ; Dobbins Tech 48.77 4x100, 3:59.77 4x400; Division D: Roger Anderson, Overbrook, was tops in four events, the Triple Jump (43-10.00), the Long Jump (20-10.00), the 400 (50.05), and with a 49 split to lead his team to a win in the 4x400 in 3:36.02. Davis Bradley, Bartram, 17.75 110H, 1:01.92 400H; Angela Jones, West Philadelphia, 13.15 100, 27.20 200, 16.45 100H. Results

Tuesday, May 13 - PIAA District 7 (WPIAL) AA Championships @ South Side Beaver HS - Multiple event winners irncluded Cherel Brown of Jeanette, 12.35 100, 25.74 200; Maxine Markfield, Quaker Valley, 2:18.57 800, 5;15.86 1600; Mycah Clemons, Valley, 14.61 100 Hurdles, 17-05 Long Jump; and Mars' Brad Mueller, 10.81 100, 22.75 200. Results courtesy of the WPIAL.

Tuesday, May 13 - PIAA District 6 AA Championships @ Mansion Park, Altoona (Postponsed from 5/13) - Angela Hoover, Bald Eagle, was the class of the Javelin, winning with a throw of 152-00. For the boys, Penns Manors' Michael Holsberger, a junior, won the Javelin with a throw of 195-08. Kaitlin Urban, Westmont Hilltop, won the 400 in 1:00.88 and the800 in 2:21.80. Stepping up to the four-and eight-lappers, Leanna Nastase of Forest Hills, took the 1600 in 5:06.25 and the 3200 in 11:07.76. In the 100 and 300 Hurdles, Nicole Thomas of Richland High, went 16.47 and 49.57. Christina Sgriccia of Penns Manor leapt 17-03.59 in the Long Jump and 36-03.75 in the Triple Jump. For the boys, Penn Cambria junior Michael Holsberger won the Javelin with a 195-08 effort. Aaron Irvin of Bald Eagle won the 200 in 22.54 and the Pole Vault with a 13-09 effort. Ligonier's Caleb Hood was a champion in the 400 in 50.27 and the 300 Hurdles in 39.38. Forest Hills' Jacob Strayer, a junior, took the 1600 in 4:23.96 and the 3200 in 9:38.74. And jump specialist Joshua Garner of Bald Eagle, went 20-08.00 and 44-04.75 for the Long and Triple Jump wins.Results courtesy of Tom Mussleman, Altoona HS.

Thursday & Saturday May 8+10 - PIAA District 8 (Pittsburgh City League) Track & Field Championships @ Oliver HS - It was the Tom Jech show at the District 8 (Pittsburgh City League) Track and Field Championships at Oliver High School. The Allderdice junior won all four of his events, leading his team to a 144-135 victory over Schenley. Schenley held a 68-30 lead after Thursday's field events and continued to hold it until Jech's victory in the 3200 meters pushed Allderdice into the lead. Jech also won the 800 meters, qualified for states with a win in the 1600 meters, and anchored the winning 4x400 meter relay. Schenley freshman Kaetyln Brown helped Schenley to capture the City crown 188-109 over Allderdice by qualifying for states in all four of her events. Most impressive was her upset of Westinghouse senior and City League record holder Yvonne Ferguson in the 400 meter dash (in 56.51, the second fastest time in southwest PA this season), and Brown helped Schenley's winning 4x100 meter and 4x400 meter relays to qualify for states as well. Ferguson and Brown both qualified for states in the 200 meter dash as well, and Ferguson qualified by winning the 100 meter dash and placing second in the 400. Results and summary courtesy of Matthew Meisel, Allderdice - INCLUDES LINKS TO NEWSPAPER ARTICLES.

December, 2002 - Trackshark.com - A long-overdue resource for college running nationwide.

1991 World Championships Marathon Bronze Medalist & 1992 Olympian Marathoner (and native Pennsylvanian)
Steve Spence had a birthday May 9th. He's now racing with the Masters, and Steve plans to be as competitive as he can be. The story and a bit of PA running history is this special feature on one of America's all-time best distance runners.