Track And Field: Junior High Bobcats Do Great Job At Invitationals (05/28/16)

(By Christie Datko)

Clarion Jr. High Track Club Earn Top 5 at Sheffield Invitational!

The weather was quite an obstacle for the Clarion Jr. High Track Club on Friday, May 6, at the Sheffield Invitational which was held at the Sheffleld High School. The team faced cold, rain and sleet throughout the evening of events. It was evident that the conditions took it’s toll on the team as running times were a little slower and jumps and throws weren’t quite as far.

(Photos by Christi Datko) Kyara Girvin in the high jump

(Photos by Christi Datko) Kyara Girvin in the high jump

However, the team still battled and was able to earn two top five finishes which came from Kyara Girvan in the high jump and the boys 1600 meter relay team. Girvan jumped 4’4” and finished fourth in the high jump. The 1600 meter relay team, consisting of Nathaniel Lerch, Daniel Hackenburg, Nate Datko and Ethan Burford, earned a second place finish with a combined time of 4:25.

Other notable performances came from Burford as he ran the 200 meter dash in 28.06 which earned him a sixth place, just missing a ribbon. Datko followed that same pattern as he also earned a sixth place in the 400 meters crossing the line at 1:04. Lerch looked strong in the 1600 meters as he finished eighth with a time of 5:29. He also set a personal record in the high jump as he cleared 4/8”.

Ava Cherico, Hollee Workman, Brianna Warner, Morgan Kahle, Ben Murtha, Nathan Kline and Josh Mitchell also attended and performed well in various events. The Clarion team competed against Beaty, Elk-County Catholic, Sheffield, Johnsonburg, Smethport and Kane.
Burford and Girvan Finish First at Cranberry Invitational!

The Clarion Jr. High Track Club had a great evening of competition on Tuesday, May 17, at the Cranberry Invitational held at the Cranberry High School in Seneca, Pa. Junior High track teams from AC Valley, Warren, Cranberry and Meadville were also in attendance.

Brianna Warner handing off to Ava Cherico in the 1600 meter relay event.

Brianna Warner handing off to Ava Cherico in the 1600 meter relay event.

Kyara Girvan dominated the high jump as she jumped 4/6” which earned her a first place finish. She also ran a tough race in the 100 meters and finished second with a time of 13.5. She was not the only member of the team to claim a first place ribbon. Ethan Burford has been working hard to improve his time in the 300 hurdles, and it is paying off as he took home a first place in the event as he crossed the line at 52.3. Morgan Kahle not only achieved personal bests in the long jump (27ft) and triple jump, she landed a second and third place finish respectively as well.
Both the boys and girls 1600 meter relay teams earned second place finishes. The girls’ team was made up of Girvan, Emma Spitz, Ava Cherico and Brianna Warner who ran a combined time of 5:31.

Daniel Hackenberg, Nate Datko, Ethan Burford and Nathaniel Lerch earn second place in 1600 meter relay.

Daniel Hackenberg, Nate Datko, Ethan Burford and Nathaniel Lerch earn second place in 1600 meter relay.

Nate Datko, Daniel Hackenberg, Burford and Nathaniel Lerch ran their relay race in 4:22. Lerch also had an impressive run in the 800 meters as he finished second with a time of 2:28. Although, Datko did not run his best time in the 400 meters, he was able to bring a fifth place finish home (1:05).
The team also had some members set personal bests. Hollee Workman heaved the shot put 23 1/6 to earn her a PR, and Datko ran the 200 in 27.5, which is his best performance in this event.
Josh Mitchell, Ben Murtha, Nathan Kline and Alex Cussins also competed well.

(Thanks to Christie Datko for this article and photos. Great Job, Bobcats!!!!)