Wildcats Fare Well At PIAA State Track And Field Championships

Photos submitted – Above: Wildcat Team members Ryan Miles, Jackson Mravintz, Ryan Rinker, Jackson Baker, Jonas Wilshire, Josh Turner, coach Chandra Scheftic, volunteer coach Brendan Zerfoss, Chris Kim, Mason Burford, Adisen Jackson, Coach Jess Quinn, Brendan Bettwy trying to stay dry and warm between races…..

The Central Clarion Wildcats did well in the PIAA State Track and Field Championships, held on Friday, May 22nd and Saturday, May 23rd, at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium.

Both Boys Coach Jess Quinn and Girls Coach Chandra Scheftic shared some fine words.

Coach Quinn shared: 

The boys competed well at Shippensburg last week. The 4x800m relay team finished with an 8th place (8:13.67) medal.

The 4x100m (43:17) with Jackson Mravintz in the blocks and running the first leg, Caleb Hunter the second, Brody Beggs on the curve and Mason Burford running as our anchor ran very well and crossed the finish line good enough to earn a 4th place medal.

Now at the District 9 Championships, Nathan Frederick had filled in and did a GREAT job for us as they won the 4x100m relay. Nathan is the reason we were able to compete at states. Mason had chipped a bone on a hurdle at the Butler Invite on April 18th and had been in a boot for 4 weeks.

He was cleared to run, but was not able to go for districts. I spoke to both Mason and Nathan all week as they each took the baton from Brody in practice. The final decision was made Thursday on the track at Shippensburg. All week as coaches (Brendan Zerfoss and Jared Beggs and me) we talked to both boys about what might happen.

I’d like to speak for a moment on the class and character of Nathan Frederick. I know Nathan was disappointed he wasn’t able to run because he is such a competitor, but he told me, “whatever is best for the team coach.”

I know he also had an opportunity to run in the 4x400m relay at states as well. So the decision was made to go with Mason in the 4×100. I believe we had a shot at going back-to-back, especially if Mason was 100%.

He ran well and the team finished with a 4th place medal.

The 4x400m relay (3:25.99) consisting of Caleb Hunter, Brady Guth, Nathan Frederick and Brody Beggs battled the elements and also finished 4th in the state. These boys came in all winter long and did ply-o workouts at 5:30 a.m. to get better prepared so they could stand on the podium at states. They did just that. I along with the entire staff are incredibly grateful to coach all these fine young men.

Coach Scheftic shared:

The Wildcat Boys 4×800 relay team, consisting of Jonas Wilshire, Brendan Bettwy, Jackson Baker and Brady Guth, placed 8th with a time of 8:13.67.   We knew coming into the meet that we were seeded 14th, but working through the numbers and other teams’ times I knew that we had a valid shot at medaling in one of the top 8 spots.  

All season each of the boys ran multiple races every meet, so we knew if we focused all efforts into this one 800 leg and had pure times they certainly had a chance to see the podium.  

In fact I told them all just before the state race as they were warming up to practice their interview speeches because they absolutely were going to medal and need to be prepared!!  

Three of the four, Jonas Brady and Brendan, are seniors and had just walked at graduation Wednesday night, 12 hours before boarding the vans to head to states, and a week after having their last official days of classes. Yet they showed so much leadership and heart in this postseason, coming back to the track at the end of the day to practice, being mentors and encouraging to Jackson as a freshman, they stayed committed and trusted the process and I’m so incredibly proud of them all!  

To go to states and finish 8th means so much to all of us, and I hope it is a source of pride and example to the whole team, because it shows what can happen when you work together and refuse to give up or settle and just keep pushing, no matter what the clock or the rankings say.    

Adi Jackson placed 20th with a time of 2:28.34 – she came off the track Saturday a bit emotional, disappointed because she holds herself to such a high standard and wanted nothing less than another PR, and that is part of what has made her such an incredible athlete.  

But even though her time wasn’t what she was hoping for, she ran the race strong and solid and after having been at Shippensburg for three days, mostly in the cold and rain, watching and supporting not only her teammates but all her other friends and fellow athletes from the KSAC.  For her to make it to the state meet in track for the first time as a senior was such an accomplishment in itself, after already competing at states in cross country this fall, it really says a lot about her perseverance and growth.  

She’s worked incredibly hard over the years, in the weight room and on the track, and has been such an important leader for our program not just with her performances but with the example she sets every day.  

She’s someone the younger athletes look up to because of her work ethic, positivity, and determination.  

She has had an incredible high school career that goes way beyond what any times or medals could quantify – we are so proud of her and cannot wait to watch her next year running for Slippery Rock!

(Fine Meet Wildcats!!!! Thanks to Coach Quinn and Coach Scheftic for their wonderful comments!!)