Wildcats, Jackson Baker And Brody Beggs Turn In Fine Performances At Big Time National Track And Field Meets

Photos courtesy of C-L Adult Booster Club Facebook page – (Above) Jackson at New Balance Nationals

Two Central Clarion Wildcat runners, Jackson Baker and Brody Beggs competed in Elite National Track and Field Competitions recently.

Jackson at New Balance Nationals

Jackson, who completed a stellar freshman year for the Wildcats this past season, competed in the New Balance Nationals held Thursday, June 18th through Sunday, June 21st, at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Franklin Field, which is renowned as the home of the Penn Relays.

Jackson competed in the Junior High Boys 800m Division, finishing with a new personal record 1:59.92 placing 34th out of the 97 elite runners in the event.

Wildcat coach Chandra Seftic mentioned, “Even after the race started and the runners were stopped and recalled due to a racer tripping and falling, Jackson rallied and ran a phenomenal race, getting boxed into the back of the pack at the start he worked his way up to tenths of a second from coming in first in his heat out of 15, just incredible race!

Congratulations, Jackson!

The 800m qualifying time for the New Balance Nationals was 2:03.50. Jackson eclipsed the qualifying standard at the Oil Country Invitational on May 2nd, running a 2:00.76. He consistantly ran under that time for the Wildcats’ 4x800m relay, but the qualifying time, but you could only qualify in an individual race.

(Note: Jackson was also a member of the 4x800m relay team that earned an eighth place medal at States.)

One other area runner, Andrew Gildersleeve from Grove City finished 77th, running a 2:03.55.

The Champion was Kharon Thompson, who finished in 1:54.69. Kharon runs for the famous Detroit based Motor City Track Club.

Brody at Adidas Nationals

Brody who also had a stellar year for the Wildcats, competed in the Adidas Outdoor Track and Field Nationals, which were run at the Marcus T. Johnson Track Complex at Truist Stadium located at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. The meet was held from Thursday, June 18th through Sunday, June 21st.

Brody, who recently completed his sophomore campaign for Central Clarion, competed in the Boys 100m Dash. He recorded a time of 11:19.

He had a major setback in getting ready for this big event.

His mother Missy mentioned, “He was a little disappointed with his time, but he missed a full week of training because he had surgery on both of his eyes to realign them.

“His PR is 10.82 which he ran at districts.

“It’s been exciting to see Brody compete against such talented runners. He’s worked incredibly hard, and we’re very proud of him.”

How tough was this competition? It included athletes who competed in their State Championships. Brody was one of only nine sophomores in the Boys 100m, in the field of seventy-seven runners and included athletes all the way up to graduated seniors.

(Note: Brody was also a member of two fourth place relay teams at this year’s PIAA State Championships, the 4×100 and 4×400.)

Coach Scheftic had this to say about Brody, “As only a sophomore, Brody has already established himself as a remarkably strong and consistent athlete in the program both individually and in multiple relays.

“Competing at a national race this year especially given the conditions with his surgery recovery, time off training and stifling heat was another example of his eagerness to challenge himself against the country’s best and continue to grow in the offseason.

“I’m incredibly proud of Brody!”

(Great Job and Great Inspiration Brody and Jackson!!!!)