Thirty seven AA teams enjoyed great weather and even better competitions as the Tyrone boy’s track and field team had some outstanding performances in one of the premier invitational in the state for AA teams. The Golden Eagle boys placed ninth as a team and the 400 relay team was one of only three first places out of area teams.
The team of Larry Glace, Shane Emigh, Shayne Tate and Johnny Franco ran their fastest time of the season (44.31) to run away with the gold medal and solidify their chances of winning a district championship. “We hit all our handoffs and when I got the baton at the end I was pumped to bring it home,” anchor leg Johnny Franco said. “Larry Glace got us out on the first leg and Shane and Shayne extended the lead and I was able to finish strong.”
The 400 Relay was not the only bright spot for Tyrone. Junior Kyle Updike leaped 6-2 and tied for second losing only to a jumper outside the district. “This sets Kyle up nice to qualify for states a week from Tuesday,” Coach Yaniello said. He should come in as the top seed.
Steady Ben Ingle was facing the odds-on favorite to win the state title in the mile. Spisak from Bishop McCort ran the fastest time to date in the state. (4:18.3) Ben placed third with a outstanding time of 4:26 which is only two seconds off the school record. “My best time going into last week’s was 4:36 and I dropped six seconds off that time in the conference meet to a 4:30, Ingle said. “To run 4:26 here makes me think I can go under 4:25 in states. Last year, 4:27 placed. Having two of the best milers in the state in my own districts will give me the competition to push me lower. Ingle also had a personal record in the 3200 by 14 seconds running a 10:00.64 and finished seventh.
Placing seventh in the long jump (19-8) was Shane Emigh and Johnny Franco placed sixth in the 100 to round out Tyrone’s place winners.
The Bellwood-Antis Blue Devils finished 18th in the team competition. Lance Hughes fifth in the 110 high hurdles (16.44), and sixth in the 300 intermediate hurdles (42.89). B-A placed fourth in the 3200 relay (8:35.69) and the 400 relay team placed seventh (45.83). Cody Fink placed seventh in the pole vault (12-3) and Tyler Geis finished eighth in the Shot Put (43-8). With everybody looking for another in the series of battles between B-A senior Ben Hatch and Tussey Mountain senior Jordan Donaldson, Hatch became sick during the meet and didn’t run the 800. Donaldson set a new meet record in winning the 400 (49.24) and also won the 800 (1:56.58) and was named the Outstanding Class AA Performer of the Meet. Both winning times would also have won the Class AAA meet as well. Friday was Donaldson’s 18th birthday.
The Lady Blue Devils finished 18th and had the following placewinners. Chelsea Wilson placed fourth in the 400 (1:01.69). Emily O’Shea finished sixth in the 100 Hurdles (16.45). Jannell Wilt placed eighth in the 100 meter dash (13.64). The 400 Relay team placed fourth (52.72) and 1600 Relay team finished seventh (4:19.95).
