Story by Gavin Kelly, ’22 – Team Captain
Complete Upper Darby Relay Results
The outdoor track and field team kicked off the 2022 Season this past Saturday with the first official meet at the Upper Darby Relays. It was a day for some of the new guys to get racing experience, and the older runners to get back into the feel of racing.
It was off to a great start in the 2x300IH Relay, where Senior Colin Murray and Sophomore Justin Cheeseman earned medals with a fourth place finish. The duo ran a time of 1:32.85. Next was the Distance Medley Relay, which was second in the Indoor PCL Championships. It consisted of Senior Mike Carolan, Sophomore Tyler Yerkov, Junior Tim McCloskey, and Senior Gavin Kelly. The relay placed 6th today, just missing the medal cutoff of top 5 with a time of 11:37. There were two relays in the Sprint Medley, highlighted by a 5th place finish and a PR split from Sophomore Nigel Isaac at 23.5.
There were two relays in the 4x800m as well, placing 22nd and 34th. The races got out fast with Junior Nick Do going out with the lead pack, and Freshman Rob Sherman fighting hard to get his team in good position. It was a good learning experience for the 8 to remember what racing is like in the two lap race. The 4x200m was another race that did not disappoint. The Crusaders once again had two relays in here, placing 25th and 32nd.
There were 2 relays in the 4x100m, placing 7th and 27th. Already having a race under a lot of their belts did not seem to affect them, as they fought hard and completed well. Perhaps the race of the day was the Throwers 4x100m. The entire crowd rose to their feet to watch the race. Junior Will DeLeon led it off, handing it to Freshman David Costa. Junior Alex Bittenbeder handed it off to Sophomore anchor, Chris Coulter. The relay ran a 57.7 which was good enough for 9th overall.
The last two running events were the 4x400m and 4x1600m. The 4x400m had the entire Judge team cheering in encouragement for their teammates. They went 3:46.28 and 4:02.50, placing 8th and 29th. Everyone who ran had at least one race in them, most having two. It was a phenomenal effort for the eight runners to power through the tired legs. The 4x1600m averaged under 5:00 per split, running a 19:57.56 for 7th. It was raining when they warmed up, and sunny when running, showing no matter what the circumstances were, they were going to give it their all.
The field events were in relay format as well. Our Shot Put placed eighth with Chris Coulter almost hitting the 40 foot barrier with a 39- 10. The Javelin placed 24th, with Freshman Matt Huang throwing 71-0. Discus had a great team effort of DeLeon and Costa, combining for 1830, good enough for 11th. Pole Vault consisted of Sophomores Sean Gizzi and Andrew Clemens placing 11th, both jumping 8-6. Junior Captain and 3 event state-qualifier in the winter Momo Peters was in the next three events. Triple Jump, 38-7.5, for 13th. Long Jump, along with Freshman Jeff Wah, 33-11.5 for 6th. Lastly, High Jump, 5-4 for 9th.
It was a solid showing for the Crusaders. Some athletes hit the Varsity standard, others learned what a real race was like. This was a good motivational piece for the athletes, as they all know the most important races are in May, so they need to keep working hard. The next race will be Saturday at the North Penn Invite.
