The normal track season came to an end for most of the members earlier in May. For a select few, the season contin-ued with WPIAL qualifiers and states.
May 7 was the WPIAL qualifiers for members of the track team. Those athletes in the top two spots in each event went to qualifiers. The top eight athletes in each event moved on to WPIAL finals held Thursday, May 16.
In addition, the boy’s team advanced to WPIAL team finals, placing fourth and breaking a school record in the 4 by 800 meter relay. The runners who accom-plished this feat were Seniors Jake DeWeese, Noah Marks, Wes Roberts, Evan Stiger and Sophomore Danny Con-rad.
Individual WPIAL championships took place May 16, which acted as a quali-fying meet for advancing to the state com-petition. The top five competitors in each event advanced.
“Qualifying for states is a great ac-complishment because it is every runner’s ultimate goal,” Conrad said.
As the season wound down, senior members prepared to graduate. Their lead-ership roles and traditions were bestowed upon underclassmen. For the distance run-ners of the track team, this is especially true. Those part of the boy’s 4 by 800 me-ter relay team have a baton that is passed down from senior to senior.
This tradition originated with former student, cross country runner and track member, Matt McKinney. He decorated the baton, XC-alibur (paying homage to cross country), in art class.
According Roberts, the year the baton was used was also a better season for the 4 by 800 relay team, of which McKinney participated. The baton has stayed with that relay team, even going to states, and will continue to be passed down each year.