By: Ray Fisher 
Sunday, July 21, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Quaker Valley ended the 2023-24 school year with eight WPIAL champions in Class 2A, including two team, four individual and two relay titlists.

“Every school year is unique in terms of accomplishments and this year’s strength was found in outstanding performances across the board from a majority of our teams,” said Mike Mastroianni, QV’s athletic director and boys basketball coach.

Thanks to the overall success of its athletes and teams, Quaker Valley claimed the Trib Cup in Class 3A for 2023-24. The Quakers previously won four cups in 4A and three in 2A.

“Capturing the Trip Cup is always a tremendous source of pride for our student-athletes and the entire athletic department as we all become one team,” Mastroianni said. “A big congrats to our student athletes who continue to be the driving force with their dedication and approach.”

The Trib Cup is a yearlong competition in 25 team sports to determine the top WPIAL sports program in each classification. It awards points for section or conference championships, district and state playoff berths and district and state championships and runners-up.

QV produced points in 16 different sports, the most in Class 3A. The Quakers started strong in the fall with a WPIAL championship game appearance for the boys soccer team, then clinched the title with a big spring that included district crowns for the QV boys and girls track teams.

Three members of the QV track and field program corralled first-place WPIAL finishes in their specialties: Mia Gartley (high jump), Davin Gartley (110-meter hurdles) and Jay Olawaiye (triple jump).

A sophomore in 2023-24, Mia Gartley also was a WPIAL champion in the high jump as a freshman.

“I was super stoked to win high jump again,” she said. “It was definitely unexpected but a great achievement. I’ve been working all season to be the best version of myself, so it was so rewarding to hit my goals. Going into WPIAL individuals, my only goal was to qualify for states. Once I hit the state qualifying mark, I felt a huge sense of relief and just continued jumping.”

Gartley was thrilled so see her school return to the top of the Trib Cup standings in 2023-24.

“It’s awesome,” she said. “I know all these athletes have worked so hard individually and together to guide their teams to victory. It’s amazing to see their hard work lead to winning the Trib Cup.”

Davin “Macky” Gartley, a junior this past school year, also ran a leg on the QV boys’ WPIAL winning 1,600-meter relay unit in 2024.

“Macky has grown so much over the last year,” QV coach Jared Jones said. “I’m very happy for the success he’s earned from all of his hard work.

“(And) I am very proud of Mia’s high jump performances. She performs well under pressure and steps up in big moments.”

Gartley was joined in the 1,600 relay race at WPIALs by freshman James Irwin, sophomore Jayden Juliano and junior Clark LaLomia.

“I think the QV athletic culture has grown so much these past years,” Gartely said, “and will continue to grow and dominate.”

Then-junior Jay Olawaiye, the WPIAL girls triple jump runner-up in 2023, claimed the top spot in this year’s triple jump competition.

“I’m super thrilled,” she said. “I wasn’t upset that I got second place last year. The girl who won deserved it, but I’m happy I was able to pull through this year with a jump around two feet better than last year’s.”

Quaker Valley’s track and field program maintained its elite status in 2024 with five WPIAL championship performances and 26 medalists, including 14 on the boys team and 12 on the girls team. All six relay squads were medalists.

Along with a WPIAL victory in the 1,600 relay, the QV boys retained their crown in the 3,200 relay behind the efforts of LaLomia, sophomore River Capek, freshman Jonah Montagnese and junior Jackson Pethel.

It was a clean sweep in the team competition for the Quakers, as both the boys and girls won WPIAL championships. The QV girls captured their third consecutive district crown.

“Our track and boys soccer programs are both part of storied traditions at QV,” Mastroianni said. “They once again had outstanding seasons with both our girls and boys track teams capping it off with WPIAL championships on the same day.”

During the wintertime, QV’s Jack Kazalas, at 133 pounds, repeated as a Class 2A district titlist as a senior wrestler, compiling a 45-7 record.

Kazalas is the all-time leader in wins in the Quakers wrestling program with a 151-28 career record and is the first four-time state qualifier in wrestling.

He finished 28-8, 40-8 and 38-5 in his first three seasons and passed Patrick Cutchember’s previous school record 141 career-win total.

Kazalas had a modest reaction to his mat milestone.

“It feels pretty exciting,” Kazalas said, “but I’m just thankful for my coaches and teammates always pushing me to get better, and with that, the wins would come.”

Kazalas advanced to the PIAA wrestling tournament in Hershey during his senior season and won twice before dropping a tough 1-0 decision in the semifinals.

Kazalas, who will continue his wrestling career at Binghamton University, commented on the school’s Trip Cup victory.

“I think it’s really cool especially since everyone at QV is super close,” he said. “It’s also a great send-off for the seniors.”

The Quaker Valley boys soccer and tennis teams ended their seasons in 2023-24 as WPIAL runners-up, as did five individuals: Ethan Dai (golf), Bruce Anderchak (wrestling), Ruby Olliffe (diving), Davin Gartley (300 hurdles) and LaLomia (1,600).

In all, a total of 68 athletes made WPIAL appearances in 2023-24 including two golfers, one girls tennis doubles tandem, 10 wrestlers, three divers, 12 swimmers, 34 in track and field and five in boys tennis.

Also, 16 teams advanced to the WPIAL playoffs including 10 in boys sports: volleyball, soccer, golf, basketball, lacrosse, track and field, swimming, tennis, wrestling and hockey.

The following girls teams were WPIAL qualifiers: soccer, tennis, basketball, lacrosse, track and field and swimming.

QV also won nine section championships in boys soccer, girls volleyball, girls tennis, girls track and field, boys track and field, girls swimming and diving, wrestling, boys golf and hockey (division title).

“It was really a tremendous year across the board for all of our teams,” Mastroianni said.

MAY 16, 2024

10:04 PM

WPIAL CLASS 3A CHAMPIONSHIPS

Following are the top eight finishers from both days of the WPIAL meet held May 15-16 at Slippery Rock University. The top four finishers in each event qualify for the PIAA championships May 24-25 at Shippensburg University. Those who finish in fifth through eighth place must meet qualifying standards, which are in parentheses next to each event.

100 meters (11.05) – 1. Scoop Smith, Woodland Hills, 10.64; 2. Colton Dean, Canon-McMillan, 10.74; 3. Connor Stokes, Elizabeth Forward, 10.96; 4. Adam Piper, Latrobe, 10.98; 5. Matt Nguyen, Mt. Lebanon, 11.04; 6. Kaevon Gardner, New Castle, 11.06; 7. Kobe Dave, North Catholic, 11.59. Jack Fennell, North Catholic, DNF.

200 (22.30) – 1. Colton Dean, Canon-McMillan, 21.71; 2. Caleb Prola, Hempfield, 22.08; 3. Connor Stokes, Elizabeth Forward, 22.24; 4. Matt Nguyen, Mt. Lebanon, 22.34; 5. Jacob Pittman, Latrobe, 22.40; 6. Brady Noel, Central Valley, 22.55; 7. Nicholas Legnine, Norwin, 22.84; 8. Scoop Smith, Woodland Hills, 30.53.

400 (50.09) – 1. Luke Denny, Norwin, 49.92; 2. Aaron Stebick, Butler, 50.30; 3. Thomas Cheplick III, Penn-Trafford, 50.47; 4. Eryk Ralston, Franklin Regional, 50.51; 5. Cole Brunton, Latrobe, 50.60; 6. Brady Brinkley, North Allegheny, 50.71; 7. Aleksis Ratenieks, Hempfield, 50.77; 8. Luke Gillen, South Fayette, 51.20.

800 (1:57.00) - 1. Dale Hall, Hampton, 1:52.72; 2. Kayden Lightner, North Hills, 1:53.13; 3. Tim Danzinger, South Fayette, 1:55.73; 4. Ben McLean, Pine-Richland, 1:56.48; 5. Luke Simpson, Norwin, 1:56.75; 6. A.J. Miller, Montour, 1:56.84; 7. Garret Minnick, Indiana, 1:57.41; 8. Jordan Styer, West Allegheny, 1:58.26.

1,600 (4:21.50) – 1. Drew Griffith, Butler, 4:03.22, WPIAL Record; 2. Ryan Pajak, Ringgold, 4:07.06; 3. Elijah Bechdel, Beaver, 4:11.29; 4. Rowan Gwin, Fox Chapel, 4:11.51; 5. Jack Bertram, North Allegheny, 4:12.40; 6. Dale Hall, Hampton, 4:13.16; 7. Patrick Burgos, Elizabeth Forward, 4:19.29; 8. Jake McGhee, Penn-Trafford, 4:21.38.

3,200 (9:28.00) – 1. Drew Griffith, Butler, 8:41.60, WPIAL Record; 2. Ryan Pajak, Ringgold, 8:56.37; 3. Jack Bertram, North Allegheny, 9:09.82; 4. Rowan Gwin, Fox Chapel, 9:12.37; 5. Tyler Giunipero, Moon, 9:22.02; 6. Elijah Bechdel, Beaver, 9:23.04; 7. Alaa-Eddine Guetari, South Fayette, 9:23.27; 8. Owen Dressler, Butler, 9:24.23.

100 hurdles (15.07) – 1. Achan Green, Penn Hills, 14.61; 2. Gamaliel Mogire, North Hills, 14.71; 3. Ryan Schiller, Norwin, 15.04; 4. Owen Proskin, Plum, 15.06; 5. Michael Gimigliano, South Fayette, 15.24; 6. Jeremiah Francis, Norwin, 15.32; 7. Aaron Taylor, Canon-McMillan, 15.42; 8. Luke Cramer, Mt. Lebanon, 15.76.

300 hurdles (39.80) – 1. Colton Dean, Canon-McMillan, 38.72; 2. Jeremiah Francis, Norwin, 39.34; 3. Achan Green, Penn Hills, 39.36; 4. Grey Lowman, North Allegheny, 39.52; 5. Aaron Taylor, Canon-McMillan, 39.53; 6. Kyler Matson, Seneca Valley, 39.68; 7. Michael Gimigliano, South Fayette, 39.88; 8. Ryan Schiller, Norwin, 40.47.

High jump (6-5) – 1. Orein McBride-Cager, Butler, 6-5; 2. Kyan Chambers, Highlands, 6-3; 3. Emery Moye, Pine-Richland, 6-3; 4. Jahmar Wright, Highlands, 6-3; 5. Dylan Langdon, North Allegheny, 6-1; 6. (tie) Isaac Fant, Thomas Jefferson, 6-1; Dakari Payne, Seneca Valley, 6-1; 8. Cody Mankowski, West Allegheny, 6-1.

Long jump (22-3) – 1. Elijah Faulkner, Central Catholic, 22-9; 2. Stanford Webb, Indiana, 22-8; 3. Xxavier Thomas, Central Catholic, 22-6; 4. Colton Dean, Canon-McMillan, 21-11; 5. Ronald Porter, Penn Hills, 21-7; 6. Orein McBride-Cager, Butler, 21-6.25; 7. Nate McKnight, New Castle, 21-5.50; 8. Tucker Jeremias, Avonworth/Northgate, 20-11.50.

Triple jump (45-0) – 1. Ayden Davis, Butler, 44-8; 2. Marcus Toto, Baldwin, 44-2.50; 3. Xxavier Thomas, Central Catholic, 44-0.25; 4. Kyrell Harris, New Castle, 43-6; 5. Austin Lockhart, Gateway, 43-3; 6. Bryson Edwards, Connellsville, 43-0.50; 7. Jaylen Hocker, Thomas Jefferson, 42-11.75; 8. Alex Lourens, Butler, 42-8.75.

Pole vault (14-3) – 1. Zachary Noble, Trinity, 14-3; 2. Zach Duckworth, North Allegheny, 14-3; 3. Christian Crowley, Chartiers Valley, 14-3; 4. Alexander Irwin, Norwin, 13-9; 5. Jake Jones, Pine-Richland, 13-9; 6. Jack Silvis, Franklin Regional, 13-3; 7. Hujter Heinack, Kiski Area, 12-9; 8. Julian Molinero, Peters Township, 12-9.

Discus (153-0) – 1. Matthew Sarnowski, Penn-Trafford, 185-10; 2. Peyton Murray, Hempfield, 181-03; 3. Nicholas Rohal, Connellsville, 158-03; 4. Ryan Kent, Belle Vernon, 155-0; 5. Dino Nadarevic, Gateway, 154-2; 6. Jaden Kirkwood, New Castle, 150-5; 7. Jake Kunzman, Baldwin, 148-2; 8. Callum Turner, Norwin, 142-10.

Javelin (178-0) - 1. Logan Kerstetter, Penn-Traford, 177-0; 2. Ryan Beam, Pine-Richland, 175-8; 3. Patrick Smith, Mt. Lebanon, 174-8; 4. Reston Lehman, Peters Township, 170-1; 5. Louis Liberatore, Canon-McMillan, 169-5; 6. Kush Criswell, Mt. Lebanon, 165-9; 7. Jake Kunzman, Baldwin, 163-1; 8. Nico Baggetta, Butler, 161-7.

Shot put (52-0) – 1. Jaden Kirkwood, New Castle, 57-8.50; 2. Mason Miles, Fox Chapel, 57-0.25; 3. Peyton Murray, Hempfield, 55-3; 4. Dino Nadarevic, Gateway, 53-8.50; 5. Pierce Cannon, Woodland Hills, 52-8.25; 6. Tyler Ondrusek, Central Valley, 51-10; 7. Chris Climes, Elizabeth Forward, 51-9.50; 8. Jack Yatchenko, North Allegheny, 50-10.

400 relay (43.10) - 1. Latrobe (Preston Miller, Jacob Pittman, Bryce Hoke, Adam Piper), 42.46; 2. Butler, 42.52; 3. North Allegheny, 42.80; 4. Norwin, 42.87; 5. McKeesport, 43.083; 6. Mt. Lebanon, 43.087; 7. Seneca Valley, 43.47; 8. Pine-Richland, 43.49.

1,600 relay (3:24.03) - 1. Norwin (Austin Hladek, Theodore Ola, Eliezer Nicholas, Luke Denny), 3:22.25; 2. Penn-Trafford, 3:22.53; 3. Penn Hills, 3:23.93; 4. Butler, 3:24.04; 5. Latrobe, 3:24.28; 6. South Fayette, 3:24.64; 7. Hampton, 3:24.81; 8. North Hills, 3:27.07.

3,200 relay (8:02.04) – 1. Butler (Drew Knight, Zachary Slear, Owen Dressler, Drew Griffith), 7:53.54; 2. Hampton, 7:57.87; 3. North Allegheny, 8:00.71; 4. South Fayette, 8:03.14; 5. North Hills, 8:06.52; 6. Norwin, 8:07.57; 7. Franklin Regional, 8:09.85; 8. Kiski Area, 8:10.56.

WPIAL CLASS 2A CHAMPIONSHIPS

Following are the top eight finishers from both days of the WPIAL meet held May 15-16 at Slippery Rock University. The top four finishers in each event qualify for the PIAA championships May 24-25 at Shippensburg University. Those who finish in fifth through eighth place must meet qualifying standards, which are in parentheses next to each event.

100 meters (11.25) – 1. DeJuan Croumbles, Neighborhood Academy, 10.73; 2. Dane Asbury, Washington, 10.98; 3. Tegan Henke, Fort Cherry, 10.99; 4. Damarius Day, West Mifflin, 11.03; 5. Khalil Taylor, Seton LaSalle, 11.05; 6. Jarett Garn, Mount Pleasant, 11.22; 7. Lee Qualk, California, 11.24; 8. Eric Doerue, South Park, 13.90.

200 (22.88) - 1. Tegan Henke, Fort Cherry, 22.50; 2. Jarett Garn, Mount Pleasant, 22.51; 3. Damarius Day, West Mifflin, 22.69; 4. Zachary Kovell, Hopewell, 22.74; 5. Michael Blackshear, Beaver Falls, 22.78; 6. Dane Asbury, Washington, 23.02; 7. Logan Brewer, South Park, 23.09; 8. Dylan Wudkwych, Fort Cherry, 23.19.

400 (50.70) – 1. Jerry Davis, Greensburg C.C., 49.50; 2. Da'Karri Williams, Beaver Falls, 49.78; 3. Zachary Kovell, Hopewell, 50.20; 4. Michael Miller, Winchester Thurston, 50.46; 5. JaAir, McCracken, Aliquippa, 50.59; 6. Chase Brown, Neighborhood Academy, 50.61; 7. Jayden Juliano, Quaker Valley, 51.65; 8. Josiah Vidzro, West Mifflin, 51.68.

800 (1:59.70) - 1. Colten Crizer, Ellwood City, 1:56.25; 2. Ethan Haring, Eden Christian, 1:57.07; 3. Clark Lalomia, Quaker Valley, 1:57.34; 4. Zach Kruse, Deer Lakes, 1:57.70; 5. Peter Heintzleman, Winchester Thurston, 1:57.72; 6. Micah Ivy, Riverview, 1:58.48; 7. Jackson Pethel, Quaker Valley, 1:59.79; 8. River Capek, Quaker Valley, 2:00.04.

1,600 (4:31.13) – 1. Jaxon Schoedel, Mohawk, 4:26.74; 2. Clark Lalomia, Quaker Valley, 4:28.91; 3. Michael Braun, Freeport, 4:29.37; 4. Nick Szekely, Greensburg C.C., 4:30.03; 5. Caleb Schmidt, Trinity Christian, 4:30.07; 6. Jonah Montagnese, Quaker Valley, 4:30.11; 7. Nate Gray, Eden Christian, 4:36.45; 8. Christopher Barnes, Riverview, 4:38.59.

3,200 (9:48.01) – 1. Jaxon Schoedel, Mohawk, 9:16.03, WPIAL Record; 2. Michael Braun, Freeport, 9:27.58; 3. Brendan Burns, Neshannock, 9:38.11; 4. Nathan Garrett, Eden Christian, 9:39.79; 5. Charlie Routledge, Winchester Thurston, 9:41.86; 6. Jonah Montagnese, Quaker Valley, 9:59.73; 7. Jack Iyer, Winchester Thurston, 10:00.02; 8. Devin Montileone, Riverside, 10:00.78.

100 hurdles (15.35) – 1. Davin Gartley, Quaker Valley, 14.56; 2. Nick Franitti, Ellwood City, 14.85; 3. Austin Kurta, West Mifflin, 15.02; 4. Braedin Lunger, Charleroi, 15.32; 5. Tyler Lewis, Hopewell, 15.53; 6. Kaden Doccio, Ellwood City, 15.57; 7. Daniel Battista, South Park, 15.66; 8. Maliq Buchak, Burrell, 15.86.

300 hurdles (40.80) – 1. Nick Franitti, Ellwood City, 39.39; 2. Davin Gartley, Quaker Valley, 39.56; 3. Austin Kurta, West Mifflin, 39.59; 4. James Brewer, Greensburg C.C., 40.58; 5. Adam Halinka, Southmoreland, 40.68; 6. Austin Friedline, Knoch, 40.82; 7. Gavin Lutz, Riverside, 41.49; 8. Za'saun McElvy, Beaver Falls, 41.50.

Long jump (21-6) – 1. Lee Qualk, California, 22-2.50; 2. Braedin Lunger, Charleroi, 22-0.50; 3. Demarcus Walker, Aliquippa, 21-6.75; 4. Lorenzo Fancher, East Allegheny, 21-1.50; 5. Luke Rullo, Greensburg Salem, 21-1.50; 6. Ryan Keith, McGuffey, 21-0.50; 7. Carlo Buzzatto, Riverview, 20-10.50; 8. Jack Ozimek, South Park, 20-9.

High jump (6-3) – 1. Zack Schrockmann, Burgettstown, 6-5; 2. John Jablunovsky, Ligonier Valley, 6-5; 3. Jack Ozimek, South Park, 6-3; 4. Carmen Pellarin, Keystone Oaks, 6-3; 5. Braedin Lunger, Charleroi, 6-1; 6. Kade Barton, Carlynton, 6-1; 7. (tie) Ryan Keith, McGuffey, 5-11; Jack Ricciuti, Waynesburg, 5-11.

Triple jump (44-0) - 1. Lorenzo Fancher, East Allegheny, 45-5.50; 2. Luke Rullo, Greensburg Salem, 44-1.75; 3. Daysaun Spencer, Brentwood, 43-10.25; 4. Aiden Dywer, Quaker Valley, 42-11; 5. Thomas Debelak, Quaker Valley, 42-9.50; 6. Mark Jablunovsky, Ligonier Valley, 42-5; 7. Ayden Cunningham, McGuffey, 42-2.25; 8. Elijah Thomas, Washington, 42-1.

Pole vault (13-6) – 1. Reece Sullivan, Riverside, 13-0; 2. Connor Progar, Hopewell, 13-0; 3. Garrett Eicher, Mount Pleasant, 13-0; 4. Owen Glover, Riverside, 12-6; 5. Conner Henderson, Apollo-Ridge, 12-6; 6. Gage Sowers, Mount Pleasant, 12-6; 7. Joe Whippo, Mohawk, 12-6; 8. (tie) James Brewer, Greensburg C.C., 12-0; Mason Schroyer, Waynesburg, 12-0; Jacob Bupp, Shenango, 12-0.

Discus (148-0) – 1. Colton Fedrizzi, Shenango, 154-1; 2. Garrett Myers, Springdale, 146-2; 3. Carson Emerick, Riverside, 141-6; 4. Carlo Buzzatto, Riverview, 135-7; 5. Jonah Pfender, Fort Cherry, 134-9; 6. Kaden Lemley, South Park, 134-8; 7. Blaise Dando, Shenango, 128-6; 8. Jack Miles, Laurel, 128-2.

Javelin (176-0) - 1. Mateja Pavlovich, South Side Beaver, 157-8; 2. Karter Schrock, Apollo-Ridge, 154-4; 3. Elliot Liskooka, Union, 145-8; 4. Corey Bouchelle, Fort Cherry, 145-0; 5. Jayden McCray, Apollo-Ridge, 143-10; 6. Dalton Taylor, Waynesburg, 141-3; 7. Ryan Minerd, Beth-Center, 139-11; 8. Frank Krezolek, Apollo-Ridge, 139-6.

Shot put (49-6) – 1. Colton Fedrizzi, Shenango, 55-11.25; 2. Jonah Pfender, Fort Cherry, 52-11.25; 3. Braeden Walker, West Mifflin, 47-4.50; 4. Levi Stuck, Shenango, 46-1.25; 5. Kaden Lemley, South Park, 45-1.25; 6. Sebastian Odah, East Allegheny, 44-10; 7. Teddy Gray, Burgettstown, 44-7.25; 8. Blaise Dando, Shenango, 43-7.25.

400 relay (44.30) – 1. Fort Cherry (Dylan Wudkwych, Tegan Henke, Shane Cornali, Matt Sieg), 42.59; 2. Neighborhood Academy, 42.89; 3. South Park, 43.17; 4. West Mifflin, 43.76; 5. Quaker Valley, 44.24; 6. Hopewell, 44.29; 7. Brownsville, 44.31; 8. New Brighton, 44.42.

1,600 relay (3:29.60) - 1. Quaker Valley (Davin Gartley, James Irwin, Jayden Juliano, Clark Lalomia), 3:26.89; 2. Ellwood City, 3:28.22; 3. Winchester Thurston, 3:28.85; 4. South Park, 3:29.32; 5. Beaver Falls, 3:30.09; 6. West Mifflin, 3:30.10; 7. Trinity Christian, 3:30.61; 8. Shenango, 3:30.65.

3,200 relay (8:15.55) - 1. Quaker Valley (River Capek, Jonah Montagnese, Jackson Pethel, Clark Lalomia), 8:01.66; 2. Ellwood City, 8:01.75; 3. Winchester Thurston, 8:07.28; 4. Eden Christian, 8:11.78; 5. Riverview, 8:16.03; 6. McGuffey, 8:22.88; 7. Mohawk, 8:26.21; 8. Deer Lakes, 8:39.26

First Published May 16, 2024, 10:04pm

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MAY 16, 2024

9:56 PM

WPIAL CLASS 3A CHAMPIONSHIPS

Following are the top eight finishers from both days of the WPIAL meet held May 15-16 at Slippery Rock University. The top four finishers in each event qualify for the PIAA championships May 24-25 at Shippensburg University. Those who finish in fifth through eighth place must meet qualifying standards, which are in parentheses next to each event.

100 meters (12.50) – 1. Olivia Renk, South Fayette, 12.05; 2. Gabrielle Layne, Plum, 12.23; 3. Sadie Tomczyk, Upper St. Clair, 12.32; 4. Kali Booker, Penn Hills, 12.34; 5. Seava Cresta, North Catholic, 12.39; 6. Anna Lazzara, North Catholic, 12.58; 7. Ashley Mosesso, West Allegheny, 12.60; 8. Aubrey Popp, Seneca Valley, 12.86.

200 (25.70) - 1. Olivia Renk, South Fayette, 24.87; 2. Sadie Tomczyk, Upper St. Clair, 25.17; 3. Melani Schmidt, Norwin, 25.21; 4. Gabrielle Layne, Plum, 25.40; 5. Seava Cresta, North Catholic, 25.55; 6. Mackenzie McIntyre, Penn Hills, 25.70; 7. Diondra Brown, Laurel Highlands, 25.76; 8. Ashley Sanderson, Upper St. Clair, 25.85.

400 (58.62) - 1. Mackenzie Winning, North Allegheny, 56.45; 2. Isabella Costa, North Allegheny, 57.39; 3. Melanie Schmidt, Norwin, 57.50; 4. Selma Bajgoric, Mt. Lebanon, 57.64; 5. Maya Currie, North Allegheny, 57.90; 6. Diondra Brown, Laurel Highlands, 57.97; 7. Maliah Powell, Penn Hills, 58.85; 8. Gianna Sturdivant, North Hills, 59.03.

Mike White

Butler's Drew Griffith, Laurel's Tori Atkins make history at WPIAL track championships

800 (2:18.47) - 1. Eliza Miller, Kiski Area, 2:13.95; 2. Sylvia Kashak, Thomas Jefferson, 2:14.62; 3. Amelia Barilla, Penn-Trafford, 2:15.25; 4. Jenna Lang, Bethel Park, 2:15.72; 5. Emily Sinton, South Fayette, 2:17.75; 6. Kendall Lucas, North Allegheny, 2:18.04; 7. Madeline Stock, South Fayette, 2:18.95; 8. Siya Joshi, South Fayette, 2:19.28.

1,600 (5:08.00) – 1. Logan St. John Kletter, Mt. Lebanon, 4:52.59; 2. Grace Fritzman, West Allegheny, 4:54.96; 3. Eliza Miller, Kiski Area, 5:00.23; 4. Annie Czajkowski, Norwin, 5:02.41; 5. Wren Kucler, North Allegheny, 5:04.11; 6. Meagan McKenna, Peters Township, 5:05.28; 7. Gracie Plastino, North Catholic, 5:11.17; 8. Emerson Skatell, Latrobe, 5:11.57.

3,200 (11:08.00) – 1. Logan St. John Kletter, Mt. Lebanon, 10:19.78, WPIAL Record; 2. Grace Fritzman, West Allegheny, 10:47.14; 3. Eva Kynaston, North Allegheny, 10:49.83; 4. Gracie Plastino, North Catholic, 10:51.64; 5. Erin McGoey, North Allegheny, 10:51.97; 6. Grace Senneway, Peters Township, 10:55.98; 7. Wren Kucler, North Allegheny, 11:06.28; 8. Lyla Brew, Moon, 11:10.40.

100 hurdles (15.40) – 1. Rose Kuchera, Canon-McMillan, 14.75; 2. Delaney Schumaker, South Fayette, 14.91; 3. Kathryn Morrison, Seneca Valley, 15.07; 4. Evabella Cox, South Fayette, 15.40; 5. Abigail Paterline, Franklin Regional, 15.523; 6. Anna Troutman, Fox Chapel, 15.526; 7. Brandi Brozeski, Norwin, 16.19; 8. Megan Cain, Mt. Lebanon, 20.43.

300 hurdles (46.25) – 1. Lauren Bowden, Butler, 44.99; 2. Megan Cain, Mt. Lebanon, 45.07; 3. Casey Rose Colcombe, Norwin, 45.52; 4. Elizabeth Franczyk, Canon-McMillan, 45.56; 5. Madison Altman, Hempfield, 45.75; 6. Abby Satina, Pine-Richland, 45.84; 7. Lucy Tang, Mt. Lebanon, 45.98; 8. Evabella Cox, South Fayette, 46.27.

High jump (5-3) – 1. Anna Troutman, Fox Chapel, 5-5; 2. Emma Samuel, Trinity, 5-3; 3. Grace Iwig, Hempfield, 5-1; 4. (tie) Gracyn Vardy, Butler, 5-1; Jordan Monteleone, Seneca Valley, 5-1; Tayla Kurzawa, Upper St. Clair, 5-1; 7. Gianna Devito, Kiski Area, 5-1; 8. Brandi Brozeski, Norwin, 4-11.

Long jump (17-9) – 1. Rose Kuchera, Canon-McMillan, 18-2; 2. Mia Klasnic, Latrobe, 18-1.25; 3. Anna Kintner, Fox Chapel, 17-11; 4. Isabella Costa, North Allegheny, 17-9; 5. Lily Schaerli, Mt. Lebanon, 17-3.50; 6. Anna Troutman, Fox Chapel, 17-2.50; 7. Aubrey Rock, Butler, 17-1.75; 8. Flerl Daphne, North Catholic, 17-0.75.

Triple jump (36-6) – 1. Rose Kuchera, Canon-McMillan, 39-1; 2. Jaedin Griggs, Moon, 37-7; 3. Keira Kraemer, Mt. Lebanon, 37-2.25; 4. Elizabeth Franczyk, Canon-McMillan, 37-1.50; 5. Anna Engleman, Upper St. Clair, 37-0.50; 6. Lydia Delsite, Moon, 36-11; 7. Evabella Cox, South Fayette, 36-7; 8. Allison DeMatt, Hempfield, 36.5.

Pole vault (11-6) – 1. Aubrey Rock, Butler, 12-0; 2. Lindsay Breneman, North Allegheny, 12-0; 3. Jaden Brambley, Laurel Highlands, 11-6; 4. (tie) Sophie Aglietta, North Allegheny, 11-6; Grace Iwig, Hempfield, 11-6; 6. Nadia Constanakis, Pine-Richland, 11-6; 7. Sienna Steeber, Belle Vernon, 11-0; 8. Arden Tomley, Franklin Regional, 11-0.

Discus (118.0) – 1. Marlo Cyanovich, Montour, 120-11; 2. Claire Conti, Fox Chapel, 119-2; 3. Maddie Tulley, Hempfield, 114-11; 4. Carmen Vasquez, Woodland Hills, 113-10; 5. Liberty Paladin, Shaler, 111-5; 6. Avery Hogan, Armstrong, 110-4; 7. Julia Lockwood, Butler, 109-8; 8. Audrey Maxwell, North Allegheny, 108-11.

Javelin (122.0) – 1. Abby Tucker, Canon-McMillan, 128-4; 2. Alexis Heller, Norwin, 125-8; 3. Jayla Antomachi, Shaler, 124-5; 4. Laney Springer, Hempfield, 120-1; 5. Margerette Dougherty, Hempfield, 116-2; 6. Audrey Wolfe, Seneca Valley, 116-1; 7. Addie Weaver, Seneca Valley, 114-6; 8. Lily Carlson, Chartiers Valley, 110-10.

Shot put (37-6) – 1. Jamie Frisco, North Allegheny, 40-1.25; 2. Maggie Clair, Canon-McMillan, 39-9; 3. Taylor Neese, North Allegheny, 38-3; 4. Katherine Dolinski, Hempfield, 38-1; 5. Jayla Antomachi, Shaler, 38-0; 6. Avery Hogan, Armstrong, 36-1; 7. Brooklyn Lucas, Baldwin, 35-6; 8. Alexis Heller, Norwin, 35-3.

400 relay (49.56) – 1. North Catholic (Sunni Love, Daphne Flerl, Audra Lazzara, Seava Cresta), 48.09; 2. Upper St. Clair, 48.64; 3. Mt. Lebanon, 48.80; 4. Penn Hills, 48.91; 5. Butler, 48.99; 6. Canon-McMillan, 49.36; 7. Fox Chapel, 49.50; 8. Woodland Hills, 49.66.

1,600 relay (4:01.50) - 1. North Allegheny (Kendall Lucas, Isabella Costa, Maya Currie, Mackenzie Winning), 3:56.66; 2. South Fayette, 3:59.96; 3. Butler, 4:00.19; 4. Norwin, 4:00.21; 5. Mt. Lebanon, 4:00.96; 6. Pine-Richland, 4:03.30; 7. Penn-Trafford, 4:03.56; 8. Hempfield, 4:04.27.

3,200 relay (9:35.48) – 1. North Allegheny (Eva Kynaston, Erin McGoey, Kendall Lucas, Elizabeth Pizon), 9:23.09; 2. South Fayette, 9:27.63; 3. Mt. Lebanon, 9:28.81; 4. Norwin, 9:32.73; 5. North Catholic, 9:32.99; 6. Seneca Valley, 9:34.33; 7. Moon, 9:49.62; 8. Latrobe, 9:51.05.

WPIAL CLASS 2A CHAMPIONSHIPS

Following are the top eight finishers from both days of the WPIAL meet held May 15-16 at Slippery Rock University. The top four finishers in each event qualify for the PIAA championships May 24-25 at Shippensburg University. Those who finish in fifth through eighth place must meet qualifying standards, which are in parentheses next to each event.

100 meters (12.7) – 1. Hayzes Robinson, Avonworth/Northgate, 12.05; 2. Eva Denis, Greensburg C.C., 12.15; 3. Monroe Law, Winchester Thurston, 12.18; 4. Shaye Bailey, Freedom, 12.224; 5. Tori Atkins, Laurel, 12.227; 6. Jordynn Carter, Carlynton, 12.34; 7. Deidra Cox, Beaver Falls, 12.52; 8. Kwilai Karto, Quaker Valley, 12.56.

200 (26.25) – 1. Tori Atkins, Laurel, 24.89; 2. Shaye Bailey, Freedom, 25.03; 3. Monroe Law, Winchester Thurston, 25.09; 4. Deidra Cox, Beaver Falls, 25.51; 5. Ava Menzies, Fort Cherry, 25.52; 6. Emma Palmieri, Hopewell, 25.81; 7. Peyton Mermon, Burgettstown, 25.94; 8. A'zyia Dade, Brownsville, 26.13.

400 (59.85) – 1. Tori Atkins, Laurel, 55.54, WPIAL Record; 2. DaShae Cochran, Winchester Thurston, 57.42; 3. Peyton Mermon, Burgettstown, 57.78; 4. Emma Palmieri, Hopewell, 57.93; 5. Megan Mehall, Southmoreland, 58.91; 6. Grace Ermlich, Avonworth/Northgate, 59.35; 7. Katia Gunter, Ligonier Valley, 59.37; 8. Charlotte Brake-Hoffman, Winchester Thurston, 1:00.00.

800 (2:20.60) – 1. Eilidh Edgar, Trinity Christian, 2:14.76; 2. Megan Mehall, Southmoreland, 2:17.22; 3. Jane Huss, Derry Area, 2:20.82; 4. Ellie Cain, Quaker Valley, 2:21.20; 5. Clara Wallace, Ligonier Valley, 2:21.64; 6. Emma Larkin, Geibel Catholic, 2:22.64; 7. Julia Cernich, Avonworth/Northgate, 2:25.10; 8. Hope Stiteler, Avonworth/Northgate, 2:25.26.

1,600 (5:18.30) – 1. Chelsea Hartman, Shady Side Academy, 5:06.44; 2. Ava Santora, Knoch, 5:16.16; 3. Bridget McNamara, Carlynton, 5:18.97; 4. Charlotte, Barker, Shady Side Academy, 5:19.78; 5. Emily Frankovich, Fort Cherry, 5:20.33; 6. Abigail Weinstein, Winchester Thurston, 5:20.94; 7. Lexi Fluharty, Riverside, 5:21.38; 8. Grace Nesko, Burrell, 5:28.89.

3,200 (11:35.0) – 1. Chelsea Hartman, Shady Side Academy, 10:48.33; 2. Alexis Abbett, Aquinas Academy, 11:20.43; 3. Ava Santora, Knoch, 11:32.25; 4. Lexi Ohler, Southmoreland, 11:36.33; 5. Gianna Mosca, Our Lady of Sacred Heart, 11:39.24; 6. Lexi Fluharty, Riverside, 11:40.65; 7. Brooke Wissinger, Riverside, 12:32.30; 8. Mira Mosca, Our Lady of Sacred Heart, 12:41.83.

100 hurdles (16.01) – 1. Ellie Whippo, Mohawk, 15.53; 2. Sasha Hoffman, Greensburg C.C., 15.61; 3. Allison Smola, Burrell, 15.93; 4. Erin Schaeffer, Freeport, 16.02; 5. Eden Smith, Charleroi, 16.14; 6. Kwilai Karto, Quaker Valley, 16.24; 7. Mariah Lewis, West Mifflin, 16.29; 8. Amelia Brose, Chartiers-Houston, 22.20.

300 hurdles (47.64) – 1. Ellie Whippo, Mohawk, 45.01; 2. Sasha Hoffman, Greensburg C.C., 46.35; 3. Tessa Mathabel, Burrell, 46.78; 4. Erin Schaeffer, Freeport, 47.02; 5. Octavia Chitty, Winchester Thurston, 47.34; 6. Julia Doherty, Avonworth/Northgate, 47.66; 7. Zhariah Reed, Brownsville, 47.79; 8. Kamili Wiley, Winchester Thurston, 47.82.

High jump (5-2) – 1. Mia Gartley, Quaker Valley, 5-4; 2. Sophia Yard, Apollo-Ridge, 5-4; 3. Oumou Thiero, Quaker Valley, 5-4; 4. Ava Koski, Neshannock, 5-2; 5. (tie) Delaney Sturgeon, Ellwood City, 5-2; Abigail Bulow, Shenango, 5-2; 7. Ella Neil, California, 5-2; 8. Kamryn Burtner, Knoch, 5-0.

Long jump (16-11) – 1. Clare Ruffing, Carlynton, 18-5; 2. Sara Roe, Shenango, 17-7.50; 3. Addy Kays, Shenango, 17-7; 4. DaShae Cochran, Winchester Thurston, 17-7; 5. Eva Denis, Greensburg C.C., 17-1.50; 6. Taylor Vargo, South Park, 16-9.75; 7. Ellie Whippo, Mohawk, 16-9.25; 8. Lola Abraham, Riverview, 16-8.25.

Triple jump (35-6) – 1. Jay Olawaiye, Quaker Valley, 38-5; 2. Kara Fennell, Knoch, 38-0; 3. Jordynn Carter, Carlynton, 37-2.75; 4. Sara Roe, Shenango, 36-4.50; 5. Emma Currier, Quaker Valley, 35-6; 6. Lola Abraham, Riverview, 35-5.50; 7. Alexis Bansah, Winchester Thurston, 35-3.50; 8. Kiera Julian, Mohawk, 34-6.

Pole vault (10-6) – 1. Mackenzie Magness, Freeport, 11-6; 2. Aurea Hickenbooth, Freedom, 11-6; 3. Evie Rosselli, Quaker Valley, 11-3; 4. Elizabeth Michael, Beaver, 11-3; 5. Kara Fennell, Knoch, 10-9; 6. Sarah Minard, Quaker Valley, 10-6; 7. Meadow Wlodarczyk, Burrell, 9-6; 8. Valerie Hauser, Laurel, 9-0.

Discus (113-0) – 1. Rachel Callahan, Shenango, 119-1; 2. Maria Bryant, Shenango, 110-9; 3. Zoe Bupp, Shenango, 109-6; 4. Amara McKissick, Laurel, 108-7; 5. Alexis Geiwitz, Laurel, 105-0; 6. Scarlett Hadlum, Deer Lakes, 101-1; 7. Brooklyn Havelka, Chartiers-Houston, 97-4; 8. Aurora Cunkelman, Shady Side Academy, 96-2.

Javelin (121-0) - 1. Sophia Mazzoni, Derry, 159-0; 2. Karlee Buterbaugh, Knoch, 125-10; 3. Monroe Polis, South Park, 115-7; 4. Neah Ewing, Knoch, 111-1; 5. Rory Pallone, Burrell, 109-10; 6. Morgan Keller, Freedom, 106-8; 7. Gabriella McGavitt, Frazier, 106-2; 8. Taylor Schumaker, McGuffey, 105-9.

Shot put (36-6) – 1. Anna McKinney, Shenango, 39-11; 2. Mikayla Anderson, Beaver Falls, 39-8.75; 3. Alexis Geiwitz, Laurel, 39-7; 4. Zoe Bupp, Shenango, 39-4.50; 5. Jiana Patterson, Greensburg C.C., 38-4; 6. Maria Bryant, Shenango, 38-0; 7. Madison Hunt, Knoch, 35-10.25; 8. Monroe Polis, South Park, 33-11.

400 relay (50.80) – 1. Winchester Thurston (Alexis Bansah, DaShae Cochran, Octavia Chitty, Monroe Law), 48.77; 2. Freedom, 49.92; 3. Quaker Valley, 49.96; 4. Hopewell, 50.28; 5. Carlynton, 50.40; 6. Shenango, 50.85; 7. Knoch, 51.11; 8. Brownsville, 51.11.

1,600 relay (4:08.75) - 1. Avonworth/Northgate (Grace Ermlich, Gianna Babusci, Hayzes Robinson, Julia Doherty), 3:56.48, WPIAL Record; 2. Winchester Thurston, 4:01.29; 3. Fort Cherry, 4:04.67; 4. Quaker Valley, 4:06.89; 5. Riverview, 4:09.49; 6. Freeport, 4:09.68; 7. Shady Side Academy, 4:11.73; 8. Trinity Christian, 4:12.06.

3,200 relay (9:50.40) – 1. Shady Side Academy (Ella Van Norman, Charlotte Barker, Rhyley Bendel, Chelsea Hartman), 9:42.76; 2. Fort Cherry, 9:49.78; 3. Carlynton, 9:54.40; 4. Southmoreland, 9:56.02; 5. Quaker Valley, 9:57.02; 6. South Park, 10:03.27; 7. Winchester Thurston, 10:04.70; 8. Avonworth/Northgate, 10:14.09.

First Published May 16, 2024, 9:56pm

1 

KEITH BARNES

Tri-State Sports & News Service

MAY 15, 2024

11:13 PM

Quaker Valley junior Davin Gartley came into the meet as the top seed in both the 110-meter and 300-meter intermediate hurdles.

He was able to win one. But like so many others in recent years, he couldn’t win the second.

Gartley won his first individual championship when he came through with a 14.56-second heat that beat out Ellwood City senior Nick Franitti by 0.29 seconds to win the 110s. But he was unable to pull off the hurdles sweep as Franitti was able to pass him after the final hurdle and finish in 39.39, leaving Gartley 0.17 seconds back.

No one has won both the 110 and 300 hurdles since Dustin Fuller of Washington in 2012.

Keith Barnes: kbarnes.pg@gmail.com and @kbarnes_pghsprt on X

First Published May 15, 2024, 11:13p

Bill Allmann, Special to the Times

USA TODAY NETWORK

SLIPPERY ROCK — The Quaker Valley boys’ 3200-meter relay team had been preparing for the WPIAL Championships, held at the William C. Lennox Track at Slippery Rock University.

A whole year, in fact.

“We started to get ready to defend as soon as we won last year,” said Jackson Pethel. “We knew we could, - we lost one senior but we knew we had freshman Jonah Montagnese coming up.”

Those two, along with River Capek and Clark Lalomia, were among the leaders for the whole two miles but ended up winning by a mere 9/10 of a second over Ellwood.

“Last year we won by more but we knew there would be good competition,” said Lalomia. “This was the first time Ellwood City was that close, but we knew we’d have competition from them and Winchester-Thurston.

“Their late kick made it a great race.”

For the quartet, it wasn’t their first championship of the year as the Quakers won the team title earlier this spring as well. All agreed the team championship felt better but Montagnese had a special feeling for his first gold.

“It was a lot better than I expected,” the freshman admitted.

Montagnese’s teammate Davin Gartley also earned an individual gold to go with the previous team gold as he set a personal best in the 110 hurdles with a mark of 14.56 seconds.

“I liked my time but I’m definitely not satisfied,” said Gartley, a junior who had already posted the best times in the event all season. “There was definitely a target on my back but the competition really pushed me.”

Like the quartet of teammates winning before him, Gartley won his gold in his first event but there were more to run for them – Lalomia finished second in the 1600, Montagnese was sixth in the 1600, and Gartley was second in the 300 hurdles.

Gartley wasn’t the only member of his family to wear a gold medal, either. His younger sister, Mia, a sophomore, defended her gold medal in the high jump with a jump of 5-4.

“I tied my personal best that I just set last meet so that was good,” said Gartley, who won in a tiebreaker with others at 5-4 that included her teammate Oumou Thiero at the same height.

“I get a lot of competition at practice,” said Gartley. “I just started jumping in eighth grade and I liked it.”

Gartley wasn’t the only relative newcomer to capture a gold. Teammate Jay Olawaiye, a junior, won the gold medal in the triple jump.

“I started doing the triple jump the end of my freshman year,” said Olawaiye. “This feels great - I was second last year by an inch and a half and entering my last jump I was behind by an inch again.

“I wasn’t going to let that happen again. I wasn’t nervous – I just used the pressure to fuel me.”

Everyone in the stadium had their chance to get nervous as thunder was heard and the meet was delayed for well over three hours the first time and a second time for another hour and a half before being postponed at 9:30 p.m. The field events were affected more than the track because there is more than a little trepidation putting a pole in the ground and catapulting 13 feet in the air.

Here is a complete list of local medal winners from Wednesday. Those with a (Q) qualified for the PIAA meet. The events left to finish are the 200 meters, 3200 meters, 800 meters for the boys, and the 1600 relay and the high jump for the boys.

Girls

800: AA 4. Ellie Cain, Quaker Valley, 2:21.20 (Q).

100 hurdles: AA 6. Kwilai Karto, Quaker Valley, 16.24 (Q)

400 relay: AA 2. Freedom, 49.92 (Q); 3. Quaker Valley, 49.96 (Q); 4. Hopewell, 50.28 (Q).

3200 relay: AA 5. Quaker Valley, 9:57.02 (Q).

High jump: AA 1. Mia Gartley, Quaker Valley, 5-4 (Q); 3. Oumou Thiero (QV), 5-4; 5. Delaney Sturgeon, Ellwood City, 5-2 (Q).

Triple jump: AA: 1. Jay Olawaiye, Quaker Valley, 38-5 (Q); 5. Emma Currier, Quaker Valley, 35-6;  AAA 2. Jaedin Griggs, Moon, 37-7 (Q); 6. Lydia Delsite, Moon, 36-11 (Q).

Pole vault: AA 2. Aurea Hickenboth, Freedom, 11-6 (Q); 3. Evie Roselli, 11-3 (Q); 4. Elizbeth Michael, Beaver, 11-3 (Q); 6. Sara Minard, Quaker Valley, 10-6 AAA 1. Kaitlyn Eger, West Allegheny, 12-0 (Q)

Boys

400: AA. 2. Da’Karri Williams, Beaver Falls, 49.78; 3. Zach Kovell, Hopewell, 50.20 (Q); 5. JaAir McCracken, Aliquippa, 50.39 (Q); 7. Jayden Juliano, Quaker Valley, 51.65

1600: AA 2. Clark Lalomia, Quaker Valley, 4:28.91 (Q); 6. Jonah Montagnese, Quaker Valley, 4:30.11 (Q). AAA 3. Elijah Bechdel, Beaver, 4:11.29 (Q).

100 hurdles: AA 1.  Davin Gartley, Quaker Valley, 14.56 (Q); 2. Nick Franitti, Ellwood City, 14.85 (Q); 5. Tyler Lewis, Hopewell, 15.53 (Q); 6. Kaden Doccio (EC), 15.57.

300 hurdles: AA 1. Nick Franitti, Ellwood City, 39.39 (Q); 2. Davin Gartley, Quaker Valley, 39.56 (Q); 7, Gavin Lutz, Riverside, 41.49; 8. Za’Saun McElvy, Beaver Falls, 41.50.

400 relay: AA 5. Quaker Valley, 44.24 (Q); 6. Hopewell, 44.20 (Q); 8. New Brighton, 44.42.

3200 relay: AA 1. Quaker Valley, 8:01.66 (Q); 2. Ellwood City, 8:01.75 (Q).

Triple jump: AA 4. Aden Dywer, Quaker Valley, 42-11 (Q); 5. Thomas Debelak, Quaker Valley, 42-9.5 (Q).

PAUL SCHOFIELD TRIBHSSNTUE, MAY 7, 2024 • 10:30 PM

Quaker Valley sophomore Aidan Dwyer clears 6-foot-2 in the high jump at the WPIAL Class 2A team track and field championships Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

It was a day of redemption and fulfilling a dream for the Quaker Valley track and field teams Tuesday at the WPIAL Class 2A championships.

The boys reclaimed the title after losing it in 2023 to Greensburg Central Catholic, and the girls fought off challenges from numerous teams to win their third consecutive and 10th overall. The boys have won four times.

After the being awarded the first-place trophies, coach Jared Jones got a jug filled with water and ice poured over his head. The cold, wet shower was refreshing after tight battles.

The boys defeated Greensburg Central Catholic (84-66), Hopewell (113-37) and Ellwood City (112-38). Greensburg Central Catholic finished second.

The girls edged Fort Cherry (79-71), Knoch (85-65) and Shenango (102-48). Fort Cherrynipped Knoch (76-74) for second place.

"On the girls’ side, because they had won two times in a row and winning a third time would be tough because they had that target on its back,” Jones said. "We ran into a couple issues because of illness and injuries. It was a group effort, but what really got us going was winning the 3,200-meter relay. It was really surprising for us.

"All the jumps went our way. It was amazing. There wasn’t one specific thing. Everyone performed well. Fort Cherry is a really good team.

Ellie Cain, the anchor in the 3,200 relay, Kwilai Karto (100 and 100 hurdles), Mia Gartley and Mimi Thiero in the high jump, Jay Olawaiye and Olivia Jordan in the long and Evie Rosselli in the pole vault were just some of the girls who shined.

"We got a sweep in the 800 and 3,200,” Jones said. "They were both big for us along with going one-two in the high jump. The distance runners knew they had a lot on their shoulders in a lot of different events, and they stepped up.”

The distance runners include Jonah Montagnese, Tyler Bell, Clark LaLomia, River Capek and Oliver Graham.

Greensburg Central Catholic coach Mike Brewer said he knew his team and to perform well if it wanted to defend their title.

"Quaker Valley had more depth than us,” Brewer said. "For us to win, everyone had to their best. We didn’t, and Quaker Valley took advantage. We’ll have the rubber match with them next year.”

Brewer said all parts of the team performed well. Some athletes came up with personal bests.

Jerry Davis was a double winner, Samir Crosby scored points in three events, Aidan Allison won the 100, Jonah Snyder won the shot put, Nicky Dlugos placed second in the javelin and James and Grant Brewer went one-two in the pole vault. The 4-by-100-meter relay team broke its own school record

WPIAL team track championships: Butler boys, North Allegheny girls win 3A, while Quaker Valley sweeps 2A titles

FROM LOCAL DISPATCHES

MAY 7, 2024

10:00 PM

Quaker Valley sweeps 2A

Quaker Valley should’ve brought brooms to the WPIAL Class 2A team championships at Peters Township because the Quakers swept the boys and girls championships.  

The Quaker Valley girls won their third consecutive title, with Fort Cherry finishing second, Knoch third and Shenango fourth. It was the 10th title for the Quakers.

The Quaker Valley boys won their first championship since 1997. Greensburg Central Catholic was second, Ellwood City third and Hopewell fourth.

First Published May 7, 2024, 9:07pm

Momentum keeps building for Quaker Valley girls track team

By: Ray Fisher 
Sunday, April 21, 2024 | 11:01 AM

The Quaker Valley track and field program is thriving.

Big time.

The QV girls team has won the past two WPIAL Class 2A championships.

The Quakers defended their title with ease last year at the WPIAL finals at Peters Township, rolling past Winchester Thurston, Knoch and Derry.

The QV girls took first place in 11 of the 18 events and had eight individual titlists, including Ellie Cain in both the 800- and 1,600-meter runs.

Cain won the 800 in 2:21.40 and the 1,600 in 5:29.83 but said it took a team effort to claim a second consecutive team title.

“We all worked really hard to get to the WPIAL championships in the first place,” Cain said. “We also could not have won without the help of our coaches pushing us at practice every day and just being supportive in general.

“My expectations are high for (this) year. I think we are going to be very strong again.”

By the looks of their early results, Cain’s expectations will be met and the QV girls will be a force in 2024.

The Quakers have been led in the early going by the one-two punch of Cain, a senior, in the 200-, 800- and 1,600-meter events, and Jay Olawaiye, a junior, in the long and triple jumps.

“The girls track team has been doing great,” Cain said. “As of right now (April 17), we are still undefeated. I think our team is going to continue to have a lot of future success because of the hard work that everyone puts in.

“However, it will definitely be a challenge because of the talent on so many of the other teams in the WPIAL.”

QV was scheduled to compete in its first outdoor invitational April 19 at Butler.

“I am very excited for that,” Cain said prior to the invite. “My season has been going pretty well. I have one indoor school record and I am hoping to get an outdoor one as well.”

Olawaiye’s triple jump of 39-5.5 last year was a school record along with the No. 1 distance in the state at that time for 2A girls.

“Every girl works hard in practice and contributes to our success,” Olawaiye said. “They are all wonderful people, and I’m so excited to run another track season with them.”

Olawaiye is a two-sport standout. She competes at No. 1 singles in girls tennis in the fall.

Olawaiye and Cain are complemented by a host of talented teammates on the track team, including juniors Kwilai Karto (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles), Amelia Pribic (javelin, 100 hurdles) and Sarah Minard (pole vault), freshman Rose Pocasangre (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles) and sophomore Mia Gartley (high jump, 300 hurdles).

Peak conditioning is key for the Quakers for 2024, according to Karto.

“The expectation is to come into (this) season further conditioned in order to achieve even more than the past two years,” she said. “I look forward to seeing new faces at the track and continuing old friendships. We have an incredible team and an exciting year ahead of us.”

One of Minard’s goals last season was to break the school record in the pole vault. She actually shattered it twice at the team championships, eventually clearing 10-2.

“I really wanted to beat the school record or get a personal record in the double digits,” said Minard, a former gymnast. “I did track as a freshman. It was a lot different from (last) season, but I enjoyed them both equally. I made a lot of close bonds, which made meets and invites a ton of fun.”

There are plenty of up-and-coming competitors to go around on the QV girls squad.

Others looking to contribute to another championship run include juniors Vanessa Pickett (100, 200), Olivia Jordan (100, 200, long jump), Cecelia Montagnese (800), Emily Bablak (800) and Mia Fusco (1,600), seniors Lizzie Szuba (400), Grace Waller (400, shot put) and Kate Hines (3,200) and sophomores Zora Washington (100) and Parker Barnes (400).

“I’m confident we can have a really impressive season,” Montagnese said.

More athletes on the girls team are sophomores Oumou Thiero (high jump), Emma Currier (triple jump), Clara Herman (javelin) and May Galas (javelin, shot put), seniors Kathryn Main (high jump), Spencer Elliot (long jump, triple jump), Julia Garvic (discus) and Deja Keo (discus, javelin), along with juniors Sienna Albano (discus) and Shy Cameron (javelin, shot put).

This year’s top freshmen include Pocasangre, Maddie Gatehouse (100, 200), Kennedy O’Neill (800, pole vault), Kate Steinfurth (1,600, 3,200), Maggie Doz (3,200), Alex Polce (long jump, triple jump), Anna Fuener (long jump), Tiya Simgh (long jump, triple jump), Hanna Stein (discus, javelin, shot put) and Maura Calhoun (javelin, shot put), among others.

And all three relay units also have gotten off to fast starts in 2024.