This week’s notebook highlights some of the big performances on the girls’ side at last weekend’s district meet. To view photos of the meet, please visit the Photo Gallery.
By Scott Huff
Caln – A great deal of the spectators and athletes were long gone from Coatesville High School when the announcement was finally made that the Pennridge girls track and field team was indeed the 2012 PIAA District One champions. The Lady Rams last won a district title back in 1983, and the exuberant team proudly held up its trophy in front of the cheering, though sparse, crowd.
“I would be lying if I didn’t want us to win a district championship,” said Pennridge head coach Bill Smith after Pennridge had won the Suburban One League Continental Conference title. “I thought all along that this was going to be our year.”
And it was the magnificent year of Pennridge senior Tori Gerlach that was the cornerstone of the Ram district title. The Penn State bound distance runner was her astonishing self on Saturday as she collected gold for Pennridge in both the 3200 meters and then the 1600 meters.
“Sometimes it is harder to bounce back mentally than physically,” said Gerlach as she broke the 3200 district record in 10:24.19. “My mom massaged my legs between races and I stayed in the shade. It was a great day to run, and I felt really strong in the 3200. And my time in the 1600 (4:53.18) was my second best time ever.”
Gerlach bested long time rival Meghan McGovern (10:31.77) from North Penn in the 3200, and held off a late rush by Pennridge freshman and teammate Marissa Sheva (4:55.70) to capture the 1600.
“Meghan always gives me great competition, and it seems like we run against each every week,” said Gerlach. “And Marissa has such a great kick at the end.
“I really just try to focus on what I want to do in the race,” added Gerlach. “I go into each race confident, and that has worked out pretty well.”
Quakertown senior Jody-Ann Evans was also a two-time individual gold medal winner capturing both the 100 meters and the 200 meters. Evans jetted to a first place finish in 11.86 in the 100 meters and followed with a blistering 24.58 in the 200 meters.
“I have high expectations, and I wanted to come here to win both races,” said Evans. “Now that it is over, it was really exciting and I’m happy with being this successful. I have worked hard this year to get ready for these races, and I will be excited to compete in states.
“I really enjoy running the 100, but I might like running the 200 a little better,” added Evans. “In the 200 sometimes you can chase people down, but you need a great start to win the 100. Both races are a lot of fun.”
Cheltenham junior Kayla Coley had some fun as she won the 100-meter hurdles and qualified for states on the 300-meter hurdles. Coley won the 100 hurdles with a district best time of 14.31
“I was pleased with the win, but I clipped a couple of hurdles and that hurt my time,” said Coley who has run the fastest times in the state in both the 100 and 300 hurdles this year. “My goal is to run a clean race – and that would be at states.”
Also going into states with a District One gold medal will be Central Bucks South sophomore Taylor Hojnacki who won the discus with a personal best throw of 137-5.
“My personal best was 130-1, but the level of competition here brought out the best in me,” said Hojnacki. “I just try to visualize my throws when I’m in the circle, and my technique has improved every day. It would be awesome if I could reach 140 at states.”
There were five other impressive gold medal performances at the district meet from the Suburban One League.
Abington senior Jordan Matthews captured first in the long jump with a leap of 18-4.75.
Council Rock South senior Amanda Benninghoff collected gold in the pole vault with a winning vault of 12-4.
Upper Dublin senior Taylor Morgan was the elite performer in all of District One with a jump of 5-6.
The Norristown 4 x 100 relay comprised of juniors Rowanna Watson, Delshirah Culbreath, Alexis Bell, and Zanya Milligan captured first place in 47.68.
The Central Bucks West 4 x 400 relay anchored by senior Jamila Branch collected gold in a winning clocking of 3:49.73.
2012 SOL State Qualifiers
Abington Ghosts
Jordan Matthews (2) – 400 meters & long jump
Bensalem Owls
Ade Hunter – 200 meters
Tyra Roberts – shot put
Central Bucks East Patriots
Louise Huuki – 1600 meters
Lizzy Morris – 1600 meters
Kelly Knauer – 300 meter hurdles
Elizabeth Daniels – 200 meters
Veronica Eder – 3200 meters
4 x 100 relay
4 x 4400 relay
4 x 800 relay
Central Bucks South Titans
Christina Cianciarulo – 100 meters
Taylor Hojnacki – discus
4 x 100 relay
4 x 400 relay
4 x 800 relay
Central Bucks West Bucks
Jamila Branch – 400 meters
Julia Patterson – 300 meter hurdles
Cait Mautz – javelin
4 x 800 relay
4 x 100 relay
4 x 400 relay
Cheltenham Panthers
Kayla Coley (2) – 100 meter hurdles & 300 meter hurdles
Ciara Leonard – 100 meter hurdles
Nicolette Mathis – 100 meter hurdles
Francine Marquis – 300 meter hurdles
Hannah Gilliam – 800 meters
Ciara Andrews – long jump
Council Rock North Indians
Hannah Kruman – 800 meters
Kate Scott – 3200 meters
Council Rock South Golden Hawks
Paige McDowell – 300 meter hurdles
Shannon Taub – High Jump
Amanda Benninghoff – Pole Vault
4 x 800 relay
Harry S Truman Tigers
Jamie Tramel (2) 100 meters & 200 meters
Nikki Herbert – 100 meters
4 x 100 relay
Neshaminy Redskins
4 x 400 relay
Norristown Eagles
Zanya Milligan (2) – 100 meters & 200 meters
Alexis Bell (2) – 100 & 200 meters
Rowanna Watson (2) – 100 & 200 meters
4 x 100 relay
North Penn Maidens
Syndee Jacques (3) – 100 & 300 meters hurdles & triple jump
Meghan McGovern – 3200 meters
4 x 800 relay
Pennridge Rams
Tori Gerlach (2) – 1600 meters & 3200 meters
Natalia Pinkney (2) – 100 & 200 meters
Taylor Chapman – 100 meters
Marissa Sheva – 1600 meters
Caitlyn Sheva – 3200 meters
Katrina Przbylowski – High Jump
4 x 100 relay
4 x 400 relay
Pennsbury Falcons
Zakiyyah Richardson (2) – 100 meters & 200 meters
Sara Sargent – 1600 meters
Husniyyah Rogers – 400 meters
Ann Herman – 3200 meters
4 x 100 relay
4 x 400 relay
4 x 800 relay
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials
Katelynn Williams – 100 meter hurdles
Danielle Leake – 100 meters
Quakertown Panthers
Jody-Ann Evans (2) – 100 & 200 meters
Stacey Nagele – Pole Vault
4 x 100 relay
Souderton Indians
Emily Dusellier – 800 meters
Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals
Taylor Morgan (2) – 300 meter hurdles & high jump
Sarah Holl – 1600 meters
Wissahickon Trojans
Ebony Grasty (2) – 100 meter hurdles & triple jump
Alicia Ross – Shot Put
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