Abington’s Jack Armstrong Invitational brings out the best
ABINGTON — Shortly before nightfall, Cheltenham’s Josh Herard took to the 300-meter hurdles with his usual determination and intensity.
“You just gotta attack,” the sophomore standout said. “You gotta be aggressive. It’s basically like a 400. You just gotta go.”
Herard continued his surge, winning the event Friday night at the 13th Annual Jack Armstrong Invitational Track and Field Meet at Abington High.
Local standouts put forth some of the best performances of the spring, on a warm and breezy night on the track – and in the field.
Herard’s winning time of 40.84 was tops in PA this season, and it bested a field that included Pennridge’s Ethan Cirafesi (41.32) and Michael Muireuri (41.54).
All three set personal records Friday night at Abington.
“You just gotta keep your pace up and keep moving,” said Herard, who would also go on to place second in the 110’s.
It was a big night for Cheltenham in the hurdles and sprints.
Adam Rodgers took the 110 hurdles with a 15.28 and Jordan Sewell motored to a victory in the 200 dash with a 22.27. The 4×100 relay was also first (43.13).
Additionally, Anthony Torres long jumped to a winning mark of 20-6.5.
The Panthers are setting themselves up nicely for the stretch run.
“I can improve – definitely,” said Herard. “I think I can do better. I’m gonna work on it and keep going. And try to make districts.”
Host Abington, which celebrated its Senior Night, had a tremendous night. Jamir McClinton raced to a win in the 100 (11.22) and Luke Coleman was the 400 (49.03) winner for the Ghosts.
Abington’s 4×400 and 4×800 relays also beat the pack.
William Tennent’s Chase Rosenfeld was a double winner in the distance events for the Panthers, pushing to victory in both the 1,600 and 3,200.
North Penn meanwhile, had an outstanding night in the field, winning three events, including Kerrick Vesper clearing 11-6 in the pole vault.
The North Penn girls also collected several first places, led by Madison Gee’s double victories in the long jump and triple.
Jack Armstrong Invitational
Boys
110 hurdles: Adam Rodgers (Cheltenham) 15.28; 100: Jamir McClinton (Abington) 11.22; 200: Jordan Sowell (Cheltenham) 22.27; 400: Luke Coleman (Abington) 49.03; 800: Matthew Richman (William Tennent) 2:03.70; 1,600: Chase Rosenfeld (William Tennent) 4:34.21; 3,200: Chase Rosenfeld (William Tennent) 9:51.65; 300 hurdles: Josh Herard (Cheltenham) 40.84; 4×100 relay: Cheltenham, 43.13; 4×400 relay: Abington, 3:21.61; 4×800 relay: Abington, 8:21.67; High Jump: Romar Berry (Bartram Motivation) 5-10; Long Jump: Anthony Torres (Cheltenham) 20-6.5; Triple Jump: Jared Hess (Pennridge) 45-0.5; Pole Vault: Kerrick Vesper (North Penn) 11-6; Discus: David Costa (North Penn) 155-1; Javelin: Zach Duld (North Penn) 152-5; Shot Put: Greg Masso (Delsea, N.J.) 52-5.
Girls
100: Madeline Lewis (North Penn) 12.67; 200: Jade Sanders (Abington Friends) 26.0; 400: Ka’Nai Bey-English (Mastery Charter School North) 57.85; 800: Jillian Thorning (CB East) 2:17.07; 1,600: Bailey Gassmann (CR South) 5:16.97; 3,200: Savannah Zeaman (William Tennent) 11:42.82; 100 hurdles: Melayna Pettigrew (CB East) 16.26; 300 hurdles: Miranda Jimenez (North Penn) 47.12; 4×100 relay: Bartram Motivation, 50.99; 4×400 relay: North Penn, 4:03.04; 4×800 relay: Penn Wood, 9:54.12; High Jump: Kelly Donnelly (William Tennent) 4-8; Long Jump: Madison Gee (North Penn) 17-6.25; Triple Jump: Gee (North Penn) 34-10.25; Pole Vault: Reagan Metague (CR South) 10-2; Discus: Zianna Dobson (North Penn) 100-9; Javelin: Corinne Troy (CR South) 90-3; Shot Put: Alyson Vogt (William Tennent) 31-2.5.
