Goal Reached
ADAMS TWP — Zach Leachman's goal Friday in the 3,200-meter run was simple — defend his title from last year's Mars Track and Field Invitational.
Mission accomplished.
Mars' sophomore topped the field by running the event in 9 minutes, 59.53 seconds. He came in well ahead of runner-up Patrick Malone of Winchester Thurston, whose time was 10:13.93.
Leachman's best time in the event was set last week when he placed fourth at the Butler Invitational with a 9:34.87.
Conditions for the 3,200 were not good as thunderstorms rolled over the Mars Athletic Complex about an hour before the event, followed by much cooler temperatures and occasional gusts of wind.
But that did not change Leachman's mind-set.
“I knew I was ranked 20 seconds ahead of the second-place kid (Wheeling Park's Ronnie Saunders) coming in and I was just looking to win the event,” he said. “I was more focused on the 1,600 today and I set a (personal record) in that with a 4:27.58 and placing third.”
Leachman wants to end his sophomore season by competing in the 3,200 at next month's state meet, something that eluded him as a freshman.
“I need to either finish in the top four at WPIALs or make the time cut (9:31.71) to get to states,” he said. “Over the next few weeks, I need to do more endurance runs and speed workouts.”
Those familiar with Seneca Valley athletics recognize Ty Gross from his exploits on the school's football and wrestling teams, but he's doing pretty well for himself in track and field as well.
The senior heaved a first-place throw of 162 feet, three inches in the javelin. Not bad for a newcomer to the sport.
“Coach (Ray) Peaco kinda recruited me for the team,” said Gross. “Being a senior, I wanted another sport to compete in. I have a lot of friends on the track team, so I came out.”
At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Gross has the physical makeup conducive to success in the javelin.
“I tried all three throwing events in practice,” he said. “The shot put is usually for bigger guys and you have to be right on with your technique in the discus. You can get away with a little more in the javelin. It's the event that best suits me.”
Gross and the Raiders missed out on a trip to the WPIAL team playoffs with a loss to Butler last Tuesday, but he still hopes to make the most of his remaining time in the field. His best throw to date is 165-2.
“If I keep improving, there's a possibility I could make it to states,” he said.Grove City managed a memorable day at the MAC, earning three top finishes including Emma Isenberg in the girls high jump, Jonah Powell in the boys 800 run and the boys 4x400 relay.Powell finished the 800 in a personal-best time of 1:57.85. At the recent Butler Invite, he placed second in the 1,600 run. He capped his effort Friday by running the first leg of the Eagles' winning relay squad.“He really is a utility guy,” said Grove City coach Ben English. “We can put him anywhere. I think his performance at Butler last week gave him confidence.”Powell's teammates in the 4x400 were Connor McEwen, Will Hannon and Cody Drexler. The quartet turned in a time of 3:30.53, or 1.13 seconds ahead of Hampton.“This was the first time they all ran together,” said English. “We knew we had good legs out there, but weren't sure how they'd mesh.”Isenberg came very close to setting a personal record in the high jump, but still went home with an invite title.As a freshman last year, she cleared 5-1, duplicating that effort at the Hermitage Invitational last weekend while placing second.“She just missed getting 5-1.5 today,” said English. “She said she had it, but her arm hit the bar on the way down. We're definitely looking forward to seeing what she can do at districts this year.”
