Smith’s bid for three-peat comes up short

May 25, 2024 Last Updated: May 24, 2024 11:22 PM Sports

SHIPPENSBURG — Hayden Smith's bid for a three-peat came up just short.

The senior for Union/A-C Valley reached six feet, eight inches in the Class 2A boys high jump in the opening day of action Friday at the PIAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University.

It is the same height he used to win here a year ago, but this time, it was matched in one less attempt by North East's Noah Crozier, who soon after stood atop the medal stand.

Smith's best jump came last month when he cleared an even seven feet.

"I felt good coming in, but mentally was a bit off when I was jumping," said Smith. "It's just the way things go.

"I'm happy for him (Crozier). This was my last high school meet, in beautiful weather and I couldn't ask for a better day."

Butler senior Ayden Davis said on Wednesday that he was going for 45 feet in the Class 3A boys triple jump, but achieved much more.

With an effort of 46-3.5, he took sixth place and ends his career with the 3rd-best triple jump in school history.

"I got 46 on my (third attempt)," said Davis. "I gave it my all and am glad the competition was held at 9:30 in the morning. I'm fresh in the morning and didn't want to wait around for hours to compete. I could get dehydrated from the heat."

Davis was on Butler's track and field team as a sophomore, but did not come out last year. A lacrosse star for the Golden Tornado, he will play that sport in college at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Butler coach Mike Seybert appreciates the effort Davis turned in this spring.

"He watched videos of triple jumpers to help him improve," he said. "I'm so proud of that kid."

For the second straight season, Knoch's Karlee Buterbaugh finished sixth in the Class 2A girls javelin. She broke the school record in the event earlier this season with an effort of 131-5. Her best heave Friday was good for 125-4.

"I felt more prepared coming out here this year," Buterbaugh said, "but you can't throw your personal best every time. Making states twice and placing twice, it's a good way to build toward my senior year."

Also medaling was Freeport's Michael Braun, who placed seventh in the Class 2A boys 1,600 run with a time of 4:20.53.

Following are results from the PIAA Track and Field Championships, which began Friday at Shippensburg University. The top eight in each event earned a medal.

Class 3A

Boys

1,600 run: 1-Drew Griffith (Butler) 3:57.08

Shot put: 1-Brady Mider (Berks Catholic) 61-10.75

Triple jump: 1-Jordan Sowell (Cheltenham) 50-6; 6-Ayden Davis (Butler) 46-3.5

Pole vault: 1-Drake Risser (Lower Dauphin) 16-0

Girls

1,600 run: 1-Logan St. John Kletter (Mt. Lebanon) 4:38.54

Shot put: 1-Laci Nelson (Manheim Central) 40-2.5

Triple jump: 1-Destini Smith (Souderton) 40-4.25

Pole vault: 1-Veronica Vacca (Mount St. Joseph Academy) 14-0

Class 2A