ADAMS TWP — Sidney Shemanski did well in representing Freeport at the Mars Track and Field Invitational.

The only Yellowjacket competing at the event, Shemanski earned first place in the girls 800-meter run with a time of 2:22.49.

“My best time in the event is 2:15 and my best time this year is a 2:21,” said Shemanski. “I wanted to better that time today, but I didn't know the weather was going to be bad. It still feels great to win.”

Shemanski, a junior, trailed Avonworth/Northgate's Megan Wisniewski for much of the race, but the latter ended up placing second, .38 seconds behind Shemanski. Hampton's Cambell France finished third.

“Sidney had a nice kick there at the end,” said Freeport assistant coach Bob Livrone. “We wanted Sidney involved today because it's a good meet here and there's good competition.”

“Only a few of us are still practicing (at Freeport) and we weren't going to have another event until the WPIAL Championships. We usually go to the Pine-Richland Invite, but not this year. I wanted to get some work in,” said Shemanski. “I want to get my time down and my goal by the end of the season is 2:13.

“I just have to keep training hard and put the work in.”

Last season, Shemanski placed second in the 800 at WPIALs and at the PIAA meet. In both instances, Shady Side Academy's Melissa Riggins placed first. At states, she came in just .17 seconds in front of Shemanski.

“She has payback on her mind and is really progressing well,” said Livrone.