On May 18, 2024, the track and field team attended the Pennsylvania Independent School Athletic Association (PAISAA) Championship. After a third-place finish at the Inter Acc Championship, the team looked forward to PAISAA to redeem themselves, and they did just that.
Third Former Bryan Tucker, Jr., Fourth Former Colin Toth, Fifth Former Finn Kelly, and Sixth Former Andre Inniss hoped they could set a school record in the 4×800. Inniss, the relay’s anchor, told Kelly they could set a new record if he was given the baton when the clock was under 6:10.
The team would need to hold a pace of 2:03 or less to achieve a new record. Tucker set off strong at 2:02, and then Toth ran a solid 2:04. It was Kelly’s turn.
“I was excited,” Kelly said, “I kind of just went and put all my effort out there because I didn’t have any special tactics for running the 800.” Kelly ran an amazing 2:00.
Then Inniss was up. The clock was at 6:06, so a record was achievable. Inniss powered through the final 800 and ran a 2:01 to set the school record at 8:07.
“When we saw Andre cross the line at 8:07, we all got super excited with us four and the rest of the team,” Kelly said. “Everyone was super supportive, and I think the rest of the meet felt much more fun because of the performance,” Kelly said.
“The guys ran hard, man. I’m proud of them.”
Coach James Hawkins
Tucker, Inniss, Third Former Haven Hoilett, and Sixth Former Keegan Jacobs, who ran the 4×400, set another new school record of 3:23.20 at the Inter-Ac Championship. Then, at PAISAA, they broke their record again and ran a 3:22.43, winning the race and setting a new PAISAA Championship record.
Fifth Former Avery Gordon won the Inter-Ac and PAISAA gold medals in the long jump. He reached 21-07.50 at PAISAA.
“The guys ran hard, man,” Varsity Track and Field Coach James Hawkins said. “I’m proud of them.”
