Quaker Valley boys, girls sweep WPIAL 2A track championships

By: Paul Schofield
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 | 10:30 PM

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It was a day of redemption and fulfilling a dream for the Quaker Valley track and field teams Tuesday at the WPIAL Class 2A championships.

The boys reclaimed the title after losing it in 2023 to Greensburg Central Catholic, and the girls fought off challenges from numerous teams to win their third consecutive and 10th overall. The boys have won four times.

After the being awarded the first-place trophies, coach Jared Jones got a jug filled with water and ice poured over his head. The cold, wet shower was refreshing after tight battles.

The boys defeated Greensburg Central Catholic (84-66), Hopewell (113-37) and Ellwood City (112-38). Greensburg Central Catholic finished second.

The girls edged Fort Cherry (79-71), Knoch (85-65) and Shenango (102-48). Fort Cherry nipped Knoch (76-74) for second place.

“On the girls’ side, because they had won two times in a row and winning a third time would be tough because they had that target on its back,” Jones said. “We ran into a couple issues because of illness and injuries. It was a group effort, but what really got us going was winning the 3,200-meter relay. It was really surprising for us.

“All the jumps went our way. It was amazing. There wasn’t one specific thing. Everyone performed well. Fort Cherry is a really good team.”

Ellie Cain, the anchor in the 3,200 relay, Kwilai Karto (100 and 100 hurdles), Mia Gartley and Mimi Thiero in the high jump, Jay Olawaiye and Olivia Jordan in the long and Evie Rosselli in the pole vault were just some of the girls who shined.

“We got a sweep in the 800 and 3,200,” Jones said. “They were both big for us along with going one-two in the high jump. The distance runners knew they had a lot on their shoulders in a lot of different events, and they stepped up.”

The distance runners include Jonah Montagnese, Tyler Bell, Clark LaLomia, River Capek and Oliver Graham.

Greensburg Central Catholic coach Mike Brewer said he knew his team and to perform well if it wanted to defend their title.

“Quaker Valley had more depth than us,” Brewer said. “For us to win, everyone had to their best. We didn’t, and Quaker Valley took advantage. We’ll have the rubber match with them next year.”

Brewer said all parts of the team performed well. Some athletes came up with personal bests.

Jerry Davis was a double winner, Samir Crosby scored points in three events, Aidan Allison won the 100, Jonah Snyder won the shot put, Nicky Dlugos placed second in the javelin and James and Grant Brewer went one-two in the pole vault. The 400-meter relay team broke its own school record.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Ellwood City, Fort Cherry, Greensburg C.C., Hopewell, Knoch, Quaker Valley, Shenango