WPIALs Track

Track Events

On Wednesday, May 15 the Burrell Track team took the long trek to Slippery Rock University to compete in the 2024 WPIAL Track and Field Championship. The day was filled with success and personal records, starting the day at 11:00 was senior Ally Smola in her preliminary 100 meter hurdles. With only the top eight times advancing to the Championship race it was do-or-die time for Ally."I just wanted to win my heat. I knew that's all I needed to do." Winning was no problem for Ally, she easily qualified, winning her heat with a time of 15.74. In the finals she ran a time of 15.74, which secured her a third place medal and a trip to the PIAA State Championships at Shippensburg University. Maliq Buchak (12) also ran the 110 meter hurdles on Wednesday, he ran in the first heat and finished with a time of 15.57. this earned him a spot in the finals where he was seeded third. He finished final with a time of 15.86 after he clipped the third hurdle, finishing in 8th place. To end off the first half of the day senior Grace Nesko competed against 16 other athletes in the 1600 meter run. She finished with a time of 5:28.89 a new personal record, and an 8th place WPIAL medal. Senior Tessa Mathabel was next to go, competing in the 300 meter hurdles. Due to inclimate weather all athletes were required to leave the track. Mathabel was seeded 6th before the race began. Running in lane seven of heat two, Tessa recorded a time of 47.43 which qualified her to run in the finals. Despite being ranked sixth Mathabel ran a time of 46.78 a new personal record and the third fastest time. Alex Platt was the last runner to go, competing in the boys 32oo meter run. Seeded 10th with a time of 10:03.00, Alex was hoping for a new pr and a medal. Due to the weather Alex was unable to run on Wednesday so he returned to Slippery Rock University Thursday. It was unfortunate circumstances but the senior wasn't focused on what he can't change. Thursday Alex ran a 10:06.88 finishing in 12th place in his final highschool race. 

Field Events

Senior Meadow Wlodarczyk competed in the girls pole vault, starting at a height of 9 feet. This was no problem for the senior as she cleared this on her first attempt. She then moved onto 9.5 feet, which she again cleared on her first attempt. That jump secured her a spot on the podium. Unfortunately Meadow was not able to clear 10 feet and ended in Seventh Place. Despite the weather senior Rory Palone had an amazing day competing in the Girls Javelin on Wednesday. Palone arrived at Slippery Rock at 10am but didn't warm up until 6:45pm. On her first throw she threw a distance of 101 ft- 11 in she beat this score on her third throw with a distance of 109 ft- 10 in. This score was enough to secure 5th place and a trip to the PIAA State Championships. Next, senior Nick Ciuffoletti was competing in the boys high jump with a season record of 6 ft- 1 in. The starting height was 5-9 which Nick cleared on his second attempt. Unfortunately Nick was unable to clear the next height of 5-11 and finished in 12th place. Finally senior Catherine Scherer competed in the girls long jump. Seeded 13th Catherine was hoping for good distances and a podium placement. Her first jump was a distance of 14-10, which she immediately beat her next jump with a distance of 15-3. This was her best jump of the day putting her in 16th place. 

Of the 10 athletes competing six of them placed in the top 8 and gained a medal. Also Seniors Ally Smola, Rory Pallone, and Tessa Mathabel will be competing at the PIAA State Championships at Shippensburgh University. 

Writing & Photography Contribution:  Ryan Croushore