Teams begin quest for track and field titles
Boys and girls track and field teams from Connellsville, Laurel Highlands and Southmoreland, along with the Waynesburg Central’s boys team begin the quest for a WPIAL team title this afternoon at sites scattered through three counties. The Scotties finished third last year, entering this year’s playoffs on the heels of their fifth consecutive Section 3-AA title. After being a host site in the past, Southmoreland’s quest for a championship will take to the road at Washington & Jefferson College.
The Scotties will face Washington and South Park.
Despite the road trip, Southmoreland boys coach Bill Schrecengost likes his team’s chance to advance.
“I’d like to be at home, but with our track deteriorating so fast I don’t blame the WPIAL,” Schrecengost said. “We’ll do well over there. I heard the track’s in good shape, but the throwing events and pits are not so great.
“I felt we would do well against Waynesburg, so I think we’ll match up well against Washington. South Park’s a little better. Our strength is our balance. No one can get us in one area. It will take a real good team to beat us.”
Washington finished second to Waynesburg Central in Section 5-AA. The Raiders finished 9-0 for a second consecutive season, but are unfortunately matched up with two other section champions. Waynesburg and Shenango travel to South Side Beaver.
Laurel Highlands will head to Westmoreland County this afternoon. The Mustangs, champions of Section 2-AAA, join Central Catholic at Latrobe. The Fillies, second place out of Section 2-AAA, travel to Latrobe as well but will run different teams than the boys. Bethel Park and Mount Pleasant will run with the Fillies against the Lady Wildcats.
Connellsville heads to Washington County with Canon-McMillan serving as the host site. The Falcons, second place team in Section 2-AAA, face the Big Macs, North Hills and Gateway. The Lady Falcons, Section 2-AAA champions, will run the host team, Gateway and Norwin.
The team championships will be held Thursday, May 13.