Apr 7, 2006 By Jim Downey 4 min read

YORK RUN – The Colonials gave a game effort, but Albert Gallatin fell short to a deeper Mustangs squad Thursday in a 103-46 Section 2-AAA loss to visiting Laurel Highlands. The Mustangs won 9 of 12 events on the track and five of six in the field (including the pole vault, which was not contested) to remain perfect in the section as well as overall. Now 2-0, Laurel Highlands has a showdown with undefeated Connellsville – plus Belle Vernon – next Tuesday afternoon at home.

The Colonials started on the right foot when the 3,200 relay team of Adam Moris, Bryant Garland, Kyle Norman and Richard Mazzocco finished first in a time of 9:16.14. The ball kept rolling in the home team’s favor when Brent Vaccaro won the 110 high hurdles in 16.9 seconds.

The Mustangs’ Greg Friend just slipped by at the tape to win the 100 in 11.14 seconds, and it was all Laurel Highlands after that on the track as the visitors finished first in the final eight events.

Brad Trump won the Colonials’ lone field event in the discus with a throw of 122-½.

Vaccaro won despite a taped left thigh due to a hamstring injury. The combination of the poor early season weather and lack of getting outside to practice led to the injury, further delaying his progress at this point of the season.

“I had my tonsils out before the season and I pulled my hamstring at the last meet,” said Vaccaro. “I feel a lot better. Tuesday night’s Senior Night (against Uniontown). I’m taking it easy.”

With his eyes looking towards the county meet on Saturday, April 29 at Laurel Highlands, Vaccaro added, “The only person I’m worried about in the county (in the high hurdles) is Connellsville’s Scott Jones. I’m worried about the county meet. I have to get my hamstring 100 percent. I use the meets as workouts to get ready.”

Echoing Vaccaro’s sentiments, Albert Gallatin coach Joe Thomas is also pointing towards the county meet and he is seeing a successful move in the right direction.

“Our boys (and girls) distance runners are in their first year. Everyone is so young,” said Thomas. “They work hard at every meet. The guys are improving. They’re coming along.

“Steve Champlin is hurt, but he gives his all. We’re getting better in the shot put and discus. We’re gearing to do well in the county meet.”

Mike Iannamorelli (long jump, triple jump) and Jeff Palya (800, 1,600) won multiple events for the Mustangs. Friend doubled up when the junior sprinter won the 400. Jonathan Tobal (300 intermediate hurdles), Jack Macioce (200), Ryan Thorn (3,200), Zach Girod (shot put) and Nick Brown (javelin) also finished first for the Mustangs.

Palya, who also ran the opening leg of the victorious 1,600 relay, usually runs the 3,200, but Mustangs coach Bob Costello decided to move his junior distance runner around against the Colonials.

“It was a workout day. Usually the 3,200 is my event, but running the other races develops my turnover more,” said Palya.

“It’s nice to run different events. It’s fun to do.”

Palya missed the cross country season in the fall because of illness, but sees some positive from his lost junior year.

“I had a lot of rest. It might have helped to rest my legs,” said Palya. “My goal is to be there in the 3,200 at the end of the season and qualify for states.”

Costello moved some other Mustangs around, still seeking the perfect combination as the season hits full stride.

“We tried a couple things today. We are definitely still looking. The weather put us behind, but I’m seeing a lot of positive movement,” said Costello. “Jeff Palya is really coming into his own. Greg Friend and Jack Macioce are doing a good job in the sprints. We are really solidifying the jumps. Mike Iannamorelli did a good job.”

“Albert Gallatin has some good athletes. They’re just short in numbers. The score doesn’t indicate how you perform. We had a lot of questions answered, mostly positive. We’re moving along. It should be a fun meet with Belle Vernon and Connellsville.”

The Colonials will be in action again next Tuesday against Uniontown on Senior Night with the meet scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.