May 1, 2008 By Jim Downey 4 min read

ALVERTON – Southmoreland coach Bill Schrecengost would’ve much rather had a scouting report on Bentworth and Burgettstown for his WPIAL team track & field semifinal, but his Scotties let their talent do the talking Wednesday as they advanced to the Class AA finals for the sixth time in the past eight seasons. The Scotties defeated the Bearcats, 92-58, and Blue Devils, 107-43, for their second consecutive trip to the Final Four.

The journey will be considerably shorter this time because instead of traveling to Mars, Southmoreland will run the finals at West Mifflin High School on Thursday, May 8.

“At least we won’t have to travel to Mars twice in three days,” said Schrecengost, alluding to the site of the individual qualifiers as well as the traditional site for the team finals. “That was another home meet for Mars.”

The Scotties came out of the gate firing on the track, sparked by the performance of the 3,200 relay team of Jon Sandzimier, Robert Smith, Austin Willis and Ryan Clarkson. Sandzimier stayed close, Smith closed the gap, Willis pushed into the lead, and Clarkson made it stand for a first-place finish in 8:56.7

The Scotties finished first in 8-of-11 track events against Bentworth and nine against Burgettstown.

Kory Kiefer had a hand in three of those victories, winning the 400 (52.6), coming right back to run the second leg of the 400 relay (46.0), and closing the day on the track with the final leg of the 1,600 relay (3:35.6).

He might have also found another event to add to his resume.

Kiefer competed in the recent Viking Relays in the high jump and cleared 5-2. The junior shattered his PR Wednesday when he cleared the bar at 5-10.

“I’ve been telling Kory he can high jump,” said Schrecengost.

“I told him we will need those points, so we moved him out of the 100.”

Kiefer agreed.

“It was either the 100 or the high jump. It was a smart move,” said Kiefer.

The thought of not pushing through in the finals last year was something Kiefer used as motivation in 2008.

“We were so close to getting it last year. We knew we had to win this meet to get to the finals,” said Kiefer. “(Last year) did have a major effect. I never want to lose. It stayed with me all year.”

Although Kiefer, too, would like to know who he’s lined up against, he used the lack of information to his advantage.

“It pushes me harder. I know I can’t slack. They made it here. They have to be good,” said Kiefer. “Our team overall can do any event we put our hearts into.”

With distance runner Justin Najewicz on the shelf because of an adverse reaction to an insect bite, Smith, just a freshman, stepped into the void and ran with a maturity beyond his years to win both distance races.

After helping the 3,200 relay to victory, the slight teenager strategically bided his time in the 1,600, made his move with 300 meters or so to go, and kicked it in for first place in 5:00.0.

He did the same in the 3,200, sitting on the shoulders of a couple Bentworth runners, making his move in the seventh lap. Smith turned on the afterburners in the final lap to win in 10:58.5.

“Robert Smith has progressing all year, and hopefully we’ll get Justin (Najewicz) back,” said Schrecengost.

Also finishing first overall in the triangular were Erik Frund (100), Tyler Vivio (200), Nate Hoburn (discus), Zeke Buchta (triple jump), and Chris Evans (pole vault).

The Scotties have been dangerously close to winning the team title several times in the past.

Schrecengost hopes this is the time the misfortune is left behind.

“We’ve always run into some type of obstacle. Something always happens,” explained Schrecengost. “These kids are very focused at this point of the season.

“My kids work hard. It develops character, and it shows. There’s a special bond (with the track teams). It’s unique at Southmoreland.”