Lady Raiders have strong start on the track
WAYNESBURG — The Waynesburg Central girls had an all-around strong day on the track and in the field on a pleasant, sunny Tuesday afternoon, sweeping the Section 6-AA opener from visiting Jefferson-Morgan (115-16), West Greene (99-43), and Beth-Center (84-60).
Beth-Center defeated the Lady Rockets, 101-23, and West Greene salvaged a split with a 95-33 win against Jefferson-Morgan.
The Lady Raiders’ Lindsee Zimmer had a busy afternoon on the track, winning the 800 (2:42), 1,600 (6:07), and 3,200 (13:35), as well as anchoring the opening 3,200 relay to wins against Jefferson-Morgan and Beth-Center.
Zimmer was a bit frustrated with her times, but tempered her frustration with the knowledge it was the first meet of the season.
“I didn’t have a good time in the 1,600. It’s frustrating because I ran a 5:48 indoors.”
“But, it is the first meet of the season. I didn’t want to kick it out too hard,” explained the senior. “I was okay with my time in the 800. I had a solid first lap. I wanted to get into position (after the first lap) and work with my kicking.
“I was going for the win in the 3,200.”
Zimmer totaled 5,400 meters on the day, but knows that will be pared down as the meet season winds down. She’ll likely focus on the 1,600.
“It’s more of the team aspect,” Zimmer said of all her races. “I want state qualifying in the 1,600. I’ve been to the WPIAL the last three years and moved up every year. It’s different with big events when I’m the one who has to catch everyone else.
“I’d like to run 1:20 splits for a 5:20 mile and break the school record.”
The Lady Raiders had strong performances all around the track and field, including Emma Tustin (100 high hurdles), Brenna Lipscomb (pole vault, 300 intermediate hurdles), Lauren Rose (long jump), and Madison Brooks in the shot put and discus.
Beth-Center’s Hannah Lacey also had a busy afternoon. The senior won the 100 (13.27), 200 (27.30), and 400 (1:03.33), as well as anchoring the Lady Bulldogs’ winning 1,600 relay (4:36).
Lacey will run a lot more 400-meter dashes this year, to build strength and add to her resume. She advanced to the WPIAL finals in the 100 and 200, and as a member of the 400 relay.
“I don’t mind the 400. I just don’t like (the 400) when I’m running it,” said Lacey, who is looking to continue her track career in college. “The 400 makes my legs stronger. This is the first year I’ve been decent (in the 400).
Looking towards the end of the season, Lacey said of her likely plans, “I don’t think it’s possible to run all four. It’ s all about the times, really. It would be nice to make two events.”
The Lady Bulldogs’ 400 relay defeated both Waynesburg and Jefferson-Morgan, as did Katelyn Hall (high jump) and Kennedy Kuhns (javelin).
The West Greene quartet of Rachel Jones, Bailey Machesky, Sarah Jones and Sarah Courtwright won the 3,200 relay in 11:36. Jade Rittenhouse, Ashley Cumberledge, Sydnee Watson and Mikhayla Post defeated Waynesburg and Jefferson-Morgan in the 1,600 relay. Post was second to Lacey in the 400 (1:05.68), as was Cumberland in the 200 (30.08).