On February 7, the Maryland 3A West Regional Championship for indoor track and field was held at the 5th Regiment Armory in Baltimore. The Armory, a track often criticized by athletes, made the Regional Championship much more difficult for the competing athletes. Despite the handicap, boys won the meet and girls took third.

The Armory’s track has tile floors, dim lights, and undefined lanes. Many athletes found themselves slipping, some even falling, during their races due to the slick flooring. The unfinished track also added a mental component to the race, forcing athletes to be more aware of your location on the track.

Although there were many problems with the facility, that didn’t stop the boys team from taking home the 3A West Regional Championship title. They beat Oxon Hill High School by 28 points, earning a grand total of 111 points to win the meet.

“Coming into Regionals, I felt extremely confident in my abilities. All of my throws were consistent and powerful, and I was fortunate to double PR (personal record),” said Ethan Hart, a thrower on the track team. Hart threw 40’ 11.5”, which is a huge improvement from his last throw and secured him a spot in the state meet.

In the 800 meter run, two athletes slipped, causing the race to start over. This was a minor setback for Allejah Seraton and Will Cioffi, as they were tired from a tough first lap, but it didn’t stop Cioffi from placing first, and Seraton from placing second overall, contributing many points to the win.

“I’m so excited that the 4×200 team qualified for States. We were struggling all year and, finally, everything worked perfectly and we qualified,” said Carter Holsinger. Holsinger will also be competing in pole vault at the state championship meet, qualifying with a height of 13’04”. He is the number one pole vaulter in the state of Maryland. Other members of the 4×200 team include Xander McClure, Colby Bannon, and Joey Felton.

Felton had a big day himself, winning the 55 meter dash by only a hair of an inch. Felton ran a 6.61, with David Okoli of Watkins Mill finishing second with a 6.62.

McClure and Bannon also participated in the high jump, both of them qualifying for the state meet. Bannon came in first with a height of 6 feet.

The girls team also had a successful day in the meet, placing third in the Regional Championship for the first time in fifteen years.

“I definitely think I could’ve done better. There’s always a chance to do better. I’m not really nervous for States, I’m just gonna do my best and keep calm,” said Taylor Biss, a pole vaulter on the girls team. Both Biss and Myah Davies qualified for States in the pole vault.

The girls 4×800 team, consisting of Gemma Davies, Mikayla Moxley, Savannah Sitler, and Khelsa Connolly, also qualified for States, coming in second with a time of 10:48.57.

The 3A State Championship will take place on Tuesday, February 19 at the PG Sportsplex. Good luck to both the boys and girls track teams at the meet. Bring a state title back home!