Area Students Take Part in Hershey's Track Meet

Off and on rain and cloudy skies couldn't dampen the spirits of several hundred local youths who took part in the Hershey's Track Meet Wednesday afternoon at Winchester High School.

Children from Arlington, Medford, Winchester and Burlington ranging in age from nine-14 participated in the event with hopes of advancing to the North American Final track & field meet in Hershey, PA on August 7.

Eleven-year-old Clint Garrahan advanced to nationals in the long jump last year. The fifth grader from Arlington showed off his speed on Wednesday, finishing with a time of 32.76 seconds in the 200-meter dash. 

"It felt really good," said Garrahan, who finished second in the state in the 200 last year.  "I only knew I was first when I crossed the finish line because there was no one in front of me."

Garrahan had the fourth best time in the event for his age group, but the top time for Arlington. Participants in each of the nine track and field events competed in one of three age groups – nine and 10 year olds, 11 and 12-year-olds, and 13 and 14-year=olds. 

Kids who finished with the best times and distances in their town for their age group will have a chance to qualify for the State Meet at Nashoba Regional High School on June 26.

Several Arlington youths put up strong performances. On the girls' side, Amanda Namchuk finished first in the 13/14 1600-meter run with a time of six minutes and 26 seconds. Lexie Taylor finished first in the 13/14 800-meter run with a time of two minutes and 55.45 seconds. Hannah Barrett and Petra Ypsilantis finished first and second in the 11/12 200-meter dash with times of 33.81 seconds and 34.55 seconds respectively.   

For the boys, Seamus Barrett finished fourth in the 200 in the 9/10 age group with a time of 35.12. In the field events, Myles Lehman took third in the 11/12 softball throw with a distance of 125 feet and 11 inches. 

It's the 18th year this event has been held at Winchester High School. Ken Tully, one of the coordinators, has been involved since its inaugural year after his daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He believes promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for youngsters is very important.

"When you get older, how often are you going to be able to find a pickup football game?" asked Tully. "Certain sports are for life and this is one of them. Jogging, swimming, skiing, these are for all ages. You can go to the park and jog at any age, at any time."