Havertown's Szathmary Triple Winner LSA Winter Track

Youth Indoor Track & Field 2018

Havertown’s Benjamin Szathmary swept the gold in a trio of Boys 13-14 club track and field events indoors Sunday January 21.

Szathmary, an 8th-grader at the Benchmark School, Media, Pa, finished the 1600 MR meter run in 5:16, the 800 MR in 2:28 (200m splits: 0.32s, 0:37, 0:40, 0:39) and the 400 MD meter dash in 58 seconds flat (28.5, 29.5), competing each time in a mostly Steve Prefontaine fashion-all out from the beginning.

In his last event, the 400, Szathmary decidedly nestled into third place and sat there most of the race - only to pounce and outsprint the two leaders off the final turn, with, to most spectators, an impossible lean to win at the tape.

Other notable performances included: Benjamin Sensinger (Pennsburg), 11-12 Boys 200 MD 0:40 and 1600 MR 6:57; Margaret Burke (Bethlehem), 13-14 Girls 1600 MR, season personal best 6:37; Cameron Brown (Telford), 11-12 Boys 200 MD, 0:39; Caleb Rothenberger (Hatfield), Boys 9-10 long jump (1.91, 1.98, 2.64m (8' 8")), 800 MR 3:18 (0:51 first lap) and 1600 MR 7:10 (lost shoe adjusted time).

Over 500 athletes convened in the mild weather at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex, Landover, Maryland, right across the street from FedExField, the home of the NFL's Washington Redskins football team.

The next meet for area indoor club teams and individual athletes (no experience necessary) is Saturday February 10 in Chester, Pa. Area school children ages 7 to 18 are invited to attend the fundraiser and register by calling: 267-736-7241. No club affiliation or membership is required. For further info: iJUMP@hotmail.com.