It was a successful prelude when the Whitehall track team arrived at Shippensburg University, site of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association championships, to get an early taste of some of the best the state has to offer.

Fifty-one track teams descended upon Shippensburg University to participate in the 88th Jack Roddick High School Invitational on April 19. It was a good gauge of where athletes were among their fellow competitors, as well as where they needed to be, and Whitehall demonstrated they're in really good position.

The boys team tallied 31 points, good for sixth place among that strong field. Head coach James Sebesta said they took nine athletes to the Invitational, and with that small number made a loud splash at the meet.

"It was a really good effort by everyone, both the boys and the girls," said Sebesta.

The Zephyrs won two events, as J.C. Falcon was tops in the high jump, clearing 6-4 to pace the field. Sebesta said the high-flying senior cleared all his attempts to take first place.

Falcon was also part of the 4x800 team that featured Brian Plucinsky, Calvin Schneck and Andrew Frisch. They crossed the line in 8:07.02, over six seconds faster then their closest competitor, State College Area High School.

That foursome has been dominant all year, and Sebesta said it's no secret to why they win race after race.

"They just work hard," Sebesta said.

He said that Plucinsky and Falcon, who are returning members of the recording-breaking team from last season, have been working together since June, constantly finding a way to shave off seconds, and then continuing that same intensity through the indoor season. Plug in Calvin Schneck and newcomer Andre Frisch, and the team hasn't missed a beat, applying that same work ethic throughout the season.

"That group works harder than any of the groups we have," said Sebesta. "It will all pan out for them, because they've put in the work."

He also said that Frisch has been a big surprise. The junior has fit in seamlessly with the team, helping them to remain on top.

They also fared well in a number of other events. Kyleem Harrison finished fourth in the 110 meter hurdles, establishing a personal best with a 15.33 mark.

Gabe Lamm finished tenth in the 1,600, posting a 4:32.32 mark, while Schneck was right behind, finishing 11th in 4:33.50. Sebesta said that both runners posted personal bests in the race,

In the Steeplechase, Plucinsky finished tenth, breaking the tape in 7:03.07. He ran the race last year, and Sebesta said the senior was probably a bit tired after running the 4x800.

Frisch also competed in the 800 meters, finishing 12th in 2:05.57.

In the triple jump, Isaiah Carey was 11th with a 41.03.50 mark.

Finally, Nick Nejad was third in the javelin, sending the spear 172-08. Sebesta said it was a personal best for the senior, one of a handful of Zephs who accomplished that feat recently.

For the girls, Decontee Krayee finished 20th in the 100 meters, crossing the line in 12.97. She followed that a 27.53 mark in the 200, good for 24th. I was also her personal best to date, according to Sebesta.

Arianie Pizarro was 25th in the 200, finishing in 27.82.

In the 800, Angela Stella captured 14th place, breaking the tape in 2:24.96. Sebesta said that Stella, who qualified for states last year in the 800, is still not satisfied with where she is at the moment. However, Sebesta feels the talented senior is right where she needs to be, and looks forward to her back on that same track at the end of May.

"I was really happy with the way she ran," Sebesta said.

Finally, Emily Brand had a big day. She finished 19th in the 1,600 and in the process set a school record, posting a 5:30.69 mark. Sebesta said that the junior ran really well, and is on track for some future surprises.

"She's just getting better and better right now," he said.

Sebesta said they had a great day at Shippensburg, the weather cooperated and the team ran really well. It also gave the kids some familiarity with a venue that could loom large at a later date.

"It's nice to get in that kind of atmosphere," said Sebesta.