Saquon Barkley ended his Whitehall athletic career in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association finals of the long jump last Saturday, capping a luminous four years for the maroon and gold.

Earlier that day, Barkley earned a trip to the semifinals in the 100 meters by qualifying in Friday's preliminaries during the PIAA track and field championships at Seth Grove Stadium in Shippensburg. Barkley ran 11.28, putting him in contention for a medal if he could emerge as one of the top eight qualifiers. However, he fell short of reaching the finals, with Nazareth's Julian Liaci securing the final spot with an 11.14 mark.

In the long jump, Barkley finished with a 19-6. Head coach James Sebesta said that Barkley fouled in his best jump, his second attempt, and then finished his day with 19-6 on this final jump.

Ultimately, both of appearances didn't earn him a medal, but it provided a window into just how difficult it is to be among the top eight in the PIAA finals. It also made him faster for football, his original goal when he came out for track this season.

Sebesta said that Barkley was ready to jump, did everything right, but it just didn't work out for him. As he often says, only one kid from each event goes home happy from the championships.

Still, it was an impressive journey for someone so new to the sport.

"I had a great time," said Barkley. "I didn't do what I wanted to do, this competition is on a different level, but I still had a great time. It was a great experience."

Barkley knew he didn't perform up to his capabilities, but the memories alone he has from the PIAA championships will last a lifetime. And while his appearance marked the one and only opportunity to medal, he knows that fellow teammates Ivanna Jones and Amanda Crooks will have something to look forward to in the upcoming years.

Sebesta said that throughout the year, Barkley was a joy to both coach and watch. The senior prepared himself on a daily basis, immersing himself in the sport that would eventually include a school record in the 100 meters.

"He did everything that was asked of him," said Sebesta. "It also made him a better football player."

Crooks, the fleet-footed freshman, was also appearing in her first PIAA championships. She qualified in the 100, and ran in the first heat during Saturday's preliminaries. Crooks ran a 12.76, finishing sixth in her respective race. Unfortunately, that wasn't fast enough to be able to secure a spot among the competitors advancing to Saturday's semifinals.

Sebesta said that Crooks was hampered by a bad start and wasn't able to recover. He said that every big race is a learning experience for her, and working though those first-time jitters is one aspect of that learning process.

Still, it capped a marvelous season for the freshman who finished second in both the league and district finals in the 100 this year.

Sebesta said that even with all her success, Crooks is still trying to figure it all out, and the PIAA meet gave her some valuable experience that will be beneficial in the years to come.

"The only thing holding her back is herself," said Sebesta. "She did more than she thought she could."

Jones qualified in two events, the long jump and high jump. The junior began her championships last Friday at 9:00 a.m. competing in the high jump. Jones cleared 5-3, finishing seventeenth.

Her next event was the long jump which was held later that afternoon. Jones leapt 15-02.50, finishing 27th.

Sebesta believes jumping at that early hour may have affected Jones, noting that next year they make some adjustments so her body is better acclimated at that hour.

Prior to the PIAA championships Jones was working with jumping coach Mark Dobil as she prepared for the meet, tirelessly working on her approach and technique leading up to their arrival in Shippensburg.

Sebesta said that their weekend at states was completely enjoyable, made more special by the three athletes who accompanied him.

"They were just a joy to be around," he said. "They got it. They got to experience that big crowd, watch other competitors, and realize what a really special achievement it is to get there."