Every year head coach James Sebesta takes a number of track and field athletes to Shippensburg University so they can get familiar with the surroundings because in a few more weeks that’s where the state championships will be held.

This season 17 athletes arrived at Seth Grove Stadium for the 90th Jack Roddick High School Invitational on April 23.

Sebesta likes to expose his athletes to what will hopefully be their final destination this season. It also serves as a measuring stick among fellow competitors in the Keystone state.

“The kids get to run and see what it’s like out there,” said Sebesta. “It’s always a nice experience for them.”

They had to battle through some tough weather, but they still gave good performances.

The boys finished in the 26th spot among the 42 schools competing. The girls finished 35th.

The boys top finisher was Calvin Schneck. The senior was third in the 800, crossing the line in 1:58.27.

“He ran a really good race,” said Sebesta.

Schneck has been alternating between the mile and 800 meters throughout the year. However, the 800 is what will hopefully take him to Shippensburg this year. He went in 2014 as part of the 4x800 team.

Tyler Meyers was another top ten finisher for the Zephs. He came in 8th in the discus with a 155-0 toss.

In the high jump, the Zephyrs got two solid performers from Javaughan Hussett and Charles Hudson. They both cleared the bar at 5-10, with Hussett securing the 10th position, while Hudson was 11th.

Hudson also competed in the long jump, finishing 16th with a 19-08 mark.

Elliot Miller was 21st in the pole vault, reading 12 feet, while Jahrod Amoroso also finished 21st in the 110 meter hurdles with a 16.53 mark.

The girls were led by the performance of the 4x800 team that finished 5th at the Invitationals. That foursome who crossed the line in 10:11.51 were Juanita Flores, Autumn Dragovits, Alexandra Dorner and Kassidy Cunningham.

Amanda Crooks gave solid performances in the 100 and 200. The sophomore was 10th in the 100, crossing the line in 12.60, while finishing 13th in the 200 with a 26.06 mark.

Kassidy Cunningham was 12th in the 800, finishing the race in 2:26.01.

Vanessa Hadeed was 18th in the shot put with a 31-05.50 mark, while Logan Miller placed 25th in the javelin with a 91-05 toss.

In the 400 meters, Anna Gallina finished 29th with a 1:03.20 mark.

Sebesta said it’s now a matter of getting back there in a few weeks.