After losing the entire 2020 season, perhaps it was expected the Emmaus girls track and field team would have its 2021 season opener postponed March 26.

Sometimes, good things come to those who wait. That was the case for the Hornets, who dominated visiting Dieruff 123-26 on April 1 at EPSD Stadium. Their winning ways continued six days later with another convincing win over Allen, 144-6.

“Our meet against Dieruff was truly special,” said Emmaus track and field head coach Kami Reinhard. “It was our first meet back after two years. Despite being a cold and windy day, our athletes seemed perfectly content to enjoy the opportunities.”

Those opportunities included a new facility at Emmaus High School.

“We have new jumping pits, a new pole vaulting system, a new throwing field and a resurfaced track,” Reinhard said.

The Dieruff opener was the only time during an 11-day period the Hornets were officially together - courtesy of COVID concerns.

“The missed practices were just another obstacle we had to overcome,” Reinhard said. “Considering the continuous challenges our team has faced over this past year, the coaching staff was pleasantly surprised of our team’s overall performance.”

Several Hornets stung the Huskies. Speedy Madison Brown edged out teammate Ashleigh McNellis for first place in the 400. Hailey Reinhard claimed victory in the 800 race against Dieruff and currently holds the top 1600 time in both the EPC and District 11 with a 5:20 time. Kera Reinhard is just 12 seconds behind. Another sprint leader, Halle Jennett, continued to impress the coaching staff in the Dieruff and Allen meets.

The 4x800 relay race against Dieruff was won by the foursome of freshmen Addison Kleinle, Madison Toretta, Nicole Nosal and Ashley Ryan. Kleinle has been a strong addition to the team’s solid distance contingent and has already clocked a 2:30 in the 800.

“The girls distance team as a whole is strong with Belle Lees, Keerstin Augustin, Clara Kennedy, Ashley Ryan, Madison Toretta, Claire Engel and Nicole Nosal,” said Reinhard. “We know they will be top contenders in the league.”

Thrower Molly Lineberger tossed best marks in both shot put (30-feet, 4-inches), and discus (91-feet, 8-inches) with more potential ahead, according to Reinhard. Freshman sprinters Gianna Buysse (13 seconds in the 100) and Sammy Walkiewicz (1:03.44 in the 400) also performed well in both meets.

Emmaus received good performances in hurdles from Tayah Mehrtens and Bethany Brown - 16.74 in the 100 and 50.94 in the 300 hurdles, respectively. The times put both girls in the EPC’s top five rankings. Pole vaulter Morgan Belisle picked up where she left off two years ago, clearing 8-feet, 6-inches. Sheldyne Pierre also waited two years to perform in jumps and cleared 4-feet, 7-inches in the high jump, alongside senior Sachiko Price, who has already achieved a triple jump personal best.

The Hornets are scheduled April 14 to host Central Catholic and then hit the road April 17 to battle Hazleton.