In sports, there’s a reason they keep score. But when it came to the Emmaus boys track and field opener April 1 against Dieruff, the Hornets and Huskies won by just showing up.

“Both teams were cheering for each other throughout the meet,” said Emmaus head coach Kami Reinhard. “It was pretty clear the scores really didn’t matter because it was a win to have both teams competing again.”

On the scoreboard, the Hornets breezed over the Huskies 102-46 at EPSD Stadium. Six days later they overwhelmed Allen, 133-13. The victories pushed Emmaus’ record to 2-0.

The victories came after an 11-day hiatus due to COVID concerns. The boys were unable to practice during the shutdown and had the season opener postponed March 26.

“The missed practices were just another obstacle we had to overcome, attempting to keep in communication with our athletes and rearrange traveling plans,” the coach said.

The moratorium was more than annoying.

“It’s difficult for our athletes to maintain a high level of physical fitness with so many disruptions to training,” Reinhard said. “February was a tough month with the several snowstorms, which also impacted training heading into the season.”

Like a lion who hasn’t eaten for days, Emmaus was ready to roar. Thrower Tristan Schmidt provided the most excitement as he nearly broke the school’s 201-feet, 9-inch record in the javelin, set in 1986 by Jason Godusky.

“Tristan threw a monster 196-feet, 1-inch in our meet against Allen,” said Reinhard. “He will be one to watch as a top PIAA state contender to medal.”

Another Hornet who registered a solid performance was Davonte Hinds, who threw a 39-foot, 2-inch toss in shot put. Geoffrey Kleinberg did nothing to dispel the idea that he’s the leader of the school’s distance team, clocking a 2:10 in the 800 and a 4:50.2 in the 1600 race. Super sophomore Oscar Felegy was right with Kleinberg in the 800, registering a 2:11 time in the 800.

Emmaus should do well in sprints all season. Jarrett Lysek ran a blistering 54.14 in the 400 on opening day against Dieruff. The relay foursome of Matt Bruchak, Aidan Dougherty, Colin Byrne and Gabe Trexler ran well in the 4x100 relay.

Hurdlers Kyle Ryan and Alex Harmon were side-by-side in the 300 hurdles and are getting better each week. In jumps, Shep Henseler won the long jump in both meets and Evan Loro won the triple jump against both Allentown high schools. In the pole vault, Aiden Hurlburt realizes the sky is the limit.

“He has brought new heights to our team,” said Reinhard. “He is currently seeded number one in the EPC and in District 11 with a vault of 12 feet, 3 inches, followed by teammate Luke Rautzhan, who had a new best of 11 feet.”

The boys are scheduled to host Central Catholic on April 14 and head north three days later to battle Hazleton.

“Honestly, our focus is keeping our athletes healthy as there are so many different variables this season, which directly impacts the strength of our team,” said Reinhard.