Two years ago, Catasauqua’s Hamaad Jenkins set a goal to qualify for the PIAA state meet.

Last season, Jenkins reached the goal when he qualified in the 200. This season, Jenkins wants to take it a step further.

The junior was one of five individual qualifiers along with three relay teams that punched their ticket at the PIAA District 11 track meet to qualify for the PIAA state meet at Hershey this weekend.

Jenkins, who finished third, also broke the school record in a time of 22.41 – set a new record of 22,44 earlier this season - was joined by his sister, Hailey, who qualified in the 100, second, 12.34, and 200 (second, 25.81); Manny Bolmer, fourth, long jump, 21.6.25; Josiah Lafond, second 300 hurdles, 41.75; and Julia Harth, second, 100 hurdles.

In addition, the Rough Riders’ girls 4x100 relay team of Jenkins, Harth, Florenni De Jesus Bido, and Kayla Davis were second in 50:62; the boys’ 4x100 foursome of Jenkins, Bolmer, Frankie Pujols, and Jeremiah Cofie, third, 43.58, which was a new school record; and the boys’ 4x400 unit of Jenkins, LaFond, Pujols, and Cadeo Estronza, fourth, 3:27.79.

Hailey Jenkins, who was the defending district champion in the 100 and finished sixth at states last season, is ready for her third shot at the state tournament. She was ninth in the 100 in her freshman year.

“It really is huge for me to be going to states this year,” said Jenkins. “I know I went the past two years, so it really shouldn’t be a surprise. But I was coming off an injury this year, and to run the way I did at districts was impressive to me.

“This wasn’t my best race, and I planned to work on the little things to get ready for states.”

Hamaad Jenkins is ready to make his mark. He finished 23rd in the 200 last year.

“Now that I am older, my goal is to medal at states,” said Jenkins. “I want to make a name for myself around the state. Last year, I didn’t have the mindset of wanting to win.

“It was more of the mindset of being a sophomore and having nothing to lose. I feel I wasn’t ready mentally to see some real talent. This year, I’m going for a gold medal.

“Some say that will be very hard to achieve since I’m not among the top runners in Class 2A, but last year I never expected to break the 23 (second) barrier and make it to states.

Head coach Kyle Rusnock expected Hamaad Jenkins to have a banner day.

“I had a good feeling that he was going to have a great run,” beamed Rusnock. “He rains hard and has been mentally prepared for this moment. He had a great start, come out with great form, looked superfast. He always gives it his all, and we’re all so proud of him.”

Jenkins anticipated having a busy week.

“I feel that I ran pretty good (at districts), but there’s always room for improvement,” added Jenkins. “I ended up surprising myself so far, and I want to make the Catty community proud.

With the right training this week, we will see what states hold for all of us.”