Josiah LaFond recently achieved a major goal, and he felt very satisfied about it.

LaFond qualified for the PIAA Track Class 2 A Championships this weekend at Shippensburg University when he recorded as second-place finish in the 300 hurdles at the recent District 11 Class 2 Track Championships.

LaFond notched a time of 41.75 in the 300 hurdles, and he also placed third in the 110 hurdles.

He saw it as a true testament to his mettle and determination.

“Going to states is a very big accomplishment for me,” gushed LaFond. “It has been one of my main goals since I started track.

“Although it was not easy and many obstacles stood in my way, I still kept positive and pushed through. I wouldn’t say I ran my best race at districts, but it gives me high hopes for states because I know I can do better.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock watched LaFond’s career full circle.

“JoJo is a great athlete and works really hard to perfect his craft,” said Rusnock. “He ran an outstanding 300-meter hurdles at districts and also did well in the 110 hurdles.

“He had a lot of confidence heading into the meet and was dialed in with coach (Laura) Gerhard. Qualifying for states as a junior is only going to make him better. JoJo also enjoys running with his teammates in the 4x400 relay, in which they broke the school record.”

Rusnock was pleased with his program’s overall performance. He watched his team qualify for states in nine events.

Aside from LaFond, others who qualified were Hamaad Jenkins, who finished third, also broke the school record in a time of 22.41 – he 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.

It was a good day for the Rough Riders.

“Needless to say, we had an epic district meet,” beamed Rusnock. “The kids competed and performed at a high level at the right time. It was a lot of fun watching the athletes compete reach their goals they set at the beginning of the season.

“The kids were on fire the whole meet. The team chemistry and support for one another is something that should be pointed out. They pushed each other and wanted everyone to have success.”

Rusnock also cited the support of assistant coaches Laura Gerhard, Madison Walker, John Stires, Joe Harakal, and Natalie Schlofer and thanked them for preparing the athletes.

In addition to his qualifiers, Rusnock highlighted the performances of Jeremiah Cofie, who was fifth in the 200 and sixth in the 100; John Cordon-Pinto, 110 hurdles, seventh; Alyssa Baker, sixth, discus; Sarina Sakari, 10th and Ana Rodriguez-Ramos, 11th, 400; Elian De Aza De La Rosa, discus, 14th; and Jessica Mankos, javelin, eighth.

Rusnock is ecstatic about the possibilities of the weekend ahead.

“Having this many kids make it to states is exciting,” beamed Rusnock. “I can’t wait to see them compete against the best in the state.”