Both Hailey and Hamaad Jenkins didn’t experience an ideal situation at the state track and field meet at Shippensburg University, but the sister and brother tandem did manage to come home with medals, closing out their Catasauqua careers.

Hailey won silvers in the 100 and 200, while Hamaad took a sixth in the 200. He was 13th in the 100. It marked the end of one of the most successful families in the annals of Catasauqua athletics.

For Hailey, the cloudy, misty weather didn’t provide the best backdrop.

“I do feel like I was right there for both races, but at the same time I’m very happy with how I performed for my last meet,” stated Hailey. “I ran two PRs (personal records) in weather that wasn’t ideal, but I can’t say it affected my performance.”

For Hamaad, it was about the feel.

“During my 100, I feel I had a good mindset and race but my block start wasn’t the best, I cannot lie,” stressed Hamaad. “The blocks we use at invitationals, leagues and districts were so much different from the ones we use at states. I was not used to them at all, which kind of stunted my race a little bit,”

In his 200, Hamaad was more comfortable.

“I knew I was going to make finals based on my seeding, and the 200 is my best race,” said Hamaad. “I really knew that I was going to make finals because I won my preliminary race by a lean over Kieran Cane (Quaker Valley sprinter) and we both made the final.

“In the final, I lost with a 22.2, which I feel isn’t a good time for me at all. I feel I wasn’t mentally ready because I usually run a 21 in finals. ”

Hailey thought she may have needed some divine intervention because of a nagging injury.

“I am very religious and have prayed before meets, but never before races,” said Hailey.” “I guess this time was different because of my condition. I’ve been having pain in my hamstrings and the weather was terrible. So you could say I needed extra strength from above.”

Hailey made the most of her likely final track meet, as she is headed to William Paterson University next fall on a basketball scholarship.

“I’m really going to miss high school athletics,” gushed Hailey. “But I’m also very excited to create new bonds in college.”

Hamaad also realized his high school track career came to an end, but he will begin a new track chapter at St. Bonaventure next fall.

“I am extremely grateful with how far I made it with no injuries,” reflected Hamaad. “I had the ability to compete against the top athletes in the state.”