For Kyle Rusnock and his coaches, it was a memorable and enjoyable weekend.

The ever-buoyant head coach and his staff watched their Rough Riders win five medals at the recent PIAA state track and field championships at Shippensburg.

Seniors Hailey Jenkins won silver medals in the 100 (11.93) and 200 (24.76), brother Hamaad was sixth in the 200 (22.75), the boys’ 4 x 400 relay team captured gold (3:23.27), and the boys’ 4 x 100 was sixth (43.79).

Those who competed and didn’t achieve medals were Hamaad Jenkins, 13th, 100 (11.00); senior Manny Bolmer, long jump, 10th (21-3.50); senior Julia Harth, 100 hurdles, preliminaries 29th (17.40); senior Josiah LaFond, 110 hurdles, preliminaries 17th (40.55); and senior Cade Estronza, 400, preliminaries 29th (52.75).

“It was a lot of fun,” gushed Rusnock. “It was great to have that many perform at the state meet. I love that they got there and were able to compete with the best in the state. As always it is an emotional couple of days for us coaches. We always want the best for our athletes.”

Rusnock had little doubts about the boys’ 4 x 400 relay team of Jenkins, LaFond, Estronza, and senior Frankie Pujols.

Jenkins put everything in its proper perspective.

“To think you have such a small school with only like 10 kids to choose from in relays and all these other schools have over 100 kids to choose from and we won states is a surreal feeling,” reflected Jenkins. “This group of guys has been together for three years, and we have barely been seeing success our sophomore and junior year.”

It was a matter of perseverance.

“We never gave up,” stressed Jenkins. “We just kept working hard in practice and knowing our hard work would pay off one way or another. During this year, we talked about the 4x4 during football season, basketball season, and even the summer before our senior year because we wanted it badly.

“We didn’t lose a 4x4 until leagues and that was the loss we needed because our heads were kind of high and needed someone to humble us then come districts. We ran a 3:20.02 which was insane because we could barely break 3:28 at one point. I’m very grateful we won districts and made it to states. During that final race we were saying this could be our last 4x4 if we don’t go to nationals so let’s give it our all.”

Jenkins welcomed and cherished the celebration.

“Being state champions, we will take pictures and celebrate with the team. When we get back to Catty, there will be fire trucks and a bunch of cars celebrating with us. It was such a great feeling that we brought a state championship back to our hometown.”

Rusnock had little doubt in his foursome.

“We were very confident that the 4x400 could pull it off,” exclaimed Rusnock. “But it is the state meet and anything can happen. We train and try to mentally prepare all season to embrace and enjoy competition.”

Rusnock was appreciative of his athletes’ efforts and contributions throughout the year.

“The kids are gamers and we knew they would give it everything they had and they did,” beamed Rusnock. “They are a great bunch of kids and we couldn’t be happier for them.”