Last week, the Upper Perk track teams ran their final home meets of the season after celebrating the careers of the Tribe seniors with a recognition ceremony. While the teams absorbed losses at the hands of Pope John Paul, the Tribe's performances generated optimism for the upcoming postseason and for the coming years.

            PJP took the boys meet 91-49. Robert Erwin won the 400 meter (52.2) and the 800 meter (2:08.24) and led off the wining 4x800 relay (9:08) and 4x400 relay (3:51.73) for the visitors.

            For the UP boys, junior Colby Hetrick had wins in the 100 meter (11.5) and 200 meter (23.3) sprints and anchored the winning 4x100 meter relay (45.9). 

            Upper Perk coach Dave Dusza noted, "It went better than expected, a lot of [personal bests] out there, a lot of really good races individually."

            Dusza and the rest of the Tribe staff realizes that the season has taken a physical toll on the athletes.

            "A lot of our upper classmen were stepping up. I know they were hurt," Dusza said.

             "With the season, this is the week where everybody starts to hurt. They were able to gut through everything and drop some really good times, win a couple of races, and really show the leadership out there, and show the younger kids that when they're hurting you got to step up and get what you need to get done."

            In addition to Hetrick, other winners for the Tribe included: Cameron Junk (1600/4:43.57), Evan Hanney (pole vault/11'), Chalmers Stroup (shot put/37'10.5), and Tyrese Reid (long jump/20'2).

            "Tyrese has been spectacular. He never complains. He's always there working, always willing to do better," Dusza noted. "He's definitely somebody to watch in the next four years."

            In the running events, the connection between Tyrese and Colby Hetrick is evident. Reid has cited the positive influence Hetrick has had on him and Dusza sees the similarities.

            "Colby's always consistent. Tyrese reminds me a lot of him."

            The PJP girls easily topped the Tribe 100-34. The Panthers' Bridget Plate won the 300 hurdles (50.1) and 400 meter (1:04.3). Julia Costello took the 1600 (5:44.65) and 3200 (13.50.8) races. Rebecca Shureman captured the shot put (30'8) and discus (73'2).

            For Upper Perk the highlights on the girl's side included Kayleigh Durning's victory and personal best in the 100 hurdles (16.4).

            In the javelin, UP senior Teresa Swartley was second, less than two feet behind Lauren D'Amico's winning toss of 91'1. Swartley's performance comes with an interesting footnote, however.

            A couple of weeks ago, Teresa was asked to throw the jav against an opponent similarly bereft of throwers in an effort to pick up some team points.

            "A couple of us just decided to throw for the heck of it. It turned out to be something that I really enjoyed," said Swartley, who will be heading to Temple and joining the Navy ROTC there.

            Since seventh grade, Swartley has been a member of the track program. "I do enjoy team sports like soccer, but I like track where it's yourself, so there's not really any excuse except for yourself a lot of the times." 

            Another senior, Gabby Martin will be continuing her field hockey career at Susquehanna. For her, track has a personal connection.

            "I didn't even want to run track," Martin recalled. "My mom (Gennifer) ran track in high school, so she told me to try it out, and I ended up really liking it."

            Gabby runs the same events her mother did: the 100, 200, 4x100, and 4x400 relays.

            "She critiques me all the time," Martin said. "I used to think she didn't know what she was talking about, then I kind of realized she does know what she's talking about. Probably should have listened to her. I'm definitely really glad that my mom convinced me to be on the track team."

            Another team member with track lineage is Anthony Boyle, whose uncle, Anthony O'Hara, is in the Upper Perk Hall of Fame for his track exploits.

            Boyle has had an injury plagued spring with quad and back issues that marred a promising start to the season. Before the injuries, he threw 133' in the jav, shattering his previous personal best.

            Also a member of the golf and wrestling teams, the Temple-bound senior did not take up track until his sophomore year.

            "I wish I had done it freshman year and even in middle school," he said wistfully.

            Anthony enjoys the camaraderie of the track culture and the willingness of past veterans like Eli Soto and Christian Zera to show him the ropes.

            The programs hope to end on a high note with the PAC Championship Meet set for next week and, hopefully for some, Districts.

            "They're putting all the hard work in, and it's really paying off," Dusza said. "I'm excited to see where we're going to be…when everybody starts to taper, and they start to feel fresh."