ELLIS WINS GOLD, HEADED TO STATES; THOMPSON EARNS TWO MEDALS

By: Tim Birney  /  May 20, 2021  /  Photo: Joe Carreon

WILLIAMSPORT — Athens senior Asher Ellis topped his seed by more than 8 1/2-feet to win gold in the javelin here Friday evening at the District 4, Class AA Track & Field Championships, and punch his ticket to States next week at Shippensburg University.

Entering the meet with a season-best throw of 166-feet, 1-inch, Ellis was seeded second behind Montoursville senior Gavin Livermore, who was the top seed at 169-feet, 10-inches.

Ellis launched a throw of 174-feet, 8-inches, besting Livermore, who was second at 173-feet, 9-inches.

The Wildcat 3,200-meter relay team also reached the podium.

Juniors Kyle Anthony, Matt Gorsline, and Justin Lynch, and senior Connor Dahl teamed to finish fourth in a time of 8:32.7.
 
Athens is currently second in the team standings with 15 points. Southern Columbia leads the field with 20 points, while Montoursville is third with 13 points, and Wyalusing and Hughesville are tied for fourth with 10.

Athens junior Levi Kuhns finished seventh in his 100-meter hurdles heat in a time of 18.27 seconds.

CLASS AAA GIRLS
The Lady Wildcats reached the podium in two events in the Class AAA Championships, with freshman Mya Thompson earning a pair of medals in the process.

Sophomore Emma Bronson, senior Emma Roe, Thompson, and junior Hannah Walker placed fifth in the 3,200-meter relay in a time of 10:37.82.

Thompson also medalled in the triple jump, finishing sixth with an effort of 31-feet, 6-inches.

Senior Leah Liechty finished eighth in the high jump at 4-feet, 5-inches, while freshman Emily Henderson was sixth in her heat, and 10th overall, in the 100-meter hurdles in a time of 18.75 seconds.

Freshman Emma Pernaselli was 12th in the shot put with a heave of 26-feet, 5-inches.

Saturday’s action begins at 9 a.m.