SHIPPENSBURG — Bradford High freshman Logan Caruso ended his first varsity track season in fine fashion at the PIAA Class AAA track and field championships over the weekend.
Caruso ran the 3200 meters in 9:52.64, setting a freshman record and he became the fourth fastest of all-time at Bradford High.
Caruso was the first person under 10 minutes since Josh Lanich accomplished that in 2001.
“Logan ran a great race pretty much by himself in a field of exceptional runners all of whom were under 10 minutes and several under 9 minutes,” BAHS coach Tom Tessena said.
The winner (Zach Brehm, Carlisle) set a state record of 8:55.6. Eighth place was Jake Brophy (Central Bucks East) who had a time of 9:05.23.
“Logan kept as close as he could to the pack and sprinted in to catch a State College runner to finish 25th,” Tessena said. “He had a fine year.”
Senior Brandon Hughes placed 21st in the javelin with a throw of 156’1’’.
“Brandon had a very good year becoming the fourth best javelin thrower since they changed the javelin back in 2002,” Tessena said.
Max Paterniti had a personal best of 4:35.76 in the 1600 meters.
Alex Colosimo was on a personal best pace in the 300 intermediate hurdles when a hurdle was knocked into his lane. He was thrown off stride but still managed to run 42.17 for 21st place.
The 4×400 relay team of Mitch Vleminckx, Colosimo, Justin Keller and Tyler Nuzzo placed 23rd in 3:41.55.
Keller was 19th in the pole vault with a 13-foot jump.
Keller finished his career as the fifth best ever with a 13’9’’ jump this year.
Colosimo ended up ninth all-time in the 110 high hurdles with a 15.52 mark.
Vleminckx and Colosimo scored over 200 points this season with Colosimo finishing with 240 and Vleminckx at 220.
Freshman John Eakin placed 27th in the 100 meters but had a tremendous year breaking both the 100-meter and high jump freshman records.
Eakin leaped 6’1’’ in the high jump and ran 11.50 in the 100 meters.
He also scored 169 points for the fifth best on the team which was a freshman record for points scored. Caruso was only three points back at 166.
Keller was the top senior with 189 points. In addition to being the team’s top pole vaulter he was a great relay man in the 4×400 and 4 x800, Tessena said.
Nuzzo had a fine year scoring 174 points for fourth best this season. He placed 27th in the 400 meters at states.
“He always ran his best in the relays and he ran any event from the 400 through the 3200,” Tessena noted. “He was a go to guy when we needed points anywhere.”
Freshman Andy Pantuso had a good year and gained much experience this season.
“He ran and jumped well all year,” the coach noted.
“We will miss Justin and Brandon and Steve Zawatski, who had a great year in the throws. “He ended up being the number five all-time discus thrower with a 159’5 1/2’’ throw. He did all three throws so he will be missed.”
Tessena concluded, “I think our coaching staff did one of their best jobs ever this season. Our throwing coach, Scott Mealy, worked tirelessly to get the best out of the guys and girls.
“Mark Kelley brought out the best in the distance runners. Matt Teribery continues to turn out district champions in the pole vault year in and year out. He has the top boy and girl ready for next year.
“Girls’ head coach Larry Stillman gets the best out of the jumpers. Natalie Nuzzo helps with the all the high jumpers and does well with the girl sprinters and relays.
“These coaches do their best each day and seek no recognition for their efforts. Our school district and our athletes are lucky to have these people.
“I want to personally thank them for all they do for Bradford. We would all like to thank athletic director Tim Walter for all his support through the season right down to the state meet.
“We also appreciate the support we receive from the Bradford School District and the administration. Finally, the team and coaches would like to thank Mike Caruso and the track and cross country for all their support this season.”
