BROOKVILLE — The Bradford High girls track and field team held off strong challenges from St. Marys and DuBois to win its second consecutive District 9 Class AAA track and field championship on Friday.
“It was a great victory,” Bradford coach Larry Stillman said. “We knew it was going to be a three-team race with St. Marys and DuBois and it was. We got some great performances in almost every single event. Just a great effort by every single kid on the team.”
Leading the way for the Lady Owls was once again was Ashton McGriff, who won her third Manners Award (for outstanding performer) in four years. McGriff notched victories in the 200 (25.94), 300 hurdles (46.6), and triple jump (34-7), as well as anchoring the 1600 relay with Erica Marshall, Mikah Watkins, and Emily Bosworth to the second-fastest time in school history (4:10.67). McGriff’s time in the 300 hurdles is believed to be one of the fastest in D-9 history.
“It has been an honor to coach her the last four years,” Stillman said of McGriff. “She comes up big every time you need her to do so. She’s been our leader and the heart and soul of the team, and she went out in style today. You could go on forever about her. We’re sure gonna miss her.”
Abby Coffman earned a pair of wins herself in the shot put (31-9) and javelin (110-3).
“She peaked at the right time of the year when we needed her,” Stillman said. “She just had a great day.
“Lydia Pompa (90-2) and Logan Sunafrank (96-11) got us off and running in the javelin. Allyson Luke had a personal-best throw in the shot put (23-4), and Sophia Oliver threw well in the discus (88-5) to make the finals.”
“In the sprints we’re fast; we’ve been fast for two years and it showed today. Ashton and Regan (26.2) went 1-2 in the 200, and Regan (12.74) and Erica (12.8) went 2-4 in the 100.
“Emily Bosworth, a freshman, ran away in the 400 (1:01.4) in a great race.
“In the 100 hurdles Alexandra Safran had her best time of the year (19.24) to finish sixth and she had her best-ever race in the 300 hurdles (58.0) to finish seventh.
“We had very solid performances in the distance events. Emily Bosworth placed second in the 800 (2:30.75) in a tremendous race and a personal best by over five seconds. Shea Crissman had her best race in the 800 (2:50.71) for us.
“Hannah Lary got us some big points in both the 1600 (5:52.94) and 3200 (13:00.84). The 3200 race was right when the meet was tied. Hannah came from behind and got us fifth place, and that one point made a big difference.
“Mikayla Bond (4-10) and Kayelyn Eschrich (4-4) went 2-3 in the high jump. Regan Johnson repeated as long jump champion with her best jump ever (17-0.25).
“Alexis Huber won the pole vault (9-0), which was very nice for her. Mackenzie Lucas also got third (8-0). Taylar Mager also placed (7-6), so that was three big places for us in one of the first events.
“Our 4×100 (Sunafrank, Huber, Marshall, Johnson) had its best time of the year (52.04) and ran really well. And the 4×4 really put on a show at the end; that’s the way to finish a district title.
“On behalf of myself and my coaches, I’m really happy and proud of the girls. It’s a great way to represent our school district. I also want to congratulate the boys, who won as well, and to thank the boys coaches.
“It’s great when both teams can win like they did today.”
