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By Michael Boytim
mboytim@altoonamirror.com
Penn Cambria senior Josh Stolarski will be the top seed in two events at the PIAA Class 2A track and field championships Friday and Saturday at Shippensburg's Seth Grove Stadium.
Stolarski is the defending PIAA champion in the 400-meter dash and goes in with a seeding time of 47.91, his District 6-record-breaking mark in the event.
He's also the top seed in the 200-meter dash at 21.73, also a district record. He's seeded 20th in the 100 dash.
"Easily the 400 is my best race," Stolarski said. "I had like 10 days to prepare, and I feel like I can go 47.5, maybe under that. The 200, I know I can definitely run 21.5. I have the speed. I opened my 400 (at districts) in 21.8. I just need to put a race together where I have the recovery, the nutrition and it's just going to take a perfect day. If I can put it together, I'll be right there."
Hollidaysburg senior Caden DeLattre is also a top seed in the Class 3A portion of the competition with his triple jump distance of 47 feet, 7 inches. DeLattre medaled at states as a sophomore and is looking to end his career back on that stand.
"I had a jump that scratched at (districts) that everyone was saying was out there close to 48," DeLattre said. "If I have that saved for states, that would be great."
Another area jumper with a high seed in Penn Cambria senior Carter McDermott, who is slotted at No. 4 in the Class 2A long jump at 22 feet, 9.25 inches.
"I want to get to 23," McDermott said. "I was hoping to get it (at districts) to beat the meet record, but it didn't come. I'm saving the best for last, hopefully."
Central javelin thrower Madison Kennedy, who just started throwing the javelin this year as a senior while also pitching for the Scarlet Dragon softball team, is seeded No. 4 after her throw of 127 feet, 1 inch at the District 6 meet.
Unlike many of the top seeds who have been there-done that with making states, Kennedy is just excited for the experience.
"I'm just happy to be going," Kennedy said. "It would be great to get a new PR."
Another fourth-seed is Altoona's Xavier Williams in the 3A 110-meter hurdles after his Mansion Park facility record 14.18 time at districts. Williams will also compete with DeLattre in the triple jump.
"Can I do it again at states?" Williams said. "I think I might just get a 13.9 at states."
Juniata Valley's Bryce Weirich is the No. 6 seed in the 2A javelin, having cleared 13 feet, 6 inches, and Altoona's Bron Mosley is No. 8 in the 3A shot put.
Tyrone's Rebecca Lewis and Altoona's Hailey Kravetz are among the athletes who qualified in all four of their events for the state meet.
Kravetz is seeded seventh in the 3A 300 hurdles and is hoping more time between events helps improve her time of 44.63.
"I definitely think having more time in between each event, I'll be more rested," Kravetz said. "I'll be able to put forth more effort for each race. I want top three (in the 300 hurdles), and going sub-44 is one of my biggest goals."
The PIAA championships begin at 9 a.m. on Friday morning with the finals of the 1600-meter run. Huntingdon's Tyler Radar is the top seed in the 2A boys race with a seeding time of 4:16.9.