Pennsylvania State Meet

Drew Griffith Runs NFHS Record 1,600 Meters, Comes Back For 3,200 Next Day; Veronica Vacca Clears 14 Feet

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Already etched into the Pennsylvania record books as one of the best distance runners in history, Butler’s Drew Griffith added a few more pages to his impressive story.

At the PIAA Track and Field Championships held May 24-25 at Shippensburg University, Griffith won the Class AAA boys 1,600 in a blazing time of 3:57.08, breaking Alan Webb’s 2001 National Federation of High School State Associations' (NFHS) 1,600 meters record of 3:59.51. 

Griffith’s time was a state record and PIAA meet record, both of which were previously held by Gary Martin, as well as the fourth-fastest all-time outdoors. Runner-up in the 1,600 was future Notre Dame teammate Ryan Pajak of Ringgold, who clocked 4:04.72. 

“I am very happy with how my final state track meet went,” Griffith said. “Being able to go out to Shippensburg and run 3:57 for the 1,600 was truly a dream come true. Seeing the first number be a 3 on the clock when you are finishing a mile or 1600 is something that I used to dream about. That was definitely the highlight of my weekend and definitely set the tone for the rest of the races to come.”

On Saturday, Griffith picked up right where he left off. The senior and Pajak were side-by-side for most of the race, but with about three laps to go he pulled away to win in a PIAA record time of 8:43.72. Pajak was second in 8:54.16. Griffin also ran on the 4x800 relay for Butler that finished in sixth place. 

“The 3,200 also went well, and any time I get to race Ryan is always fun,” Griffith said. “I’m excited to get to start training with him soon as we finish our last couple races against each other. The 4x800 was whatever I had left and my team performed well enough that I could put them on the podium.”

In the team race, Griffith almost single-handedly gave Butler the title as well, but the team finished runner-up to Coatesville, 27-26. Coatesville won the title on the final event, 4x400, clocking a US#17 time of 3:13.80. 

“Coming home from this meet with a team trophy is an unbeatable feeling. Knowing that you were able to represent your school to the highest standard and then be able to bring something back to show your efforts is pretty cool,” Griffith said. “It would have been nice to come out on top but I will gladly take the second overall place. (I’m) going to miss running for Butler, but it has given me every opportunity to be successful and for that I am grateful.”

In the sprints, Imhotep Institute Charter junior Jayden Horton-Mims claimed the 400 in a record time of 46.06. He’s currently ranked No. 5 in the U.S. in the event. He also won the 200 in 21.29. 

George Washington junior Shaun McCoullum won the 100 in a record time of 10.39 and was second in the 200. 

It wasn’t just the track that was heating up, in the field, Jordan Sowell of Cheltenham soared to a meet record in the triple jump, going 50-6 on his fifth attempt, US#3.

In the throws, Berks Catholic senior Brady Mider won the shot out with a throw of 61-10.75, while Peyton Murray of Hempfield defended his discus title with a throw of 186-6. 

On his first throw of the day, Hazleton Area senior Samuel Guzman launched a 208-8 throw in the javelin, which ultimately won him the state title. It is currently US#5. 

In Class AAA girls action, Logan St. John Kletter of Mount Lebanon ran a US#5 time in the 1,600 of 4:38.54, just missing the state record by less than two seconds. She added a dominating victory in the 3,200 Saturday morning, running 10:21.46. 

In the sprints, sophomore Kaddel Howard of Cedar Crest won the 400 in 53.25, a US#12 time. 

Spring Grove won the Class AAA team championship with 46 points as senior Lalia Campbell led the team winning the 200, and finishing second in the 100. Teammate Ella Bahn won the 300 hurdles in a US#20 time of 41.98 and the high jump (5-7). She was second in the 100 hurdles. 

In the field, US#4 pole vaulter Veronica Vacca of Mount Saint Joseph Academy broke a state record in the pole vault clearing 14 feet.

Souderton Area junior Destini Smith won the triple jump with a mark of 40-4.25

Class AA

Slippery Rock won the boys Class AA team title with 41 points as Levi Prementine won the 300 hurdles and placed fifth in the 110. Teammate Eli Anderson was second in the 300 hurdles and third in the 110s. 

Danville senior Bronson Krainak won the javelin in a dominating throw of 215-7, one inch off his current US#2 distance. 

Penny Manor junior Alex Polenik claimed the boys discus title (171-feet) and was second in the shot put. 

In girls Class AA action, Derry area junior Sophia Mazzoni won the javelin with a US#5 throw of 161-10.

On the track, Shady Side Academy’s Chelsea Hartman won the 3,200 by more than 20 seconds, finishing in 10:37.32. 

West Catholic won the team title with 36 points, edging out Warrior Run (32 points). 

Team Champions

Class AAA: Coatesville boys 27 points; Spring Grove girls 46 points

Class AA: Slippery Rock boys 41 points; West Catholic girls 36 points