Fort LeBoeuf girls pile up wins at Harbor Creek; Paris stands out for Seneca boys

Mike Copper, Erie Times-News
·12 min read

Audrey Friedman's best javelin throw during Saturday's Harbor Creek Invitational stuck sod 136 feet, 9 inches after it left her right hand.

The distance was easily far enough for the Fort LeBoeuf senior to be the gold medalist in that field event.

It also was far enough for the Penn State University recruit to take over the honor of the PIAA's best throw by a female so far this season.

Friedman's attempt, according to pa.milesplit.com, surpassed the state standard of 133-6 that Forest Hills' Allie Melchiorre held going into Saturday. Melchiorre, a Miami (Ohio) University recruit, recorded that distance on April 14.

Friedman's victorious throw outside Harbor Creek's Paul J. Weitz Stadium also was long enough to place her in the top 25 of the nation's varsity female javelin throwers, according to pa.milesplit. She accomplished that despite a notable headwind and a threat of heavy rain over the meet's first 90 minutes.

“Obviously, you aim to peak in the postseason, but I'm very happy with where I'm at (with distances) right now,” Friedman said. “I wish the weather were a lot nicer, but I think everybody does.”

Audrey Friedman, Fort LeBoeuf
Audrey Friedman, Fort LeBoeuf

The weather broke for the better around the time the girls javelin competition concluded. The sunny skies and warmer temperatures were the kind of conditions she'd like this week at Philadelphia. That's where Friedman is scheduled to compete in the prestigious Penn Relays at Franklin Field. The meet returns after a two-year hiatus because of COVID-19.

It had been held every year since 1895 before then.

Fort LeBoeuf High School senior Mackenzie Huston, center, wins the 100-meter hurdles during the Harbor Creek track and field invitational at Paul J. Weitz Stadium in Harborcreek Township on April 23, 2022. Franklin Area senior Abby Williams is at right.
Fort LeBoeuf High School senior Mackenzie Huston, center, wins the 100-meter hurdles during the Harbor Creek track and field invitational at Paul J. Weitz Stadium in Harborcreek Township on April 23, 2022. Franklin Area senior Abby Williams is at right.

Friedman enthusiastically accepted the invitation by meet officials to participate in the high school girls javelin division, which is scheduled to start Thursday at 9:30 a.m. She'll be seeded third behind Nicole Woods of Demarest, New Jersey, and Alianis Torres of Puerto Rico.

“I've been thinking about winning a gold watch (presented to each Penn Relays champion) for the past four years,” Friedman said. “It's going to be good to go a big meet with that kind of competition before states.”

Friedman, at 135-2, finished fourth in the Class 2A girls javelin standings during last season's PIAA meet in Shippensburg University.

Lichtinger inspires Bison

Friedman boarded LeBoeuf's bus back to Waterford as a two-time meet champion. She also won Harbor Creek's girls shot put competition with her toss of 36-4.

Friedman's victories accounted for 20 of the 150 overall points the accumulated by the Bison. They finished ahead of Seneca (90) for first place in the team standings.

LeBoeuf's other individual winners were Alee Young in the long jump (16-7½) and triple jump (34-2); and Mackenzie Huston in the 100-meter hurdles (16.72 seconds) and 300 hurdles (48.46).

Young and Huston also joined Bison teammates Emily Samluk and Maggie Morrison to win the 400 relay (52.25).

Fort LeBoeuf High School senior Hayden Skinner wins his preliminary heat in the 110-meter hurdles during the Harbor Creek track and field invitational at Paul J. Weitz Stadium in Harborcreek Township on April 23, 2022.
Fort LeBoeuf High School senior Hayden Skinner wins his preliminary heat in the 110-meter hurdles during the Harbor Creek track and field invitational at Paul J. Weitz Stadium in Harborcreek Township on April 23, 2022.

The LeBoeuf boys, with 109½ team points, finished third behind Seneca (155) and Harbor Creek (136). Hayden Skinner swept the 110 hurdles (15.36) and 300 hurdles (41.52), while distance specialist Ben Schrumpf crossed the finish line first in the 3,200 (9:54.64).

The Bison were additionally inspired to compete Saturday after an electronic pre-meet pep talk from Adam Lichtinger, who spoke from his room the UPMC Mercy Burn Center at Pittsburgh.

Lichtinger, a LeBoeuf senior, was seriously burned during an April 14 garage fire at the LeBoeuf Township home of a family friend.

Mending athletes: Fort LeBoeuf athletes recovering from burns suffered at structure fire

Lichtinger and Bison classmate Dom Gentile were injured and burned as they tried to exit the building after checking for their friend inside.

Gentile was treated and released from a local hospital, but Lichtinger remains in Pittsburgh after he received skin grafts for the second- and third-degree burns on his left arm and leg.

Kellie Lichtinger, Adam Lichtinger's mother, told the Erie Times-News he plans to recover in time compete in District 10's track and field meet on May 21. He's the district's reigning 2A boys javelin champ.

LeBoeuf coach Justin Blose relished the thought of Lichtinger participating that day at Slippery Rock University.

“Adam is still part of this team,” Blose said. “He's a hard worker and a dedicated kid, so I have no doubt in my mind he's going to give it his best to get there.”

Bobcat boys are best

Seneca boys secured the boys team title with a victory in the meet's last event.

The Bobcats' Wesley Paris, Clay Bendig, Dylan Myers and anchor Michael Werner were comfortable victors in the 1,600 relay. They were timed at 3:40.48, which was more than four seconds faster than LeBoeuf's quartet.

It was the last of three wins Paris experienced Saturday. The sophomore sprinted to first place in the 100 at 11.39 and the 400 at 52.98.

The victory in the 100 was a significant one for Paris.

“It's really nice to be able to come out first in a race like this," he said. "It really does help my confidence for whatever meets are next, be it districts or states."

The Bobcats also boasted a double winner in Lee Hoover, another sophomore. He recorded title-winning attempts of 20-5½ in the long jump and 43-1½ in the triple jump.

Vincent Rupp rounded out Seneca's list of meet victors. The senior cleared 6-3 in the high jump.

Harbor Creek High School senior Max Dailey finishes the final leg of the 3,200-meter relay to help the Huskies win the event during the Harbor Creek track and field invitational at Paul J. Weitz Stadium in Harborcreek Township on Saturday. He also won the 800 meters.
Harbor Creek High School senior Max Dailey finishes the final leg of the 3,200-meter relay to help the Huskies win the event during the Harbor Creek track and field invitational at Paul J. Weitz Stadium in Harborcreek Township on Saturday. He also won the 800 meters.

Harbor Creek honors late coach

Harbor Creek held a moment of silence ahead of Saturday's meet for former coach Marty Dale, who died April 10 at age 70.

Dale was in charge of the Huskies' track and field program for 41 seasons. He primarily coached the team's sprinters and jumpers at the time of his retirement in 2017.

“Marty cared about every one of the kids as a student and an athlete,” Harbor Creek athletic director Mary Yount said.

Harbor Creek's boys had individual event winner in Nicholas Krahe (shot put, 52-1) and Max Dailey (800, 2:06.07). Dailey also ran the second leg of the Huskies' first-place 3,200 relay (8:34.03).

Contact Mike Copper at mcopper@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNcopper.

General McLane High School junior Jenna Preston extends a lead in the 3,200-meter relay during the Harbor Creek track and field invitational at Paul J. Weitz Stadium in Harborcreek Township on Saturday.
General McLane High School junior Jenna Preston extends a lead in the 3,200-meter relay during the Harbor Creek track and field invitational at Paul J. Weitz Stadium in Harborcreek Township on Saturday.

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Track and field results for the Harbor Creek Invitational at Paul J. Weitz Stadium:

Girls

Team: 1. Fort LeBoeuf (FL) 150, 2. Seneca (Sen) 90, 3. Harbor Creek (HC) 83, 4. Mercyhurst Prep (MP) 69, 5. North East (NE) 67, 6. Franklin (Fr) 60, 7. Northwestern (Nw) 54, 8. General McLane (GM) 40, 9. Girard (G) 21, 10. McDowell (Mc) 18, 11. Youngsville (Y) 16, 12. (tie) Union City and Cambridge Springs (CS) 10, 14. Iroquois (I) 9, 15. Commodore Perry (CP) 5

3,200-meter relay: 1. General McLane (Genna Preston, Lydia Zehr, Isabella Williams, Sydney Bayle) 10:40.28; 2. Mercyhurst Prep 10:49.14; 3. Harbor Creek 11:05.28; 4. Seneca 11:10.76; 5. Iroquois 11:44.52

100 hurdles: 1. Mackenzie Huston (FL) 16.72; 2. Ella Corritore (FL) 17.57; 3. Destiny Miller (HC) 18.06; 4. Abby Williams (Fr) 18.33; 5. Gig Gaston (NE) 18.70

100: 1. Chloe Yazembiak (Nw) 13.26; 2. Mackenzie Nelson (Sen) 13.77; 3. Maggie Morrison (FL) 13.81; 4. Rachel Ciukaj (HC) 13.82; 5. Aleksandra Tupper (NE) 13.95

1,600: 1. Sarah Sweet (MP) 5:23.16; 2. Devyn Agnello (G) 5:39.02; 3. Nadaline Latchaw (Fr) 5:41.99; 4. Reagan Pettis (Nw) 5:46.69; 5. Ashley Post (Sen) 5:51.58

400 relay: 1. Fort LeBoeuf (Mackenzie Huston, Emily Samluk, Alee Young, Maggie Morrison) 52.25; 2. Harbor Creek 53.12; 3. Mercyhurst Prep 54.64; 4. North East 54.86; 5. Seneca 55.15

400: 1. Mackenzie Nelson (Sen) 1:04.28; 2. Elizabeth Kline (CS) 1:04.55; 3. Chloe Yazembiak (Nw) 1:04.89; 4. Olivia Rondinelli (Fr) 1:04.94; 5. Ava Reagle (UC) 1:05.53

300 hurdles: 1. Mackenzie Huston (FL) 48.46; 2. Samantha Zank (HC) 49.87; 3. Ella Corritore (FL) 52.45; 4. Taylor Bunce (Sen) 53.09; 5. Riley Brophy (Fr) 55.96

800: 1. Devyn Agnello (G) 2:36.12; 2. Allie Gladitz (Sen) 2:36.78; 3. Elise Benim (HC) 2:37.76; 4. Monica Curtis (HC) 2:38.64; 5. Ella Harrington (MP) 2:40.45

200: 1. Chloe Yazembiak (Nw) 27.49; 2. Samantha Zank (HC) 27.92; 3. Mackenzie Nelson (Sen) 28.51; 4. Abby Falk (NE) 28.59; 5. Emily Samluk (FL) 28.87

3,200: 1. Sarah Sweet (MP) 11:57.05; 2. Nadaline Latchaw (Fr) 12:06.36; 3. Reagan Pettis (Nw) 12:11.43; 4. Ashley Post (Sen) 12:36.92; 5. Veronica Brewer (HC) 12:46.25

1,600 relay: 1. Mercyhurst Prep (Erin Matlock, Taylor Friello, Ella Harrington, Gabi McCallister) 4:24.78; 2. North East 4:30.39; 3. Harbor Creek 4:38.73; 4. Seneca 4:38.76; 5. General McLane 4:40.51

Pole vault: 1. Mary Stravinsky (Mc) 9-0; 2. (tie) Amanda Buterbaugh (Fr) and Ava Guzowski (Sen) 8-6; 4. Lanie Labruzzo (NE) 8-6; 5. Katie Proctor (FL) 8-6

Javelin: 1. Audrey Friedman (FL) 136-9; 2. Madisyn Szymanowski (NE) 94-8; 3. Chloe Rossi (FL) 94-7; 4. Jasmine Craig (Nw) 90-2; 5. Jinelle Ward (UC) 90-0

Discus: 1. Ashley Alcorn (Fr) 110-6; 2. Tessa Bemiss (NE) 106-5; 3. Chloe Rossi (FL) 96-8; 4. Kerringten Wasiulewski (FL) 95-8; 5. Ellie Sebolt (NE) 93-1

Triple jump: 1. Alee Young (FL) 34-2; 2. Rebecka Habursky (MP) 31-11½; 3. Hailey Corritore (FL) 31-7½; 4. Emma Carrier (Sen) 30-10; 5. Jasmine Craig (Nw) 30-3

Shot put: 1. Audrey Friedman (FL) 36-4; 2. Kerringten Wasiulewski (FL) 29-6¾; 3. Natasha Myers (NE) 29-3½; 4. Joyce O'Neal (Sen) 28-7¾; 5. Lauryn Guild (GM) 28-2

High jump: 1. Kaci Smith (GM) 4-11; 2. Allyson Lutz (NE) 4-9; 3. Rebecka Habursky (MP) 4-9; 4. Amelya Bretz (HC) 4-9; 5. Ella Corritore (FL) 4-7

Long jump: 1. Alee Young (FL) 16-7½; 2. Holly Shreve (GM) 16-5¾; 3. Amelya Bretz (HC) 16-1¼; 4. Ava Deangelo (HC) 15-8½; 5. Ava DeLullo (Mc) 14-11¾

Boys

Teams: 1. Seneca (Sen) 155, 2. Harbor Creek (HC) 136, 3. Franklin (Fr) 109½, 4. Fort LeBoeuf 98, 5. General McLane (GM) 43, 6. Mercyhurst Prep (MP) 38, 7. North East (NE) 27½, 8. Conneaut (Conn) 25, 9. Northwestern (Nw) 15, 10. Iroquois (I) 13, 11. (tie) Youngsville (Y) and Cambridge Springs (CS) 10, 13. (tie) Commodore Perry (CP) and Girard (G) 9, 15. McDowell (Mc) 4

3,200-meter relay: 1. Harbor Creek (Logan Byerly, Max Dailey, Eli Rhoades, Peyton Brewer) 8:34.03; 2. Franklin 8:40.51; 3. Seneca 8:40.80; 4. Cambridge Springs 9:08.62; 5. Fort LeBoeuf 9:08.68

110 hurdles: 1. Hayden Skinner (FL) 15.36; 2. Nathan Pfennigwerth (Fr) 16.85; 3. Ryan Miller (Sen) 16.94; 4. Michael Martz (Fr) 17.89; 5. Koby Hendrickson (Y) 18.33

100: 1. Wesley Paris (Sen) 11.39; 2. Camden Bryant (MP) 11.56; 3. Zack Leubke (Nw) 11.58; 4. Luke Stanyard (HC) 11.64; 5. Brandon Konieczki (HC) 11.65

1,600: 1. Caleb Prettyman (Fr) 4:40.85; 2. Zach Wheeler (Conn) 4:42.57; 3. Eli Rhoades (HC) 4:52.14; 4. Simeon Hunter (Conn) 4:52.72; 5. Ethan Knapp (Fr) 4:54.43

400 relay: 1. Mercyhurst Prep (Aronde Bridgett, Jason Ellman, Isaac Conners, Camden Bryant) 45.11; 2. Harbor Creek 45.66; 3. Fort LeBoeuf 45.88; 4. North East 46.48; 5. Seneca 46.94

400: 1. Wesley Paris (Sen) 52.98; 2. Sam Parente (HC) 53.99; 3. Chase Reeves (I) 54.35; 4. Aiden Seeman (GM) 55.02; 5. Daejon Duryee (FL) 55.11

300 hurdles: 1. Hayden Skinner (FL) 41.52; 2. Ryan Miller (Sen) 41.61; 3. Ian Salisbury (GM) 44.44; 4. Damian Blose (FL) 44.90; 5. Michael Martz (Fr) 44.99

800: 1. Max Dailey (HC) 2:06.07; 2. Clay Bendig (Sen) 2:09.69; 3. Zach Wheeler (Conn) 2:11.00; 4. Corbin Lehner (CS) 2:11.36; 5. Shawn Stutts (GM) 2:13.89

200: 1. Dominic Maas (NE) 23.79; 2. Camden Bryant (MP) 23.79; 3. Wesley Paris (Sen) 24.15; 4. Zack Luebke (Nw) 24.41; 5. John Morvay (Sen) 24.45

3,200: 1. Ben Schrumpf (FL) 9:54.64; 2. Caleb Prettyman (Fr) 9:59.40; 3. Simeon Hunter (Conn) 10:06.13; 4. Logan Byerly (HC) 10:29.16; 5. Ethan Knapp (Fr) 10:42.81

1,600 relay: 1. Seneca (Wesley Paris, Clay Bendig, Dylan Myers, Michael Werner) 3:40.48; 2. Fort LeBoeuf 3:44.72; 3. Mercyhurst Prep 3:46.95; 4. Iroquois 3:50.71; 5. Franklin 3:53.29

Pole vault: 1. Jacob Graham (Fr) 11-9; 2. Toby Charlton (HC) 11-6; 3. Connor McChesney (FL) 11-0; 4. (tie) Lucas Walker (NE) and Trystin Bocks (Fr) 10-6

Javelin: 1. Drew Wilkinson (Fr) 160-2; 2. Bobby Yost (Sen) 152-4; 3. Karson Cropp (CP) 138-4; 4. Connor McChesney (FL) 133-1; 5. Jessie Stempka (GM) 132-3

Discus: 1. Drew Wilkinson (Fr) 143-11; 2. Nicholas Krahe (HC) 140-0; 3. Hayden Mahoney (HC) 124-5; 4. Ryan James (GM) 122-3; 5. Bobby Yost (Sen) 116-9

Triple jump: 1. Lee Hoover (Sen) 43-1½; 2. Ryan Miller (Sen) 42-5; 3. Geremia Dell'omo (G) 41-½; 4. Donovan Davis (FL) 40-11; 5. Gavin Ennis (HC) 39-6½

Shot put: 1. Nicholas Krahe (HC) 52-1; 2. Hyaden Mahoney (HC) 45-6½; 3. Drew Wilkinson (Fr) 44-7; 4. Ryan James (GM) 42-10; 5. Dylan Ellenberger (Sen) 41-11½

High jump: 1. Vincent Rupp (Sen) 6-3; 2. Cooper Robson (GM) 6-1; 3. Lee Hoover (Sen) 5-11; 4. Boden Gushie (HC) 5-9; 5. (tie) Ronan Dorler and Donovan Davis (FL) 5-9

Long jump: 1. Lee Hoover (Sen) 20-5½; 2. Donovan Davis (FL) 20-0; 3. Brandon Konieczki (HC) 19-9¼; 4. Noah Rodgers (Fr) 19-7½; 5. Blake Myers (Y) 19-4½

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Fort LeBoeuf piles up wins, Seneca boys show skills at Harbor Creek