Honesdale varsity track teams off to a stellar start in Lackawanna League action

HONESDALE — After struggling a bit last year in Lackawanna League action, Honesdale’s varsity track & field teams are off to a stellar start this spring.

Thanks in large part to the efforts of Rachael Collins and Brenna Dahlgren, the girls are 2-0 overall with impressive victories versus Scranton Prep and Western Wayne.

“Our girls are tough and competitive,” said Head Coach Paul Russick. “We have a great mix of returning kids, who are experienced, along with a talented group of new girls who are already making some noise.”

Meanwhile, the boys squad finally appears poised to compete for a division title again. With Aidan LaTourette and Jeffry Delgado-Santos leading the way, the Hornets rolled to a big divisional win this week.

“We have a few more seniors in this group who have been competing the past few years,” said Coach Russick. “They get better each week. I’m also really excited about our younger athletes as they are starting to find their roles.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Honesdale hosted its first meet of the season and posted an emphatic sweep of Western Wayne. The girls cruised to a 105-44 win, while the boys notched a 111-24 decision.

Weather permitting both teams will be back on the track next Tuesday. The Red & Black will travel to Delaware Valley for a battle with the Warriors.

Action is scheduled to get underway at 4:15 p.m. in Milford.

Scintillating Start

A big enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Daniel J. O’Neill Sports Complex Tuesday to witness the latest clash between longtime rivals Honesdale and Western Wayne.

The Lady Hornets opened with an overpowering performance in the 4x800M relay, then never looked back. Dahlgren anchored the team, combining with Karsyn Kromko, Megan Kretschmer and Meghan Dowling on the winning time of 10:54.

“I’m very pleased with our win,” Dahlgren said. “We all performed so well. Individually, I hit a great PR in my 4x8 split, but we all ran really well.”

A junior who also stars in cross country, Dahlgren contributed two individual wins as well. She finished first in the 1600M with a time of 6:01, then added a gold in the 3200M at 12:11.

While Dahlgren dominated the distance events, Collins dazzled in the sprints.

Another multi-sport standout who also excels in field hockey, basketball and cross country, the senior breezed to victory in the 100M (12.8), 200M (27.7) and 400M (1:01.8).

Collins closed out her day by running the anchor leg for Honesdale’s triumphant 4x400M relay team. She teamed up with Kromko, Kretschmer and Dowling to stop the clock at 4:44.7.

“I’m very happy,” Rachael said. “The season got off to a slow start because of the cold weather and windy meets. But, I knew all I needed was a nice warm day to hit the marks I wanted to hit.”

Ruby Martin also contributed multiple wins to the Lady Hornet cause. The freshman phenom jetted to victory in both the 100M hurdles (19.9) and 300M hurdles (56.0).

Also chipping in with first place finishes were: Megan Kretschmer, 800M (2:38.4); Rebecca Dadig, long jump (14-2); Erin Meagher, triple jump (29-6.75); and Elizabeth Meagher, high jump (4-6).

Breaking Through

On the boys side of the ledger, Honesdale was paced by the potent 1-2 punch of LaTourette and Delgado-Santos.

A battle-tested senior who just recently competed at the Adidas Indoor Nationals, LaTourette breezed to individual wins in the 800M (2:02.5) and 1600M (4:49.9). He also anchored the winning 4x400M relay team, combining with Luke Murray, Peter Pham and Logan Novobilski for a time of 4:02.1.

“I’m pretty happy with where I'm at currently,” Aidan said. “I haven’t had to exert too much so far, but in the coming weeks as we face more competitive teams I will be able to truly test myself.”

It didn’t take long for Delgado-Santos to make his presence felt as well.

On the heels of a solid basketball season, he rocketed to victories in both the 100M (11.5) and 200M (24.1). He then finished first in the 300M hurdles with a time of 53.2.

His final win came while anchoring the 4x100M relay. Delgado-Santos teamed up with Kage Southerton, Mason Avery and Clayton LeClere to stop the clock at 47.2.

“I’ve been working hard in the off-season, and I feel so much stronger,” Jeffry said. “Each day is a new day to push myself to reach my goals. I am determined to keep grinding and to improve my times in my events.“

Also contributing key wins for Honesdale was Robert Quinn who wrought gold in the pole vault (11-3) and 110M hurdles (21.7).

Peter Pham won the 400M in a time of 56.4. Tyler Winters finished first in the javelin with a throw measuring 140-10. Jack Hubinger captured the long jump (17-8.5), while Ryan Gross took the triple jump (35-9.5) and Cameron Hedgelon was tops in the high jump (5-0).

Novobilski closed things out by winning the 3200M in a time of 11.53.1.

On the Horizon

Heading into the second full week of the season, Honesdale’s girls varsity squad is right in the thick of the championship chase.

The Lady Hornets are 1-0 in Division II action, tied with Wallenpaupack Area atop the standings. Meets remaining on the slate include Delaware Valley (April 11), North Pocono (April 18) and Paupack (April 25).

“I definitely think if we all keep training the way we do and stay positive we have a good chance at accomplishing some big things,” Dahlgren said.

Collins agrees whole-heartedly.

“I am super-excited and pumped for this season!” Rachael exclaimed. “We’re off to a good start. The competition is going to get steeper as we continue, but we’re working hard in practice to prepare for what lies ahead.”

Insofar as the boys team is concerned, both LaTourette and Delgado-Santos believe the Hornets are poised for a bright future.

“Things have been going very well,” Aidan said. “I am confident we will keep improving and definitely very excited for what is to come. I’m really excited to see what we can do the league and at districts because we truly have a lot of talent on this team.”

“I think we’re working hard and we push ourselves each day to improve,” Jeffry added. “This is a team sport and we work well together. We motivate each other to succeed … and we’re all looking forward, not backward.”

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Lackawanna League Track & Field Honesdale Hornets LaTourette Collins