Gettysburg High School’s track and field athletes made a mark at the District 3 Class AAA Championships this past Saturday. Two of Gettysburg’s finest, Gabe Pecaitis and Caroline Bannak, earned their spots at the upcoming PIAA AAA State Championships, highlighting a day filled with personal bests and school records.
Senior Gabe Pecaitis, a standout in the pole vault and the current school and county record holder, soared over the bar at 14 feet 9 inches. This impressive performance not only secured him a 4th-place medal but also a ticket to the state championships. Pecaitis, known for his calm demeanor and precision, once again proved why he is one of the top vaulters in the region.
On the track, junior Caroline Bannak matched the intensity with a scorching pace in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles. Clocking in at 45.48 seconds, Bannak not only smashed her personal best but also tied the school record. Her fourth-place finish was met with cheers as she, too, booked her passage to states, establishing herself as a formidable hurdler.
Adding to the team’s accolades, Kye’Mere Robinson showcased his prowess in the triple jump. With a leap of 43 feet 6 1/4 inches, Robinson clinched 7th place, earning a medal and contributing valuable points to the team’s tally.
Other Gettysburg athletes also put in impressive performances at the championships. Freshman Samantha Campbell shone brightly, setting a new personal record in the 3200-meter run with a time of 11:45.29. Her performance capped a remarkable first season in high school track and field.
Junior Owen Clapsadle demolished his previous best in the 800 meters, clocking in at 1:57.54. This time not only earned him personal acclaim but also marked the fourth fastest 800 meters ever run by a Gettysburg boy, hinting at a promising future for this middle-distance runner.
The boys’ 4×400 relay team, consisting of Josh Herr, Gavin Cole, Jahanzib Nasiri, and Owen Clapsadle, also left a mark with their best combined time of the season, finishing at 3:29.17.
Source: gettysburgwarriors.com