Waynesburg boys fall short in bid for WPIAL team title
McMURRAY – Securing second- and third-place finishes are the key points needed to win a WPIAL team championship, and those points often are won by deeper teams.
Waynesburg had top-flight performers in most events, but not the depth to add up the bonus points as the Raiders fell short in their bid Monday to win the WPIAL Class AA boys team track and field championship at Peters Township.
Before late results from the pole vault, Shenango had enough points to secure its third straight team title. The Raiders defeated South Park but fell to Riverside to place third overall.
Waynesburg coach Rick Layton felt his Raiders had a chance for the team title, but needed some finishes to fall into place. But, the coach was not disappointed.
“Every kid we brought today put it on the line,” praised Layton. “We hoped to stay close and pull it out in the 4×400, but it didn’t work out that way.
“The seconds and thirds make all the difference in the world. Every kid had to give their absolute best today, and they gave it their best.”
Layton said there were a couple swing events.
“We felt we had to take 1-2 in the 200. Points we had to steal. These teams were three solid in every event. We’re not that deep,” said Layton.
Most of the team will not participate in a last-chance meet Tuesday to post a mark in the WPIAL Class AA performance list, so this was the last shot for most of the Raiders.
“Caleb (Shriver) hit 21-2 in the long jump. He’s squarely in. Gabe (McConville) made a nice jump in the 1,600,” said Layton, adding, “It was a great effort by everyone.”
Daniel Layton finished first overall in the 110 high hurdles and pole vault (10-7) to secure 10 team points, and was second in the 300 intermediate hurdles.
Scott Benco led a 1-3 finish in the javelin, placing first with a throw over 167 feet. Teammate Avery McConville was third overall.
Benco hit a PR of 40-1¼ in the triple jump to finish third overall. His distance in the long jump did not place against any of the teams.
“That’s a good jump for me. I believe it scored some points. I hope so. (Jumping) 40 feet was a pleasant surprise,” Benco said after completing the long jump. “This is my first year in the long jump. I have long legs, so they just throw me in to get some points. It didn’t work out today.
“We’re a smaller school. We can’t compete unless everyone pitches in.”
Although he won first overall in the javelin, Benco was not pleased with his throw.
“It was not a good throw,” said Benco. “To be honest, I wasn’t looking for anything today.”
Benco still has the top throw in Class AA in the javelin, so he didn’t have to worry about the district championship doubling as a last-chance meet.
“It’s very comforting. That’s a lot of pressure. It would be hard to compete under,” said Benco.
Benco knows what he wants to accomplish in next week’s WPIAL Class AA Championship.
“Hopefully, I’ll break 200 (feet) and the school record,” said Benco. “I feel you compete against yourself in the event more than the other throwers.”
Coach Layton reviewed the game plan for the meet on the bus ride to the stadium.
“Coach sat us down on the bus and gave us his game plan. He put us in events and wanted a PR and do your best,” explained Benco. “We all came to do our best.
“The last time the school was in the WPIAL finals was 30 years ago. Just being here is awesome.”
Garrett Bumbarevic was second overall in the high jump, clearing 5-9½. Shriver placed second in the 100 (11.68) and second in the long jump with a personal-best leap of 21-2. Troy McIe placed fourth overall in the 100.
Gabe McConville fought his way against the field to place third overall in the 1,600 in 4:46.31. Caleb Blair finished second overall in the 400 with a time of 51.96 seconds.
Waynesburg finished second with a spirited effort in the 1,600 relay.