Boys' Track & Field Wins 3rd Consecutive State Indoor Championship

As Boys’ Varsity Track & Field Coach Zach Richards, Hon. described it, “the meet had all of the makings of a movie!” as the squad competed in the PTFCA Championship meet on Sunday, March 2, at Penn State University.

Senior Yaya Johnson swept first in the High Jump (6-9) and Triple Jump (49-2), and Eli Engelman ’25 ran to 2nd place in the mile (4:14.89). Abaas Hunter ’26 set EA school records in the 400m (48.32), 2nd place, and 200m (21.61), 5th place.

Neck and neck in scoring against State College Area High School, the championship came down to the Distance Medley Relay in a competitive field of 12 schools. Strong legs from Curtis Conner ’26, Abaas Hunter, and Kaleb Young ’28 set Eli Engelman up as the baton was passed for the mile leg of the relay. EA crossed the finish line first with an impressive time of 10:16.69.

“It was a thrilling victory with a dramatic finish,” beamed Coach Richards. "These boys delivered their best individual performances on the most important day of the season." Listen to a bonus episode of EA Unlocked ​​​​​​as the team shares their "play by play" of the day.

With only five EA competitors in six events, there was no room for error as the team eyed its 3rd consecutive state championship. “It says so much about who they are as people and competitors. It was a historic victory that we will never forget!” said Coach Richards. "There are no words to describe how proud I am of this group!"

The final tally was EA 50 points, State College Area High School, 47.

On the girls' side, Kendra Williamson '27 had a record-setting day as she set a meet, county, and school record (9:35:39) in the 3000m. She’s currently ranked #1 in Pennsylvania and #9 in the country.

Ava Cavanaugh ’27 clocked a personal record in the 800m (2:14.67) and finished 5th overall.

The 4x200m Relay (Steve Combs '25, Ryann Newcomb '26, Mia Ganzhorn '26, Sofia Gagliardi '26) placed 8th overall (1:44:55), while the 4x400m Relay (Cavanaugh, Newcomb, Combs, Gagliardi) earned a 7th place finish (4:01.73) to end the meet.

Overall, EA Girls placed 12th out of 72 schools.

"It was another strong showing by our girls at the fastest, most competitive competition of the season," remarked Head Coach John Goens, Hon. "We have our first girls indoor state champion and our first medals in the 3000m, 800m and 4x400. I could not be more proud of our group and how they represented EA Athletics on this stage."

Both teams are scheduled to compete at the Nike Indoor Nationals at the Armory in New York on March 14.

Ava will race in Boston on March 15 at the New Balance Nationals Indoor in the Championship 800m race. Yaya will compete in the High Jump and Triple Jump.