For the Central Bucks West track program, it was another big moment on a big stage.
Central Bucks West’s boys and girls track team had memorable times at the recent Penn Relays Carnival, as they took home some of the event “wheels” for their trophy cases.
The Bucks’ 4x400 relay team of Tekalegn Leaf, Connor Salmon, Noah Gartenberg and Carter Fitzgerald raced to victory in the high school boys Philadelphia area event in a time of 3:20.44. They finished second to North Penn in the Suburban National area event in a time of 3:22.36.
CB West’s freshman team of Francis Grasso, Chris Fileppo, Troy Sudall and Brandon Terry captured the 4x100 event.
Their girls unit of Kate Edenson, Claire Dalsass, Mimi Duffy, and Maile McFadden paced the field in the Suburban National race in 3:58.96, and they were second (3:53.15) to Friends Central in the Philadelphia area event.
Boys head coach John Mahoney believed it was the first time the program won a wheel trophy at the event.
“It’s pretty cool, and it’s pretty special,” he said. “I’ve been here 13 years, and to the best of my knowledge, we have never won a wheel. The freshman team got out to a lead from the start, and they had great handoffs.
“It was a great experience for the kids. There is a unique and special atmosphere there. You have to try and minimize distractions, and stay focused and calm. Carter ran here when he was in the CYO program, but it was the first time for the rest of them.”
His foursome fit nicely into place.
“We had some guys with injuries, and Connor stepped it up for us,” said Mahoney. “Teka gave us a big push, and Noah set it up. Carter then did his thing.”
Fitzgerald cherished the moment. He also was part of the Bucks’ distance medley team that finished eighth the night before.
“It was amazing to run at that venue,” he gushed. “The distance medley didn’t go too well, but the competition was very fierce.
“It was really cool to win the Philly championship and I ran a personal best split of 47.36. This was a real confidence boost for our team and myself as we head into the postseason.”
Edenson shared her teammate’s sentiments.
“I think the team’s performance at the Penn Relays was phenomenal,” she said. “I was really, really proud of what we accomplished. We ran our fastest relay time, which was very exciting.
“I think our season is going great, and I can’t wait for what the postseason brings.”
Girls head coach Kiki Bell is watching her team climb the ladder.
“They ran really well, and it was great to see them get under four (minutes),” she said. “They ran impressively fast. We’ve been knocking down our times. They really are a young team, and they’re digging it.
“They are working hard and soaking up the energy as we move to the postseason.”
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