HONESDALE — Hundreds of fans packed the stands on a picture-perfect spring afternoon to watch the Honesdale track & field teams host their final regular season meet. The Hornets put out the proverbial welcome mat for longtime local rival Western Wayne April 27 in the Lackawanna League finale for both programs.
When the dust cleared and the scores were tallied, the two teams had fought their way to an even split.
Led by stellar performances by Maddox Johnson and Daelyn Huffman, Honesdale’s boys posted a 77-73 victory.
“I feel this team has improved immensely throughout the season,” said head coach George Howanitz. “Our boys are really starting to peak at the right time.”
More: Maddox Johnson leads Honesdale's resurgence in boys track & field
Also by Kevin Edwards: Olivia Haines and Robbie Carrelle lead Western Wayne track attack
Meanwhile, the Western Wayne girls notched a 76-74 win, thanks in large part to the efforts of Sadie Booths and Olivia Haines.
Next up for both Honesdale and Western Wayne are the Jordan Relays on Thursday, April 30. Action gets underway at 3:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium in Scranton.
Honesdale standouts Johnson and Huffman provided a potent 1-2 punch in the razor-thin win over the Wildcats.
A talented junior who specializes in jumps and relays, Johnson soared to victory in the high jump (6-0), long jump (19-5) and triple jump (38-7). He ran a sizzling leg for the Hornets 4x100 relay team (45.2) as well.
“Maddox has been a huge part of our team wins this year,” Howanitz said. “He’s won the high jump, long jump, and triple jump in every meet. It’s nice to know you can start a meet with 15 points.”
Huffman also made key contributions for the Red & Black. A versatile senior who is serving as a team captain this spring, Huffman delivered wins in the javelin (134-5) and discus (126-5). He also took third in the shot.
“Daelyn has really been our senior anchor for the throwing events,” Howanitz said. “He’s continued to get better every meet, and he has really stepped up when we’ve needed him all season.”
Several other Hornets also came through in the clutch to help seal the deal on a narrow victory.
Dontae Joseph claimed gold in the 110 hurdles with a time of 16.9. Tyler Kolshorn jetted to victory in the 400, breaking the tape at 53.3. Liam Platt finished first in the shot with a throw measuring 41-7.
For Western Wayne, Robbie Carrelle once again led the attack. The battle-tested senior cruised to individual wins in the 100-meter dash (11.2), 300 hurdles (39.7) and pole vault (12-0).
Also bringing home the gold for the ‘Cats were Ben McCleland in the mile (4:59); Antonio Fisichella in the 800 (2:07); Antonio Fisichella in the 200 (23.4); Eric McGrath in the 3200 (11:47).
Honesdale’s boys varsity track team closed out the Lackawanna League season with a record of 3-1, while Western Wayne went 2-2.
“I’m very proud of how unselfish the boys have been,” Howanitz said. “They’ve really bought into the team concept and put individual accomplishments second.”
All eyes are now focused on the year’s biggest events, beginning with the Jordan Relays. After that, the Hornets will compete at the Robert Spagna League Meet May 5 and the District 2 Championships May 11-12.