OPMS track stars achieve personal bests

By Pixie Sulser

Members of the Olive Peirce Middle School (OPMS) track team literally ran away with top honors this year.

The team, coached by OPMS teacher JJ Sclar, had 75 athletes who started their season on top and continued through to the finish line.

“At our first race, the Mt. Sac Relays, we won the Sportsmanship Award for excellent racing and attitude. There were 230 schools at the event and only one chosen team is chosen for the award. It was an awesome start to our season,” said Sclar.

The middle school track season consists of four races with the top competitors qualifying for a fifth event— the Optimist Invite “where the best of North County compete.”

Sclar’s team had 38 of his 75 athletes qualify.

“This is the largest team I have had in the seven years I’ve been coaching,” said Sclar. “Having half of the team qualify was fantastic.”

The Optimists Invitational only allows two athletes per grade level and gender per event, explained Sclar. By the close of the Invitational, OPMS ended their season as strong as they started. The seventh boys’ and girls’ teams both wrapped up first place, and the eighth grade teams each took second.

Individual winners from the seventh grade boys included Evan Richner, shot put; Danny Ewards, long jump; and Eder Landgrave, the mile. Their female counterparts were Megan McLoughlin, hurdles; Tuesday Christopher, 100 yard dash; and the 4x100 relay team of McLoughlin, Christopher, Nicole Pshsnychniak, and Kaleen Glotfelty.

Earning individual honors from the eighth grade group were Sean Stemm, hurdles; Todd Roberts, the 100 and 200; and the 4x100 relay team consisting of Kinley McKay, Holly Stallman, Felicia Ferreiro, and Hannah Farhat.

“The Optimists Invitational was the most exciting sporting event I have ever attended or participated in. All of our athletes were scoring points and achieving personal bests,” shared Sclar. “It was a great day to be a Ramonian!”