Cape track breaks three indoor school records
The Cape indoor track team traveled last weekend to take part in the Virginia Beach High School Relays in Virginia Beach, Va. Highlighting the Vikings’ performances was Cape sprinter Trey Johnson, who set a new indoor school record in the 200-meter dash by running 22.73 for sixth place. He also won the 60-meter dash in a meet record time of 6.94, which reset his own 55-meter dash school record with a time of 6.46. Cape great Kai Maull, one of the finest jumper/sprinter combinations the Vikings have ever had, previously held the 200-meter record at 22.98.
The 3,200 relay team was equally impressive, as they set an indoor school record and the meet record with a time of 8:16.07. Andrew Radka led off in 2:01.08, followed by Emmett Wheatley in 2:06.78. Jason Baker turned in a time of 2:06.14, before Cardin Benjamin anchored the team with a clocking of 2:02.09. The previous record was 8:17.18 set by the team of Benjamin, Liam O’Donnell, Jason Baker and Benjamin Clifton. At that meet, Cardin led it off in 2:06.0.
“This year’s team has not had a lot of quality practice time due to weather, so what they are doing is super impressive,” said coach Matt Lindell. “We have had some great workouts this week.”
The boys won the 4-by-55-meter hurdle relay in a time of 34.22, while Stephen Hart was third in the high jump in 6-feet-2-inches. Will DiPaolo was third in the vault in 12-0, while Robert Redden ran 8.64 in the 60-meter hurdles for sixth place. Benjamin was seventh in the 800 in another good time of 2:04.14, while Bernard Jones was seventh in the long jump with a nice distance of 20-10¼. Hart jumped 41-3 in the triple for seventh, while Douglas Simpson was seventh in the vault in 10-0. Radka was eighth in the 800 in 2:05.99, and Clay Wakefield placed eighth in the vault in 9-0. Jason Baker was ninth in the 800 in 2:06.65, while Bodie Frederick was 10th in the shot in 44-5.
The Cape girls won two events: Allison Ortiz-Rivera won the 800 in 2:30.24, while Addison Bowman won the pole vault in 10-0. The 4-by-1,600 relay finished second in 25:25.34, while the sprint medley was third in 4:47.74. Maile Godwin took third in the 800 in 2:36.37. Keira Fletcher was fourth in the pole vault in 8-0, and the 3,200 relay team was fourth in 11:25.27. Kaylyn Clews was eighth in the high jump in 4-8.
Sussex Academy
Sussex Academy traveled to the Franklin & Marshall Invitational in Lancaster, Pa., competing with 46 other teams in one of the largest fields this winter. The Seahawks were led by Katya Geyer, who finished fourth in the high jump at 5-0. Geyer also took part in the long jump, where she finished fifth with a distance of 14-5½.
Other top 10 performances include a third-place finish in the 3,200 relay in a time of 11:04.03, a ninth-place showing in the 1,600 relay in 4:43.50 and a 10th-place finish in the 800 relay in 2:01.90.
On the boys’ side, a big win in the 800 meters was turned in by Duncan Winger in a good time of 2:04.00, while teammate Ryan Moody was fifth in 2:06.20. The 1,600 relay team finished fourth in 3:44.64, and the 3,200 relay finished third in 8:29.96. Austin Taylor was ninth in the high jump with a leap of 5-5.
Taiwan Savage
Taiwan Savage, one of the finest distance runners to wear Cape track and cross country uniforms, has been appointed as the new CEO of Palo Verde Behavioral Health in Arizona. Taiwan won multiple conference and state titles, and was an instrumental part of the 1992-93 Cape boys’ triple state championships. According to the press release, “His commitment to providing exceptional care, fostering innovation and supporting our community is truly inspiring. With his deep understanding of behavioral health and a proven track record of leadership, Taiwan is poised to guide Palo Verde toward even greater success, ensuring we continue to deliver outstanding care to our patients and their families. We look forward to all the great things ahead under his leadership!”
"It’s a privilege to lead a group so dedicated to providing hope, healing and support to individuals and families facing behavioral health challenges,” said Taiwan.
