Pictured are members of Sheffield’s 3rd Place District qualifying team, from left to right in the front, Collin Brown, Jaylen Dougherty. In the back Colby Barr, Dylan Hardwick on the Northern Tier Championships Podium.

PORT ALLEGANY — With District 9 Championships just one week away, the Wolverines traveled to Port Allegany Friday to compete in the Northern Tier League Invitational. Two of Sheffield’s top athletes from the 2022 NTL Invitational, Lucas McNeal, and Emily Foster, have been battling injuries throughout the 2023 season, but head coach Jason Snell is not lowering his expectations, as he expects his younger athletes to have the next man up attitude.

“They are game changers and have dominated this stage before,” said Snell, who has built a deep roster over his three seasons leading the team. “There were so many personal bests and award winners. They all definitely brought their top game for the right day. This program is so competitive and hard working from every boy and girl all the way from 7th grade to seniors. We are no longer a track team; we are a program.”

The boys 1600-meter relay team ran a 3:45.19 District qualifying race, taking third to Smethport and Coudersport. The team has been a carousel of talent, with six different participants all running throughout the season. Friday’s competitors were Collin Brown, Jaylen Dougherty, Dylan Hardwick, and Colby Barr. Trenton Mead and Austin Fiscus have also been a part of the relay team throughout the year.

“Having too much talent is a great problem to have,” said Snell. “Luckily at Districts and further this year you may have two alternates so all six of them can attend. Incredible way to end the night of so many amazing performances. We all went home with a smile on our face.”

Hardwick came in second in the 800-meter (2:11.8). Collin Brown placed third in both the 100-meter (12.13 seconds) and 200-meter (24.28 seconds). Dougherty finished close behind Brown in the 200-meter (24.83 seconds). Barr earned the fifth spot in the 400-meter (55.93 seconds). Barr and Brown were both part of the second place 400 relay team (47.34 seconds) that also consisted of Jack Chapman and Leihden Wotorson. Hardwick, joined by Emre Morgan, Alex Eaton, and Mead, took third in the 3200 relay (9:38.47). In hurdles, Mason Silvis came in fifth in the 110-meter (19.65 seconds) while Zach Barnes placed fourth in the 300-meter (48.62 seconds). Connor Finch tied for third in high jump (5′ 6″).

The girls would earn two third place finishes with relay teams. First, the 3200 relay (14:10.75) made up of Madison Connolly, Juniper Gilbride, Katelyn Thomas, and Emma McBride, followed by the 400 relay, with a new personal best, (55.77 seconds), consisting of Lily Benton, Bryana Butler, Kassidy Orinko, and Emma Roell. Benton took fifth in the 300 hurdles (58.75 seconds) behind Sarah Hoffman at fourth (56.69 seconds). The two would both place in 110 hurdles as well, with Benton coming in fourth (19.51 seconds) and Hoffman in sixth (19.77 seconds). Hoffman also came in fifth in the 200-meter (30.14 seconds). In the field, Emily Davidson took fifth in javelin (82′ 4″), while Roell took sixth in Discus (80′ 2″).

Sheffield will travel to Brookeville Area High School next weekend for District Championships, taking 21 athletes from 11 events.