“We had a really good showing,” said Warren coach Kevin Dustin, whose Dragons finished this regular season unbeaten on both the boys’ and girls’ side. “We wanted to come out and compete for the last county meet and our team did just that. It is nice seeing all the kids that know each other and want some bragging rights compete and cheer each other on. With teams combining in different ways next year, it will really build some stronger teams for both areas. It is all about the kids in the end and this meet was a good reminder about how strong we can be as a county as we come together. Our coaching staff is very proud of how our kids did today and excited for the future of the program. We are looking forward to heading to the District 10 Championships next week and hoping to get some through to the PIAA State Championships. Good luck to all the other Warren County teams as well; hopefully we all have a good showing.”

The first Warren County Track Meet with Warren, Eisenhower, Youngsville and Sheffield high schools competing was held in 1988 at Youngsville High School, according to Sheffield athletic coordinator Corey Copley, and the last at Sheffield High School. Sheffield and Youngsville high schools will be closing after this school year and consolidating with Warren and Eisenhower.

Despite the closure, Sheffield elementary and middle school will keep facilities open and the football and track complex was renamed the Thomas J. Dunn Sports Complex during a mid-meet ceremony. The late Thomas J. Dunn was a longtime Sheffield resident, teacher and coach.

For the county meet, Warren’s boys finished with 139 points, Sheffield 65, Youngsville 40, and Eisenhower 25. The Lady Dragons won with 173 points, followed by Eisenhower’s 53, Sheffield’s 35, and Youngsville’s 10.

Youngsville’s Chase Myers leads Warren’s Adon Maier in hurdles. Photo by Mark Evans

Individually in the boys’ meet, Sheffield’s Colby Barr (100, 400), Warren’s Sam Lindell (1,600, 3,200), and Youngsville’s Chase Myers (110 high hurdles, 300 low hurdles), and Ethan Beers (long jump, triple jump) were dual winners. Warren’s Kahle Kuzminski (200), Max Spiegel (high jump), Cole Fitzgerald (pole vault), and Landon Pritzl (shot put), Eisenhower’s Joe Mistretta (800) and Sheffield’s Emre Morgan (discus) and Wyatt Newark (javelin) were one-event winners.

In the girls’ meet, Warren’s Lindsay Madigan was three events (long jump, triple jump, javelin) and teammates Morgan Alexander (1,600, 3,200) and Lilly Newton (400, high jump) two each. Individual winners included Warren’s Madelyn Nosel (100), Riley Evan (800), Adison Cullers (300 low hurdles), Gracie Page (pole vault), Zoe Rodgers (discus), Sheffield’s Madison Connolly (shot put), and Eisenhower’s Rosalie Rondeau (200) and Marissa Gourley (100 high hurdles).

Following the meet, an idea that began as “a moment for Sheffield athletes, coaches, students, staff, parents and alumni to take in a moment in memory of our beloved mountain,” according to Sheffield head coach Jason Snell, “it became so much more than that.

“It was such an emotional night on Wolverine Mountain,” said Coach Snell. “The renaming of the complex was tearful. Mr. Dunn was my high school track coach and my math teacher. I was just one of many, many lives he touched. And then, our ‘community last lap’ was an amazing sight to witness. There was Orange and Black, Red and White, Blue and Gold, and Blue and White all represented all over and making the moment that much more special. When we had to originally reschedule it because of lightning from the other night, Coach Dave Fitch looked at me and said, ‘Maybe it was meant to be this way so we can get the whole county together and bridge into the future together.’ Together has been such an important word this season for our track program and our community. What the ‘community last lap’ revealed to me in all its beauty, was a wonderful unity from all across one of the most beautiful and loving counties in all of Pennsylvania. Although some of our hearts may be hurting, I believe with my whole heart that our communities’ futures will be full of all we witnessed in that lap, no matter what school colors anyone wears. There is love, support and amazing mentors all throughout this county. It was a special moment I hope for everyone’s memories on what I believe to be the most beautiful complex on earth. It was so heartfelt and appreciated. Thanks to all who joined us to make that moment special.”

Sheffield’s Colby Barr, left, and Warren’s Tommaso Clemente duel in the 100-meter dash. Photo by Mark Evans

Sheffield’s Alanna Warrior throws the javelin. Photo by Mark Evans

Despite the closure, Sheffield elementary and middle school will keep facilities open and the football and track complex was renamed the Thomas J. Dunn Sports Complex during a mid-meet ceremony. From left are WCSD Superintendent Gary Weber; former Sheffield athletic director, teacher, official, coach, and lifelong friend of Tom Dunn Mr. Jack Werner; Tom’s wife, Jean Dunn; Tom’s son, Thomas Dunn Jr.; Jena Albaugh, Sheffield Sports Boosters representative who presented the plaque; and Misty Weber, Sheffield High School principal. “I was honored to be present at the naming of the Thomas J. Dunn Sports Complex in Sheffield on behalf of the Warren County School District,” said Superintendent Weber. “Mr. Dunn was a long-standing and well-respected teacher and coach within the district. Recognizing his work within the community by naming the facility in his honor is a great tribute to the leadership and community service that he embodied.” Photo by Mark Evans