Submitted photos Above, Leyton Salvatore holds up the No. 1 after winning the 800 meters with a Warren record time of 1:57.82 on Friday at the Altoona Invitational. Hultman’s time broke a record set by 2013 graduate Caleb Hultman, pictured below, who tragically passed away in 2020.

ALTOONA — Records are meant to be broken, as the saying goes.

History was made Friday afternoon, and it was arguably one of the most emotional records in Warren County history that embodied hard work and celebration but at the same time, a touch of remembrance and sadness.

Warren Area High School sophomore Leyton Salvatore etched his name in the Dragons record books at the Altoona Invitational. Salvatore broke 2013 graduate Caleb Hultman’s 800-meter record (1:59.41) with a blazing time of 1:57.82. Hultman was one of Warren’s best ever short to mid-distance runners, and tragically passed away in 2020. Caleb’s legacy lives on through the Caleb Hultman Foundation that helps athletes in need. He was the definition of a kind soul, a true leader and is dearly missed by friends and family. Salvatore is the embodiment of a kind soul, a true leader, and is humble beyond all means. Hultman’s record was broken by a student-athlete who excels in the classroom and athletically just like he did.

Salvatore provided a first-hand perspective of his accomplishment.

“With 200 meters to go, I heard my teammate, Cole Fitzgerald, yell out my split, which helped me know I had a real chance to get it,” Salvatore said. “I could see a big screen with the time on it with 100 meters to go. Right then, I knew I was close. I just kept kicking, knowing that was what it was going to take. There were a lot of state place winners and state champions in my heat, and I knew if I stayed with them, I would have a big shot at breaking the record.”

“Leyton is by far one of the most dedicated and talented athletes we have on the team,” Warren head coach Kevin Dustin said. “He has been juggling his running and pole vaulting training, and always makes sure to get everything done. It’s no surprise that with the types of efforts he puts in that he would get this record, it was just a matter of time. I’m so incredibly happy for him and it couldn’t be a nicer and more deserving individual to break this emotional record. I wish more athletes and families would take note because as a whole they (the Salvatore’s) are just one of those families and he’s one of those kids that just do it right. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to coach him and can’t wait to see where that record finally settles before he’s done. Congratulations to Leyton, you worked hard and earned this one.”

Salvatore will keep trying to improve upon his new record and plans on making some noise in the postseason.

“My next goal would be to win the District 10 championship and compete at the state level. I think a lot of it is in the mind,” he said. “I think it’s confidence and commitment that will push me to run a faster time.”

The Dragons were well-represented Friday in the Large School (AAA) Division as they found success in many events.

Warren is next slated to host the Eisenhower Knights on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at War Memorial Field for a county clash.

GIRLS

1,600m: Emma Peterson, 5:34.73 (12th)

3,200m: Morgan Alexander, 11:39.15 (3rd)

400m: Lilly Newton, 1:03.37 (14th), Leona Hovan, 1:05.54 (16th)

300m hurdles: Bella Campbell, 1:00.24 (20th)

800m: Riley Evan, 2:27.98 (16th), Brynn Norris, 2:33.83 (22nd)

Discus: Zoe Rodgers, 95-7 (6th), Brady Caudill, 94-9 (7th)

High jump: Lilly Newton, 4-7 (10th)

Javelin: Lara Pearson, 94-2 (6th)

Long jump: Madelyn Nosel, 13-2 (22nd)

Pole vault: Hailey Cabisca, 7-6 (13th)

Shot put: Lara Pearson, 28-7.5 (10th)

400m relay: Lauren Fabjak, Paiden Johnson, Madelyn Nosel, Ava Wymer, 52.54, (6th)

BOYS

100m: Kaiden Garris, 11:35 (6th)

110m hurdles: Adon Maier, 15:02 (3rd)

3,200m: Grayson Collopy, 10:17.59 (6th)

400m: Mason Warner, 55:09 (16th), Chase Fetzeck, 55:49 (20th)

800m: Leyton Salvatore, 1:57.82 (5th)

Discus: Emre Morgan, 121-8 (12th), Joby Hilyer, 113-6 (16th)

High jump: Max Spiegel, 6-5 (2nd), Adon Maier, 5-9 (6th)

Javelin: Aiden Eger, 143-11 (15th), Mason Jordan, 131-10 (18th)

Pole vault: Leyton Salvatore, 11-6 (12th), Cole Fitzgerald, 11-6 (12th)

Triple jump: Mason Warner, 36-10 (20th)

400m relay: Kaiden Garris, Tommaso Clemente, Braedyn Knupp, Kahle Kuzminski, 45.42 (7th)