Dock, UD shine on Day One

Kratz, Martin both medal for the Pioneers

SHIPPENSBURG » Now it’s all open straightaways for Dock speedster Austin Kratz.

“For me, I really like states because I get long jump over with,” the senior said. “It’s usually something that takes a lot of energy out of me. It’s nice to get it done with and not have to worry about it anymore.

“It’s the event I knew I had to work the hardest for so to get it out of the way felt really good.”

Kratz, the top seed in both the Class 2A 100- and 200-meter dashes as well as the fastest leg of Dock’s 4x1, began his weekend with a silver medal in the long jump, part of a strong showing by locals on Day One of the PIAA Track and Field Championships at sunny Shippensburg University.

Kratz jumped 22 feet, 8 inches for the silver, outjumping Schuylkill Valley’s Brendan Sparr (22-1) for the second spot. Schuylkill Valley’s Joe Jardine was the gold medalist with a 230.25.

Kratz surpassed his 2017 finish, when he got the bronze with a 21-10.75. Coming away with eight points that could come in handy for Dock in its pursuit of its first team title, Kratz can now look forward to his main events.

“I’m more of a sprinter. Long jump’s not my main event and Schuykill Valley had these two amazing jumpers that I knew I would have to compete with, and there are really good competitors in the 100 and 200 as well but I know I’m stronger in those events,” he said. “Long jump I have to work a little harder and focus a little harder.”

Dock gained additional points from thrower Alex Martin, who stood on the podium with a sixthplace medal in the discus. Al

KEV HUNTER/DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Madison Langley-Walker of Upper Dublin placed third and North Penn’s Natalie Kwortnik placed fourth in the PIAA Class 3A Triple Jump Friday.