The Southmoreland boys and girls track teams both boarded the bus thinking that the girls were close to grasping the section championship title along with a playoff position but missing out by just two points. But a mathematical error once corrected not only gave the girls a win, it lifted them to a playoff position and co-section championship in the process.

The girls defeated GCC 75 to 71 but lost to Derry, 77.5 to 63.5 . Meanwhile the boys also outran GCC 130.5 to 114.5 points awhile losing to Derry, 109 to 42.

“The tri-meet went really well for both teams,” said coach Dave Keefer. “The boys made the playoffs and the girls earned the section champion title.”

Despite the importance of the meet, both the boys and girls team suffered some major setbacks.

“During the meet we had a small setback when an athlete left before their event,” said coach Mr. Zachary Cavalier. “But we had someone step up and place first in the event, which helped us clinch the spot.”

The weather conditions on Tuesday also caused some complications for the athletes.

“Tuesday was just another obstacle with the weather conditions and a few people out,” said senior Logan Stoner, who was injured before the start of the meet. “You can see where we were lacking, but overall both boys and girls gave a great effort.”

From the beginning of the season, playoffs and being section champs seemed like something out of reach for both teams; although, both teams pushed through inclement weather and injuries.

“Both teams came together a lot through the season,” said Mr. Keefer. “I wasn’t very optimistic about the boys team at the beginning but, they surprised me through the season.”

Throughout the season, all of the athletes continued to dedicated their time and effort and improved their times, throws, and distances, he said.

“Personally, I think the season went really well,” said Stoner. “I can easily say that everyone improved their performance this season.”

Playoffs were held on May 2 at Freeport in Armstrong County. The girls defeated California and Quaker Valley but lost to Freeport in a close contest, 76-74, keeping them from advancing to the WPIAL team track finals. The boys team lost to both Freeport and Quaker Valley, ending their season as well.