Unionville’s Minella and Pancoast continue winning streaks

By Hannah Christopher, Staff Writer, UnionvilleTimes.com

Lauren Mills (left) and Lauren Ellsworth of Unionville get ready to compete in the 800 meters Friday at West Chester Henderson.

WEST CHESTER — They did it again at the Warrior Invitational, held Friday night at West Chester Henderson High School, Friday night.

Alicia Minella won two gold medals in the 100 and 200 meter runs and Susan Pancoast won her two events, the javelin and the discus. (Bronze in the shot-put)

Kelsey McDonald and Lauren Mills placed fifth and sixth in the 800 meter run with a 2:17 and a 2:21. In the 100 meter hurdles and the 300 meter hurdles Christine Mapa won the silver medal in both events.

In the relays for the girls the 4 by 800 placed third with a 9:51. This team consisted of Lauren Mills, Jordan Close, Lauren Ellsworth and Annie Birkenmaier. The 4 by 400 meter run also placed third with Ellsworth, McDonald, Close and Mapa teaming up for this event.

The boys track team had a good showing on Friday night with some outstanding performances by a few underclassmen from UHS. Steve Yannocone a sophomore ran an impressive 4:26.14 in the mile, for 4^th place against some very tough competition. Ross McManus, a junior ran the 100 meter dash in a 12.02 which put him in 4^th place. Ross is a three sport athlete who excels in football and basketball for the Indians both at the varsity level. Dima Curtis placed 2^nd in the discus and shot put with a toss of 118 feet and 46 feet respectively for each throwing event. Casey Taylor a senior sprinter ran a 52.68 in the 400 which put him in 4^th place in the finals.

Many other athletes participated on Friday night and ran some of their personal bests. To see all of the results go to Penn xc.com. One of the younger runners who caught my eye in the results was Billy Pinamont, a sophomore who ran a very good mile race and took off 30 seconds from his seed time. The most fun part of running is that you can shoot to better your time each time you go out and compete. You’re not only competing against others but you get to compete against your own self each time you go out there.

Next up for the Indians is the Rustin Invitational on Wednesday of this week. Weather is due to be in the mid 70’s and isolated thunderstorms later in the day.