The District 6AA Championship takes place today at Mansion Park. Male and female track-letes will try to run, jump and throw their way to the State Championship in Shippensburg on Memorial Day weekend.

Two time defending State Champ and 2016 Penn Relays winner Erika Voyzey will look to defend her high jump crown. Voyzey will be the heavy favorite heading into Tuesday, but she is focused on improving herself and reaching new heights; literally and figuratively.

“It’s humbling to know this will likely be the last time I jump at Mansion Park,” said an emotional Voyzey,”I’m just really excited to compete.”

Senior jumper Cullen Raftery has impressed all season in both the long and triple jumps. His leaps of 42’11” in triple and 20’9″ in long put Raftery in serious contention of placing in the top three for either event. Such a finish would allow him to qualify for States for a second season in a row.

Raftery was reflective and appreciative when examining his chances today, “You can’t squander opportunities like this; the level of competition and the race to get a medal is an experience unlike any other.”

Adam Zook went to states in his freshman and sophomore year, but only as an alternate for relay teams. Now, in his senior campaign, Zook’s 800 meter time of 2:02.34 puts him in position to advance as a competitor this time around.

“I went to states in cross country last year, so making it in two sports would really be the best way to end my tenure as a high school athlete” said Zook.

Parker Mitchell has exceeded his impressive freshman season with a jaw dropping sophomore encore performance. Mitchell has placed in every event that he competed in at all the major invitationals we’ve had this season. The 200 meter likely holds the best chance of him advancing to states, but counting him out of the 100 and long jump would be a huge mistake.

Not to be outdone, fellow sophomore Joe Kohler has been dominant in distance events all season. His times of 4:43 and 10:15 in the 1600 and 3200 respectively will surely lead to places, but could could also allow him to set sail and make the trip to Shippensburg.

Senior thrower Jeffery McNelis has had a great senior season and improved immensely from previous years. He’s ranked 3rd in the district in the discus and looks to carry that distinction to states next Saturday.

Both the 400 relay team of Mitchell, Daniel Lay, Will Lash and Grayson Putt and the 1600 relay team of Mitchell, Zook, Raftery Michael Lewis will also be in contention in what will likely be highly competitive races.

Regardless of their performances this evening, the Golden Eagle track team has been a highlight of the 2015-16 school year here at Tyrone High. Both squads have made the town proud and further cemented the legacy of Golden Eagle athletics that will last forever.