The annual Igloo Invitational at Mansion Park in Altoona is the traditional start of the spring track and field season.  Of course it’s named the Igloo for a reason, but with temperatures in the upper teens to low twenties and wind chills much lower, this was one of the coldest Igloo meets in its forty year history.

As a result, no meet records were set as the competitors were battling the elements as much as their competitors.   But Tyrone showed its toughness, with several competitors placing well at the event.

It was so cold that defending high jump State Champion Erika Voyzey was almost indifferent about her first place finish.  Jumping in sweatpants, a sweatshirt and gloves, Voyzey was able to clear 5’2″ in order to secure the win.

“It was freezing! I’m not going to lie, I felt like it was unsafe. When I jumped it was 19 degrees but felt like 2,” said Voyzey, ” but it was still nice to compete.”

Voyzey was joined by nine fellow place winners both on the boys and girls sides respectively.

Senior Garrett Hunter placed 2nd in javelin with a throw of 150 feet 4 inches. “I was surprised it went that far,” said Hunter, “I had four layers on just trying to stay warm. This is a good starting point to build off of for the rest of the season.”

Junior teammate Cullen Raftery finished 2nd in triple jump with an impressive leap of 40 feet three inches, second only to defending state champion Kobren Fredrick of Huntingdon.

“I’ve never been at a meet that cold before and I never thought I would jump as well as I did,” said Raftery.

Junior Jeff McNelis placed 6th in javelin along with junior Will Lash who placed 7th in both the 200 meter dash and 300 meter hurdles.

Freshman Parker Mitchell had an impressive showing, placing 4th in the 100 meter dash. Senior Nick Getz also had a nice showing for his first ever track meet, placing 7th in the long jump with a jump of 19’2″.

The 3200 relay team of Jake Makdad, Conner Stroud, Adam Zook and Joe Kohler, placed 6th.

The girls team was of course headed by Voyzey’s jump of 5’2″, but was joined by other impressive performances as well.

Freshman Tori Crabtree finished 7th in the 200 meter dash and junior Carly Crofcheck placed 4th in javelin.

As the season heats up, literally, both teams look forward to their upcoming duel meets in subsequent weeks. The Golden Eagles have their first meet tomorrow at Clearfield.

For complete results from the Igloo Invitational click here.