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Community Corner

Lickity-Split Cougars Track Returns with Medals

Pennsylvanias annual Olympics, the Keystone State Games, opened in youth track and field on Friday July 18 and concluded in the Open, and then the Masters division on Sunday. Officials at Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, PA, awarded medals in 20 events in both boys and girls divisions in 6 different age groups.

On Friday, Nathan Merena, 7, a soon-to-be second-grader at Gayman Elementary (Doylestown), proved why he may lead the next class of boys 8-and-Under long jumpers. Despite having to leave the long jump after his first attempt (to compete in the finals of the 100 meter dash), Nathan returned to capture the silver.

Visibly tired, Nathan improved with each successive leap. On his fourth and final attempt, he moved his check mark back, sped down the runway and hit the 3-foot board nearly perfectly. The result-a seated landing and a personal best 2.95m (9-8.25). In 2014, among area 7-year-olds in the long jump, Nathan has only been bested by Morris Countys (NJ) Noah Cooper.

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Nathan also competed in the 2kg shot put (2nd 3.07m) and placed 8th in those 100 meter dash finals in 18.05 (prelims 17.94).

Nathans older sister Jessica, 12 (7th grade, Tohickon Middle School), competed in the girls 11-12 200 meter dash (5th 33.85), 6lb shot put (5th 3.90m) and high jump (3rd 1.05m).

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The siblings compete during summer track for Lickity-Split Cougars, a USA Track and Field (USATF) club for area youth ages 4 to 18. Practices were held twice weekly at CB West High School. Outdoor meets were held in Fort Washington, PA.


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