Among Whitehall’s strong stable of throwers, Lucas Souders has emerged as one of the best javelin competitors in the league.

He was tops in the event Monday against Freedom with a 179-07 mark. It was his fourth consecutive victory in the event. Souders was part of a unit that nabbed 16 points in the throwing events, but it wasn’t enough to overtake the Patriots who defeated the boys 82-68.

Whitehall would split the meet against Freedom, with the girls winning 91-59. The girls dominated the sprints, amassing 23 points, which helped pave the way to the win.

Souders, who’s been throwing the javelin since his freshman year, set a personal record at the Haverford Invitational on March 30, unleashing a 185-08 toss. Head coach Tyler Miller said that Souders competed at the meet to qualify for a seed at the Penn Relays which will be held April 25-27 at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. News came on Tuesday that Souders had earned a spot at the renowned Penn Relays which is celebrating its 125th year.

Souders said that as the season unfolds he wants to be around 178 feet or farther. He wants to maintain that level as the postseason approaches.

“It’s about getting more consistent once district comes,” said Souders.

Souders, a junior, said that his goal is to make states this year.

He believes it will take a 178-00 throw to qualify. He also recognizes that he could get the automatic bid by winning districts, but that may be a bit thornier since District XI has some strong throwers, including athletes from Bangor, Nazareth and East Stroudsburg South.

Whitehall’s throwers have been a reliable point producers the entire season. Against the Pates, Izak Bright was first in the discus with a 122-10 mark, while Souders finished third at 96-07.50. Justin Santiago was second in the shot put with a 38-03 toss, while Bright was third at 36-07.

Souders said that their success is a product of their preparation.

“We spend a lot of time in the weight room,” he said.

It also extends to their willingness to help one another, as well as throwing throughout the spring.

To be successful in the javelin, a good approach is necessary, and that means technique plays an important role. Souders is constantly refining his technique.

“One thing I’ve been working on is staying patient with my upper body,” said Souders. “I want to get my hips through first, and then use that to pull your arm through. That’s something I’ve been working on a lot.”

Souders journey in the event has been shaped by a lot of coaches. Former head coach Adam Konsavage helped him his first two seasons, and now Nate Hoenl has been guiding his development.

He also attends the Javelin Factory where Barry Krammes and his staff have also played a big role in his ascension as a top thrower.

“They helped me a lot,” said Souders.

Miller said that Souders willingness to throw in each event has helped him relax and take each event as it comes. He’s not singularly focused on just the javelin, and is eager to see what else he can accomplish in the other throwing events.

“He’s much more relaxed when it comes time to throw the javelin in competition,” said Miller.

Also taking first for the boys in the meet against the Pates was Kresstoph Whittick who ran a 23.5 in the 200 meters.

Artur Santos took first in the 300 hurdles (47.5), while Chris Perez was tops in the long jump at 20-04.

Allen Negrete was first in the triple jump with a 39-05.50 mark, and their 4x400 was first as Angelo Dadonna, Caleb Staub, Ryan Kovalchick and Marcus Hamscher crossed in 3:55.8.

Miller said that the girls performed extremely well against Freedom.

“It was really good across the board,” he said.

They swept the 100 and 200 meters as Kate Bonshak was first in the 100 with a 12.7 mark. Bonshak added to her victories with a win in the 200, crossing in 26.9.

The 400 was won by Emily Wells with a 1:04.1 mark, while Alyssa Marsteller was tops in the 800 with a 2:33.9 finish.

Devon Roberts won the 1,600 in 5:48, while Aliyah Barkley was tops in the 100 hurdles at 17.8.

The girls also swept all three relays, and won two of three jumping events. Barkley was first in the long jump at 15-07.75, while Hope Millets was tops in the high jump with a 5-01 mark.

In the throws, Toni Jones led the pack in the discus with a 90-01 toss, while Autumn Dragovits was first in the javelin with a 98-09 mark.

Both teams were victorious against Allentown Central Catholic last week, with the girls prevailing 89-60, while the boys won 114-36.

The girls are now 2-2, while the boys are now 1-3.