The Emmaus boys track and field team passed its first true test of the 2021 season.

The Hornets outlasted a quality Hazleton squad 74-71 on April 17 before downing Pottsville two days later 107.5-42.5 and Whitehall 117-29 on April 21. Emmaus is now 5-0.

“Our meet against Hazleton was eye-opening and exposed our team’s weaknesses,” said Emmaus coach Kami Reinhard. “Despite having large numbers of athletes on our team, we learned we need to be better prepared when traveling to away meets.”

Seniors Tristan Schmidt (throws), Colin Byrne, Aidan Sprints and Gabe Trexler (sprints), Geoffrey Kleinberg (distance) ran well in those three victories. Pole vaulter Luke Rautzhan, Davonte Hinds (throws and sprints), hurdlers Kyle Ryan and Alex Harmon also performed well. Matt Bruchak, Jarrett Lysek and Shep Hensler provided depth to the Hornet cause in sprints, while Nic Buonanno, Kyle Ryan and Alex Harmon did the same in distance, hurdles and sprinting, respectively.

Matt Norton is a junior who clocked a 2:06 in the 800-meter run last week. The coaching staff’s work with Norton on race strategy is paying dividends, Reinhard said.

“Matt has a lot more potential,” she said. “It will take a few more racing experiences to bring it all together.”

Another junior, Dylan Bassett has earned his way on the 4-by-400 relay team with three other seniors. Ethan Strzempek is developing this season as well. After thinking he could be competitive in the 3200, he is realizing his speed can make him more than competitive.

Sophomore A.J. Hurlburt is currently the top seed in the District 11 Class 3A rankings. Don’t let the young man’s outward demeanor fool you.

“A.J. has a calm demeanor, but when you get a pole in his hands he turns into quite the competitor,” said Reinhard.

Ethan Ferris is another emerging presence. The sophomore improves his 400 time each time he races and is vying for a spot on the 4-by-400 relay in what is his first season. Another youngster with a track future should be Sam Dalton, who recently ran a 10:43.50 in the 3200. The run was good enough for a top 10 EPC ranking. Distance runner Oscar Fegley showed some serious speed to add the Emmaus distance team in the three meets. Hornet fans should keep their eyes on Fegley as he has the potential to advance in EPC and District 11 3A competition in May.

Freshman Ben Price is another one to watch in jumps, while distance runner Tyler Finck is already, as a freshman, approaching a qualifying time in the 800 for the EPC competition.

Emmaus has two meets - against Parkland and Stroudsburg - remaining before the EPC championship scheduled for May 10 at East Stroudsburg South High School.