The Emmaus girls and boys track and field programs began their 2022 seasons serving notice they are for real.

Head coach Kami Reinhard’s teams took control in their April 1 meeting against Hazleton, with the girls winning 108-42 and the boys 112-38.

“We have a tough dual meet schedule,” Reinhard said. “Pretty much all of our meets are against strong teams.”

Sprinter Samantha Walkiewicz, a sophomore, won the 400-meter race, while Hailey Reinhard showed she’s in another league winning easily the 800-meter and 1600-meter runs. Reinhard’s teammate, Payton Campbell, won the 3200-meter competition. In addition, hurdler Isabella Russo won the 100-meter hurdles and Emmaus won the 100-, 400- and 800-meter relays.

In the field portion, Emmaus received many winning performances. Junior Sheldyne Pierre won the high jump, while Morgan Belisle, a senior, took the pole vault and Molly Lineberger claimed the shot put and discus throw.

The boys flexed their muscles against the Cougars.

Samuel Moratori won the 100-meter dash, while Blaise Verrastro resembled a bullet in winning the 200- and 400-meter sprints. In the 800-meter run, senior Holden Brown emerged victorious. Emmaus won the 3200-meter run thanks to veteran Ethan Strzempek who continues to show the EPC he means business.

Connor Tittermary and Gabriel Klem won the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles and the Hornets won also the 100-, 400-, and 800-meter relays.

Lucian Freeman claimed the high jump, Tyler Grabinski, was tops in the pole vault and Kyle Moore won the triple jump.

Pole vaulter A.J. Hurlburt broke a 47-year-old school record, clearing 14-feet, three-inches in the Hornets’ April 4 meet against Central Catholic. In this one the Emmaus girls emerged victorious 132-18, while the boys earned a 116-34 decision.

The Hornets look solid, and Reinhard thinks this squad has vast potential, but doesn’t focus on wins and losses.

“I want their minds and bodies to be strong and healthy going into competition, accepting both successes and failures,” she said. “Our goals this season are to develop our athletes with greater coaching support and get as many athletes as we can to qualify for the EPC and District 11 meets.”