For Alivia Bear, the timing was perfect.

It was the Rough Riders’ track and field Senior Night in a tri-meet with Salisbury and Saucon Valley April 16.

Bear would make it a night to remember for many.

The senior set a new school record in the 800 when she clocked a time of 2:28, breaking the old mark set of 2:31.1 set by Abby Wertzberger in 2019. Ironically, Bear finished second in the race, but it was the moment that counted.

“I am so happy about the race and getting the record,” gushed Bear, who also has run the 1,600 and 3,200 this season. “I was aiming for 2:30, but I ran 2:28, which was even better.

“It was also at home and on my senior night, which just made it the perfect condition.”

Bear credited assistant coach Madison Walker for her success.

As a junior, Bear was a state qualifier in the 3,200. She also was second in 3,200 last season at districts. Bear also was 10th in the 1,600 and 23rd in the 800 at districts last season. In the 800 at districts last year, she ran it in 2:50.28.

At leagues last year, Bear was 10th in the 800 (2:34.20) and also 10th in the 1,600 (5:40.26). She literally has made some major strides.

“Coach Walker and I have been talking about the record for over a year,” noted Bear. “It feels so good to finally accomplish this big goal.”

In the final weeks of the regular season, and with the postseason in the wings, Bear is looking toward other goals.

“As the season goes on, I am aiming to run faster times in the 1,600,” she stated. “I also want to run faster in my split in the four-by-four relay.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock was ecstatic to see Bear reach one of her goals.

“It was just awesome watching Alivia break the 800-meter record,” gushed Rusnock. “Alivia is one of the most dedicated and hardest workers we have had the pleasure to coach. We knew she had the ability to accomplish this feat, and coach Walker put her in the best situation possible.

“During the day, we coaches texted to each other ‘it is a record day.’ Obviously, we didn’t tell Alivia, but I think she knew she had the opportunity in front of her and she took it. She ran like she was on a mission the first lap, and we knew she had a great shot.

“She is an amazing athlete, and we are so proud of her. Coach Walker deserves a lot of credit to get her ready.”

Along with Bear, Rusnock sees her team peaking at the right time.

“At the present time, we are running on all cylinders and ready to peak,” added Rusnock. “It has been difficult with the weather this year, but our athletes have been working hard and doing a great job.

“We had a meet against Saucon Valley and Salisbury having both the boys and girls win. It was our Senior Night, and we came to compete.

“For the next few weeks, we want to fine tune and qualify as many as we can for the postseason.”