Olivere leads Padua Academy to Seventh Straight

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Multiple weather delays led to a near 11 p.m. end time, but in the end, it was worth it for the Padua Academy girls track team as it claimed the program's seventh straight Division 1 outdoor title at the Delaware State Track and Field Championships on Tuesday at Dover High. 

Led by Villanova-bound Lydia Olivere, the senior won three individual golds and ran on the second place 4x400 relay during the two-day meet, originally schedule for last Friday and Saturday. Olivere won the 800 (2:13.10), 1,600 (4:55.10) and the 3,200 (11:03.81).

In Division 1 sprints, St. Georges Tech freshman Charlee Crawford won the 200 (24.79) and 400 (54.84). Her 400 time was a divisional record. She was also part of the first place 4x400 relay  (4:03.37).

In Division 2, Tatnall junior Keelin Hays pulled off the distance triple, winning the 800 (2:18.72), 1,600 (5:09.28) and 3,200 (11:38.71), and also ran on the winning 4x8 (9:34.98) helping guide her team to a state title. 

Dover claimed the boys Division 1 title, as senior sprinter Jakari Long won the 100 (11.03) and 200 (22.25). Teammate Tayshaun Chisholm claimed the 110 hurdles (14.11) and 300 hurdles (38.41). Both ran on the winning 4x200 (1:28.12).

Salesianum junior Michael Keehan won the 1,600 meters in a D1 meet record time, clocking 4:13.78. He added a 3,200 title (9:42.59). 

Junior Lenford Kirlew of Dickinson won the Division 2 100 (11.14) and 200 (22.41) .

Wilmington Friends' Connor Nisbet won the Division 2 1,600 (4:21.87) and 3,200 (9:42.32).

Team Champions

Division 1: Dover boys 122 points; Padua Academy girls 167 points

Division 2: Alexis I. DuPont 110; Tatnall girls 177