By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports Report
SHIPPENSBURG — Athens junior Graham Wanck is making his first trip to the PIAA Track & Field Championships, and he's looking forward to seeing how he stacks up agains the best in the State.
"This is definitely the highest-quality race I've run in," he said. "Wyalusing was probably the most competitive race I've ran at, but compared to that, I mean, these guys ... our state probably has to be one of the best distance states there is.
"It's really exciting to run in such a big race with high quality people in it. It's a loaded field, there are a lot of guys where I'm at time-wise," said Wanck.
"I'd have to say (the strategy) is to get out in good positioning and find your spot and pace where you want to be and just run a smart race, but at the end of the day, try to just close as quick as you can, " he added. "Just see what you can get out of yourself."
The forecast is calling for temperatures in the low 60s and rain.
"I'd rather have that than this right now (high 80s)," said Wanck. "I feel like if it's crappy weather, you just can't let it get to you, just go there and run a smart, good race.
"Everyone is dealing with the same conditions, so just put it behind you and do what you can with the elements," he added.
Athens coach Mike Bronson is happy to see Wanck healthy and running well.
"I'm really looking forward to see what he can do down there," he said. "He's had a rough year. Cross-country was was pretty heartbreaking, to lose a whole season to injury.
"He's slowly built back, and he's had a great track season," noted Bronson. "He just keeps getting getting a little bit faster.
"He's been working on kind of his racing tactics a little bit, so I'm really excited to see him down there in a, in a race that's gonna be fast to see what he can do.
"It will be fun to see him mix it up with the guys who are definitely really good runners," added Bronson.
Wanck will run in the 1,600-meter run Friday morning.
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IN PHOTO: Athens junior Graham Wanck.
