PERKASIE – In a season where Crawford stadium is under construction, the Knights are facing many hurdles with their first season in over a year. Yet, with the adverse obstacles ahead of them, they kicked off their first meet with a win. 

The Boys and Girls Track Team kicked off their spring season at Pennridge High School., bringing home a win for the boys (86-64) and the girls (73-68). With this being the first meet since 2019, both teams were anxious to get out on the track. 

Starting off strong, the girls took the lead in the 4×8, with North Penn senior Megan Gambogi bringing it home as an anchor. The boys 4×8 carried a win with Sean Fischer, Gavin Zanck, Collin Fischer and Karl Schafsteller also held a strong and clear lead throughout the race.

The Rams made some leeway during some close heats throughout the 100m dash. But the Knights brought it back, with Jaime Diedel and MD Waliullah Kaba placing for the mile, and the boys dominating the 4×1 in both heats. 

During the 100m hurdles, Chinaza Nwokolo placed, and Jan Ramos took first for the Knights. Megan Gambogi came out on top once again, pulling first during the 800m. Gavin Zanck, trailing second during the first leg of the 800m, made quite a comeback, landing another first place for the Knights. 

Although the Rams made quite an effort in the 200m and two-mile, it wasn’t enough to make a comeback. The Knights had a powerful finish, with both the boys and girls leading in the 4×4, with Karl Schafsteller pulling a PR of 52.1. Aaron Malamed set a new long jump record for North Penn, jumping over 21 feet. 

“It was an emotional win for the Knights, as we haven’t won against Pennridge in the last few years. It all came down to the 4×4 to beat Pennridge and all of us were focused on winning the meet for North Penn,” Schafsteller stated, “We had an excellent race and we performed as needed and executed some great hand-offs. Today was an all-around great win for North Penn, and we look forward to extending our winning streak for this season.”With an energized start to the season, both the boys and girls teams are happy to be back. The next meet is scheduled for next Tuesday at Central Bucks West.