(EDITOR’S NOTE: Since May of 1999, the Times News Sports Department has featured an On This Date practically every day, highlighting an event that happened in the past. With the coronavirus putting a halt to sports locally and nationally, the On This Dates have been expanded to the stories that actually ran in the next day’s newspaper. Today’s On This Date story is from April 11, 2012).

By Brad Hurley

bhurley@tnonline.com

Marian continued its recent track and field success against Schuylkill Division 2 opponents with a sweep over Panther Valley on Wednesday afternoon.

The Marian boys came away with a 99-42 win while the girls beat the Lady Panthers 112-27.

Marian has been rolling as of late, getting a sweep over Pine Grove last week. Pine Grove was the Schuylkill League Division 2 champion last season.

The Colts and Fillies track teams definitely want to keep their momentum going into the Jim Thorpe Invitational that will be held this Friday at 3 p.m. The Jim Thorpe event hosts a bevy of talented competitors so it’s important to have some confidence heading into the event.

“We have started out well this season, especially in our division,” said Marian head coach John Boyle. “We’ve gotten two solid wins already in Division 2 and we’re looking good heading into the invitational this Friday. I’m satisfied with the progress we’ve made.”

Marian Fillies basketball standout and first-year runner Kaysi McLaughlin had a strong showing against the Panthers. McLaughlin didn’t run in the first meet against Jim Thorpe because of the Fillies deep run into the state playoffs. The senior showed, however, that she can be a valuable commodity for the Fillies. Against PV, McLaughlin won the 100 meter dash and anchored Marian’s 4x100 relay team that also came away with a first-place finish.

“Kaysi is a great addition to our team,” said Boyle. “This is her first year running and she doesn’t even really know how to run yet. She’s really just out there beating girls on her raw ability.”

Marian also dominated in the relay and throwing events in both boys and girls competition to help get the win.

Fillies volleyball star Mary Kate Sherkness also continued her success in the jumping events, placing first in the high and triple jumps.

In the boys meet, the Colts’ Cy Shickora swept the throwing events, winning the shot put, discus and javelin.

Panther Valley may have had a rough time, but senior Nick McArdle certainly did his part to try and get the Panthers a victory. McArdle, who is pulling double duty this spring playing baseball as well, took home first in the 100 meters, long jump and triple jump.

“Nick was really working hard down here at our field before the season with the coaches,” said Panther Valley head coach Francy O’Gorman. “He’s got some real talent and he’s improving with every meet. I’m looking forward to see what he can do with some stronger competition coming up.”