Potomac, OP take track crowns

By Robert Daski

Published: February 26, 2008

While his teammates were on the bus ride to the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, Eric Gyamfi sat in his doctor’s office, hoping to receive clearance to participate in Tuesday’s Northwest Region track meet after suffering a dislocated right shoulder during the Cardinal Dis-trict meet.

If Potomac had any hope of claiming a regional title, Gyamfi would certainly be needed.

Following his physician’s approval to allow him to run, Gyamfi’s mother drove him to the Com-plex where he showed just how valuable he is to Potomac.

Gyamfi won the 500-meter dash in a meet record 1:05.83 and finished fourth in the 300 (36.41) to help the Panthers score 74 points and win the regional title.

“I thought I was going to come back for states,” Gyamfi said. “I had a doctor’s note to get cleared. I called my coach and told him I was running 30 minutes late.”

But the Panthers did not rely only on Gyamfi. Brice Mathews won the 300-meter dash (35.38) and placed second in the 500-meter dash (1:06.64).

Wesley Jones helped by taking second in the 300 (36.09) and finishing third in the long jump (21.08.00).

Potomac also won the 800-meter relay (1:33.78) and took second in the 1600-meter relay (3:32.53).

“It’s awesome,” Gyamfi said of winning the team title.

Potomac nearly doubled its regional success in the girls’ competition. It finished second thanks to an all-around performance that led to 51.5 points.

Yvonne Amegashie led the Panthers by winning the 300 (40.91), finishing second in the 55-meter dash (7.24) and helping the 800- relay team take second (1:47.73).

Potomac’s Pearl Bickersteth and Erin Porter placed first (5-02) and fourth (4-10), respectively, in the high jump. Freshman Debra Baner placed fifth in the 1600-meter run (5:18.95) and fourth in the 3200 (11:52.27).

“I figured we could be a top five team if they came out and performed the way they should,” Po-tomac coach Steve Petrosky said.

Instead, Osbourn Park celebrated its second straight regional title with 123 points. The Yellow Jackets won all three relay events.

Individually, Brittany Hyter led Osbourn Park by winning the long jump (17-08.00) and 55-meter hurdles (8.44) and placing fourth in the 300-meter dash (41.84).

Her twin sister Bethany placed second in the 300 (41.32), fourth in the long jump (17-03.00) and fourth in the triple jump (34-06.75).

Sophomore Ariel Karabinus took second in the 1600-meter run (5:11.09) and senior Peyton Alston grabbed third in the triple jump (34-10.50). Junior Courtney Clay finished fourth in the 1,000-meter run (3:08.25).

“We had a very convincing day,” Osbourn Park coach Mike Feldman said. “We’re going to try to carry this to [the Group AAA state meet on] Friday and Saturday. We’re in a very good position to contend for the state title.”

Osbourn senior Melvin Villalta jumped a personal-best 6-04 to win the high jump.

“I’m surprised,” Villalta said. “I was just hoping to make it to states.”

Stonewall Jackson’s Damien Thigpen won the 55-meter dash (6.41) and Battlefield’s Kim Blaylock won the girls’ 55-meter dash (7.12).

Gar-Field’s boys’ 4x400-meter relay team won in 3:32.19.