Record Setting Day for Three Juniata Distance Track Athletes at the Stan Morgan Track & Field Invitational

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: May 5, 2024

Courtesy of Shari Miller

Freshman Sylvia Brubaker, juniors Wyatt Stroup and Joey Bomberger competed in the 3200 race under the lights at the Stan Morgan Track & Field Invitational on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Carlisle. In the girls 3200 race, Sylvia Brubaker took the lead from the gun and held it until the last lap of the 8 lap race. She was passed with 300 meters to go, but was able to use her speed to take the win in the last 100 meters with a time of 11:20.99. In the process, she lowered her school record by another 17 seconds. She received the Tim Cook plaque for her efforts and a first place medal.

In the boys 3200 race, Wyatt took charge of the race after the first lap and was determined to win the race and set a new school record held by former Juniata Phenom Garrett Baublitz. By the halfway point, Wyatt was a little behind pace, but closed strong in the last two laps to come away with the win and break Garrett’s 3200 record with a time of 9:29.61. Wyatt received the Tim Cook plaque for his efforts and a first place medal. Joey Bomberger ran a well executed race to place 3rd and set a new personal best record by 11 seconds running a time of 9:46.47. He also received a medal for his 3rd place finish.

The Tim Cook award was given to the winner of the girls and boys 3200 meter race in memory of Tim Cook who was a math teacher at Chambersburg Area Senior High School and a coach of the girl’s cross country and track teams. Tim Cook passed away along with his wife in a automobile accident in December of 2002.

Juniata Distance Coach Jeff Miller said “We had perfect conditions for the 3200 race with the temperature at 55 degrees and a light rain. All three of them knew this and went into their races super motivated. Sylvia ran great and is gaining confidence with each race. I don’t think she understands her true potential in distance running yet. This sport is going to open up a lot of doors for her. I’m extremely proud of Wyatt with his ability to set goals and stay 100% focused on obtaining them. He knows it is going to hurt when he gets into races like tonight, but knows it is part of the sport. He went through the first 1600 meters in 4:47 and came back the second 1600 in 4:42. Pretty typical for championship racing and this will help him in races like districts and states. Joey ran with confidence tonight to come away with 3rd place in a very competitive 3200 field. He’s always a little behind Wyatt in track season because he wrestles over the winter and Wyatt is a full time distance runner that is running 49 out of 52 weeks of the year. Joey is coming into form at the right time with Districts being less than two weeks away. Sylvia, Wyatt, and Joey always show up for voluntary practices and do what I ask of them. Their hard work and dedication payed off tonight with great results. I’m so happy for them.”