Kent Beats Cold And Fires Off 10.86 In 100m


Ronald Kent doesn't too much rankings snooping. Instead, he'd rather see his competitors run a time with his own eyes.

"I don't really believe in (rankings)," he said. "If you run it, I want to see you run it."

Those in attendance at the Bruce Dallas Invitational at Cumberland Valley -- through their winter hats, scarves, and heavy coats -- got to see Kent drop one of the states fastest times with their own eyes on Saturday. 

The Harrisburg senior went 10.86 to runaway with the 100 meter win early in the day before temperatures got a chance to rise above 40 degrees in Mechanicsburg. At the time, it was a PA#1 performance before Austin Kratz ran 10.34 in California. Now it stands at PA#2, nearly two tenths ahead of the next fastest boy in the state . (It's worth noting that in the PIAA, Kratz competes in AA, while Kent and Harrisburg are in AAA)

BOYS 100 METER DASH FINALS WATCH VIDEO
PLACEATHLETETEAMRESULTWINDH#
1Ronald Kent12Harrisburg High School10.861
2Donte Kent10Harrisburg High School11.271
3Drew Roman11East Pennsboro Area SD11.401
4Israel McLean11Dallastown11.521
5Negus Johnson12Susquehanna Township11.531
6Brendan Shaffer12Lower Dauphin11.661

The cold wasn't much of a factor to Kent on Saturday. He got out of the blocks well and had already gapped the field, which included his younger brother Donte Kent, in the first 10 meters. It was smooth sailing from there. The elder Kent crossed first and immediately turned around to check the F.A.T. scoreboard in front of the finish line.

He liked what he saw.

"It's a big boost," Kent said of running such a quick time so early in the season. "I play baseball, too, so I don't train for track."

He said he had his first track practice the day before Saturday's meet because of conflicts with baseball practice. With more opportunities for workout and, of course, some warmer weather, Kent will look for some nice improvements in the sprints.

Kent seems ready: "I can't wait!"