It was a big week for Falcons who like to fly far as the local track squad took part in the Scottsdale Distance Classic last Friday afternoon, April 4, bringing home a first place finish for one of the girls 4x800 teams.

According to head coach Todd Brecto, he challenged the local squad to put forth its best effort at last week’s meet and his athletes rose to the occasion.

“I told the athletes coming into this meet we would run our fastest times of the year and they did not disappoint,” Brecto said.

“We had some incredible performances on Friday at the Scottsdale Distance Classic.”

Brecto described the meet as the premiere distance event of the year, one in which the Falcons got to test their skills against some of the best runners the state has to offer.

The local squad was able to put together two 4x800 relay teams for the ladies this outing, one comprised of Brooke Yost, Erika Yost, Leah Carillo and Sierra Jarriel.

“They took first place in a season-best time of 9:58,” Brecto explained.

Team two for the girls 4x800 was made up of Danica Kerr, Kaylin George, Courtney Wise and Kelsey Schultz, who was running her first 800m ever at the event. The team also had a great showing, coming in at 11:24.

Representing the boys in the 4x800 relay were Peter Carillo, Nathan Blaes, Jason Sahr and Cody Walter, all recording personal best splits to come in with a team time of 9:29.

In the girls 1600m run, Hope Brecto ran a 5:57 while Michelle Farella crossed the line at 6:32, both season bests.

Scott Jarriel ran a 4:37 and Jordan Smout ran a 5:17 in the 1600m run and, again, brought home brand new personal records.

Next up was the girls 800m run.

“Wow, do we have a great group of girls that can run the 800,” Brecto said.

“I think we have seven girls that can go under 2:40. Amazing. Too bad we could only run four girls at the event on Friday.”

Those four included Sierra Jarriel, Brooke Yost, Madi Blaes and Erika Yost, who ran 2:24, 2:27, 2:36 and 2:38 respectively.

The boys also had some low 800m times including Scott Jarriel at 2:07, Josh Vaught at 2:17 and Andrew Cooper at 2:21.

“Hope Brecto had a great race [in the 3200m run], coming in at 12:38,” Brecto added.

“Kailyn Martin had a personal record at 13:52.”

Now that the distance runners have had an opportunity to shine, the entire Falcon flock will reform for their meets this week.

The local squad will head to North Canyon this afternoon for a 4 p.m. meet and will venture to Apollo High School at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12.