SCRANTON, Pa. — Another shot gun start, another finish line crossed. The Abington Heights girls Track and field team came into this meet against Scranton Prep wanting to win more than ever. On the line? The potential to end a team streak by winning their 100th consecutive league meet. Head coach Frank Passetti has vivid memories of the team's last loss in 2006 when he first started coaching.
"We lost to Delaware Valley 77 to 73. I still remember it came down to the javelin," said Passetti.
And finally, 100 wins in a row was complete, ending the nearly two decades of work on a sunshine filled day in Scranton.
"The Streak" has been something of folklore, becoming more attainable each year.
"It just started happening one meet at a time, one year at a time, a lot of coaches involved in that time frame," Passetti said.
This streak didn't come easy. To put it in perspective, it started back in 2006 when many of these seniors weren't even born.
"There's generations that came before me and it's looking back on them and it's great to be a part of it," said senior Madison Zalewski.
"I feel me and the other girls on the team have a connection with people that we haven't even met and we've been able to contribute to this long lasting goal of ours," said senior Marygrace Sabatini.
It's a proud moment for these girls who fulfilled the longtime goal. It's not only a win for the team, but everyone involved in the success to get there.
"He's put a lot of time and effort into each and every one of us. It means a lot when you have a coach that can help you become the best that you can be," Zalewski said.
"We're all willing to put in the work. I don't think it's so much just us. I think it's really awesome that for the last however many years we've had so many athletes that are willing to put in the work and sacrifice to get us to 100," Sabatini said.
With the weight of this milestone off their shoulders, these athletes now have their sights set on finishing this season strong at the Spagna championships.