Butler Invitational boys highlights: Shriver, Tornado relays make statement, Freeport’s Braun takes bronze
Butler's Anastasia Manchester competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler's Nicco Baggetta competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler's Sarah Lucas competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler's Julianna Lockwood competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler's Tyson Pino competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler's Troy Ritson competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler's Anastasia Manchester competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler's Sarah Lucas competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler's Anastasia Manchester competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler's Leland Anderson competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler's Julianna Lockwood competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler's Tyson Pino competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler's Evelyn Paserba competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Knoch's Karlee Buterbaugh competes in shot put during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Knoch's Savanna Hawk competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Knoch's Karlee Buterbaugh competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Knoch's Karlee Buterbaugh competes in shot put during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Knoch's Darien Gallagher competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Knoch's Troy Slater competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Knoch's Karlee Buterbaugh competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Mars' Hannah Todd competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Knoch's Makenzie Kurtz competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Knoch's Codi Mullen competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Moniteau's Braden Beachem cast a shadow as he competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Anastasia Manchester competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Nicco Baggetta competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Sarah Lucas competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Julianna Lockwood competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Tyson Pino competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Troy Ritson competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Anastasia Manchester competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Sarah Lucas competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Anastasia Manchester competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Leland Anderson competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Julianna Lockwood competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Tyson Pino competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler's Evelyn Paserba competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Knoch's Karlee Buterbaugh competes in shot put during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Knoch's Savanna Hawk competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Knoch's Karlee Buterbaugh competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Knoch's Karlee Buterbaugh competes in shot put during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Knoch's Darien Gallagher competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Knoch's Troy Slater competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Knoch's Karlee Buterbaugh competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Mars' Hannah Todd competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Knoch's Makenzie Kurtz competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Knoch's Codi Mullen competes in javelin during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Moniteau's Braden Beachem cast a shadow as he competes in discus during a Butler Track & Field Invitational at Butler Senior High School's Art Bernardi Stadium on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Butler High School hosted the several Western Pennsylvania school in their 60th annual Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
BUTLER TWP — Butler's boys 4x100-meter relay team entered its own invitational ranked first out of 50 teams. The foursome of Logan Ekas, Kevin Shriver, Grayden Brown and Chris Rubcic made sure the Golden Tornado didn't budge from the top spot.
A time of 42.73 seconds was .36 seconds better than runner-up McKeesport at Thursday’s Butler Track and Field Invitational at Art Bernardi Stadium.
"I think anything but first place would have been a disappointment for us," said Rubcic, who anchored the Golden Tornado. "There were other teams close to us, but I think we should've come out on top. We ran a good time."
Butler has run even faster this season, a 42.50. The quartet's goal is clear.
"I think we can break the school record," Rubcic said. "It's 42.42, and I think we can go 42.30."
Ekas and Shriver were both on last year's 400 relay team that placed first here.
Due to technical issues with the digital scoring system, full results as well as team champions were not available as of publication. The Butler Invite was not scheduled to end until after 11 p.m.
Butler’s Kevin Shriver runs the boys 100-meter race in the Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Reason to believe
With a time of 11.15, Shriver earned fourth place in the 100 dash, but it was his time earlier in the day that has him anxious to see what the rest of the season holds.
A sophomore, Shriver ran a personal-best 10.97 in prelims, topping his previous standard by .11 seconds.
"I'm pretty excited about it," Shriver said. "That time is (almost) good enough (two-hundredths of a second shy) to get me to states, but I need to do it again at the WPIAL meet."
Shriver made big strides late in his freshman season, going 11.08 at the WPIAL team championships in May 2024.
“I was having a good freshman season, but didn't think I would go that fast,” he said. “The biggest thing that has improved for me is my start. I'm still working on it, those first 15 to 20 feet out of the blocks.”
Freeport’s Michael Braun runs the boys 3200-meter race in the Butler Invitational held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Braun’s swan song
Michael Braun hopes the next six weeks yield better results than he met with Thursday.
Freeport's senior was making his final appearance at the Butler Invite, competing in the 3,200. He finished in third place with a time of 9:02.25. Quaker Valley's Jonah Montagnese placed first, followed by Mohawk's Jaxon Schoedel.
Braun has competed in several events for the Yellowjackets this season — 200, 400, 800, 1,600 and 3,200, which was his only race Thursday.
"I ran the 3,200 here last year (finishing second)," he said. "It's at night, so the temperature is usually good for it.
"First lap went well, I stayed on pace, but after that, things slowed down. I was cramping from the third lap on and spent the rest of the race trying to get back to a sub-9 minute pace."
He led the pack until dropping back on the fifth lap.
Braun, a Penn State commit, won the WPIAL Class 2A cross country title in the fall and finished second in the state.
"I do feel the pressure on me, and some of it I place on myself," he said. "I want to win at states after coming in second in cross country."
