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Haddon Township basks in team atmosphere of DMR

When Luke Petela finished his mile anchor leg in Haddon Township's Distance Medley Championship of America, he caught his breath, and hung around the track to watch the individual Mile Run Championship.

When Luke Petela finished his mile anchor leg in Haddon Township's Distance Medley Championship of America, he caught his breath, and hung around the track to watch the individual Mile Run Championship.

He could have been out there running, but instead he chose to run with his team Friday afternoon in the Penn Relays at Franklin Field.

"I think track is just as much of a team sport as it is individual," Petela said. "I'd love to come out here and maybe run a fast time, but it's very rare to get a good DMR that can qualify for the Championship of America race, so I said, 'If we have the opportunity, I'm going to take it because I love my team.' "

The senior anchored the relay with a 4:14.98 mile, to bring his team home in sixth in a time of 10:19.67. Petela was joined by a trio of juniors: Owen Long, who kicked off the race with a split of 3:09.50 in the 1,200; Jake Dinerman, who ran the 400-meter leg in 53.25; and Randy Ladd with an 800-meter time of 2:01.97.

Holding steady in seventh with a sizeable gap between Haddon Towship and the leading pack of runners, Petela used his steady pace to catch up to sixth.

While the Hawks had set a high goal to place first, Petela was undeniably happy just being able to compete with his team at the Penn Relays.

"I think coming out here and being a contender, being able to compete with these guys, is really all that matters, and to enjoy the experience," Petela said. "Really I'm just grateful that we finished the way we did and came out here with determination and really gave it our all."

The quartet qualified for the race after running a time of 10:21.38 at the New Balance Nationals indoors on March 13.

"We're always around each other, we're great friends and I just think that's the most important thing to me at this point," Petela said. "Coming here and being able to bring a relay, bring all of our families together is just so important and there's nothing better."

But for Petela, the experience was much more, as he got a taste of the track he'll call home next year. He's committed to run for Penn.

"It's amazing. This is my favorite meet," Petela said. "Franklin Field - there's nothing better than Franklin Field."

And Petela's inevitable return to the Penn Relays next year is only fitting. He's been attending the event with his mother every year since second grade.

"Coming [to the Penn Relays], the whole environment of it, it's just like nothing else," Petela said. "I'm just really excited to be able to train and race on this track and just be in this environment for the rest of my life - I hope - the next four years, definitely."