By James Williams, Editor-in-Chief

The 2025 PIAA District XII Track and Field Championships brought out the best in Philadelphia athletes, with Imhotep Institute Charter and Martin Luther King High School making powerful statements across sprints, relays, and field events. Held May 14–15, the meet not only highlighted individual excellence but also showcased team depth and state-bound performances.

Imhotep Institute Shines Across All Events

Leading the charge for Imhotep was senior Jamair Bull, who put on a clinic in the sprints. After qualifying through prelims in both the 100m and 200m, Bull blazed to a second-place finish in the 200m (21.95), hitting the PIAA state standard with a personal record. He also finished fourth in the 100m finals at 11.01, securing valuable points for the Panthers.

Nasir Foster added points in the hurdles, clocking 16.32 in the 110m hurdles for eighth and a strong 41.40 in the 300m hurdles to place sixth. On the distance side, Chase Temple (49.25) and freshman standout Brian Culmer (49.39) both hit the PIAA standard in the 400m, finishing fourth and sixth respectively. Nasir Gordon rounded out the 400m crew with a personal-best 50.70.

In girls action, sophomore Soleil Kelly won the Class AA 400m in 57.07—qualifying for states—and also advanced in the 200m before a DNS in the final. Jasmine Price stepped up, grabbing fourth in the 200m finals (25.43) and qualifying for states. Anor-Felice Cole added a podium finish in the 800m (2:31.85), and Kelly’s efforts led the girls’ 4x400m relay to a third-place finish (4:20.55).

In the field, sophomore Jabrayah Smith emerged as a powerhouse, scoring in the discus (2nd, 85-00), javelin (5th, 60-03), and shot put (5th, 26-05.00). Junior Sahaabiyyah Muse also contributed, taking third in the discus and qualifying in shot put before a DNS in javelin.

The boys relay teams were dominant. The 4x100m relay squad took gold in 42.44, comfortably under the PIAA state standard, while the 4x400m boys team ran an impressive 3:20.02, placing second overall.

MLK’s Kaylin Vertreace and Makhai Robinson Lead the Way

Martin Luther King High School saw its top athletes step into the spotlight. Senior Kaylin Vertreace delivered standout performances, placing fourth in the 100m (12.56) and second in the 200m (25.53), both hitting PIAA standards. She was also part of the 4x100m relay team that ran a 51.27, placing seventh.

Senior Makhai Robinson was equally impressive on the boys’ side. After running 11.13 in the 100m prelims, he finished seventh in the finals (11.10) and claimed sixth in the 200m with a personal best 22.21—good enough to meet the state standard.

Aaliyah Bey also made waves with a second-place finish in the 400m (58.86), adding more points and qualifying for the state meet. In the relays, the MLK boys’ 4x100m placed fifth with a season-best 44.24, and the girls 4x400m relay team faced a setback with a false start in their final.

What’s Next

With several PIAA state qualifiers from both schools, including multiple individual and relay standouts, all eyes turn to the state championships where the best in Pennsylvania will clash. Imhotep’s deep roster and MLK’s top-tier sprinters make both programs serious contenders for medals in Shippensburg.

Stay tuned for continued coverage as Philadelphia’s finest take their talents to the PIAA Track and Field State Championships.