Dakota Leonhard had a difficult decision to make, a choice if you will. Throw at the Lancaster-Lebanon League Track and Field Championships or escort his girlfriend to the prom.

After carefully weighing all his options, Leonhard chose to skip the league meet in favor of the dance. But what made the Northern Lebanon senior’s decision a little bit easier to wrap around was the fact that he had a back-up plan.

On Friday and Saturday at Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium, during the 92nd annual contesting of the District Three Track and Field Championships, Leonhard made up for lost time. He competed successfully in both the Class AAA shot put and javelin competitions.

First, Leonhard was the runner-up to Manheim Central’s Tyler Hoag in the shot put. Leonhard uncorked a heave of 54-4.75 to grab the silver.

Then, Leonhard garnered the bronze medal in the javelin. Leonhard’s best throw of the day covered 180-06.

Both efforts earned Leonhard spots in the PIAA Track and Field Championships, back at Shippensburg’s Seth Grove Stadium next week.

And thus the beauty of time management and prioritizing.

– Jeff Falk