One could say that Jepel Gibbs catches on quickly. Or it could be that the Cedar Crest boys’ track and field program is simply adept at molding talent.

 Either way, it has evolved into a win-win situation.

 On Saturday at Lebanon High School, during the annual staging of the Lebanon County Track and Field Championships, Gibbs earned the meet’s Outstanding Male Athlete Award. What made the accomplishment even more remarkable is the fact that Gibbs is in only his second season of competing in track and field on the varsity level.

 Gibbs, a senior sprinter, captured three gold medals and a silver. His day began with a triumph in the 100-meter dash.

 It continued with a second-place effort in the long jump. And it concluded when he anchored the Falcons’ 400-meter relay team to victory, then won the 200-meter dash.

 Gibbs’ performance at the county meet set him up nicely for the big posteason meets going forward – the Lancaster-Lebanon League Track and Field Championships, the District Three meet and quite possibly the PIAA Track and Field meet.

 – Jeff Falk