Do you know the difference between an element sensor and Ben Mason? One’s a metal detector and the other is a medal collector.

Of course, during this recently completed scholastic track and field postseason, if Mason detected a medal he also collected it.

Mason, a senior at Annville-Cleona high school, brought home a haul of medals from Shippensburg University’s Seth Grove Stadium over the past two weekends – six to be exact, and all of the shiny metal complexion.

On Saturday, Mason earned three medals at the PIAA Class AA meet. He helped anchor both of Annville-Cleona’s state-championship winning relay teams – the 3200-meter and 1600-meter squads – and individually copped a silver medal in the 400-meter dash.

The previous Saturday, at the District Three Class AA Track and Field, Mason struck gold in the 400-meter dash with a personal and Little Dutchman school record.  With the help of Little Dutchmen teammates Shawn Wolfe, Mark Bachman, Jeff Inman and Eric Bowman, Mason also took home top honors in the 1600-meter and 3200-meter relays.

So it turned out to be a grand finale for the graduating Mason, also an accomplished cross country runner who helped Annville-Cleona to team glory in that sport during the fall season.

– JEFF FALK