Panthers’ Seymour, Raiders’ Engle have forged a bond over the miles

Track & Field coverage presented by ATT Sports, Inc.

By Jason Guarente — MikeDragoSports.com senior correspondent

It was more than a pat on the back. It was a sign of respect. A thank you for all the races that came before.

Luke Seymour’s battles against Anthony Engle were a highlight of the William H. Firing Meet at Shillington last weekend. Two giants pushing each other and fighting for the distinction between silver and gold.

Engle, a Twin Valley junior, won the 3200. Seymour, a Schuylkill Valley senior, won the 800 and 1600. Both walked away grateful for the experience.

“I love it,” Engle said. “We go back and forth constantly. It’s pretty cool. Even if one of us loses, we’re still running great times. I enjoy running with him.”

Engle and Seymour have kept an eye on each other as the season has progressed. They were clearly Berks County’s top dogs in the distance events.

There aren’t many runners who can relate to the standards that Engle and Seymour have set. Each has broken 4:20 in the mile and 1:55 in the 800. Only six other Pennsylvania runners can make that claim this season.

They’ve crossed paths several times throughout the invitational schedule and they always liked it when that was the case.

“It’s competitive,” Engle said. “It’s also very friendly at the same time.”

Engle entered the season hoping to reach the low 4:20s in the mile and 1:56 in the 800. He surpassed both of those goals and still has districts and states ahead. He’s the No. 1 seed in the 800 in District 3 Class 3A.

Having Seymour in the field always raised the stakes.

“It started off with my first big PR in the mile in the beginning of the season,” Engle said. “We were both in the same race and it came down to the finish.”

Prior to their clash in the 3200 at the Firing Meet Thursday, Engle and Seymour discussed strategy through Snapchat. One would pace a lap. Then the other would follow.

Neither runner had trained for the longer distance so they decided to help each other grind through those brutal extra laps. Once they reached the final 400 meters, it was every man for himself.

Engle finished in 9:39.93 with Seymour less than two seconds behind. It was a repeat of sorts. Engle clipped Seymour by 0.41 seconds in the 800 at West Chester a week earlier. Those two results sent Seymour searching for answers. 

Seymour’s kick at the finish is usually enough. It almost always brings him across the line first. Then, when facing Engle, it didn’t.

Before the boys rematched at the Firing Meet two days later, Seymour thought about his kick and how to refine it. Schuylkill Valley’s star had enough in his tank to hold off Engle in the next two races. Losing that tight 3200 helped steel Seymour’s resolve. It made him better.

“It’s always good when me and him are both in the same race,” Seymour said. “Just crossing the line and knowing you gave it your all is a really good feeling. We both put in a lot of work throughout the race.”

Three battles. Three 1-2 finishes. Great times across the board.

Seymour is the top qualifier in District 3 Class 2A in the 800 and 1600. He’ll try to repeat as a double district champion at Shippensburg this week.

The Firing Meet was the last time Engle and Seymour will square off in high school. Seymour is headed to Penn State. Engle has his senior year to keep lowering his numbers.

The two don’t share a rivalry. They share a desire for greatness and they happen to be in each other’s way. They used those circumstances to forge a track friendship.

When Seymour put his hand on Engle’s shoulder after the 800 Saturday, it was a farewell to a tremendous week of racing and a memorable ride together. 

“I couldn’t ask for more,” Engle said. “And I definitely couldn’t do it without Luke.”