Third time’s the charm
with Mike Marrington

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

For Mike Harrington, three is the magic number.
The Northeast Philadelphia resident is in his third year at Father Judge High School. He showcased his skills in three varsity sports this year, helping his teammates to bring home three championship crowns.
First up was the Crusaders’ unforgettable season on the soccer field last fall. The undefeated squad won the Catholic League championship. They also finished first in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Coaches poll, rising above almost 300 participating high school teams. The Crusaders went on to earn fourth place in the region, competing against squads from throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and finally moved on to be ranked No. 26 in the country.
Needless to say, things were off to an excellent start for Harrington.
"It was unbelievable," said Harrington, who has played midfield and defense for the Crusaders’ varsity squad since he was a freshman. "During soccer, I was hanging on the edge of my seat every game. It was an amazing time."
Before the butterflies of gaining the championship and receiving national attention had time to wear off, Harrington was on his way to the second title.
It was the indoor track season, and thanks to his dedication on the pitch, Harrington already was in great shape. By February, the 5-foot-10, 150-pound speedster joined his teammates in accepting another trophy — the Catholic League indoor track championship for the first time in school history.
"I’ve been playing soccer my whole life, but I didn’t get into track until my freshman year," said Harrington, who was named first-team All-Catholic for indoor track. "My mom wanted me to be in shape for soccer, so I tried track. Then I ended up running at the indoor championship."
With two titles down, Harrington wasn’t done yet. He went for lucky number three this spring with the Father Judge outdoor track team.
That victorious day came on May 18, when Harrington and his fellow Crusaders captured the first Philadelphia Catholic League championship title since 1976.
"It felt really good to end the year with a big win," he said. "And we really dominated."
The Crusaders scored 181 points in the meet, including seven gold medals, seven silver medals and four bronze medals. Their closest opponent was Cardinal O’Hara High School, which finished with 90.5 points.
Father Judge’s Jermaine Lowery — who finished first in the 200m, 400m, 110 hurdle and 300 hurdle events — earned Most Valuable Male Runner. Crusader Jason Flanagan, who brought home the gold in javelin and second place in discus and pole vault — earned Most Valuable Performer in field events.
"It’s really cool to be the team that gets the championship back home at Father Judge," said Harrington. "It feels really good."
Harrington’s speedy success didn’t come that easily. Since teaming up with the track team as a freshman, he has dedicated himself to training, which often meant less sleep and more running.
"I come into training a little behind because most of our guys run cross-country," he said. "So I run before school, then I practice with the team after school. I usually get there at six-thirty and run for forty-five minutes, then I go to school.
"I want to be a good leader for the rest of the team," he added. "I want to see myself perform better."
As a junior student-athlete, Harrington, 17, will step into the leadership role next season to help the Crusaders defend their crown. But he isn’t worried. After all, he isn’t alone.
"Most people think track is about individuals, but we do it together as a team," said Harrington. "You can’t win the championship in track without the team.
"Winning the first and second ones was awesome," he continued. "Then this third one was a perfect ending." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com