REEDSVILLE — The State College Little Lions and Lady Little Lions snagged cross country titles at the District 6 AAA Championships on Oct. 26 at Indian Valley Elementary School.
Both the boys’ team and girls’ squad dominated with team scores of 21 points, each.
The teams also boasted the first-place finishers in each group, with Brady Bigger earning the win for the boys in 15:59 and Marlee Kwasnica (known as “The Freshman Sensation” to head coach Rebecca Donaghue) taking the girls’ top spot in 18:50.
Bigger was six second in front of teammate and second-place finisher Ben St. Pierre. Other top ten State High boy runners included Bennett Norton (fourth, 16:40), Sean Adams (fifth, 15:43) and Henry Ballard (ninth, 15:59). Charles Enders (11th, 17:07) and David Gluckman (12th, 17:17) also competed in the event. “The team really came together and went after the win today,” said coach Dave Felice.
Jordan Reed placed second for the girls’ squad in 18:58, and immediately behind her, Lizzie Gilpatrick crossed the line for fourth in 18:58. Other top runners on the girls’ team included Elle Houshalter (sixth, 19:54), Karsyn Kane (seventh, 19:58), Maggie Leahey (ninth, 20:34) and Mihret Strauss (tenth, 20:37).
“The ladies made a huge statement today. To have three girls break the 19-minute barrier is something that hasn’t been done in my 14 years coaching at State High,” said Donaghue.
“Adding to that, we have our top five all under 20 minutes. This is a really special team we have in our hands. They’re serious about going after things and don’t plan on stopping that mindset anytime soon.”
Both teams will next compete in the PIAA State Championship meet on Nov. 2.
PENNS VALLEY
Another fantastic performance landed the boys of Penns Valley another trophy as they captured the District 6 A title with a team score of 28 points.
Colton Sands once again set the pace for a masterful race, taking first individually while setting a new school record in the process. Sands finished in 15:14, 36 second ahead of second-place finisher and previous school record holder Brendan Colwell.
Daniel Kelly placed sixth in the race with a personal best time of 17:14. Kelly’s accomplishment came just 10 days after he broke his arm.
Other top runners for the Rams included Thaddeus Smith (seventh, 17:27), Simon Smith (12th, 18:07) and Max Feidler (22nd, 18:28).
This is the sixth consecutive title the Rams have won and the 15th since 1985. The Rams will also be at the PIAA meet on Nov. 2.
SAINT JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC ACADEMY
The Wolves powered through the District 6 A division with both the girls’ and boys’ teams qualifying for the Nov. 2 PIAA meet.
The boys scored 56 points at the meet, which gave them a second place finish. Carter Kauffman paced the Wolves with a fourth-place finish (16:51). He was tailed by Josh Hershbine’s fifth-place time of 17:12.
Other top runners included Isaac Hyman (8th, 17:36), Aidan Cross (19th, 18:19), Joseph Clark (21st, 18:21), Asa Raynolds (24th, 18:31) and Josh Hyman (37th, 19:21).
With 57 points, the girls’ team took third place in the team standings.
Kate Youngmark led the Wolves with a seventh-place time of 20:08. Myah Chappel followed closely in eighth with a finishing time of 20:13. Youngmark and Chappel both received all-district honors.
Other top finishers for the girls included Brandi Carmack (13th, 20:45), Kathleen Simander (14th, 20:50), Camryn Eby (15th, 20:52) and Kita Chappel (60th, 24:35).
BELLEFONTE
Both Bellefonte cross country team took fourth-place in the District 6 AA division.
Austin Melius was the strength of the boys’ team, finishing the course in 16:49 and sixth place. The finish earned Melius a spot at the upcoming state meet.
Other Bellefonte boy finishers include Chase Ebeling (14th, 17:28), Eric Bennett (20th, 18:08), Dillon Sette (29th, 18:50), Daniel Mussett (44th, 19:01), Daryl Stickles (54th, 19:41) and Hunter Lewis (66th, 20:11)
Mia Elmore led the girls’ squad and earned the opportunity to compete at the state meet with a ninth-place finish (20:29).
Other top Lady Red Raider finishers included Kate Rarrick (13th, 20:56), Amaya Rothrock (18th, 21:17), Amber Shirey (24th, 21:57), Kathryn Gearhart (28th, 22:21) and Haley Herr (30th, 23:00).
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