Plenty of Talent Set For Penn State on Saturday: Kevin Dare Invitational Preview

Photo by Ethan Rissell

Girls' Distance Preview

The 3000 meters will be one of the premiere events of the day to close out the individual events on the track. It'll be worth the wait. Leading the way is Lydia Olivere of Padua Academy in Delaware. While she hails from a different state, Olivere is no stranger to PA, racing this past fall at the Carlisle Invite and Paul Short Run in XC. She was an NXN qualifer and she'll test some PA talent on the track now.

North Allegheny's Clara Savchik, who had a terrific XC season will make her season debut on the track. Savchik was the WPIAL champion and took second in a thrilling race at XC states. She opted to not race at regionals, so we'll see what kind of shape she's in on Saturday. Also in the field in three-time Class A PIAA XC champion Marianne Abdalah of Vincentian Academy. Hershey's Andie Demko, Cheltenham's MaryGrace Rittler, Conestoga's Dominique Shultz, Eastern York's Maddie McLain, and State College's Gabbi Bock and Cailin Saylor.

In the mile, Pennridge's Monika Brill, PA#3 in the event, will lead the field. Class A XC champ Sera Mazza of St. Joseph's Catholic, Eastern York's McLain, Coatesville's Brooke Hutton, and State College's Catherine Curtin are also in the field for what should be a pretty quick race.

In the 800, Sweet Home's Sam Peterman will come down from New York. She won this race a year ago (watch it above). This year, she'll see a challenge from Pennridge's Juliet Ryan (PA#3) and Strath Haven's Isabel Cardi, among a few others.