Photo by Abby Huber
PIAA Class AAA
Individuals - Sans Affolders, A Number Of Contenders Will Emerge
Last summer, the PA XC and track & field was turned upside down when it was announced Noah and Sam Affolder would transfer to Carlisle High School. Noah and Sam went on to finish first and third respectively in the state. Since then, Noah graduated and Sam transferred. There are no notable incoming transfers this year (that we know of), so a number of the talented returners will be in the mix for the win.
The top returner from states last year is Noah Beveridge of Butler. He was fifth last year, peaking well, and since then, he also placed fifth in the 3200 meters at outdoor track states. Council Rock North's Ryan Campbell was seventh and also returns. There's also Neshaminy's Rusty Kujdych, who was tenth at XC states last year, was third in the 3200 meters at outdoor track states and should factor in. Those three will be seniors.
West Chester Henderson's Spencer Smucker, Mechanicsburg's Morgan Cupp, and Lower Dauphin's Jared Giannascoli are also returners from the top 15 at states. OJR's Liam Conway had a rough day at states last year, but he'll return with a vengeance for his senior year. We also can't forget about Bishop Shanahan's Josh Hoey who qualified, but didn't compete at the state meet last year.
Teams - CR North May Be Favored To Repeat
Council Rock North put together a full team effort to win its first state crown since 1999 last fall. Campbell led the way, but they also had three others in the top 26. They return five of seven next season and will look to add the necessary pieces to complete the repeat.
Seneca Valley was fourth last year and brings back all but one from its team from last year. 2015 state champs Downingtown West (third in 2016) loses six of seven from its varsity squad from last year, but they have a talented JV squad and saw some more emerge during the spring, so they should contend once again. We should also look for always-strong West Chester Henderson (eighth in 2016) and North Allegheny (sixth in 2016) squads to make some noise come October and November.
LaSalle (fifth in 2016), State College Area (seventh in 2016), Central Bucks West (ninth in 2016), and Butler (15th in 2016) will look for return trips to Hershey, while North Penn, Spring Ford, and Bishop Shanahan could be in the mix.