Individuals Breakdown: District 3 Boys

After District 3-AAA dominated the individual scene in 2016, last year may have been seen as a transitional year overall for the central Pennsylvanians. Morgan Cupp was strong all season last year. With Cupp graduated, we'll see a new champion in D3-AAA, as well as an opportunity for some big-time stars to emerge. As we enter the fall, a number of boys could be on that cusp.

There are no returning state medalists in D3-AAA, but rather a big group looking to make the jump into the top 25 and beyond. Ultimately, the race for the top will be a close one.

Cocalico's Evan Kreider (second), Mechanicsburg's Brandan Knepper (third), Carlisle's Jack Wisner (fourth), and Ephrata's Andrew Foster (fifth) all placed within the top five of the district last season. Knepper was the highest place of the bunch at states, taking 32nd. Knepper and Foster ran some quick 3,200s this spring (Foster's 9:28 is the third fastest time by any returner), while Wisner earned a state medal in the 1,600. Expect each of these boys to be in the mix for the title this spring.

Another one to watch is Ian Miller of Manheim Township. He was eighth at districts last year and 77th at states. He had a strong junior season on the track, earning a state medal in the indoor 3K and running 9:33 outdoors for 3,200 meters. Now a senior, watch for Miller to make some noise. Hempfield's Justin Rittenhouse, Mechanicsburg's Michael Vigliano, and Palmyra's Matt Carroll are among the other highly placed returners from last year's district meet. Alexander Ermold of Governor Mifflin (20th at districts last year) has the fastest returning 5K time of any other D3-AAA with a 15:45 from Paul Short last year.

A number of other boys, who may have flown under the radar last fall, had big track seasons and are worth keeping an eye on. The Warwick pair of Connor Shields and Noah Martin should be strong this fall. Shields dropped a 9:31 for 3,200 meters. Conestoga Valley's Nathan Grucelski ran 4:20 for 1,600 and 9:30 for 3,200 this spring and that should translate into a big season on the XC trails.

There will be no shortage of interesting matchups this year in D3!