Defending champ Carly Seymour, Central Cambria
By Don Rich, with research by Aaron Rich
Once again, the AA girls race will be one to watch. The field boasts 3 sub-5 minute milers, and even more impressively, 5 sub-11 minute 2 milers. Leading the way are last year's champ Carly Seymour of Central Cambria, Laren Zarger of Harbor Creek (2nd place) and Lindsey Shertzer of Lancaster Mennonite (3rd place). Any one of these three could take the championship this year, after very impressive outdoor campaigns netted them some big PR's. However, last springs 3200 meter AA champ, Kara Millhouse, Boiling Springs, has shown that she has what it takes to win a state championship race.
Lauren Zarger, Harbor Creek
She ran virtually unchallenged to the district and state titles in the 3200 meter run, and if she displays that strength along with her well-known kick, she will be tough to beat. The top five positions could be rounded out by either Kathleen Davies, St. Basil Academy, or Rachel Erny, Brentwood, the 2004 AA XC champ. However this battle turns out it will be exciting to watch, as these girls all have impressive resumes. The top 10 could include any combination of the following girls who have been right on the heels of those above. Beth Lambright, Christopher Dock, was 4th last year, Melissa Smith, Mercer Area, was 6th in 2005. Also to watch is Kacey Gibson, Neshannock, who was runner-up in the AA State 1600. Emily Perina, York Suburban, and Shatievah Lewis, John Bartram, both had impressive finishes in last year's race. Two runners capable of cracking the top-10 are Katie Shelley, Columbia, and Chelsea Brett, Trinity, who were 12th and 11th respectively last year. But we'll keep our eyes open for those inevitable freshman who come and and make an impact right away.
Kathleen Davies of PA#6 Saint Basil
It literally is a see-saw battle every year in District 1 AA between PA#6 Saint Basil Academy and Gwynedd-Mercy. Only one team gets to go to states, so there is a lot on the line. In 2003, Gwynedd-Mercy won, followed in 2004 by Saint Basil, and then followed up last year by Gwynedd-Mercy. But in 2003 and 2005 at states, it has been District 2's Dallas squad that has taken the title. In Basil's year, they won the state championship. For 2006, Dallas is rebuilding after losing their top three. Gwynedd-Mercy lost their #1 runner to transfer. And Saint Basil lost one of their top five to graduation. It looks like there may be a changing of the guard as a new AA team appears ready to step up and win a title. Lead by 4:55 1600 runner Lindsey Shertzer, PA#4 Lancaster Mennonite of District 3 returns their top six. They finished 2nd in 2005. Others to watch include the entire returning top seven from District 6's Central Cambria, lead by returning individual champ Carly Seymour. District 3's Tulpehocken returns 2,3,4 and 7. Villa Maria, the District 10 runner-up last year, has 3 of their top 5 back. And 2005 district champs Slippery Rock also returns 3 of their scoring 5.
Lindsey Shertzer of PA#4 Lancaster Mennonite
