Midwestern Athletic Conference
Quaker Valley boys will be aiming to defend their title after narrowly winning it over Mars Area by only three points. This time around, it should be an easier road to the crown for the champions, as they have been solid this season.
They have the defending individual champion Zach Skolnekovich leading their charges. The junior has earned victories at the Red White and Blue Classic and the Sharpsville Invite this season, breaking 16 minutes for the first time in his Sharpsville win. The team has a solid 2-5 pack behind their leader that will play a big role in winning the crown.
Beaver Area and Mars Area will aim to snatch the title away from the District 7 AA powerhouse. As for Skolnekovich, he'll have to face off against Domenic Peretta of Beaver Falls to keep his title. Peretta is searching his first league crown after finishing 2nd last year. Peretta is coming off a win at the Grove City Invitational on October 3.
The Quaker Valley girls should have a comfortable time once again defending their league title. The sophomore duo of Lucie Kubinski and Audrey Durbin have led the way this season. Kubinski has a pair of silver medal finishes, while Durbin has a pair of 4th place finishes. Kubinski was the runner up in this race a year ago, while Durbin was 9th. Alison Flier of Laurel should be a threat to the Quaker Valley do. She has four top seven finishes this season, including a runner up finish in her county championship meet last week.
Indiana County Champs
Sam Lenze of Indiana Area is the defending champion of this race, but will face stern competition for his crown. Sam Cunkelman of Homer Center has run 16:39 this season, his first time under 17 minutes. Lenze won the Crimson Hawk Invite in his last appearance. Ben Slack-Foust was 3rd at this meet last season.
Lenze will also look to help his team win the championship against Kiski Prep, the defending champions. The teams are evenly matched, and the battle up front could decide the championship.
In the girls race, Marion Center will look to keep the title they won last season with last season's runner up Taya Whitfield and Ariah Alabran leading the way. Ryleigh Ludwig of United is looking to win the individual title after finishing 10th last season. She has run 19:37 this season.
