TSTCA Champs
Villa Maria Academy girls make their return to the course as they look to defend their TSTCA championship. The AA state champions have gone undefeated up to this point, putting on some impressive performances in the process. They've had 35 second spreads or less in all of their invitationals, and they have defeated even the toughest AAA teams out west. Claire Brown has led the way this season and will look to continue that trend on Thursday. Mount Lebanon and Norwin will be their toughest challengers.
Individually, Megan Aller of Kiski Area ran a career best 18:04 to win the Westmoreland County title last week and will have sky high confidence entering the meet. Lauren Finikiotis of Oakland Catholic has had a career year and has three victories this season. Clara Savchik of North Allegheny had done a solid job filling in the shoes of the departed Madeleine Davison. Marianne Abdalah of Vincentian Academy will aim to keep her lifetime streak of top 2 finishes. She hasn't lost a race yet this season. Kelsey Potts of Mount Lebanon will look to get her season on track in this race.
In the boys race, Nick Wolk of Peters Township will be going for his 3rd win in a week. He has been one of the top runners in the state, and the most improved runner in the state. Mike Kolor of Seneca Valley will look to upset Wolk, as will Mark Provenzo of Franklin Regional. Team wise, the meet should very close. Mount Lebanon have been a top team out west this season, while North Allegheny have put on a strong title defense, losing only once and by just one point. Altoona will also be in the mix.
PAC 10
Spring Ford boys had a breakthrough performance at the Paul Short Run, finishing 2nd in the Brown race in the pouring rain. They had a 41 second spread in that race and they were led by John Conner and Zachary Smith. Owen J Roberts will look to challenge for the title and they will be led by one of the individual favorites, Liam Conway, a state qualifier as a 9th grader. Jeff Kirshenbaum of Methacton is another favorite for the title. He's run 15:45 this season. Phoenixville's Sean McGinnis has a 15:48 personal best and will also be in the mix.
The girls race will see one of the surprise teams of the season, Perkiomen Valley, make their return to the course. They finished 2nd at PTXC 7, 3rd at Paul Short, and won the gold race at Foundation. Annie Glodek has led the charge this season and she will be favored to win the gold medal. Owen J Roberts will test their state berth credentials against the favorites, and they will be led by Allison Brunton.
Philadelphia Public League
Masterman boys will look to continue their dominance of the Philadelphia Public League and defend their title once again. Joe Previdi will lead the way and is the big favorite to win the individual crown. Central will look to keep it close.
In the girls
race, Central will look to overcome Masterman for the league title. Emma
Helstrom will look to lead the Lancers over Masterman, while Constance Lee will
look to keep Central at bay. Skyler Thomson of Franklin Towne Charter is the
big favorite to win the individual gold.
KSAC
Isaac Wilson of North Clarion is a big favorite to win the league title, as he is the only runner in the league to have broken 17 minutes this season. He will also be involved in a team title battle with Cranberry. The girls race will have freshman Samantha Woolcock of Cranberry vie for her first individual title on her first attempt. She will be challenged by senior Abbie Schmader. They are the only two sub 21 minute runners in the league. Like the boys, their respective teams will be vying for the team title against each other.
Heritage
Sam Cunkelman of Homer Center will be the favorite to defend his league title. He's run 16:39 this season. Ligonier Valley will be favored for the team title with Robby Patrick and Nate Hockenberry leading the way. For the girls, United's Ryleigh Ludwig is the big favorite as the only sub 20 minute runner in the league. Her team will contend with Marion Center for the team title.