Top 20 Moments of 2015/16: (#3) Brophy Defends XC State Title in Dramatic Sprint to the Finish


Photo by Don Rich

We have been spending the last month or so counting down the top 20 moments of the 2015-2016 year in Pennsylvania track and field and cross country. At the No. 4 spot, we had the amazing Cheltenham girls 4x100-meter relay that shattered the state record in the event. Today we go back to last fall when Jake Brophy successfully defended his state title in epic fashion.

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With all the talent and depth the state of Pennsylvania has to offer, it's never easy to repeat as state champion. West Chester Henderson's Tony Russell accomplished the feat in 2012 and 2013 and Jake Brophy of Central Bucks East came into this past fall's state meet looking to do the same thing.

It would be no easy task, though. The Hoey brothers---Jaxson and Josh---transferred from independent Malvern Prep to PIAA school Downingtown West, offering what would likely be a more than formidable challenge to the defending state champ.

Brophy successfully defended his District 1 AAA title a week prior at Lehigh University, but it wasn't without a strong challenge from the Hoeys. Plus, Hershey would bring an entirely different course. Brophy is the course record holder at Hershey's Poop-Out course, though.


Photo by Patty Morgan 

At states, Brophy knew he would be the hunted. As the race settled down around a quarter mile in Jaxson and Josh, along with a handful of other contenders, lined up right behind Brophy. The CB senior had to run what he called a "reactive" race.

As they crested "Poop-Out Hill" and came down the final stretch, Jaxson Hoey made a move and put Brophy's reactions to the test. Brophy dug deep and responded. outkicking Hoey for the win and another state championship. Brophy was off his course record, running 15:39 to Hoey's 15:40, but surely he felt the win was just as sweet as last year.

Brophy continued his success later in November. He took second place to Noah Affolder (PA's newest addition) at Foot Locker Notheast. His 15:27 at Van Cortlandt Park was 10 seconds faster than his time from 2014. Then a few weeks later at Foot Locker Nationals, Brophy pulled out a huge eighth place effort. That was the best finish by any Pennsylvania boy since Danny Coval of Council Rock finished seventh in 1999.

Brophy then added an indoor state championship, kicking his way to the win in the 3000 meters. There were many shining moments during Brophy's prolific career in PA track and field and cross country, but perhaps no moments stand out as much as his second straight win at the 2015 PIAA XC State Championship.

Watch Brophy's interview with us after his win at XC states with some great insights on an exciting race: