Individuals Preview
Photo by Don Rich
When two-time state champ Ally Rome graduated this past June, we knew the race for the girls' AA crown would be up for grabs. Another District 2 runner, Katie Dammer of Abington Heights, moved to AAA this season and the door is even further open for a new champ.
And the favorite looks to be a talented freshman from Greencastle Antrim. Taryn Parks has won five major races this season and took fourth at the loaded Carlisle Invitational in 18:07, the fastest 5K time by a freshman since Marianne Abdalah in 2013. She surprised herself, winning at District 3 and she may very well surprise herself this week at states.
Photo by Ethan Rissell
She'll see some strong runners from District 3 that she's quite familiar with, but her best competition may come from Lansdale Catholic's Kayla Connelly. Connelly is a senior and four-time District 12 AA champion. She was third last season and she would love to end her XC career on the highest of notes, a state title. She said that's her goal and she'll be in contention.
Those District 3 girls will be gunning for Parks after she beat them last week. Northern's Marlee Starliper was second, running a strong second half of her race. The freshman will be a tough threat and she'll havr the extra motivation of leading a strong team.
Eastern York's Maddie McLain was fourth at D3, but the returning medalist from last year has some good experienc that will come in handy. Oley Valley's Rebecca Snyder was third last week in District 3 and was just outside the medals last year, so she'll have plenty of motivation this year. Parks' Greencastle-Antrim teammate Lauren Hirneisen should also be a factor.
Photo by Phil Grove
One to watch is Quaker Valley's Anna Pawloski. Her teammate Lucie Kubinski was fifth a year ago, but Pawloski is the new QV leader this year. She has gained tons of confidence and seems primed for a big race against good competition.
Villa Maria are the defending state champs. Grace Brown, who ran away with the title at Foundation's Blue Race, along with teammate Carlee Constable will be in the mix. So will Franklin Area's Savanna Carr, who beat both for the District 10 title.
The Selinsgrove duo of Ashley Blair and Brittany Carnathan will be tough. So will Danville's top girl Elaina Kilnger. All will be repping District 4. From District 6, expect Rebecca Bierly of Penns Valley and Tori Kocsis of Richland to mix it up near the front. Both are returning medalists from last year. Villa Joseph Marie's Katie Irelan was ninth at this meet last year. After a slow start, she seems to have gotten her swagger back at districts and should contend.
Saint Marys Area's Michelle Bauer, Holy Redeemer's Lindsey Williams, and Allentown Central Catholic's Emily Deschler are among the other district champs that will look for high finishes, possibly in the top ten or better.