Class A Boys' Recap
Photo by Don Rich
Noah Curtin was one of the most excited second place finishers in 2015. In 2016, the Mercyhurst Prep senior was the most excited state champion.
Curtin let out a yell as he crossed the finish line first in the Class A boys' race at Saturday's PIAA State Championship and then a "let's go!" Curtin has had a roller coaster senior season. He was just fifth at the District 10 Championships a week before, but he still has confidence heading into states.
Through about halfway, most of the big names were up there near the front. Winchester Thurston's Tristan Forsythe made a move to the front, but just before Poop Out Hill, Curtin caught Forsythe and nothing would stop him in his pursuit of the finishing tape. Curtin won in 16:23. Seneca's Donovan Myers was second, catching Forsythe, too, who ended up third.
Forsythe leads a pack that includes eventual winner Noah Curtin (Photo by Ethan Rissell)
But for Forsythe and his Winchester Thurston team, it was a return to the top of the podium. After winning in 2014, some injuries cost them a shot at the title last season. This year, they were healthy and the pre-race favorites delivered in a big way.
Behind Forsythe's third place, Ben Littmann's sixth place, and Shaun Hay's 16th, Winchester Thurston rolled to the win with 62 points. Elk County Catholic, led by Zachary Wortman (seventh place), edged out Seneca for second 110-115.
Post-race interview with Winchester Thurston and coach Bruce Frey: