Boys' Championship Race - Recap
Rusty Kujdych wasn't interested in taking the lead in the first mile of the Championship Race at Belmont Plateau. Instead, the senior and PA#1, bided his time in a lead pack that included Council Rock North's Ryan Campbell and LaSalle's Evan Addison.
But at the top of Parachute Hill, Kujdych determined it was time to make a move. He gained separation and opened up a sizable lead as he exited the woods and into the final loop. From there, he was able to bring it home, running 15:51, the fastest time at the invite since 2014. After a fifth place finish at PTXC9, 2017 is off to a great start for the top-ranked boy in the state.
Campbell came across second to lead PA#1 CR North with a time of 16:19. Ethan Koza ran a terrific race to take third, moving up well in the second half of the race and running a time of 16:22. Addison took fourth in 16:30.
Int he team race, it was PA#5 LaSalle that pulled out the win, scoring 75 points to CR North's 113. North was, however, without a pair of its varsity runners in Sam Earley and Matt Mullin. But LaSalle saw impressive performances by its two and three runners---Vincent Twomey (seventh in 16:53) and Ethan Maher (ninth in 17:01). North's third runner, Kevin Ehrgott, also ran well, placing eighth in 16:57.
Twin Valley put together a strong effort to take third in the deep field. TV is proving they will be a team to watch out of District 3 this season. New Jersey's Delsea Regional took fourth behind some runs from Colin Kane (fifth in 16:31) and George Tenenberg (sixth in 16:52).
Watch an interview with Kujdych after the race: