Boys' Recap - Carlisle Invitational
Challenge Race
The premiere boys' matchup up the team came in the team race, as PA#1 LaSalle College met PA#3 Downingtown West, as the two Philly Area schools traveled to Central PA to see which squad would get an early upperhand.
In a close one, it was the Whippets from Downingtown West that took down the defending AAA state champs, winning the Challenge Race with 99 points, 11 ahead of second place LaSalle. Both teams have a similar overall make-up: consistency and a tight 1 through 5 gap. On Saturday, the difference maker was West's Payton Sewall, who placed fourth overall in 15:58, providing a pivotal lowstick.
With North Allegheny flexing its muscle this season, we've got a great three team AAA team battle brewing this fall. Bring on October.
The individual win went to Northwood (MD)'s Obsaa Feda, who bested the field, running 15:49 on Saturday. Carlisle's Jack Wisner kept on rolling. He was second on his home course in 15:54, a PR. Mifflin County's Brayden Harris was third in 15:55, followed by Sewall. Cumberland Valley's Luke Klingenberg was fifth in 15:59, followed by Warwick's Connor Shields, who also broke 16 at 15:59.
Blacksburg (VA) took third in the team race with 233 a ways back from second place LaSalle. Carlisle took fourth with 249, getting some revenge on the teams that beat them at Big Spring two weeks ago. Northwood (MD) was fifth, followed by West Chester East in sixth.
Champions Race
On a muddy and wet day at Carlisle, Woodgrove (VA)'s Rylan Pettit came out on top. The senior went 16:09 to run away with the Champions Race victory. Lancaster Mennonite's Logan Horst stayed hot and placed second in 16:27. Bedford's Van May was third overall in 16:35.
NY's Washingtonville took the team title with 131 points, just ahead of second place Cornwall, fellow New Yorkers. Lewisburg Area was once again solid, taking third with 163 points.