AA Girls | AAA Girls | AA Boys | AAA Boys |
Team:
The 2008 State Championship race was one of the closest races on record, and the reigning champions Elk Lake return with five of those runners from the titleists. They will have the experience needed to defend their championship against Quaker Valley, the team who finished two points behind them, who also bring five runners back, including their top 3 from the title race. Quaker Valley’s top three also had great track seasons in 2009. York Suburban, the fifth place team in 2008 returns their top six and will make a strong challenge for the podium.
Elk Lake and York Suburban will match up early, running the varsity race at PTXC 1 on September 12th in Lancaster.
Fairview returns with a deep team but lack the experience, as they graduate five of the seven runners that competed in the state championship race last year.
Individuals:
Eight of the top ten finishers in 2008 have moved on to college, which leaves the field wide open in 2009. Alex Beardsley of District X North East is the top returner from 2008, finishing 5th, and carries a 9:32 3200 from the track season with him. Steven Welsh from Kutztown was 15th overall last season, but was the top underclassman at the state meet 3200, finishing 5th and having a personal best of 9:31.52. Tyler Riegel of Tulpehocken is the 2nd returning runner from last year (10th overall) and was a consistent 9:40s 3200 meter runner last season. Nate Tallada of Saegertown was the top freshman last year, finishing 12th and breaking 17:00 at Hershey, and is the 3rd returner overall from 2008.
Other top ten contenders this season include Jon Shope from Philmont Christian, 4th returner, Tyler Erhard of East Juniata, 6th returner, Quaker Valley’s John Yankello (9:41 3200) and Omar Hyjek (4:27 1600), returners 7 and 8, Morgan Elliott of General McLane (9:41 3200), 9th returner, and Matthew Barton of York Suburban, 10th returner.
