D9-AA Boys - Team & Individuals Breakdown
- Preseason Rankings: Team | Individual
- State Qualifying Spots For Teams: 1
- State Qualifying Spots For Non-Team Individuals: 5
- 2018 Individual Champion: Jaramillo McKellen (DuBois Area) - 19:16
- 2018 Team Champion: Punxsutawney Area - 29 points
Individuals Preview
Jaramillo McKellen of DuBois Area will look to repeat in D9-AA. A year ago, he went 19:16 to take the district crown. The rising junior ran a 17:33 and should be among the favorites again this season.
Punxsutawney Area has plenty of firepower, led by last year's district runner-up Corbin Heitzenrater and Owen Bartlebaugh. Heitzenrater was 85th at states and made a nice splash towards the end of last season. Bartlebaugh has the fastest returning time in the district from last year at 17:12. He was seventh in the district, but should be able to compete for the win this season. Also in the mix from Punxy is Aiden McLaughlin, who was fourth at districts last season.
The Bradford Area duo of Ryan Cottillion and Tyler Kraft will be up near the front, too. Cottillion was sixth at districts, while Kraft was ninth.
Team Preview
Punxsutawney Area earned the victory in District 9 Class AA last season, putting up just 29 points for the runaway victory. Two varsity boys are gone from last year's team, which placed 13th at states, but a strong core returns. Three boys -- Heitzenrater, McLaughlin, and Bartlebaugh -- placed inside the top 10 in the district last year and each are back.
Bradford Area was second last year, but brings back its top six, which could make a run at Punxsy with a strong day. Cottillion and Kraft make for a solid top two that will look to compete with Punxsy's top boys.
Clearfield Area and DuBois Area will look to add depth to make a run at a high finish.