Breakdown: District 2 Boys


D2-AAA 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: Tyler Wirth - 16:49
  • 2018 Team Champion: Wallenpaupack - 34 points

Individuals Preview

Scranton's Josh Christianson ran a huge race at the state meet last year, and was one of the meet's biggest surprises taking 25th in Class AAA to earn the last medal. That came on the heals of his fourth place finish at districts the previous year. This year, he'll hope to add his first district title and compete for a high states finish.

But he'll have some good competition within his own district. Williamsport's J. Henry Lyon will be a serious factor for the win here. He was third at districts and 82nd at states. He ran 9:26 for 3,200 meters this past spring and will be looking to carry that momentum into the fall. 

The top returner from last year's district meet, however, is Dieter Burckes of Wallenpaupack. He was second in the district behind his teammate and the individual district champ, Tyler Wirth. Now Burckes will be called on to lead the 'Pack and he'll be going after the district title. It's going to be an interesting battle all season long between these three strong runners.

Other returners from the top ten in the district from last year include Wallenpaupack's Kyle Kellstrom, Hazleton's Zack Keiner, and Delaware Valley's Adam Kanterman. These boys will look to bridge the gap up to the three favorites this season.

Team Preview

The race for the district title and the lone state qualifying spot in District 2 Class AAA.

Wallenpaupack ran to its second straight D2-AAA crown last year, putting four in the top ten. Led by the individual champ Wirth, Wallenpaupack scored just 34 points to take the win. Two of those top ten boys are back -- Burckes and Kellstrom -- but the 'Pack loses three varsity runners, including Wirth, this season. If it can add some depth on the backend of varsity, the three-peat will still be in play.

Hazleton Area loses its top runner from 2018, but brings back four varsity boys from last year's team that placed second in the district. Keiner and rising sophomore Nicholas Hebel (11th at districts last year) will look to lead Hazleton to the top spot this season. Also losing its top runner from last season is Delaware Valley. But DV brings back its next six runners. If it can move a few more boys into top ten territory, they can make a run at state qualification.

One team looking to capitalize is Williamsport Area. Six varsity runners are back this season for W'Port led by Lyon. Ryley Holcomb is solid No. 2 and Williamsport will look to make a run at the district title and that berth to Hershey.

Overall, it's fairly wide open in D2-AAA and it should be an interesting season on the trails.