George School Invitational - Meet Preview
Though it's a week later than usual this year, the George School Invite on the school's campus in Newtown will still be a major test between the top PAISAA individuals and teams.
In the girls' race, Lydia Russell of Friends' Central returns to the course a week after going No. 2 all-time at Briarwood. She'll be the favorite here, showing that her big track performances translate to XC. She'll be challenged by the last two PAISAA XC champs, Penn Charter's Emma Zwall and Germantown Academy's Isabelle Goldstein in what will be the invitational season debut for both girls. It should be an interesting matchup between these three.
Also in the field is Friends' Central's Rebecca Wusinich, who missed last week at Briarwood, but will be back this week. Along with Micah Trusty, Miracle Price, and Natalie Neuhaus, Friends' Central has a very formidable top five that will be favored to win. 4 of the top 5 ranked independent schools in the state will toe the line with No. 1 FCS, No. 2 Penn Charter, No. 4 Germantown Academy, and No. 5 Germantown Friends.
In the boys' race, Germantown Academy's Robert DiDonato will look for a strong invitational opener. The junior, who broke through last season and won the PAISAA is on the road to repeat this season. He'll be the big favorite to take the win at the George School.
Other individuals to watch for include George School's Walter Owino Wagude, Germantown Academy's Matt Sandifer, Bishop Shanahan's Ryan Doherty, and Westtown's Will Nagy and Aiden Morrison.
In the team race, top-ranked independent schools squad Westtown School will look to start strong, while No. 2 Germantown Friends, No. 4 Germantown Academy, and No. 5 Penn Charter will be in the mix. Bishop Shanahan, Bensalem, and Haddon Heights (NJ) are among the other squads in this field.