Pennsylvania XC Week 5 Meets On Tap


NEPA Invitational - Meet Preview

Girls

Expect a big matchup in the girls' race between Warrior Run's Lauren Trapani and North Schuylkill's Cori McCormick. Trapani started her season off with a quick 17:51 at a fast Lock Haven course. McCormick has earned runner-up finishes to Taryn Parks and Marlee Starliper at PTXC 11 and Foundation, respectively. Saturday will be a big midseason test for these two who hope to be inside the top five of AA at states.

The team race will be an interesting battle between some of Class AA's top teams in the state. Warrior Run (PA-AA No. 2) returns to an invite for the first time since its strong opener at Lock Haven. It will look to fend off Lewisburg Area and Holy Redeemer. Those teams took third and fourth, respectively, at Foundation's Blue Race last week between Northern and South Fayette, the two top-ranked AA squads in the state. Saint Marys Area, second place at Altoona last week, will also be in the mix.

Warrior Run, with its strong contingent of junior runners, will be the team to beat.

Boys

The boys race is deep with talent individually with no clear-cut favorite. Williamsport's J. Henry Lyon ran quick at Lock Haven this season. Wyalusing Valley's strong pair -- Kemuel Laudermilch and Alex Patton -- will be in the mix, coming off a strong showing at Foundation. Milton Area's Tanner Walter ran great at PTXC. Warrior Run's Damein Moser and Mount Carmel's Krystof Lapotsky are among the other contenders here.

Wyalusing Valley Area will be the team to beat. They are fresh off a great White Race performance at Foundation and will look to carry that over to Saturday when it gets a look at the District 4 course. Danville Area, Williamsport Area, Warrior Run, and Milton Area should also hang strong in this field.