It's time for a XC/TF math word problem.
It's about a 2.5-hour drive from Brownsville to Shippensburg. A flight from Pittsburgh to Raleigh, N.C., takes about half as long.
How happy is Gionna Quarzo that her future favorite running town is closer than her current one?
So much so that the Brownsville Area senior - and two-time Class AA 3,200-meter run state champion - has given her verbal commitment to the Raleigh-based North Carolina State Wolfpack, Quarzo told PennTrackXC.
"I fell in love with the campus on the first visit," said Quarzo, who is one of the top stories of the 2019 XC season with her freshman sister, JoJo. "I really like and respect Coach (Rollie) Geiger and Coach (Laurie) Henes.
"They are dedicated and are a really good team with a bright future. The team works hard, and I'm looking forward to training with such a fantastic team."
READ MORE: Quarzo Sisters Enjoying Lone Year Together At Brownsville
In her most recent trips to Shippensburg, Quarzo walked away with PIAA gold medals. A three-time state medalist in the 3,200, Quarzo had her breakout moment in winning the 8-lapper in 10:48.19 in 2018 and then stormed to a 10:25.91 victory earlier this year.
In cross country, a WPIAL gold medal has eluded Quarzo so far. The future N.C. Stater finished fifth and then runner-up the past two years and will be among the favorites in Class AA on October 24 at California University of Pennsylvania.
In addition to N.C. State, Quarzo also took official visits to Syracuse and Ole Miss. Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia were among the other schools interested in signing Quarzo.
