D6-AAA Girls - Team & Individuals Breakdown
- Preseason Rankings: Team | Individual
- State Qualifying Spots For Teams: 1
- State Qualifying Spots For Individuals: 5
- 2019 Individual Champion: Marlee Kwasnica (State College) - 18:50
- 2019 Team Champions: State College Area - 21 points
Individuals Breakdown
Marlee Kwasnica of State College had a strong freshman XC season. The ninth grader won the District 6 title and then took 17th at the state meet, finishing as the No. 3 freshman in AAA. She is back for her sophomore season and she'll once again be the one to beat in D6-AAA.
There's some good talent after the defending champ, though, that could make this a close one. Mifflin County's Kylee Cubbison was second to Kwasnica in the district. She was 36th at states. State College's Jordan Reed should be up near the front as well, after a third place district finish and 40th place state meet finish. Both girls will have a great shot at earning state medals this fall.
Others to watch for include State College's Karsyn Kane and Maggie Leahey and Altoona's Mackenzie Kelley.
Team Preview
Little has stood in the way of State College Area when it comes to claiming district titles. The Little Lions have been the class of the district for quite a while and continue to prove their consistency on the state stage.
SC took second in the state last season, the team's fifth straight top five state finish and also the team's best finish over that span. They lose three varsity girls from last year's team, but brings back a good core with the reigning district champion Kwasnica, as well as Reed, Kane, and Leahey. SC frequently finds the pieces to retool and they will be the big favorites in the district once again this season and will again be a top five state contender.
Last year's D6-AAA runner up, DuBois Area, moves to the District 8/9/10 region, but new to this "region" this fall is Williamsport Area, which has competed with District 2 for the past few years. Williamsport was third in D2-AA last season. They lose top girl Lydia Smith, but bring back the rest of their varsity squad. They will aim for a high finish with a new set of teams this year.
Mifflin County, Altoona Area, and Central Mountain will also be looking to get in the mix.