D5-ATeam & Individuals Breakdown
- Preseason Rankings: Team | Individual
- State Qualifying Spots For Teams: 1
- State Qualifying Spots For Individuals: 5
- 2019 Individual Champion: Ian Zimmerman (Northern Bedford) - 16:49
- 2019 Team Champions: Northern Bedford - 26 points
Individuals Breakdown
Northern Bedford's Ian Zimmerman will aim to make it four-in-a-row in District 5 Class A. Now a senior, Zimmerman has captured the district title all three years of his high school career so far, and he'll be the overwhelming district favorite this season.
It was a big junior year for Zimmerman, who went 16:02 at Lock Haven last year and placed fifth at the state meet in Class A. He'll be right in the mix for another high finish at states, and he'll certainly be worth keeping an eye on all season long.
Chestnut Ridge moves from AA to A for this season, and with them comes Calan Bollman, who had an impressive freshman season last year. He was sixth in District 6 Class AA last year before taking 82nd in the state. Now he'll look to put that experience to use.
Southern Fulton's Kasey Fitz, Northern Bedford's Connor Laird, and the Meyersdale duo of Gabriel Kretchman and Reese Kennell are among the other boys back from the top ten in the district from last year.
Team Preview
Northern Bedford cruised to the D5-A team title last year before placing 13th at the state meet. They have a strong lowstick in Zimmerman, but do lose Ian Sherlock, a solid now-graduated runner from last year's squad. The team will turn to Laird and a few up-and-comers to bring some depth to this team. NB are still the favorites to win another district crown and take the lone state spot with them.
Meyersdale Area will aim to supply a challenge to that top spot. They have four varsity returners that should make them a factor with some improvements. Southern Fulton, the runners-up last year, and Class A newcomer Chestnut Ridge will look to add some depth to contend with these squads as well.