D9-A Boys - Team & Individuals Breakdown
- Preseason Rankings: Team | Individual
- State Qualifying Spots For Teams: 2
- State Qualifying Spots For Individuals: 10
- 2020 Individual Champion: Joe Wolfe (Elk County Catholic) - 17:00
- 2020 Team Champions: Cranberry - 43 points
Individuals Breakdown
While last year's district champion Joe Wolfe has graduated, six of the top seven runners from last year's D9-A meet are back this fall. Topping the list is Cranberry's Matt Woolcock, who was second in the district last season behind Wolfe. He went on to place 16th at the state meet. Now a senior, Woolcock will be looking to add an individual district title to his resume, and he'll compete for a top ten state finish, as well.
The other returning state medalist in D9-A is Gavin Hoover of Clarion Area. He was fourth in the district and put together a terrific race at Hershey to place 23rd. He's back for his senior season. Coudersport's Kevin Sherry was third in the district last year as a freshman. Look for him to be a factor as he moves into his sophomore year.
The Cranberry duo of Collin Zerbe and Christian Miller will be ones to watch, as well. Zerbe was fifth in the district and Miller was sixth last year. Brookville's Calvin Doolittle, seventh in the district last year, is also a state qualifier back this season.
Team Preview
Cranberry cruised to its second straight District 9 team title last season, scoring just 43 points to capture the win by 65 points. That earned the team the lone state qualifying spot. This year, though, it will be normal again for D9-A and two teams will get the berth to the state meet.
Regardless, Cranberry will still be the big team favorites. This team placed seventh at the state meet last year and six of its top seven from 2020 are back. Woolcock is a very solid No. 1 runner and Zerbe and Miller are a strong 2-3 punch. This is an experienced team with a shot to place very high at the state meet and possibly contend for a state title.
After that, it could get very close for the second state qualifying spot. Elk County Catholic could make a return to Hershey. Despite losing Wolfe to graduation, ECC brings back five varsity boys this season. Expect this team to be right in the mix for a trip to the state meet.
Clarion Limestone also loses its top runner from last year, but returns the rest of its top squad from last year. LC was third last year and could contend if it can add some depth. Brookville Area is a team to watch, with a number of varsity returners, as well. North Clarion and Clarion Area will shoot to get in the mix, too.