By Aaron Rich
Don Rich, editor
Cross Country is upon us again. There is nothing quite like this sport, fiercely competitive, challenging, and yet fun for everyone involved, from the athletes to the coaches to the parents and fans. These previews are fun to do because they give me the opportunity to look over what was accomplished last season, and what could be accomplished this season by runners from all over the state. This year will be particularly exciting for me as I will be coaching a high school team for the first time. Cross Country is my favorite time of year, and I look forward to being part of it as a coach. I hope that these summaries that follow spark what they were intended to: motivatation, discussion, and add to the excitement of a new season full of unknown promise. Happy running to everyone. Let me know if you think we've overlooked anything. Stay healthy, and leave nothing on the course.
Boys AA
The team race looks wide open as last years top teams lose talent, but that doesn't stop a good program from producing. Eisenhower, the 2003 champion, loses their top three, but they return 4 runners with experience. The three seniors are Josh Hogan, Dylan Rulander, and Michael Elmer. Also returning is sophomore Jacob Tutmaher. Lewisburg loses Chris Spooner, which is huge, but they have 3 returning, including senior Kevin Schoenefelder, who was 45th last year. Quaker Valley loses their top three, and will look to fill that gap in order to compete well at states this year.
Two teams with the capability of moving up in the state standings are Wyomissing, who was 4th last year, and Greensburg, who was 6th. Wyomissing has 4 returning, including their top two runners, seniors Zach Schaeffer, and Tony Skiles. Greensburg has all 7 members of their state team returning including senior Adam Smith, who was 32nd in 2003.
The favorite for the individual title has to be Jed Christiansen, a senior from Greenville. Jed was third last year behind David Mock and Chris Spooner. His challengers appear to be Jeff Weiss, from McGuffey, which is dropped to AA this year. Weiss was 4th in AAA in 2003 in 16:16; and Frank Eanes, a senior from Westmont Hilltop, who should step to the front with teammate Mock running at William & Mary; Lane King, a junior from Fairview, junior Jake Walker and senior Sam Weiser, both from Ellwood City. Weiser was 6th in the 1600 at PIAA States in May in 4:21.27, with Walker just behind in 8th in 4:21.80. But earlier that day, Walker had finished a strong 3rd in the 3200, going 9:16.41.
Many things can happen during a cross country season, and these summaries are just one of many outcomes that are left to be determined by the rigors of a 2 month trek over hills and through mud under a myriad of conditions. Best of luck to everyone who steps foot on a cross country course this fall. And remember that we make our own destiny through the quality of our training and the tenacity of our racing.