Above: Watch the Boys Championship Race from CALs
Race Videos | Results | Interviews
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The Mazzeo Twins and Lower Merion Boys Triumph
The boys' race sparked the action. From the get-go, the Penncrest boys jumped out to the lead. They pressed early, but the Lower Merion boys stayed on their heels, and the Conestoga boys continued in tow.
Entering the final mile, a solid group of boys broke away. Last week's DELCO Champion, Luke Bodden (Radnor) pushed up the playground hill. Nicholas Mazzeo (Lower Merion) and Alexander Mazzeo (Lower Merion) followed him. They were intent on waiting to make their move.
Over the final 800m, they created their separation - taking a few glances back before closing strong. Nick crossed the line at 15:30, while Alex crossed five seconds later.
Alexander Goonewardene joined the Mazzeo twins in the top 10 to effectively secure the team win for Lower Merion. Then Sarem Khan finished in 12th, and Sawyer Friedman-Olshan finished in 25th.
Overall, Lower Merion posted an astounding 15:57 average with a 72-second spread. Penncrest finished 10 points back with two boys in the top 10, and Conestoga finished in third.
The Mazzeo brothers are having phenomenal sophomore campaigns. More impressively, this is their first year competing in HS Cross Country. They are currently atop their class, and Lower Merion could enter the state title conversation with them at the helm.
Later in the JV boys' race, Lower Merion's Ethan Murray ran 16:38.39 to win. That time would've placed 22nd in the Varsity race.
Cieslak Decisive in Individual Win, But Conestoga snags Team Title
Above: Watch the CAL Girls Championship Race.
Olivia Cieslak (Haverford Township) attacked the girls race from the gun. She opened up a sizable lead early before relaxing and falling into her rhythm. She eventually collected the win in 17:54.47.
After the race, she explained that going out hard was her game plan. She wanted to get a feel for a demanding pace before championship races later this season. You can watch her full interview below.
With her in a distant first, the attention shifted to the team scores.
Haverford Township had three girls in the Top 10 early. Camryn McGeehan and Micah Haskins-Kyer joined Cieslak, running in fifth and seventh. For Haskins-Kyer, it was another monumental day. She continued her breakout season with a new 19:25 personal best.
But a gap behind the Haverford three left the team vulnerable. Conestoga was able to capitalize like they've done all season. With another tight team spread of 67 seconds, Conestoga placed three girls in the top 11 and five in the top 20 en route to the team title. Alexia Tubbs, Lily Jones, and Giovanna Porada led Conestoga, as the team scored 54 points to Haverford's 63.
Strath Haven finished in third with 73.