As the state is wrapping up with just a month until States and not many weekends left we wanted to look to the future of PA.

Each week, we will be highlighting a future star of Pennsylvania. These are athletes, typically underclassmen, who have the potential to be stars tomorrow. We will highlight a couple of athletes each week.

Mackenzie Skelly

Penn Charter • Class 2029

Mackenzie Skelly is already being mentioned as a top athlete in the state. During the past cross-country season, she helped her team win the PA Independent Schools Championship (PAISAA).

So far this indoor season, she has only raced once in the Mile, but with a time of 4:56.69 MSTCA Boston Holiday Challenge at the TRACK, she has the fastest time for any age group in PA. She is also ranked first in the country for middle schoolers at this distance. During her race back in December, she only lost to two athletes who were both seniors in high school. 

With her career just starting, it is up to her to see how fast she will run. 

Brian Culmer

Imhotep Institute Charter • Class of 2028

Brian Culmer, just starting his time with the Imhotep Institute Charter track team, truly showing what this multi-time New Balance National qualifier is made of. Being a part of a star-studded team with five other teammates in the top ten in their respective events. 

Culmer himself is ranked 5th in the state at the 300-meter dash with a time of 35.68 at the Refuel with Chocolate Milk Official HOF Invitational. He has also run impressive times in the 200-meter dash, 22.56, at PPL Indoor #4, and the 400-meter dash, 50.74, at The 10th Annual Ocean Breeze Invitational. 

With the season quickly approaching qualifying time for the PTFCA Indoor State Championships, Clumer will need to drop .59 seconds to earn himself a spot at states for the 400-meter dash.