Photo Gallery of 10/29 District 1 Championships @ Lehigh University
Katie Thaeder had two big goals this year. Break 18 minutes, and help her team win a state championship. If she gets an individual title as well, 'that would be awesome.' To those who watched her down a quality field at the District 1 Championships, and her team dominate some very strong programs, those state titles look like real possibilities. "I went out a bit fast in 5:36, and pushed the 2nd mile. I was slowing down. But my dad told me I had a minute-and-a-half so I pushed." Her 17:54 was the fastest since Jessica Cickay's 17:51 in 2001. And in such a big race, the team total of 62 was a strong indication of the depth of the #5 ranked team in the Northeast. All five scorers were in the top 29, and their 1:20 spread will make it difficult for any team to catch them. Head Coach Mark Lacianca was pleased with his team's race and a supporting visit from the school principal. Lacianca uses a pace approach to team tactics because "we don't have a lot of kids with a lot of speed." He believes the hillier Hershey course will favor his team and their style. "If we run our race, I think we're in pretty good shape."
Coatesville used a 32-second spread behind the 6th place finish of surging Amin Garnett to tally 73 points, 123 better than 2nd place Council Rock South. The race itself was swift. The Rock North one-two of seniors John Mahoney - first in 15:14 - and Brandon Pomerantz -4th in 15;23 - showed continuing consistency that reflects the quality of the program. Unionville senior Colin Leak nearly pulled off the win, but faded on the uphill finish to 15:15.
The AA girls race was destined to send one great team to states and send one home. St. Basil reversed fortunes this year, and left Gwynedd Mercy in their wake by 18 points that sounded a lot closer than it looked. At one point, St. Basil had three of the top five spots, and only lost one in the final mile. Senior Lynn Morelli won in 18:07, with soph sister Christine in 3rd. Sophomore Liz Kearins, who was a state medalist in 2003 and the 800 AAA state champ, and who went through a challenge to her transfer from CB West to Gwynedd, was 27th. She'll be back. Devon Prep held off Lansdale Catholic in the AA boys team race by 20. Junior Matlack Gillin was first in 16:10.
While other teams were out as a group near the front, Unionville's sole rep was eventual champ Katie Thaeder. The team is coached to run their pace, and adjust accordingly at the mile and two mile. It worked for a dominant win.
Thaeder (front left) led heading to the mile, but still had a big chase pack of talent.
The win in the fastest time since Jessica Cickay in 2001, going 17:54.
It's looking good for Saint Basil (in blue) nearing the mile.
And even better a half mile later.
Lynn Morelli wins in the 2nd fastest time of the day, 18:07.
Junior Matlack Gillin of Springfield Delco was leading approaching two miles. He would win in 16:10.
Jon Sciafani led Devon Prep with his 2nd place 16:35. Joey Wolf and Ryan Brennan would finish 5th and 6th for St. Pius. X. 
Gillin's win.
Coatesville is out well at the start.
And in first place at the mile, a place they would not relinguish.
Council Rock North's John Mahoney went 15:14 for the win. 
And Colin Leak took 2nd for Unionville a second back.