Follow The Final K - weekly stories and more from the trails of PA XC - click here
Follow Jayson Jackson's "The Long Haul" every week - click here
| 10/01 - 10/02 |
 Great American Cross Country Festival
NSSF
|
Cary, NC RESULTS POSTED NO PA TEAMS OR ATHLTES |
| 10/01 | Northeast Invitational
Bloomsburg University
Danville boys placed five in the top 30 overall to win the team trophy with 112 points, 45 points better than runners up Indian Valley. Ben Copenhaver of Jersey Shore Area was the only runner under 17 minutes with his winning performance of 16:39.
For the girls, Lewisburg carried their momentum from a 4th place finish at the PIAA Foundation Blue Race to narrowly escape Danville 69-70. Lewisburg had five in the top 20 overall and seven in the top 25 to hang on. Summer Hill of Honesdale (19:13) held off Alison Billas of Danville (19:31) to win the individual gold medal.
|
Bloomsburg, PA RESULTS POSTED |
| 10/01 |  Paul Short Run
Lehigh University
Race Story by Jarrent Felix for PennTrackXC.com
All Paul Short photos by Timothy O'Dowd, IrishRunner.com
Boys Brown
With a stellar group of college races already having torn up the Lehigh Paul Short Invitational course (both literally and figuratively in the case of Sam Chelenga), the  High School Boys and Girls competing Friday were ready to get dirty. Chesnut Hill Academy’s Dustin Wilson described the course simply as “sloppy”, and the muddy first mile certainly slowed down what is normally one of the fastest courses in the state. The High School Boy’s Brown race featured a score of talented runners who all went straight to the front of the pack. A pack of roughly ten leaders, followed very closely by the rest of the tight-knit field, flooded the opening mile marker already covered in mud. Brett Kelly (Boyertown) led the group through in about 5:00 followed by a group that included Quinn Devlin (Downingtown West), Ed Schrom (Central Dauphin), and Reece Ayers (Tunkannock) who were 5th, 6th, and 12th respectively at last week’s very deep field at the Carlisle Invitational. The pack also included Wilson, who ran 15:12 for 5k this past winter, Matt Groff (Hempfield-3), Ian Barnhill (Downingtown West), and Nate McClafferty (Conrad Weiser). Devlin was determined not to lead the race through the mile. He claimed that after his somewhat painful experience leading the Carlisle race, he would much rather be amongst the followers. The pack made their separation from the field as they approached the two mile mark with a solid lead. They came through in approximately 10:15-10:20. At this point it was hard to distinquish who the leader was as Devlin, Schrom, Ayers, Wilson, Barnhill, Kelly and McClafferty all shared the load. It was clear the race would have a tight finish.After the grueling back hills, Devlin came running downhill with a lead, but Ayers was still close. Then Devlin’s lead disappeared as Ayers finished with a solid kick on the upsloap, and with a yell of triumph as he stole the race in the final straightaway, breaking the tape in 15:48. “I didn’t have a plan for this race and I didn’t even feel good until after the mile so I just tried to stay with the leaders, and when they started to pull away I just kicked” he claimed. It was a great redemption race for Ayers who seems to be rounding into top form. He finished 8th at states as a sophomore and 9th last season. Devlin seemed satisfied with the race but upset at getting outkicked, yet it was a great PR for him (15:49). “Regardless of the conditions this course is always fast.” Devlin is just a Junior and has had two top finishes amongst extremely talented fields. As for Wilson, who finished fourth, he is coming off a stress fracture and was just happy to get out and race such a prestigious invitational. “We don’t get the chance to run many meets like this. It was a lot of fun.” Ed Schrom, Ian Barnhill and Nate McClafferty turned in sub 16 performances despite very “sloppy” conditions. St. Joe’s Prep was the top PA team taking 3rd place and Nate McClafferty helped his PA #10 Conrad Weiser team take 5th place. Girls Brown
The girl’s brown race featured Pennsbury “Super Soph” and Milesplit U.S. #10 Sara Sargent, but Homer Center Junior Angel Piccirillo almost stole the show. After a fantastic track season, Angel has started fast this cross country season and was looking to drop her already impressive 5k PR of 18:24 on this extremely fast, yet muddy Lehigh course. Sargent went to the front early and navigated the messy first mile through in 5:34 instantly claiming a solid lead.  Piccirillo and Coach Michael Gentile had planned to spot Sargent a bit of a cushion on the first mile, looking for a first mile in the 5:35-5:40 range. Angel nailed it with a 5:37 opening split. Coach Gentile decided the best way to run fast would be to let Sargent get out hard and work up to her on the second mile of the course. He was a little surprised by how quickly Piccirillo caught back up when it was time to play catch up. The two were well out ahead of the field stride for stride as they passed the start line on their way to the second mile.The quick pace had strung out the field leaving only Lindsey Olivere (Archmere Academy DE) and Jess Cygan (Liberty) within sight. As the leaders moved toward two miles Sargent’s power up the hills took its toll on Piccirillo, who was dropped on the following down hills with about 1200m to go until the finish. Sargent continued to roll over the final k of the race, running an astounding 17:43 under less than ideal conditions. Piccirillo fought off a late charge from Olivere as the two finished in 18:03 and 18:04 respectively. Gentile and Piccirillo were very happy with the PR at what will be their last invitational. “We executed our plan very well. We were almost perfect,” He laughs, “Almost.” Sargent and Piccirillo are the early favorites at their respective classes for the state cross country title. Pennsbury used Sargent’s first place finish to snag the team title at the meet over Liberty who was lead by Jess Cygan, finishing fourth in the race with a time of 18:18. Race Story by Jarrent Felix for PennTrackXC.com
All Paul Short photos by Timothy O'Dowd, IrishRunner.com
Boys White Ryan Matthews from St. Augustine headed the pack. However, when the harriers came back past the start line the group had packed up again, led out front by Ben Pickett (John Carroll) and Taylor Brandon (Kennard Dale). Over the last mile Brandon broke away, flying down the final straightaway with a blistering kick to break the tape in 16:14. Following Brandon was Central Dauphin East’s Kyle Klaboe in 16:16. Sophomore Brendan Shearn (North Schuylkill) was in the mix for the whole the race and turned in a top time for his class, running 16:29 on the messy 5k layout.
Girls White
Flash Results from Jarrett Felix
In the Varsity Boys Brown Race, Tunkannock senior Reese Ayers topped a talented field, holding off Downingtown West senior Quinn Devlin, (15:48-15:49). Next, in order were Central Dauphin senior Ed Schrom (15:51), Chestnut Hill junior Dustin Wilson (15:54), Conrad Weiser senior Nate McClafferty (15:54), and Downingtown West's Ian Barnhill (15:55).
In the team race, it was Walter Johnson MD 127, Don Bosco Prep NJ 172, Saint Joseph's Prep 310, Conestoga 321 and Conrad Weiser 333.
In the Varsity Girls Brown Race, Pennsbury soph star and MileSplit US#10 Sara Sargent won by 20 seconds over rapidly improving Homer Center junior Angel Piccirillo, 17:43-18:03. Third was Archmere Academy senior Lindsey Olivere (18:04), and 4th was Liberty senior Jess Cygan (18:18).
Pennsburg capured the team title with 121 points, Liberty was 2nd with 166, and Centerville OH was 3rd with 211.
Conestoga HS and Princeton grad Liz Costello won the Women's Open 6K in 21:08, and Germantown Friends grad and current Princeton student-athlete Max Kaulbach won the Mens Brown 8K in 25:14.
Girls Preview
PAUL SHORT GIRLS "BROWN" Preview by Bill Coren (Strath Haven)
TEAM CHAMP!!!
Of the 43 entered teams Pennsbury(PA #1) is the favorite!! Their only loss this year was to Tatnall (DE #1) and it doesn't look like anyone in the race can truly challenge their depth although a few teams may come close. Among them are Centerville (OH #10), Liberty (PA #9), Charter School of Wilmington (DE #3), Padua (DE #4), and Archmere (DE #5). INDIVIDUAL CHAMP!!! It looks like 4 girls will challenge for the top spot. Sara Sargent (Pennsbury) was 1st at Sharpe (17:56), Abington (18:01), and "Gold" PIAA (18:51). Her only loss??? was when she broke the course record at Briarwood (18:04). Sara was 2nd to Aisling Cuffe in 2009 in 17:47!!!) Homer Center junior Angel Piccirillo (Homer Center) will be allowed to run in this race and she will definitely be up there! She was 1st at Crimson Hawk (18:49) and at Altoona (18:51) and only lost??? to Cuffe at PTXC2 (18:24) (She actually ran with Cuffe for a mile). Two Delaware girls may have a shot, but to win they will have to run the race of their lives! Lindsey Olivere (Archmere) was 4th at Marymont (18:24) and 1st in Varsity "B" at Lake Forest (17:58). She was 5th at Paul Short in 2009 (18:12). Julie Macedo (Charter School of Wilmington) ran well in winning Lake Forest Varsity "A" (18:14). There are at least 40 other quality girls who will be battling for the other 16 Paul Short (Lehigh) shirts. Boys Preview
There are two PA ranking boys' teams in the Varsity Brown race, including PA#7 Saint Joseph's Prep and PA#10 Conrad Weiser.
Individually, the race will be strong up front with Chestnut Hill Academy junior Dustin Wilson, Downingtown West junior Quinn Devlin, and Central Dauphin senior Ed Schrom facing off. Wilson won his home invite on 9/11, breaking his own course record on the 3-mile layout,. Devlin was 5th at Carlisle. And Scrom was 7th at Carlisle and 2nd at PTXC-2. |
Bethlehem, PA COLLEGIATE AND HIGH SCHOOL ONSITE COVERAGE with Tim O'Dowd and Jarrett Felix RESULTS POSTED
Photo Gallery
|
| 10/02 | 25th Harrier Invitational
Pottstown
Owen J Roberts boys placed four in the top ten overall to cruise to victory with 46 points. Mahdi Koliso of Glen Mills won the individual title with a time of 16:38, one second better than 2nd place Jamus Perry of Owen J Roberts.
For the girls, Olivia Boyer (20:31) and Melinda Pierdomenico (20:44) of Oley Valley placed 1st and 2nd for their team, but Owen J Roberts completed the team title sweep with 30 points and five runners in the top ten.
|
Pottstown, PA RESULTS POSTED |
| 10/02 | Berkeley Springs Invitational R
Berkeley Springs
Southern Fulton's Lacey Beatty was 5th in the girls varsity race in 22:53, while teammate Josh Voight took 6th in the boys race in 19:19.
|
Berkeley Springs, WV RESULTS POSTED |
| 10/02 |  39th Annual Shore Coaches Invitational
PA#3 West Chester Henderson boys made their long anticipated 5K invitational debut at Holmdel Park and came away with 2nd place honors in the championship race! Henderson scored 89 points with their scoring five in the top 35 separated by 55 seconds. The only team to defeat them was US#6 and top New Jersey team Christian Brothers Academy, who were 19 points in front. Austin Stecklair led the charge with his 8th place finish in 16:18. Bryan Andrews was 10th in 16:28.
|
Holmdel, NJ RESULTS POSTED |
| 10/02 | Cochranton Invitational
Cochranton Area
|
Cochranton, PA
|
| 10/02 | Cumberland County Championships
Shippensburg
Cedar Cliff boys placed three in the top ten to hold off East Pennsboro for the county championship 54-61. Tom Gruschow of Trinity won the county championship with a time of 16:56.4.
For the girls, Shippensburg placed their scoring five in the top fifteen overall to score 54 points and beat Trinity by 17. Makena Felts became this year's county champion with a time of 21:02.
|
Shippensburg, PA RESULTS POSTED |
| 10/02 | Grove City Invitational
Grove City Area
The host Grove City boys posted a team perfect score of 15 points, with Jacob Kildoo winning the individual crown with a time of 15:51. Kevin Reno of Mercer (17:13.5) finished 5th to prevent Grove City from having the first five overall spots.
For the girls, Sara Chuzie of the host Grove City completed the individual crown double, winning her race with a time of 29:29.8. Plum went 3-4-6-7 with a 1-5 spread of 58 seconds to win the team title over McDowell 36-50. |
Grove City, PA RESULTS POSTED |
| 10/02 |  McQuaid Invitational
McQuaid Jesuit
AA PA#2 Northeast Bradford was victorious once again, this time bringing home the team trophy from New York in the Seeded A race. They held on for the win on the strength of their top four placing in the top 12 scoring places to score 93 points and beat Geneseo (NY) by 11. AA PA#4 North East was 4th with 173 points. Sam Williams of Northeast Bradford was the top PA finisher on the day with his 5th place finish in 15:30 for 3 miles. AA PA#5 General McLane ran the seeded AA race and came out in 17th place with 408 points, led by a 55th place finish from Zachary Baumgartn in 16:28. In Varsity B Small Schools, Notre Dame Green Pond earned 8th place with 281 points with a 16th place finish from freshman Shaun Ball in 18:45.
For the girls, Kennedy Weisner of Elk County Catholic won the seeded A race with a solid performance of 17:44 for 3 miles to win by 37 seconds. Mercyhurst Prep was the top PA team in the field with a 3rd place finish of 125 points with three in the top 25. Notre Dame Green Pond was 4th with 149 points and Elk County Catholic was 6th with 162 points. AA PA#4 General McLane girls ran in the seeded AA race and finished 9th with 265 points. Makenzie O'Connor led the way for her team with a 26th place finish in 18:48. |
Rochester, NY RESULTS POSTED |
| 10/02 | Panther Invitational
Commodore Perry
Slippery Rock came away with both team championships, with both teams overtaking Central Tech for the titles. The Slippery Rock boys won by 30 points with three in the top five overall led by champion Jason Anna and his winning performance of 17:36.9.
The Slippery Rock girls had a tougher time, winning the meet by 9 points with three in the top 9 overall. Individual girl honors went to Dana Cerroni of Sharon, winning the race in 19:16, putting a 50 second gap on the field.
|
Hadley, PA RESULTS POSTED |
| 10/02 | Pittsburgh Central Catholic Invitational
Pittsburgh Central Catholic
Mount Lebanon boys took advantage of a 5th place finish from Alex Moran to earn a tiebreaker victory of PA#5 Baldwin in the Varsity A race. Both teams finished with 110 points, but Mount Lebanon's Mark Wisniewski was the stronger 6th runner that sealed the victory for Mount Lebanon. North Hills was the other big story of the day, pulling off a 1-2-3 finish from winner Zach Hebda (15:48.3), Joe Kush (15:48.4) and Juris Silenieks (15:56.3). In Varsity B, Freedom Area placed five in the top 30 overall to hold off Ambridge 77-84. Asa Equels of Beaver won the individual crown with a timew of 17:10.
For the girls in Varsity A, the Malone sisters placed 1-2-4 with Margo leading the charge in 18:50.2 to win the team title over Ohio's Hilliard Davidson 74-160. Shannon finished 2nd in 18:52.4 and Mary finished 4th in 18:56.4. In varsity B, Beaver placed five in the top 20 overall to defeat Northgate 57-92, despite Northgate's Bridgit Walters winning the race for her team in 19:18.7 |
Pittsburgh, PA RESULTS POSTED |
| 10/02 |  Salesianum Invitational
Salesianum School
North Penn's Meghan McGovern gave Tatnall's top two girls all they can handle on the hilly layout and her efforts were good enough to earn her a 3rd place finish in 19:04.99, one second behind both Reagan Anderson and Hailey Pierce of Tatnall. McGovern's performance was also good enough for a runner up finish against the nationally ranked Tatnall squad. The PA#6 squad scored 47 points to earn the silver team title with five in the top 14 overall. In the large school race, Amber McAteer of Upper Merion won the individual title with a time of 21:11.85 and was good enough to earn her team 7th place honors with a score of 189 points. In the small school race, Episcopal Academy came away with the team title with 82 points and were led by a 5-6 finsih from Kristin Greenwood (22:08.24) and Christine Davis (22:12.61).
For the boys, Sam Hibbs won the boys championship race with a time of 16:42.50 and was good enough to lead his team to a 4th place finish, two points behind North Penn 103-105 despite placing three in the top ten overall. PA#8 Wissahickon finished in 5th with 122 points. In the large school race, previously ranked Holy Ghost Prep rebounded with a strong performance of 19 points with finishes of 1-3-4-5-6-10. Sean Dooling led the charge with his winning performance of 17:15.73. In the small school race, Malvern Prep was the top PA team with a 4th place finish with 142 points. Jamie Gentile led the way for his team with a 14th place finish in 18:32.98.  |
Wilmington, DE RESULTS POSTED |
| 10/02 |  Steel City Invitational
Coatesville
Chris Campbell of Council Rock North took it to Altoona's Wade Endress to come away with an impressive individual gold medal performance with a time of 15:59. Endress and his team would have the last laugh with another team victory of 39 points for his PA#2 squad to beat Great Valley by 22.
For the girls, PA#10 State College had their 2nd consecutive good performance with a solid victory of 26 points. State College placed 2-4-5-7-8 separated by only 39 seconds. Individual honors went to Kayla Lampe of Bishop Shanahan who ran 20:05 to win by 11 seconds.
16 teams 14 boys teams 11 girls teams Altoona Coatesvile Great Valley Oxford Unionville State College Devon Prep (boys) Chester (boys) Church Farm School (boys) Council Rock North (boys) Girls High (girls) Bishop Shanahan Upper Darby Neshaminy (boys) Cheltenham (girls) Octorara |
Coatesville, PA RESULTS POSTED |
In the Boys White Race the pace was just as fast through the first mile as the Brown Race with the leaders coming through in about 5:02.
West Chester East stole the team title, led by Nick Libbi’s 17:01 15th place finish.