It was just a scrimmage. One team – the home Manheim Township boys – wore their school colors. The visiting Coatesville guys went incognito, just as the Twin Valley runners did. Dallastown was there, as well. But most eyes were on the runners in Manheim Township blue & white, and the bunch in a wide variety of singlets and running shorts. The attraction, of course, was a pre-season "training run" between the 4th and 5th ranked teams in the Northeast US in the Nike Team Nationals poll – Manheim Township, featuring the now-senior Miller twins... and last year's state runner-up, Coatesville.
The meet was unscored, but there was a lot of private counting going on. The consensus? These teams are close, and these teams deserve their high pre-season rankings. The Millers, led of course by two-time defending champ and 2004 Foot Locker finalist Craig, and followed by Brad, went one-two. But 2004 state medalist Kyle Dawson – who moved to the Coatesville district last spring after running for Downingtown West – was stride-for-stride with Brad until the back part of the course, finishing 3rd. From there is was Manheim Township... then Coatesville... then. Well, you'll just have to wait until Gettysburg on September 10th to get a clue about how the state final may, or may not, go.
The "very long" 5K course is tough. And Craig was the only one to break 17. But both teams were coming off tough Monday workouts, with Coatesville putting in their weekly hard six-miler, and Manheim Township going a brisk seven miles. If this is the appetizer, then this 2005 season is sure to be one of the most delicious in PA history.
Craig Miller cruises over final ridge in last 1/4-mile of the race.
Kyle Dawson, Coatesville,and Brad Miller together early in the race.
Craig's finish. 
Manheim Township runner finishes first in girls race.
Middle schoolers prepare to race.
The future of the sport begins their season.