AAA Boys Photos

Karl Dusen, Mike Vidumsky and Dan Mazzacco take point early in the race. Cavanaugh takes up a strategic position.

Coming out of the short loop just before two miles, it's Dusen, Robertson, Brazunas and Vidumsky. The blue and yellow uniform to the right is Cavanaugh doing the toughest part of any race, maintaining contact. Atkiss is just out of view.

In the boys AAA competition, Shawn Cavanaugh got the state championship he had missed last year when the whole Commonwealth ran second to Council Rock's Dan Coval. Cavanaugh was not feeling his best for the first half of the race, but maintained contact until his legs recovered enough to give it a last shot. He passed CB East's Karl Dusen in the final straightaway and held on to win in 16:15. Dusen was three seconds back. He was joined in the top four by District One mates Dave Atkiss of North Penn (16:23), and Eamon Brazunas, of Great Valley (16:33). Northampton's Mike Vidumsky, who ran most of the race at the front, was fifth in 16:35. One of the pre-race favorites, Dan Mazzacco, of Baldwin, went out with the leaders, but faded to finish out of the medals.

Cavanaugh leads a charging Dusen to the finish.

Brazanus, with the best state finish in school history, and Vidumsky go four-five.

The team race came down to two squads not accustomed to the top podium, but whose performances this year served as testimony that the programs are not only well coached, but well motivated. Coatesville used the surprise fifth team spot finish by senior Jesse Yacoe to secure the title with 112 points, just 11 points ahead of Cedar Cliff. Cedar Cliff, a team with the top five intact next year, came off a stunning 40 District 3 win last week to nearly take the title. Their second place state finish ties the best school effort by any Cedar Cliff team. CB East and Council Rock finished third and fourth.

North Penn's Dave Atkiss, CB East's Karl Dusen, and State Champ, Shawn Cavanaugh of Mount Lebanon.