Pennridge
Jr.; Rongrong Wang, So. Strengths: Experience, good attitude, anxious to improve. Question marks: Avoiding injuries; running development of younger incoming runners. Coach Crawford says: “Our team needs our younger, inexperienced runners to adjust to high school cross country in one of the strongest and most competitive leagues in the state for girls’ cross country.”
Coach: Bill Smith (13th season). Last year’s record: 2-4; fifth place in the SOL Continental. Key performers lost: Nicole DeHaven; Shea McGowan. Key returners: Sarah Townsend, Jr.; Kayla Horn, Jr.; Melena Musgrove, Sr.; Isabella Musgrove, So.; Sierra Schaeffer, Sr. Others to watch: Delaney Denton, So.; Annabelle Huckerby, Sr.; Megan Lysek-Hagy, So.; Olivia Corbett, Fr. Strengths: Good numbers. Question Marks: Inexperienced. Coach Smith says: ”Very young team. We will have to see how we improve throughout the season. It will be tough in this highly-competitive league.”
Pope John Paul II
Coach: Lisa Cagliola (first season). Last year’s record: Ninth in the PAC; fifth in District 1-2A. Key returners: Julia Costello, Sr.; Natalie Florig, Jr. Others to watch: Sarah Abruzzo, Jr.; Claudia Dolan, Jr.; Gianna Cagliola, Fr.; Kayla Croiger, Fr.; Tess Crossan, Fr.; Jack Flynn, So.; Jason DeMarco, Fr.; Will Woodall, Fr.; Pat McCafferty, Fr. Strengths: “Our freshmen are not first-time runners and know how to race and will complement the upperclassmen nicely. We are young and strong on both sides.” Question marks: Keeping everyone healthy. Coach Cagliola says of the outlook: “Bright.”
Springfield Montco
Coach: Niara Woods (third season). Key returners: Katie Komorowski, So. Coach Woods says: “The womens team is looking to build this year. Katie is looking to improve on her time by breaking 23 minutes this year.”
Spring-Ford
Coach: David Cain (first season). Last year’s record: Third in the PAC; sixth in District 1-3A. Key performers lost: Gabriella Bamford; Sidney Galster; Julia Vleddar. Key returners: Emily Smith, Sr.; Ahila Moorthy, Sr.; Rachel Murphy, Sr. Others to watch: Devon Pytel, Jr.; Kayla Breisch, Jr.; Brooke Donoghue, So.; Alyssa Mullhall, So.; Julia Breisch, Fr. Strengths: Strong core of senior leaders. Question marks: After the top five, the team will need a lot of help from its young roster. Coach Cain says: “A senior-led team that graduated a strong class last year. The team will be led by Senior Emily Smith, who finished 23 at Districts, and fellow seniors Ahila Moorthy and Rachel Murphy. Junior Devon Pytel, sophomore Brook Donoghue and freshman Julia Breisch look to close the gap and make this team very competitive PAC’s and districts.”
Souderton Area
Coach: David Klein (second season). Last year’s record: 4-2 in the SOL Continental; fourth at SOL Continental’s; 28th in District 1-3A. Key runners lost: Emily Bonaventure; Brittany Hayden; Rosie Moody; Devin Lawn. Key returners: Lael Flores, Sr.; Jennifer Sidarous, Jr.; Hailey Moyer, So.; Kristie Scott, Sr. Others to watch: Francie Flores, Fr.; Gina Smyth, So.; Allison Malmquist, Fr. Coach Klein says: “It looks like we’ll have a pack of runners up front, which is always beneficial. We hope to stay healthy, be competitive within our league, and place well at districts.”
Upper Dublin
Coach: Tony Giammarco (10th season). Last year’s record: 6-0 in SOL American; 17th in District 1-3A. Key performers lost: Sadie Gustafson; Grace Murphy; Rachel Pappalardo. Key returners: Maddy Spaulding, Sr.; Sarah Eskew, So.; Elaina O’Toole, So.; Emma Kedziora, Jr.; Charis White, Sr.; Abby Michalek, So. Others to watch: Amanda Kulak, Fr.; Abbey Broderick, So.; Caitlin Burmester, So.; Lena Shaddinger, Fr. Strengths: Combo of talent and depth. Question marks: Willingness to take the step from good to great. Coach Giammarco says: “Conference championship, top-10 finish at districts and potential trip to states.”
Wissahickon
Coach: Heidi Butt (11th season). Last year’s record: Second in SOL American Conference. Key performers lost: Hayley Ross. Key returners: Maddy Hippensteal, Jr. Others to watch: Leah Dubin, Fr.; Lindsey Frenia, So. Strengths: Depth. Question marks: Pack time. Coach Butt says: “If the team stays healthy, they can improve personal and pack times from last season significantly.”