Big finish for local runners in Hershey
Local runners, teams shine at states
Several area cross country runners and teams had a sweet ending to their challenging but satisfying 2020 cross country season out in Hershey last weekend.
The PIAA Class 3A boys race was full of local representation, led by Hatboro-Horsham’s Devon Comber, who raced to second place in 16 minutes, 10 seconds. Teammate Brian DiCola also medaled, crossing 16th with a time of 16:48.
La Salle, led by Drew Brill (12th, 16:45) earned State RunnerUp honors with 76 points (North Allegheny, 49).
Zach Brill (26th, 16:59), Max Manganiello (34th, 17:11), Michael Lombardi (57th, 17:35) and Patrick Coyle (74th, 18:07) completed the puzzle for the Explorers.
Pennridge’s Diego Lera-Lozano ran a tremendous race, racing to a 25th-place medal in 16:59.
Meanwhile, the 3A girls race saw Carlin McFadden of Central Bucks West race to a 15th-place medal with a 19:51.
Ashley Gordon was also a state medalist, placing 18th with a 19:58. Hatboro-Horsham’s Em
ily Simko cracked the top 25, managing the tough and hilly Hershey course in 20:11.
GOLD FOR MARTIN » Archbishop Wood’s Gary Martin raced to the gold in Class 2A, conquering the hills in 16:12.
Martin won comfortably, outracing second-place Jacob Hess of Lewisburg by 25 seconds.
Lansdale Catholic’s Anthony Gargani had a nice race, earning 24th in 17:36.
PJP DUO » Pope John Paul II had a pair of medalists in 2A girls, with Gianna Cagliola placing 22nd in 21 minutes and teammate Kathryn Todd earning 24th in 21:02.
DRAKES TAKE THE CAKE » Jenkintown captured its
second state title in three years in Class A, scoring 44 points in impressive fashion (Penns Valley Area was second with 84).
The Drakes put together quite a pack, led by Luke Miller (fourth, 17:04) and Carter Greer (fifth, 17:05).
Oliver Mitchell (11th, 17:18), Aiden Michell (14th, 17:26) and Andrew Schiller (41st, 18:15) pushed to the line to make sure Jenkintown came out on top.
BIG FINISH FOR GORDON » Gordon’s 18th-place finish at states was set up by a third-place finish at the District 1-3A Championships.
“My coach (Bill Smith) told me I could make states,” she said afterwards. “That was my goal. (The course was) definitely a little muddy, but it turned out to be a beautiful day.
“It was about racing, getting to the state meet.”