Preseason State Team Rankings: Class A

By Blake Behney

Although you may have forgotten in the midst of Olympic excitement, HS cross country is upon us. Here are the initial Class A state rankings. Enjoy.

Class A

5. Winchester Thurston

Two years ago WT shocked most running fans when they came out of nowhere to dominate the state meet. Thurston was so impressive that many experts were ready to hand them the 2015 state title too. Disappointedly for them, the Bears’ 2015 season was a perfect example of “that’s why we run the races.” Now, following the graduation of Will Loevner, Thurston will look to continue on being led by Top 50 stars Ben Littman and Tristan Forsythe. Both runners should contenders after impressive spring seasons that saw them both medal in distance events at states (Littman in the 3200, Forsythe in the 1600) along with their state medals from last fall. Thurston’s only question mark is filling in the pieces behind their front runners. But, with a young roster and great coaching, that much seems likely.

4. Camp Hill

Last year’s state champions lost two medalists to graduation, but that does not mean they should be overlooked. Presumed #1 Ian Gabig should be a virtual lock to medal, and Dan Shank made strides this spring that prove he should contend for a medal barring unforeseen circumstances. Behind those two, the Lions have established veteran/senior Pat Dorsey, who had an impressive spring, and soccer player Matt Little, who looks to be primed for a breakout fall. If they can find a legit 5th guy, the Lions are definitely a threat to make some noise.

3. Northeast Bradford

For as long as Class A has existed, there’s been one constant: Bradford on top of the podium or extremely close. The past four seasons Bradford has won the state title (2012) or finished 3rd (2013,14, and 15). Look for that trend to continue this season. They lose their #1 and sole state medalist in Levi Upham, but that shouldn’t be cause for concern. Garrett Smith barely missed out on a state medal last season and returns to lead Bradford’s pack. Bradford’s style has always been about pack running, and with another summer of training that pack should look even more formidable. Even though they may not have many standout individuals returning besides Smith, it’s hard to bet against a team as consistent as Bradford.

2. Seneca

Seneca may have finished just 5th at the state meet a year ago, but their breakthrough spring has me thinking that they’re ready to make the jump into the top tier of Class A teams. After winning the Class AA 4x8 state title, they’ll look translate their success on the oval to the grass. I understand that 800 speed may not always necessarily translate to a 5k on grass, but these guys also performed admirably in longer events to warrant their initial ranking in my mind. With nearly all of their top 7 from last year’s meet (their #6 was a senior) and the Myers twins up front, keep an eye out for Seneca.

1. Sewickley Academy

Last year’s state runner-ups are looking to make this season their revenge tour. Sewickley may have well won the state title if not for a freak injury to #2 runner Ben Clouse. They return their entire top 7, including a top 3 of returning state champ Griffin Mackey, Clouse, and frosh state medalist Henry Meakem that, on paper, is unmatched in Class A. If Sewickley can survive the WPIAL and avoid anymore freak injuries, they’ll most likely find themselves on top of the state podium at Parkview this November.

   

Watch List: Montrose (moves down from Class AA last season. Young team that finished 3rd in a loaded District 2 AA behind eventual state champs Dallas and 7th place Berwick. Return their entire top 7 and averaged 17:55 on a tough D2 course similar to states.) Elk County Catholic (finished 6th at states last year and returns much of their top 7.)