Day 4 Recap

The final day of districts has drawn to a close and things were exciting all day! I'm excited to start putting some predictions together for states next week, but first let's examine the final puzzle pieces in the title picture.

First off I'd just like to point out that runhigh is a fantastic results sight. I think their formatting is perfect and they get results up real quick on an easy access site. Plus you can easily go back and look at past years results. It might be more expensive (I have no idea on prices whatsoever but I've heard it is) but I gotta imagine it's worth it for fans like me. I'm glad states uses it and when we have our meet of champs in 2 years (don't think it will be possible quite before then, I need proper planning and recruitment time) we will be using runhigh as well.

But back to the action.

D10 A
One of the most exciting races of the week came to an exciting close when Seneca and Mercyhurst Prep found a way to states with MP edging out defending champs Saegertown by just 11 points. Sebastian Curtin unsurprisingly defended his district crown, but the big story was his little brother, Noah Curtin, who finished 3rd. That 1-2 punch was enough to carry them past the reigning state winners.

This means that Saegertown, state champs, and Avonworth, Pre State champs, will both be sitting at home during the state meet, opening the door for a crazy state title race.

Seneca will be out of the teams in the hunt. Donovan Myers had a huge run today, finishing second overall. Phoenix Meyers, his twin, has usually gotten than better of Donovan, but today he flipped the script. That's a good sign, both sophomores have to now be considered medal threats. Sticking with the theme of the weekend, Seneca had a bit of a drop off after 4 down to a frosh at the 5 spot.

But still their 5 had a big day. Keep in mind Saegertown was even with them through 4 guys, but Seneca's 5 was significantly better and that made all the difference in the title race. To me that means that even if there is a bit of a drop off, Seneca has the pieces to win a state championship on November 1st.

So too does Sebastian Curtin. He's running against one of the best the state has seen in recent years, so he has his work cut out for him, but he will make Molino work at the very least.

Saegertown sends two strong individuals and Hantz Wentz from Maplewood is also on the Q list. Throw in one of my sleepers in Dan Wilcko and D10 has a ton of medal contenders.

D10 AA
Glad to see AA got two teams anyway. Grove City looked very good, with a complete squad. Budnik, a top 10 guy at states a year ago, was their #5. They have the potential to give York Suburban a push at states, probably the best shot of anyone. Depew looked great today and Pyle has been one of the better Sophs in the state. This team is experienced and focused. And oh yeah Aaron Benka is pretty darn good as well.

Maxwell has fought valiantly with Benka in recent weeks and they have split their last two contests. Maxwell should be a state medalist if all goes right and will be in that unbelievable pack fighting for the top 10. Seriously, just look at the names competing for a top 10 spot. It's 20 or so guys.

Another potential sneaky top 10 guy is Christian Babo. He's just a frosh so he will have his work cut out for him against an experienced, impressive field, but he has proven he isn't afraid of the spotlight, and he just led his team to the state championship.

D10 AAA
With Corry out of the picture this was a thrilling race between McDowell and Cathedral Prep. Both teams almost made it through to states, but Jacob Ames ended up grabbing a state qualifying spot and ended Cathedral Prep's state dreams. Ultimately Ryan Zimmerman's victory combined with John Paul Bielanan and Corey Matteo edging out Haight at the 5 spot gave McDowell a 2 point victory.

Incredible efforts by both teams, both have done a great job. Congrats as well for freshman Ryan Zimmerman who was able to lead his team to states in his first season.

D9 A
This district doesn't get a lot of love but they have had their fair share of talent over the years. Kennedy Weisner, Bud Plazenski (AAA 3rd place at XC states), Barrett Kemp (9:19) and Mike Robinson (1:53 800m) are some prime examples.

This year the name to watch is Liam Raehsler. The guy has been killing it this year including a very solid run at Pre States. Isaac Wilson and Devan Cavanaugh (one of my sleepers) both had strong days for 2-3.

Team wise this was an exciting battle with Cranberry edging out Elk County Catholic, despite ECCs strong top 3. Both teams will have an intriguing rematch at states. ECC had two freshman in the top 8 finishers, very impressive. Hopefully those guys are ready for the hills of Hershey.

Cranberry had an impressive pack showing all 7 guys were factors in the race, an impressive showing for a A team.

D9 AA
Puxsatawney did not disappoint today as they got a dominating win over Bradford to take the district title. The Phils were led by Bo Dinger, a state medalist last year, and Eric Ingros who has been right with Bo all season. If Dinger can find his Hershey form again this year there is a chance Puxs could surprise with 2 guys on the medal stand. However, the state is loaded in AA, there is an incredible amount of depth both individually and time wise so it will be a difficult task. Combined with Burkett, Puxs still has the top 3 to make noise, especially if Clark and Meterko (or a member of their 6-7 who had strong days) can find some Hershey magic.

Logan Caruso of Bradford got a solid win as just a freshman. The young freshman now sets his sites on continuing this momentum all the way out to Hershey. Hershey has not been kind to freshman in the past with very few guys getting up into the medal slots, but it's not impossible given the right talent. Just ask Zach Skolonevich.

D6 A
Central Cambria made the switch to A which opened the door for Penns Valley to dominate the team race. Bishop McCourt stepped up for the second spot.

Penns Valley ran very interesting. They had their 5 guys all in a row, possibly saving somethig for states. They showed up with an impressive top 6 and if these guys unleash their front running potential with Fuller, Mothersbaugh, and Colwell all having had some big time performances in the past. They could really surprise at states with a breakout performance or two.

As for Hackman and Urban, that was a great 1-2 punch. Hackman has been really good this year and is a top 10 contender in A for states. I really like his season so far.

D6 AA
A thriller down the very end came down to a 6th man tie breaker! Central Cambria jumped to AA and went head to head with D5 Somerset. The two were tied through 5 and Somerset's 6 took 24th to Cambrias 25th! Willi Bus was the hero for Somerset.

Individually Will Kachman had a phenomenal race, dominating to win by over a minute against Bryce Descavisch, who has had a great season so far. I'd imagine Kachman's fast pace broke Descavisch a bit, opening the door for Somerset freshman Dominic Mazzeriello to break free for 3rd overall.

Kachman has shown strong improvement since Carlisle and looks like he is returning to the form he had last year when he was 3rd at states. Very intriguing field in AA this year.

D6 AAA
In a thrilling race Milligan was able to out duel Foust by .3 seconds for the district title! State College defended their title and continued to show improvement and depth. Balogh filled in nicely for Beyerle at 5. Wing is showing solid improvement and Feffer is really coming on strong. Feffer's best race of the year may have been the state meet. He could be an X Factor in SC's search for another top finish at states.

Altoona sends 3, but Mifflin County once again broke up hopes of a state trip for Atown. Stroh is getting better every week, so maybe this will be a big state meet for him.

Independent States
Malvern Prep takes down the title, even without their fearless leader Jaxson Hoey. The stud freshman Josh Hoey had a huge day and finished 2nd and helped the team to an impressive 2-3 finish with teammate Billy McDevitt. This was a big breakthrough for Josh who had his best race of the season at a very important time. Sam Ritz got another impressive win. He's on a nice roll. The entire top 5 all put down strong performances and I hope we see them all at some regional meets in the future. I can't see prep or GFS really competing for a nationals spot as currently constructed. If Jaxson comes back and is healthy Malvern has an outside chance, but is still going to need a big day from their 4-5. But experience is valuable for a couple young teams like this.

I wish we got to see these guys at states, they would really complicate the title picture.