XC Talks: State College

I now have created a facebook page called: PADontPlay
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Once I figure out how Twitter works I'll make one of those as well (sorry guys, I don't have a smart phone!). But I'll be tweeting and posting updates, ect on Facebook. The contests for prizes will be going through Facebook as well, so that's how I'll be able to send the prizes out. The contest's will be posted here and on Facebook, but the responses will only count on Facebook, unless you post your name.

XC Talks: State College

Last Season: 3^rd in District 6 (missed states)

Key Returners:

            William Cather (Sr) 4:22 – 1600, 1:55.53 – 800, 68^th at States

                Kyle Adams (Sr) 1:57 – 800, 89^th at States, 17:02 5k

                Matt Beyerle (Jr) 10:03 – 3200

    Chris Golembeski (Sr) 17:02 5k, 2:00 – 800

Season Preview:

Last season State College went though heart break after heartbreak as the seasons went on. Guys got injured at the end of spring ending their 4x8’s state medal dreams and they just missed going to states in XC by just 9 points in a very close District 6 race. William Cather didn’t run very well either at the state meet. This team could very well be the definition of hungry this upcoming season, and they got the pieces to be successful.

William Cather took some major strides last year as one of PA’s top guys adding 4:22 and 1:55 to his PR’s along with a state medal indoors (7^th in the 800). He’s the top returner in D6 and will be looking to jump into the top 35 at the state meet after a slightly disappointing state meet for him last season. He didn’t get to show what he had at states in spring either after an injury to both him and teammate Kyle Adams. He’ll be ready to roll this XC season.

Kyle Adams (Sr) and Chris Golembeski (Sr) rolled together last season at districts with 17:02 finishes. Adams outleaned his teammate at the line and consequently got the last spot to the state meet. He went on to run 1:57 in spring. Golembeski got the short straw of the deal and will be looking for redemption this season to ensure he gets to race at states. These two are strength 800 runners which does translate quite well to XC. Pushing each other I’m excited to see this 2-3 combo.

Both Adams and Golembeski will be joined with upcoming Junior, Matt Beyerle. Beyerle ran a very solid 10:03 for 3200 this season which is a promising time for sophomores. I think he makes the jump this next season to make it a very close spread 2-4 for State College. 

Filling out this group should be Kevin Drago (Sr) who is an XC only guy for SC. He was just slightly behind Beyerle last season with a 17:33 at districts (9 seconds behind). This 31 second spread 2-5 will be a key to State Colleges success this XC season along with Cather’s ability to be a strong front runner. Drago will need to come to play if SC is going to make it out of a competitive district 6 race and onto states.

Key Pick-ups: Alex Milligan (So) ran 10:07 for 3200 along with 4:44 for 1600 as just a freshman last track season. I've heard news that he will be running XC this upcoming season which could be huge for SC to push them into the elite teams of PA. If Milligan can continue his success from track and translate it out on the XC course he could very well be their #2 guy this season if he has a break out year. Look for him as the season processes.

Overall: State College has a solid front runner in Will Cather along with a great 2-5 spread. One thing I really like about this squad right now is they have a very defined top 6 which most teams in the state don’t have along with a very solid sophomore in Milligan. I think they squeak out of district 6, as Altoona is a solid squad as well, and go onto place 7^th at the state meet. 

That's all for now Folks!

--ForrestCRN

P.S. I have a couple of guys writing journals for me now but still waiting on others to respond. I'll keep all of you updated in days to come along with the top 10 meets of the season. I'm excited to get rolling with everything.