District 4 and 12 Previews!

District 4 Preview

‘A’ – 1 Team, 5 Individuals

This meet was dominated by NEB last season and should be again as they return their 3-7 runners. Levi Upham has developed into a very strong runner and will probably take second at the meet. Griffin Molino was 3^rd at the meet last season to two fantastic NEB runners in Curt Jewett and Sam Williams. This season as a junior he has run very well (top 20 in PA) and the title is his for the taking. I think he and Jeremy Parson’s will have a great battle at states, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

Other runners to watch for are Zamien Benditt-Parkes who was 9^th this season and did really well at his home invitational. Also look for Wellsboro’s Joe Doganiero and Andrew Steely, both of whom narrowly missed states last season. 

‘AA’ – 2 Teams, 10 Individuals

Simon Smith of Towanda has had a breakout season and looks to keep the individual title with his squad. He has beaten the 2^nd best returner Nick Sweet on a couple occasions so far this year, but his 9^th place finish at PTXC has impressed me the most. He has 3 other studs behind him, but a lagging 5^th man could keep them from winning the title, but either way they should make it to the state meet. Returning team champions Lewisburg didn’t look strong @ Foundation, but Nate Martin was coming off injury and he’s their top returner who placed 9^th at districts last season, so they could have a turn around.

Most likely challengers are Mt Carmel Area and Danville however. MCA placed 2^nd @ Foundation behind a solid 6^th place finish from Cory Hoffman. They also had someone drop out of the race so more potential from this team is out there. They seem to be the most likely challengers for Towanda and could very easily win the meet. Danville Area placed 32 points behind them at Foundation for a 3^rd place showing. They’re lead by Tyler Vella who placed second overall. They have 3 sophomores in their top 5 which means breakout end of season potential for this squad. Behind what should be a top 3 finish for Vella this team could upset Towanda and MCA. 

Cody Allen is the top returner from last season but has only raced once this season. He’ll need to have a big day to repeat. Quincy Amabile was 12 last year as just a freshman and he could make a big impact on the meet, along with Ethan Calkins of Troy who has had a good season so far.

District 12 Preview

‘A’

Well Masterman went 2-8 last year in this meet and the winner Matt Ferry graduated. Masterman’s team is incredible for a A squad this year and should easily win this meet, most likely placing 1-5, if not sweeping the top 7 spots.

‘AA’

Bonner won this race last season and they have some strong returners in Joe Sullivan and Ryan Rastatter. I think they will be the team advancing to the state meet. Kyle Ortiz of Archbishop Wood has run very strong this season as just a sophomore and I think he’ll be able to take home the title over Sullivan who is the top returner.

‘AAA’

Well, must like Masterman in ‘A’, O’Hara should dominate and possibly sweet this meet. Brendan Bilotta has a chance to break up the varsity pack from Lasalle, but it’s a daunting task. Matt Brown has made a huge jump this season from Roman Catholic and he broke up the pack last weekend. I’m hoping he proves that he is truly the real deal and runs strong once again. 

--ForrestCRN

Best of luck to everyone in the District Meets today! If anyone would like to text or email be updates so I can keep everyone in the loop all day, my # is 215-990-6173 and my e-mail is fk246898@muhlenberg.edu

Thanks!