The postseason was kind to the State College varsity girls’ cross country team in 2018. After all, they were crowned as champions of the Mid Penn Conference and took the District 6 title. They also finished third in the PIAA champions.
Twelve letter winners from that squad are back to compete in 2019 and coach Rebecca Donaghue is hoping the girls can go even further. She says she has the team to do it.
In addition to Reed and Gilpatrick, 11 other letter winners return this season, including Mihret Strauss, Molly Solo, Elly Haushalter, Clarre Porter, Karsyn Kane, Maddie Adams, Jodie Challis, Maryanne Knappenberger, Jane Biddle, Maggie Leahey and Vivian Scott.
Donaghue said the talented roster will be key for depth, as well as competition.
“Our strong depth of Mihret Strauss, Molly Solo, Elly Haushalter, Clarre Porter, Karsyn Kane, Jodie Challis, Maddie Adams, Maryanne Knappenberger, Maggie Leahey and Vivian Scott will all be pushing for top spots on the team, which is what we need to succeed at the championship meets.”
Donaghue said a key newcomer to the team is freshman Marlee Kwasnica, who holds strong personal records in track and cross country from last season in the junior high programs.
The team, though, will be without PIAA state champion runner-up Kileigh Kane, and Emma Simon, who finished fifth in the state meet last season. Both girls graduated.
“Losing seniors Kileigh Kane and Emma Simon, who had strong state meet experience, will be tough,” Donaghue said, “but our strong core group is already proving to be ready to fill the gaps.”
She said the team is looking to win a fifth consecutive Mid Penn championship and reach a Top 2 podium finish at the PIAA meet.
State College starts the season on Saturday at the Big Valley Invitational.
