HERSHEY — Mifflin County junior Carter Smith grew to become the county's first PIAA cross nation champion, main a powerful displaying of native runners on the state championships in Hershey.
Smith crossed the end line in 15:41, working a 5:03 tempo to assert the Class 3A title. The victory provides to his rising assortment of state medals, together with an indoor 800-meter championship and an out of doors 800-meter bronze final season.
“The race was loopy from the gun. I've by no means skilled something like this earlier than.” Smith stated.
His path to victory included navigating a downed runner on first down and interesting in a late race combat earlier than unleashing his closing shot. Smith drew inspiration from his previous experiences on the observe.
“The 800 state championship, the place I received kicked out by two individuals, flashed by my thoughts,” Smith stated. “I saved telling myself to not let it occur once more and to maintain crossing the road.”
“Carter executed the plan higher than I may have imagined,” coach Alex Monroe stated. “It was pure dominance and it's due largely to every part he poured into this dream and race. He has earned this distinction.”
In Class 2A, Midd-West senior Ben Hummel earned a fifth-place medal with a time of 16:19. Hummel, who will proceed his working again profession at Shippensburg College, moved to the sector after taking the 12th spot within the center.
“I assumed I used to be going to be high 15, high 10 and I ended up ending fifth,” Hummel stated. “I nonetheless can't consider it.”
The Juniata boys staff completed sixth total with 236 factors, enhancing to eighth place since 2023. Senior Wyatt Stroup led the Indians with a 12th-place medal in 16:35, up from 25th final yr.
“I felt sturdy all through the race” Stroup stated. “It went out quick, however I didn't let the primary mile or two have an effect on me.”
Senior Joey Bomberger secured his first state medal in his closing highschool cross nation race, putting 24th in 16:48. The medal held particular which means for each Stroup and Bomberger, who began working collectively earlier than their freshman yr at a neighborhood 5K.
“Joey deserves a state medal” Stroup stated. “All three of us deserve a state medal as a result of we prepare all yr for this season and out of doors observe.”
Different Juniata boys placers included senior Wesley Ehrisman (85, 17:47), sophomore Coy Kerstetter (167, 18:43), senior Teagan Trout (183, 18:55), junior Kaedmon Wagner (210, 19:37) and freshman Josiah Barner (216th, 19:51).
Juniata coach Jeff Miller expressed satisfaction along with his staff's efficiency.
“On paper, we have been hoping that the people would get these medals and the staff would attempt to go from final yr's eighth place to perhaps six or seven,” Miller stated. “I completed each.”
Within the Class 2A ladies race, Juniata sophomore Sylvia Brubaker earned a top-10 end, putting 10th in 19:22. The end marked a big enchancment from 25th place in 2023.
“The objective was to remain calm and never get nervous” Brubaker stated. “I knew I had a high 10 in me. I needed to belief Jeff's coaching.”
Miller famous Brubaker's growth all through the season, significantly after a standout efficiency in opposition to Mifflin County.
“She was 45 seconds quicker in a 5K than she was final yr.” Miller stated. “Subsequent yr it is likely to be tougher to get as a lot time, however any enchancment, we're all the time on the lookout for extra.”
Mifflin County rounded out its day with sturdy performances from junior Reese Cubbison (80th, 17:10) and sophomore Wyatt Kauffman (238th, 18:57) within the 3A boys race.
“Reese was superior at this time. And whereas I do know he needed extra, he shaved 100 extra spots off his spot than final yr. If we will proceed to enhance at scale, he can be preventing for a medal very quickly.” Monroe stated. “Wyatt suffered damage and sickness within the closing 72 hours of his season. I used to be completely head over heels for him. However there's an enormous silver lining right here, and that's the truth that he's a sophomore. He has two extra years to go and the longer term is basically vivid. It would come again.”
Runners benefited from favorable climate situations, though the difficult course maintained its popularity for producing slower instances in comparison with common season meets.
For a lot of seniors, together with Stroup, Bomberger and Hummel, the state meet marked their final highschool cross nation race. The topics, led by state champion Smith and top-10 finisher Brubaker, will look to construct on their success within the coming seasons.
“I feel it will increase my sport” Smith stated. “It's going to be superb.”
PIAA Cross Nation Outcomes
Women 2A
Sylvia Brubaker, Juniata, So. 19:22 (10th medal)
Boys 2A
Wyatt Stroup, Juniata, Sr. 16:35 (12th medal)
Joey Bomberger, Juniata, Sr. 16:48 (24th medal)
Wesley Ehrisman, Juniata, Sr. 17:47 (85th)
Coy Kerstetter, Juniata, So. 18:43 (167th)
Teagan Trout, Juniata, Sr. 18:55 (183rd)
Kaedmon Wagner, Juniata, Jr. 19:37 (210th)
Josiah Barner, Juniata, Fr. 19:51 (216th)
Ben Hummel, Midd-West, Sr. 16:19 (fifth medal)
Crew: Juniata (Sixth-236 factors)
Boys 3A
Carter Smith, Mifflin County, Jr. 15:41 (first)
Reese Cubbison, Mifflin County, Jr. 17:10 (80th)
Wyatt Kauffman, Mifflin County, So. 18:57 (238th)