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Avonworth’s Cross Country team competed in the WPIALs on October 23, running on the same course they previously ran for tri-states. The girls’ team placed 16th out of the 27 teams competing. Ryder Evans, a sophomore, has qualified for the Boys PIAA Cross Country Championships with a time of 17:15, the fourth best in Avonworth’s history. He competed at the championship, held in Hershey, PA, on November 1st. “At the beginning of the season, I didn’t know what to expect, but as we got into the season, I could tell that Ryder was focused,” said the cross country team’s coach, Avonworth’s middle-school civics teacher, Mr. Smith. “He was ready to go out there and do his best at the WPIAL championships.” Ryder is the first student from Avonworth to qualify for this championship since 2019, making his achievement a highlight for the entire team.
The captains of the girls’ cross-country team are Natalie Frank and Naina Mason, both seniors. “I feel like my accomplishments on the team […] would not have been possible without the older team members I was so lucky to have,” said Naina. “They pushed me to be better, and taught me how to have fun while doing it […] That’s what cross country is all about.” This season, the team ended with a winning record of 9-6 and was coached by Mr. Smith. Since the team has few graduating seniors, everyone is prepared to keep the momentum going for next year.
How well did he do in the PIAA Cross Country Championship?