Nathaniel Lerch Wins D9 Class-A Boys Cross Country Championship, Leads Bobcat To States (10/29/19)

on 29 October, 2019 at 16:20

(Above photo by Bill Mushrush) Nathaniel Lerch nearing the finish line with his father Matt (on left) capturing the finish with his phone

Clarion Area’s Nathaniel won the District Nine Class-A Boys Cross Country title, with a time of 16:50.7, at Ridgway, on Saturday (October 27th). Lerch crossed the finish line just ahead of Cranberry’s Matt Woolcock, who recorded a time of 16:53.4.

(Photo submitted) Clarion Bobcats and Lady Cats with their parents and coaches

Lerch led the Bobcats to a second place finish, which qualifies the team for the PIAA State Meet, this week. Cranberry finished in first place. District Nine sends the top two teams in Class-A as well as the Top 10 finishers not on those teams to states, for both the boys and girls.

The North Clarion girls finished first and the Cranberry girls finished second. So all four of the Teams in Class-A headed to states are from the area and members of the KSAC.

(Photo submitted) Bobcats at medals ceremony

Lerch is joined on the state bound Bobcats Team by Gavin Hoover, who finished fourteenth with a time of 18:01, Con Cunningham, who finished with a time of 18:23, Kaegan Phillips, who finished with a time of 18:41, Nick Frederick, who finished with a time of 18:42; Nate Datko, who finished with a time of 19:41 and Alex Cussins who finished with a time of 21:43.

The Lady Cats finished tenth, led by Bella Scott who was twentieth, with a time of 22:41. Grace Adams finished with a time of 24:41. Aaliyah Dittman finished at 26:59. Abi Frederick ran a 27:44. Grace Schmader ran a 27:541. Allie Stivanson had a 28:45 and Grace Troese had a 35:12.

(Thanks to Bill Mushrush for his photo, and to Clarion Area Cross Country for their photo. Congratulations Bobcats, Wolves and Berries!!!! Have a GREAT STATE MEET!!!!)