Former Clarion-Limestone Multi-Sport Standout Jack Craig Earns Second Straight USCAA Men’s Cross Country First Team All-American Honor, Leads PSU DuBois Teammates To Sixth Place Finish In National Championship
Photos courtesy of the Craigs – Above – District Nine connection (L-R) Brady Means- Brookville Area High School, David Kunselman- Punxsutawney High School, Eli Fox- Clearfield High School, Jack Craig – Clarion-Limestone High School, Ninth Place In National Championship (Missing: Logan Meier – Clarion-Limestone High School, Chase Hook – DuBois Area High School)
Jack Craig, a former multi-sport standout at Clarion-Limestone, where he competed in cross country, golf, basketball and baseball, earned his second straight United States College Athletic Association (USGAA) First Team Men’s Cross Country All-American Honor, leading the Penn State DuBois Nittany Lions to a ninth place finish in the National Championships.
Jack finished in seventh place, with the Top 7 runners making First Team and the next seven making the Second Team.
The race was held at Penn State South Fayette in Uniontown on Saturday, November 8th.
Jack’s All-American time was 29:45.20.
Along with Jack, his teammates hail from high schools throughout District Nine.
Eli Fox who finished twenty-seventh, in a time of 32:15.00, is from Clearfield. Brady Means, who ran for Brookville, recorded a 33:40.30, good for thirty-fourth place. David Kunselman, from Punxsutawney, finished thirty-sixth, crossing the finish line in 34:41.50. Logan Meier, who like Jack, hails from Clarion-Limestone finished fifty-seventh in 41:17.80 and Chase Hook from DuBois Area, finished sixty-second, recording a 43:46.60.
Jasmyn Williams from Norther Potter finished 48th in the Women’s race, with a time of 34:57.80, for PSU DuBois. Coach Scott Creighton is the mentor of both the Men’s and Women’s teams.
There have been a number of ups and downs in Jack’s journey as a harrier.
“My Cross Country career has been a roller coaster throughout the years.
“I was one place away of from making states my junior year in high-school, and my senior year , while running state level times, I broke my ankle and missed out on another opportunity to make states.”
But major encouragement from his cross country coaches were a catalyst Jack’s never say die mindset.
“My high school coaches, Nicole Oakes, Erin Hepfl, and Kelsay Makin, were always so patient with me allowing me to play fall ball even during season. They believed you should be able to do it all.
“I am so grateful for them to be able to show me I can manage more than one thing but still being loyal to the sport in season. They instilled in me that anything is possible with hard work.”
Jack carried this work ethic to college, which has proven to be his formula for success.
“During the summer, I would run multiple times a week as hard as I could for as far as I could make it. My freshman season went pretty well at Penn State DuBois, I would medal most races, and ended up knocking two minutes off my time at nationals, landing me at 6th place (29:04 time).
“This year, my sophomore season, I ran the same amount during the summer and planned for a season like last year.
But never wanting to settle on just one sport, Jack has gotten the opportunity to participate in another of his dreams.
“However an opportunity came up with basketball and Coach Dom Varacallo added me to the team.”
The “Anything is possible with hard work” attitude from high school, prepared him for a pretty challenging schedule.
“It was rough at first. I would have a lift in the morning for basketball, a run for cross country, then an open gym (for basketball) to finish off the day (on top of school and a 30 minute commute, each way).”
Jack had to make adjustments in his training.
“With basketball practice, I didn’t get the running I wanted with cross country, so I wasn’t sure how my races would go with a different pressure on my legs each week.”
But, as it turned out, things worked out fine.
“My races ended up being pretty decent. I was finishing with times a little more than last year’s. Going into the Nationals race I felt pretty good. I knew the issue was going to be the hills, because Fayette is a hilly course and my legs weren’t conditioned for hills like they were last year.
“My plan has always been to stick with the guy ahead of me as much as possible and that’s what I did. I stayed in third for most of the race until the final hill on the second lap. Four guys ended up passing me on that hill and I had barely anything left. Top 7 get First Team All-American, so I’d need to pick it up if I wanted to get it again.
“I picked it up and ended up getting 7th (29:45 time).
“Now I can focus on basketball.”
I will finish my academic (Mechanical Engineering) and athletic career at Penn State-Behrend.
“God has blessed me with these opportunities to do what I love.”
I have really enjoyed being coached by Coach Scott Creighton! Being that he was my mom’s basketball coach at Clarion university it’s gone full circle with now him coaching me.
“I am going to really miss him and the rest of my teammates. He made it fun. It was also cool to be able to run this year with my high school teammate, Logan Meier and be able to run with guys that I competed against in high school.”
“We ended the season first in our conference, the PSUAC! This was a first ever achievement for PSU DuBois.”
Coach Creighton and Coach Varacallo each shared some fine things on Jack and the rest ot their teams.
Coach Creighton said, “Jack has been instrumental in elevating the Penn State DuBois men’s cross country team over the past two seasons. He culminated the year by being named PSUAC All-Conference and earned his second straight First Team USCAA All-American award.
“During the regular season the team finished third at the Westmoreland Cross Country Invitational, second at the Pitt Greensburg Invitational, and First at the Laroche Invitational.
“In the post season, the team won the PSUAC Conference Invitational and culminated with a sixth place finish at the USCAA National Championship.
“This was arguably the most successful season ever in Men’s Cross Country at Penn State DuBois.
“However the most impressive fact about this team is that every single runner is a D9 product. Chase Hook is from DuBois Area, Jack Craig and Logan Meier are from Clarion-Limestone, Eli Fox is from Clearfield, Brady Means is from Brookville, and David Kunselman is from Punxsutawney.”
Coach Vacarallo mentioned, “Jack has been an excellent addition to our team. He brings a defensive first mindset and a selflessness that puts his team first. We really respect Jack for coming in and doing his job on a day to day basis without ever having any complaints even though he has a lot of demands on his schedule. He showed his impact in our first game going 4-for-4 from the field grabbing 9 rebounds and earned all 30 minutes he played.
“His teammates have also been great in understanding that Jack wouldn’t be at everything due to the two sport commitments. While Jack was earning All-American honors, our guys stepped up and won our first game of the season. Jack has come back and fit in seamlessly due to being so humble and doing whatever his team asks of him.
When Assistant Coach Beau Verdill and Jack showed up to an open gym, I remembered Jack from having scouted him before. He played hard defensively in that open gym and really stood out.
“Although I never coached against him directly, I had film on him and knew of what he could do on the court. For us, we knew it to be a smart decision to have Jack join the team and work with his cross country schedule. We also were aware of a strong basketball family background so it all made sense to have him join the team!”
Beau had one of the most decorated careers at Penn State DuBois Basketball (Over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 200 steals) and we are grateful of him giving back.
“Beau and Jack are two completely different personalities, however you can see the impact of Beau’s mentorship and Jack’s impact on Beau as well. They are both great people. The goal is that the relationships we develop as teammates and coaches last longer than any one season.”
Nicole Oakes. who coached both the Clarion-Limestone Lions and Central Clarion Wildcats Co-op (after the Lions and the Clarion Area Bobcats merged) shared, “When Jack’s mother Jess excitedly shared that he had achieved his dream sport, playing basketball for Penn State-DuBois, I was wiping tears.
“Jack is a hard worker, he is determined and never gave up on his dream, but I was surprised to hear that he was in fact going to finish out his Cross Country season. Really I shouldn’t have been, again, Jack is determined, and I know that Jess and Pat have never let their kids back out on a commitment.
“This season, at least for me, as Jack’s former coach, it was a little sweeter seeing pictures of Jack, and 2025 C-L graduate, Logan Meier running together again. Really another All-American award for Jack as he wraps up his time as a collegiate runner at Penn State DuBois with another Lion at his side can’t get much sweeter. I am looking forward to seeing Jack on the court however, as I know that is where his heart really lies. Before he was ever even my runner, I watched Jack grow up putting in the work to live his dream.
“These boys always met while running the District 9 Championships under separate high school teams! But, today, they took home a plaque for first in their conference as one school!
“My heart tonight is overflowing with absolute pride watching Jack become a two time 1st Team All-American while placing 7th in the nation in Cross Country!
“What an incredible honor- but even more what a reflection of God’s faithfulness and strength that he has given Jack. This hasn’t been easy for him as he is still chasing his dream of playing college ball at the same time! Juggling basketball and cross country took so much sacrifice and determination. This took discipline of getting up before school, basketball, and cross county practice to run hills and get in his 5 miles before the day got away from him! This accomplishment is a testament to the work that was done when no one was watching!
“Many, many thanks to Coach Creighton. This man has been a staple in my life as my college basketball coach and has become the same for Jack. That’s what makes this accomplishment so much sweeter. This coach cares, pushes and supports these athlete so they can achieve their goals.
“Jack— you have shown that talent opens doors but your faith, character, and grit are what carry you through.
“Keep running this race of life always for HIS glory and continue to appreciate the blessings he gives along the way.
“PSU Dubois also placed 1st in their conference and Jack placed 2nd in the conference as an individual.
WE ARE… Penn State!!!”
Jack’s mom, Jessica Craig shared, “Jack is disciplined and hyper focused in everything he does. If he has a goal for something, he is driven to work as hard as he can to meet that goal. He “locks in” , stays as focused as he can and works as hard as he possibly can to reach his goals.
“We’ve watched him sacrifice a lot of time and sleep to make sure he put in early morning miles knowing he still had basketball practice to go to. He knew he had to work harder than the competition around him.
“It wasn’t easy for him as he recently became a dual sport collegiate athlete with running and playing basketball!
“It was an adjustment for him to compete in both sports at the same time and learn how to run with the muscle he’d gained from training for basketball.
“Both coaches, Scott Creighton PSU Cross Country and Dom Varacallo PSU Men’s Basketball are to be commended. They were very understanding with Jack’s schedule and worked so well together to make sure he could do both. Both are truly a blessing to our family and to Jack.
“Jack, a Jack of all Trades, does all of these sports and yet is also about to publish a hunting app in the process! I honestly don’t know how he does it but his hard work ethic payed off and all with a character that is unmatched.
“Next year, his plan is to run cross country at Penn State Behrend where he will complete his Mechanical Engineering degree.”
Jack’s dad, Clarion-Limestone Boys Basketball Head Coach Patrick Craig, said “We’re really proud of Jack to make All American again this year especially splitting time between Cross Country and Basketball
“Jack’s hard work in the off season and grit pushing himself at Meets
Has really paid off.”
There is no better way to finish this article than to share some fine more fine words from Jessica, “This kid.. one of the hardest working people we know and better yet, a great person!
“He was driven and worked as hard as he could to balance cross country, school, and basketball. He had that carrot of another All-American. Not an easy feat but he did it!!!
“So many coaches to thank for their never let down mentality and their everlasting support along the way. Jack is/was blessed with great coaches, including ones that don’t receive the credit and work behind the scenes!
“Jack is doing great things on and off the course, court, and in an out of the classroom. He is a poster for you don’t have to be the best, but your hard work ethic can take you anywhere if you put in the work and have the drive and goal to get there! Jack is a great kid. He never gives up.
“He is the most humble kid I know also. It’s always I can do better mom.. So proud of you Jack Craig on a job well done!”
(Congratulations to Jack and to all who were, are and will be involved in his continuing exciting journey!!!! Thanks to the Craigs for their photos and to all who shared comments and information for this article!!)
USCAA MEN’S FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
Eliot Soderholm – Paul Smith’s (27:46.60); Eli Lemire – NHTI (27:53.40); Aidan Watts – SUNY- ESF (29:26.50); Eric Wilson – SUNY-ESF (29:27.40); Noah Haines – Penn State Worthington Scranton (29:37.20); Gavin Sampson – York County CC (29:39.70); Jack Craig – Penn State DuBois (29:45.20)
USCAA MEN’S SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
Bryan Hernandez – Williamson College of the Trades (29:47.70); Robby Slater – SUNY-ESF (29:51.80);
Hamilton Washo – United States Sports Academy (30:11.80); Connor Stach – SUNY-ESF (30:23.30); Alexander Girata – Christendom (30:25.50); Robert Wright – Christendom (30:25.60)
USCAA WOMEN’S FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
Maura O’Brien – SUNY-ESF (24:29.80); Margaret Ryan – SUNY-ESF (24:57.10); Sophia DePierro – SUNY-ESF (25:00.60); Faith Sullivan – Penn State Shenango (25:12.60); Tee Atwater – SUNY-ESF (25:25.80); Katie Richardson – SUNY-ESF (26:08.70); Laci Schwirian – Carlow (26:24.80)
USCAA WOMEN’S SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
Gabrielle McKenzie – SUNY-ESF (26:35.80); Lilley Anderson – Penn State Schuylkill (26:39.30); Lucia Sushynski – Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences (26:41.50); Telicia Tom – Navajo Tech (26:43.00); Erica Angelillo – SUNY-ESF (26:48.30); Ella Cloak – Carlow (26:54.70); Camila Garcia – SUNY-ESF (27:00.30)