Wildcat Cross Country Seniors And Parents Honored On Senior Day
Photos courtesy of Susanne Fenske – Above: Wildcat Seniors
(By Central Clarion Head Coach Nicole Oakes) On Wednesday, October 8th, the Central Clarion Wildcats Cross Country Team hosted Cranberry for the final meet of the season, marking a special occasion to honor their senior runners.
After the junior high races concluded, eight senior athletes, five from Clarion Area and three from Clarion Limestone – were escorted to center field by their parents or grandparents as their accomplishments and future plans were announced.
The seniors were warmly greeted by coaches Erin Hepfl, former Clarion Area head coach Keith Murtha, Nicole Oakes, and Kelsey Makin, the coaches who have helped guide the Wildcat seniors along the way.
Melissa Anderson emceed the event, sharing each runner’s favorite cross country memories and reading their plans for the future. In a touching tribute, the athletes presented their mothers with roses to thank them for their years of dedication and support.
The seniors received gift bags featuring plaques made by Lion Manufacturing along with some treats, while Cranberry Seniors, Taylor Hepler, Zofia Earp, Dalton Wenner, Mariner Perry and Jakob Ishman were also recognized with small treat bags.
Many Wildcat parents contributed to creating a meaningful and memorable evening for the athletes.
The team as a whole had plenty to celebrate: 37 of the 45 Central Clarion runners earned season-best performances, with many achieving personal bests.
The festivities concluded with cupcakes and Rice Krispie treats, bringing a sweet ending to an already memorable evening.
SENIOR BIOS
Clarion Senior Hayden Weber Son of Krista and Lee Weber Hayden participates in cross country, basketball, and baseball. He is also an active member in the National Honors Society, art, history, Bible and Yearbook club. His favorite go to song is “Movin’ Out” by Billy Joel. Hayden’s favorite xc memory is going to states as a team last season. He enjoys watching Perry Mason with his parents in his free time.
He would like to thank his parents for all the love and support they have given to him. They do so much for him not just in sports, but in life too. Hayden plans on attending the police academy following high school to become a state trooper.
Clarion Senior Josh Turner, Son of Sharon Montgomery and Andy Turner participates in cross country and track. His favorite go to song is “The Rising” by Bruce Springstein. Josh’s favorite cross country memory is the trips to Hershey and pre-practice hacky sack. In his free time he enjoys wood working.
He would like to thank his parents for all the support and constant reminders to keep training in the off season. Josh plans on attending college to major in environment science.
Clarion Senior Caleb Turner, Son of Sharon Montgomery and Andy Turner participates in cross country and track, and enjoy building and racing dirt bikes. His favorite go to song is “Happy Face” by Treaty Oak Revival. Caleb’s favorite cross country memory is the trip to Hershey to run the state course.
Something many people would be surprised to know about him is that he has flown solo in gliders and that he is currently working on getting his private pilots license.
He would like to thank his parents for always being there and supporting him.
Caleb plans on going to Penn College of Technology for a degree in aviation maintenance, as well as pursuing a pilots license.
C-L Senior Camden Coleman Son of Martina and Rob Coleman Cam participates in cross country, track, Marching Band, and Concert Band.
He is also an active member in the art club and Tri-M. His favorite go to song is “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam. Cam’s favorite cross country memory is when Ty Rankin threw up on Coach Oakes’ shoes in 10th grade. Cam’s favorite food is meatloaf.
He would like to thank the coaches for always getting him through the season even when it is difficult.
Camden plans to join the Air Force, then go to college for a degree in Radiology.
Clarion Senior Jonas Wilshire, Son of Mel and Bud Wilshire participates in cross country, basketball, and track. He is also an active member in the National Honors Society, student council, and VP of the senior class. His favorite go to song is “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” by Chet Atkins and Dolly Parton.
Jonas’ favorite cross country memory is staying up a little too late at Hershey because they were having too much fun to sleep. People may be surprised to know that although he loves the Steelers, he is a die hard Seahawks fan! He would like to thank his grandpa Jim for his pre-race messages before every meet and his parents for all the effort they put into making him healthy to run.
Jonas plans on attending a college with a beautiful campus to study finance, and become a successful business man and live a simple life in the mountains.
C-L Senior Kaley Milliron, Daughter of Lisa and Doug Milliron, participates in cross country and gymnastics. She is also an active member in the National Honors Society and Bible Club. Her favorite go to song is “Dusty Bibles” by Josiah Queen.
Kaley’s favorite cross country memory is the trip to Hershey 3 years ago. Something people would be surprised to know about her is that she is a Cadet Technical Sergeant in the Civil Air Patrol.
She would like to thank her parents for always attending meets and supporting her goals. Kaley plans to attend an undecided college to major in education or a sport related field.
C-L Senior Adisen Jackson Daughter of Tiffany and David Jackson participates in cross country and track, as well as indoor track for the Clarion Comets. She is also the Vice President of Lions Manufacturing. Her go to music is a variety of genres.
Adi’s favorite xc memory is running in the mud and the rain at the Rocky Grove Invitational in 8th grade. A fun fact about her is that she loves to paint, do art, and cook.
She would like to thank her parents for always supporting her goals. Adisen plans to continue her love for running in college, while studying to become a physical therapist.
Clarion Senior Anna Hoover, Daughter of Marcie and Brian Hoover participates in cross country. In her spare time she enjoys spending time working with children. She was a counselor at Camp Coffman this summer.
She loves a wide range of music genres, but she sure loves a good 90s throwback like “Ice, Ice, Baby” when rockin’ out in her car. Anna’s favorite xc memory is striving to hit a new PR each race. A fun fact about her is that she ran the Pittsburgh half marathon in the spring.
She would like to thank her parents for being so supportive and involved in her life and for always being there for her when she needs them. Anna plans to attend Edinboro University and major in early childhood education.
(Congratulations to Seniors, Hayden, Josh, Caleb, Camden, Jonas, Kaley, Adisen, Anna and your parents (and the Cranberry Seniors)!!!! Thanks to Coach Nicole Oakes for this article, Melissa Anderson for contributing Senior Bios and Susanne Fenske for her photos!!!!)