QV Cross Country Races to Success at PIAA Championship

By: Cecilia Holte

The Quaker Valley High School cross country team enjoyed a successful season with historic wins at the PIAA Championships on Nov. 1. Fourteen QV students traveled to Parkview Cross Country Course in Hershey, Pa. to compete. The boys team placed 2nd in the AA race, and the girls team placed 13th in the AA race. 

Under the guidance of Head Coach Ryan Kelly, the team has been working intensely to acquire consistent and faster times while also cultivating a healthy team environment. “This year’s group has shown tremendous consistency and leadership,” Kelly said. “The entire team has worked hard to close gaps between runners and build depth, which has been one of our main goals throughout the fall.” The results are evident in senior Mia Gartley’s top-five finish at the MAC Championships in October and juniors Maggie Doz and Kate Steinfurth’s regular high-scoring contributions. Jonah Montagnese won first place in the AA Boys race at PIAA Championships. As far as the team’s training rituals go, the athletes have been attending practices since mid-June in order to develop the endurance necessary for distance running.

Training sessions are successful largely due to their variety. “We do a combination of long runs, track workouts, and hill sprints,” senior Kendra Hines said. “It's been an amazing season so far! I’ve had so much fun running with these girls this year!” 

After such a successful season, Coach Kelly is excited to continue developing the program. “Looking ahead to next year, we’re excited about the young talent coming up as several underclassmen have made big strides and will help carry the program forward,” Kelly said.

The QV girls cross country team poses for a team picture at Morrow-Pontefract Park.

Photo Credit: Ryan Kelly