In recent years, the Tyrone Area Cross Country team has gotten little respect throughout the area. However, with a new cast of runners and the upcoming season under way, they’re looking to alter this image.

The team has grown to sixteen runners this season, the largest team Tyrone has fielded in recent years.

“This is the best team we’ve had here in a long time” remarked Head Coach Tammy Wills, “We have a great group of kids this year and going forward.   Their potential is through the roof and I’m excited to help mold them into the top-tier runners that they are capable of being. With some veteran runners coupled with the talent of our underclassmen, Tyrone Cross Country is really on the upswing.”

“I really have high hopes heading into this season” said senior team captain Conner Stroud, “We have an abundance of talented runners, really the largest team we’ve had since I’ve started running. As long as we work hard going forward, we will have a successful team.”

The team had their first meet last Saturday at the Big Valley Invitational.

Junior runner Adam Zook led the team with a time of 18:45, placing 13th in the AA division and receiving a medal for his efforts. He was followed by freshman Joe Kohler with a time of 19:13, making him the highest finishing freshman in the field. Stroud and junior runner Sean Isenberg also finished with respectable times of 20:49 and 21:47.

The girls team also did well, with sophomore Shawn Dawson  team best  time of 25:07. She was followed by junior Emily Beam with a time of 27:01 and senior Grace McKernan at 28:53.

Next week the team has their first home meet against Clearfield on Tuesday at 4:00. No doubt they are looking to leave their past struggles behind them as they stride towards a promising future.

Big Valley Invitational Results

Girls

Sean Dawson- 25:07 finished 42^nd

Emily Beam- 27:01 finished 54^th

Grace McKernan- 28:53 finished 62^nd

Lily Williams- 31:01 finished 68^th

Kathleen Cempa- 33:13 finished 71^st

Boys

Adam Zook- 18:46 finished 13^th

Joe Kohler- 19:13 finished 19^th

Conner Stroud- 20:49 finished 57^th

Sean Isenberg- 21:47 finished 67^th

Zack Webster- 22:19 finished 69^th

Cody Eckles- 22:27 finished 70^th

Brandon McCloskey- 26:13 finished 79^th

JV

Conner Garman- 23:04 finished 103^rd

Jeffery McNeilis- 29:06 finished 155^th

Johnathon Clifton- 33:40 finished 159^th

Gared Dixon- DNF