DLN CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW: Henderson’s Mulhern leads speedy pack of returning runners
The Chester County high school cross country scene this fall features many competitive runners, and leading the pack is West Chester Henderson junior Jenna Mulhern.
Mulhern finished first at the PIAA Class AAA state championships as a freshman, and earned a bronze medal at the state meet last fall. She is a two-time National Qualifier, and at the Ches-Mont championships last fall, Mulhern finished a whopping 28 seconds ahead of the second-place runner as the Warriors edged the eventual District 1 Champs, Downingtown West, for the team title. Mulhern then captured an individual title at the District 1 AAA Championships, running a 17:49.10 to top West Chester East’s Allyson Clarke (18:20.10) for the crown.
Mulhern enjoyed a strong indoor track season last winter, then faced the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic starting in March.
“My coach sent out a training plan every week, and I’d get up early and do all the runs and workouts,” said Mulhern. “It’s not easy training on your own but it really tested my motivation and showed me how much I wanted to invest in this sport. For summer training, we were allowed to meet in very small groups. The time away from everyone really made me appreciate getting to be able to go to practice with a few of my teammates.
“Despite all the challenges from COVID, I’ve never had a better training block and can’t wait to be back racing. I’ve gotten in a few good time trials and am ready for some real races. COVID has brought many challenges but it has also made me appreciate the little things like working out with my team and lining up on the starting line. When life finally starts to go back to normal, I will never take that for granted again.”
West Chester Henderson cross country coach Kevin Kelly said, “Jenna has an aptitude for being able to train hard – a good talent for a distance runner to have. We have a few kids like that.”
The West Chester Henderson girls cross country team is currently ranked sixth in Pennsylvania by Milesplit and is two-time defending Ches-Mont League champions. Top returnees for the Warrior girls (other than Mulhern) are senior Liesl Scherrer, sophomore Weronica Ziemniak, junior Amanda Kelly and senior Caroline Miller.
Here’s a look at area high school cross country teams based on information provided to the Daily Local News by the respective teams:
Avon Grove boys coach Bill Langhorne said, “Our team is a senior heavy team, led by returning state qualifier Benny Clark. Along with Benny and team captains Jimmy O’Hora and Evan McCleary, their senior leadership has been key while training during the pandemic. They have helped develop a tight pack at the front. We have a deep team that will look to battle for one of the qualifying spots from the Ches-Mont to race at Districts.”
The Avon Grove girls team is led by PIAA state qualifier junior Annika Pfaff, as well as senior captains Lauren O’Neill and Maggie Keegan. Both Pfaff and O’Neill were selected for the All-ChestMont team last fall. Avon Grove girls coach Michael Kowalski said, “Despite all the challenges of the fall season, our girls team has been resilient and is excited for the chance to compete against other school this season.”
Conestoga senior Charlie Miller ran 16 flat at the District 1 championship last year and finished in 41st at the PIAA State Championship meet. Senior Ben Horner is returning as a three-time captain of the team. He had an amazing indoor season last year where he was ranked 30th in the state at 800 meters. Another key returnee for the Conestoga boys is Raymond Welgosh, a standout swimmer who finished at 16:36 last year at the District 1 Championship meet.
For the Conestoga girls, junior Ella Warkentine finished at 19:52 at the District 1 Championship which was good enough for 52nd pace. Returning junior Molly Ryle, working through some injuries last year, finished her 2018 District 1 Championship at 19:48. Conestoga coach Rick Hawkins noted that junior Karis Blagden is much improved from last year: “She had an excellent track season last year and worked very hard over the summer.”
Devon Prep coach Kim Nolan said, “Keaton Rush, a junior, is poised for a great season this year – he put in a lot of summer miles and as our captain is showing real leadership, drive and determination. We also have a stud freshman, Pat Rullo, who just took first place for the team at Hershey [Sept. 26-27].”
Downingtown East girls coach George Read said, “I have junior Jackie Druecker (PIAA state qualifier last fall) and our No. 2 runner, Adylee LaVerya, back as well as senior Lara McDowell. Our returning top five is looking strong along with returning sophomores Keira Moser and Keira Morrin. We also have freshman Madison Brown who looks to be a top finisher on our team as well as in the Chesmont League.”
The Great Valley boys’ team returns most of its runners from last year’s team, including senior Michael Search (second team All Ches-Mont runner last fall, 16th at Ches-Mont Championships, just missed qualifying for States), senior Matthew Dietrick (was 22nd at the 2019 Ches-Mont championships), senior Pierce Nolan, senior Max Miller and junior Charlie Sita.
The Patriot girls also return from last year’s varsity squad, with junior Kate Bevec and seniors Emily Matthews and Julia Hoffritz leading the way.
Kennett’s top returnee is senior captain Gavin Maxwell, a two-time PIAA state finalist.
“Gavin is a great leader, and has been the face of the Kennett cross country and track & field team and its top runner since his freshman year,” said Kennett coach John Ramagano.
Other top Kennett boys include senior Rio King and five strong junior runners. For the Blue Demon girls, junior captains Rhiannon Stewart and Kim Alvarez lead the way for the returnees.
Malvern Prep senior Collin Hess is the Friars’ top returning runner. Malvern head coach Mike Koenig said, “Our season hasn’t started yet but Collin is in the best shape of his life after putting in more than 60 miles per week over the summer.”
Oxford will be led by senior Taj Lanier, who has competed in the PIAA state championships twice.
The Unionville boys’ team, coming off back-to-back sixth-place finishes in the PIAA state team championships, has some standout returnees this fall in senior Ethan McIntyre (first team all-area Daily Local News as a sophomore).
“Ethan is running really well and I believe can compete for a state championship,” said Unionville cross country coach Mark Licianca. “The lack of a spring season hurt everyone and I am hoping our region being held back from racing until mid-October helps Ethan by late October. We also have three other key seniors in Sebastian Arnold, Jarrett Conway and Sam Elsen.
“Our girls team is hoping to compete again for a division title and will be led by senior co-captain Josie Cicchino and UVA-bound lacrosse star Shannon Garvey. Ellie Brezski is our other co-captain and running well.”
Villa Maria Academy top returnees include juniors Caroline Bell, Christina Traficanti, Katrina Heppelmann and Cece Hricko, and sophomores Anna Bagley and Charlotte Fritz. “We are looking forward to a great season and feel grateful to be together,” said Villa Maria coach Patty Heppelmann.
West Chester East boys’ lead runners look to be seniors Conor Quinn and Tyler Pachuda and sophomore Gavin Heffernan. WCE boys coach Kareem Lanier said, “Our team is comprised of mostly 9th and 10th graders, which looks good for [our] future.”
For the West Chester East girls, senior Michaela Schiele finished fifth at the District 1 Championship last fall, then 41st at the PIAA state championship and 39th at the Foot Locker Northeast Regional Meet last year. Junior Sonia Piombino placed ninth at the District 1 Championship last year and medaled at the State Championship with a 21st place finish.
West Chester Henderson’s boys are led by senior Jack Davidson, junior Gavin Brophy and senior Pat Rabin – all three broke 10:00 in a recent 3200-meter time trial.
The West Chester Rustin girls’ squad is led by Sofia Piccone, who earned medals at the Ches-Mont Championships and at the PIAA District 1 meet last fall, then finished 26th at the PIAA state meet.
