S. ABINGTON TWP. — The Abington Heights boys and girls cross country teams both won District 2 Class 3A titles last season. With the return of many seasoned runners and the addition of some talented newcomers, both squads have the potential to stay on top.
The girls team returns three starters from last year’s group that finished with a 19-4 Lackawanna League record.
Senior Katie Dammer, the reigning district champion, who finished sixth in the state championship race last season, won the Lions Invitational at Moravian Academy by more than a minute Sept. 1.
“I think this was my best summer of training in high school,” Dammer said. “I feel like I’m in really good shape and I’m also a lot more confident this season because of the experience I’ve gained and because I had a good track season.”
Senior Emma Marion returns after finishing 16th at districts last year. Her 18th place finish at the Lions Invitational helped the team finish 3rd out of 17 schools.
“I think the first race went really well,” Emma Marion said. “There was a pack of us that was working together, so I think if we can continue that throughout the season it will really help us as individuals and as a team.”
Senior Erika Beahan finished 13th in the Lions Invitational and head coach Mike Ludka has big hopes for her final season.
“She had a great day,” Ludka said. “She has battled some injuries the past couple years, so it’s nice to have her healthy and hopefully contributing.”
Junior Sarah Bath returns after placing 14th in the district race last season.
The team must replace Blanca Calvo, who finished 18th at districts as a sophomore but moved back to Spain. Alex Scheuermann, who finished second at districts, and Annie Wesolowski, who was 24th, graduated from last year’s team.
Junior Hannah Hughes, who finished 25th in the Lions Invitational, and freshmen Abby Marion and Zoe Detter, who finished 29th and 45th, respectively, are expected to be the other main contributors.
“We have a good mix of experienced girls and new faces who I’m really excited about because I think they will improve a ton as the season progresses,” Dammer said.
According to Lukda, all the girls, from the freshmen to seniors, are committed to helping the team repeat as district champions.
“There is a tradition that formed and it seems that the younger athletes are really excited to be part of the varsity program and want to carry it on,” he said.
The boys team returns six of seven starters, including its top two runners, from last year’s team that compiled a 20-3 Lackawanna League record.
Seniors Kyle Burke and Dan Uhranowsky, who finished first and third, respectively, at districts last season, placed second and third at the Lions Invitational Sept. 1.
“It’s really a luxury to have two front runners,” Ludka said. “As they’ve gotten older, we’ve increased the amount of work they do each day. Their mileage is up quite a bit and they are more mature in how they handle races and practices.”
Juniors Ethan Mattox (9th at districts last year) and Ryan Siebecker (11th) along with senior Adam Traweek (18th) also return for the Comets.
“(Mattox) improved a ton in his time from last year,” Ludka said. “He placed very high in districts last year and has already shown improvement, so I’m excited about where he is going to end up.”
Sophomore Damon Martin, who transferred into the district, and junior Stephen Haggerty, are expected to add depth to the boys’ team.
“They are looking to repeat as district champions and I think, with the guys we have back, that’s a great goal for them,” Ludka said.
Uhranowsky believes the group has the potential to be a big factor in the league, district, and potentially states if they can develop a solid strategy.
“As a team, we saw some really strong performances out of our younger guys,” he said. “We’ve been working on a pack mentality. We have a lot of depth, but our runners are a little more strung out than we’d like. In order to win meets and a district title, we have to get them closer together.”