ECC girls’ and boys’ cross country teams had successful seasons

The ECC girls' and boys' cross country teams both put together successful campaigns in 2022, and head coach Wee J Fernan provided a brief overview of their seasons while also announcing this year's major award winners during the Elk County Catholic High School Fall Athletic Awards Program.

Fernan began his remarks by discussing different definitions of success, and he shared a few quotes on the topic with attendees before introducing the members of this year's ECC girls' and boys' cross country teams.

Making up the Crusader cross country team were seniors one-year letter winner Owen Daghir, four-year letter winner Julian Funaki, and four-year letter winner Adam Straub; juniors Timmy Brannock and one-year letter winner Robert Urmann; sophomore two-year letter winner Aaron Lanzel; and freshman firstyear letter winners Andrew Mawn and Kurt Wolfe.

Making up the Lady Crusader cross country team were senior one-year letter winner Caitlyn Vollmer; juniors three-year letter winner Sophia Bille, three-year letter winner Isabella Macer, three-year letter winner Grace Neubert, one-year letter winner Katherine Petrosky, and three-year letter winner Samantha Straub; and sophomore two-year letter winner Gianna Bille.

“It might be noted that this list of athletes includes two members of the boys' soccer team, three members of the girls' soccer team, a golfer, and a volleyball player,” Fernan said.

Fernan expressed his gratitude to the dual sport athletes who helped round out both teams, as well as to the coaches of their other sports for their cooperation throughout the fall season.

According to Fernan, the boys' team ended their season with a 12-8 dual meet record.

“Three of those losses were to district champion Brookville. The first two of those losses were by 10 points, and our last, in our last dual meet of the year, was by one point,” Fernan said. “Two more of those losses were early in the season to teams that they placed ahead of as they claimed fourth place at the district championship.”

Fernan added that the Crusaders placed second at the Bradford Invitational and had one runner – Julian Funaki – qualify to advance to the state championship meet.

The Lady Crusaders ended their season with a 12-3 dual meet record despite never having five runners and needing to utilize a ghost runner in their meets.

“When they did amass five runners, the girls captured second at the Red, White, and Blue Classic, third at the PIAA Foundation Invitational, fifth at the PIAA state championship, and won the District 9 championship,” Fernan said.

Fernan noted that Grace Neubert, Sophia Bille, and Gianna Bille finished first, second, and third in six meets during the season, including at the Bradford Invitational. Grace Neubert and Sophia Bille also finished first and second, respectively, in the District 9 Class A girls' championship, and sixth and ninth, respectively, in the PIAA 1A girls' championship.

“I was humbled almost daily all fall by being around this group,” Fernan said. “At the same time, I'm quite proud to be associated with them.”

Fernan wrapped up his remarks by announcing the team's two major award winners. This year's Competering Runner Award recipients were Adam Straub and Julian Funaki.

Assisting Fernan this season were Harley Thompson and Alex Miller.