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NTL CROSS-COUNTRY: THE SKY IS THE LIMIT FOR NEB IN 2022 (2022-08-26)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
With large, youthful rosters, and recent success the sky’s the limit for Northeast Bradford cross-country teams.

The girls’ team, especially, is bullish - almost giddy - on what they can do this year after winning the NTL Division-II last season, and taking second at districts.


“It’s going to be a good year,” said Gracelyn Laudermilch. “Hopefully we can stay healthy. It’s good to be running again.”


Healthy derailed them a little last season - both Laudermilch and Melanie Shumway missed time due to injuries - but they have a little more depth coming into this season, with the addition of Anaiah Kolesar.


“I think Anaiah is going to be really good because she did amazing in junior high,” Amelia Kapr said.


The Panthers were 10th at the PIAA Championships last season as Laudermilch (53rd), Shumway (62nd), and Lilah Hughes (69th) all finished in the top 100. Kapr, the fourth returnee, was 138th overall, giving them a very strong core going into this season.


“It was exciting last year to see the way everyone was doing, all the team,” remarked Laudermilch. “All the girls were working hard, we all have been.”


They’ve continued that work ethic throughout the summer as they’ve been putting in the miles.


“It’s really hard to stay consistent, but it’s definitely worth it,” Kapr said.


Their goal is to keep a tight pack up front between the top five.


“We all push each other in practice, and it’s nice to not have to worry about what’s behind me or what’s with me,” explained Laudermilch. “We know that we’re going to get the job done. It’s just like, we’re all right there, and we trust each other a lot.”


Their toughest opponent maybe the injury bug.


“That’s our main focus on the team right now,” said Laudermilch.


She’s set the bar high trying to break 20 minutes this year in a 5K, while Kapr is looking to break into the top 50 at states.


If that happens they would be in position to challenge for a state title.


“I think so,” Kapr said.


The boys have also been an up-and-coming team, taking second in the division a year ago, while finishing third at districts.


“I think we have a lot of potential this year,” said state qualifier Ryan Jones. “We definitely have put in a lot more effort this summer, so I think we have a lot more opportunity, for sure.”


Their biggest returnee is state medalist Creed Dewing, whose been putting in the miles, as well, this summer.


“I have some big goals, and I’m just excited,” he said. “I’ve been putting in a lot of. Miles, and I think I’m ready.”


Getting that medal has motivated him for this year.


“It was a big booster because after that happened I was ready to train really hard,” Dewing remarked. “I trained rally hard in the offseason.”


After finishing 25th a year ago, he hopes to make the top 15 at states this year.


“It’s going to take some extra work, and it’ll be good to run with the team,” said Dewing.


And, with 19 runners, the team also has high expectations for this year, as they shoot for both league and district titles.


Jones is looking to get into the 17’s, and is glad Dewing is there to help him.


“He definitely pushes me,” said Jones. “When I see him go I catch up.”


ROSTER

BOYS

Creed Dewing

Aidan Kapr

Tanner Herb

Ryan Jones

Norman Strauss

Ayden Finch

Dayton Russell

Brody Bennett

Russell Martin

Richy Palmer

Keegan Gardner

Joey Bevacqua

Will Cooley

Ayden Wilson

Tanner Judson

Josh Keeney

Josh Ellis

Tyler Goodnow

Gavin Puza

GIRLS

Amelia Kapr

Anaiah Kolesar

Lilah Hughes

Gracelyn Laudermilch

Isabelle Kapr

McKenna Callear

Ava Lambert

Cora Franklin

Melanie Shumway

Cordi Wills


SCHEDULE

Sep. 3 - NEB at Bear Mountain, 9 a.m.

Sep. 13 - Athens, Sullivan County at NEB, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 16 - NEB at Lasagna Invitational, 4 p.m.

Sep. 20 - NEB at Canton, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 27 - CV, NEB at Wellsboro, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 - NPM, Troy at NEB, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 - NEB, Towanda, Sayre at Wyalusing, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 - NEB hosts NTL Championships




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