NTL CROSS-COUNTRY: THE SKY IS THE LIMIT FOR NEB IN 2022 (2022-08-26)
BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports ReportWith 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