NTL CROSS-COUNTRY: NEB CLAIMS BOYS TITLE, GIRLS TAKE 2ND AT NTLS (2024-10-12)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
ROME — The Northeast Bradford boys and girls cross-country teams took home the shared NTL Coaches’ Invitational title Saturday, as the boys breezed to a team title and the girls finished second.

For the boys they scored 49 points, 19 ahead of second place Towanda (68) as they had two in the top four.

Creed Dewing (16:15.2) lost to Athens’ Graham Wanck (16:15.1) at the finish when pushed himself too hard, collapsing after he was done.

“I would say I wasn’t as prepared as I would like to be,” said Dewing. “I really enjoyed me and Graham just having a really good time. We just pushed each other, and I couldn’t ask for a better opponent to race against.”

It was similar to last year when CV’s Kristian Mizdail edged Dewing at the finish.

“It’s a humbling thing,” said Dewing. “I think, for me, the main thing is I just have to be ready. I’ve got to be better prepared, be ready to pour my heart into it.”

Dewing will be looking to repeat as the District IV, Class A champion.

“I’m super excited to face the competition and defend my title,” he said.

Ryan Jones (17:07.5) was fourth overall and had a strong finish, going from sixth to fourth late in the race.

“I had a good race, I was hoping for top five,” said Jones. “I don’t do well when I start out fast, I like to work into it throughout the race.”

He nearly caught third with a strong kick down the final straightaway.

“I just hope I always have it, but I can’t be certain,” Jones said.

Jackson Martin (17:46.4) came in ninth, Dayton Russell (18:18.3) was 16th, and Russell Martin (18:28.2) rounded out the top five in 20th.

They’ll be the heavy favorites to repeat as team champions at districts.

“We have to go in knowing nothing’s guaranteed, and that we want to be going as a team again, and continue the dynasty,” Jones said.

On the girls’ side NEB (63) was just behind Towanda (52) to take second.

Anaiah Kolesar (21:42.5) was eighth to lead the Panthers, while Sophie Bennett (22:11.8) came in 12th.

Amelia Kapr (23:21.6) took 18th, Kara Dughi (23:21.6) was 19th, and Ruth Laudermilch (23:36.3) rounded out the top five in 20th.

The Lady Panthers will be the favorites come districts, as well, with third place Wyalusing (79) their toughest competition in two weeks.

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PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING

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