It was a banner raising year for Sullivan County runners - for the girls their first - and they're ready to do it again.

The Lady Griffins claimed the league title a year ago, and won their school's first ever girls district title, so it's no wonder they're excited to get going again.

"Being back in the swing of things feels amazing for sure," said Zoey Reese. I'm very excited for this season to get going and for races to start."

They met up multiple times this year for races and fun runs as they gear up for the season.

"I would say a lot of hard work was put into this summer," said Reese.

For the first time in program history they'll have a target on their back, and the District IV, Class A race looks a little different with a few teams, like Hughesville, moving down, while Wyalusing moved up.

"Districts having more teams this year is very exciting," said Reese. "It gives my team and I more motivation to stride harder and work harder to prepare for more competition. Being district and NTL champions has for sure been a great motivation to the team. We all have been taking this season very seriously. We all hope to have a repeat again this year with two back to back championships."

They return their starting five of Reese, Adilynn Thibodeault, Addisyn Templin, Paige Jordan, and Emily Guare while adding four more newcomers.

The competition will be tougher this year, not just in the district, but also for the league title. Towanda returns everybody in Large School, while in Small School NEB has reloaded.

But coming off last year's success has really buoyed not only the girls' spirits, but also the community's.

"Having running success at Sullivan County for girls is so amazing," said Reese. "My teammates and I have so much support all the time, everywhere we go. Considering last season was the first district championship for a girls sport ever in Sullivan county it was so special to be apart of something so big like that with a team that just wishes for the best success for everyone."j

On the boys' side Sullivan also claimed the NTL Small School title, but came up just short to NEB at districts.

But they know 2026 is a new year.

"It feels great to be back starting a fresh new season," said Calen Sweigart. "I’m really excited for what comes this year."

Sweigart also hit the 5k circuit to augment his training.

"Making states last year has motivated me to stay determined and get back there this year," he said.

NTL Small School is shaping up to be a tough one with NEB bringing most of their runners back, plus Wyalusing and Canton returning solid squads.

"In Small School there are some really tough teams," said Sweigart. "We’re going to have to work really hard this year to defend our title."

Sweigart was fourth at districts a year ago, while returning teammates Chase Preston (8th) and Carter Blasi (10th) were also in the top 10.

They bring back their top five from last year, while adding a few newcomers to give them some depth.

Districts will be a battle again, especially with just one team and five individuals making it through to states.

"Coming up short at districts motivates us to push even harder this season in hopes to make up for last year’s deficit," Sweigart said.

ROSTER

BOYS

Isaiah Botsford

Andrew Kapec

Carter Blasi

Hunter Miller

Chase Preston

Calen Sweigart

Seth Sweigart

Isaiah Bohensky

GIRLS

Emily Guare

Paige Jordan

Zoey Reese

Adilynn Thibodeault

Addisyn Templin

Taylor Durland

Breeah Boatman

Kara Jordan

Amelia Reese