BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports Report
Wellsboro’s Lauren Kosek has been on a tear so far this season, going undefeated in NTL dual meets, and taking home gold in three invitationals (Cliff Robbins, Dash in the Dark, and the NTL Coaches’ Invitational).
Now she’ll face off against Lewisburg’s Bailey Espinosa at the District IV Championships, who’ll be looking to claim gold at the PIAA Championships.
“I’m super excited,” said Kosek. “I think Baylee and I both are on the next level, and it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out. Really the main point of districts is to get to states, so that’s the main goal, but it will be cool to see how it plays out.”
Both ran at the Paul Short Run at Lehigh with Espinosa besting Kosek by 14 seconds. Last year Kosek gave Espinosa a run for her money at the District IV Championships, then beat her down at the PIAA Championships.
In track this past spring they went first and third at the PIAA Championships in the 2-mile.
“Baylee and I are good friends,” remarked Kosek. “We go to cross-country camp and whatnot, and it’s cool because you get to the finish line we’re all hugging. It’s really cool to be in District IV because it’s so competitive.”
As for her preparation for districts Kosek is looking to recharge her body after several months of training.
“I will just probably get a few good workouts in this coming week, and get playing of sleep so I can feel totally prepared going into it.”
NTL RUNNERS OF THE YEAR
Wellsboro’s Lauren Kosek and Canton’s Lawrence Halbfoerster are the Female and Male NTL Runners of the Year.
