HERSHEY — Junior Ryan Cottillion became the eighth-fastest Bradford runner on the state meet course in Hershey with a time of 17:39.5 to finish 86th. Only Aziz Yousif (16:45 in 2012 and 16:57 in 2011) and Jared Feura (16:56 in 2006) have broken 17:00 on this course. Tyler Kraft, meanwhile, placed 105th in 17:53.5 and that ranked him 11th overall with only 23 times being run faster.
“Ryan and Tyler have been the leaders all year while placing high in all their races. Both have qualified for this meet three straight years,” Bradford coach Tom Tessena said. “Tyler is our only senior and we will really miss him next year but Ryan is ready to step up and be our team leader next year.”
Dylan Throop of General McLane was the overall winner in 15:57.1 while Lewisburg won the team championship with 82 points over York Suburban who also had 82 points but lost on the tiebreaker with Lewisburg’s 6th man defeating York 6th man.
“We finished our season 10-2 counting our second place finish at Districts. We lost to Punxsutawney but that was certainly no disgrace as they ended up in sixth place at the State Meet. I think that should show our guys that they have every chance to win the District Title next year.”
Tessena also wanted to thank the Booster Club for their support of the team this season. The annual cross country banquet will be held Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Father Richie Hall on Lorana Avenue. Team members are free but there will be a $15 charge for parents and others. If you are planning on attending, call Tessena with the number of people you are bringing at (814) 368-7028.
Also in the boys cross country meet Saturday, Elk County Catholic’s Ben Hoffman was 25th in Class A in a time of 17:09. Additionally, ECC’s Joe Wolfe was 27th (17:12) and Smethport’s Ethan Nannen 86th (18:12).
