XC Weekend Recap: MT. SAC & Regionals Highlight the Action

The PIAA District 1 Championships in Pennsylvania delivered intense competition as top runners and teams battled it out on a challenging course, offering a thrilling preview for the state championships.

In the boys' race, Nicholas Mazzeo from Lower Merion took the individual title, clocking an impressive 14:56.9. He was closely followed by Matt Gosling of Council Rock North, finishing in 15:02.1, and Penncrest's Rowan Carr in 15:04.4. Penncrest teammate Edomias Mulugeta added to their strong showing by securing fourth in 15:09.8, crucial in the team scoring.

Council Rock North emerged as the boys' team champions with 102 points, led by Gosling and a deep pack within a 1:10 split that averaged 15:37. North Penn followed in second with 154 points, and Penncrest rounded out the top three with 177 points, powered by Carr and Mulugeta's strong finishes. Council Rock willhead into state with a lot of momentum after claiming the AAA state title last season. 

In the girls' race, Hatboro Horsham's Lillian DiCola won with a commanding 17:22.9. Jane Kratz of Owen J. Roberts took second in 17:35.7, and freshman Julia Kelly of Downingtown West made a strong debut with a third-place finish in 17:36.9.

The Owen J. Roberts girls clinched the team title with 99 points, showcasing a balanced lineup with an 18:43 average and a 1:56 spread. Haverford Township followed closely with 101 points, led by Olivia Cieslak's sixth-place finish. Conestoga claimed third with 147 points, averaging 18:59 across their top five runners.