Tyrone’s cross country teams opened the 2005 season with wins at Lewistown on Thursday afternoon. The Eagles boys team edged Lewistown 26-29 while the Lady Eagles, who have had problems with numbers the past two years, defeated Lewistown’s girls 23-32. This is the first time in recent years that the Tyrone girls have had enough runners to be scored in competition.
Penns Valley and Philipsburg-Osceola also participated in the meet, but because Tyrone will run against these teams later in the season, only the Lewistown match was scored on Thursday.
Emily Ingle led the way for Tyrone to post their first victory on the girls’ side in quite a while with a top time of 21:51, that was the best time for all four schools. Francesca Lambert was third in 26:56, Paige Black fourth in 27:01, Amber Davis sixth in 32:05 and Salena Bradigan ninth in 37:09.
“I am very pleased with the outcome of today’s meet,” said Tyrone cross country coach Tammy Wills. “Both our boys and girls teams did an awesome job.
“Emily Ingle dominated the girls’ race adding a first place finish to her 10th place (21:06) at this past Saturday’s Big Valley Invitational, which was the area’s highest place. She was followed today by our second runner, Francesco Lambert, who is a newcomer to our team. I have been impressed with her and how she is coming along. Paige Black and Amber Davis both had great races, they are both much stronger this year. Salena Bradigan, who is also new, ran a good race and is going to be a strong runner for Tyrone. She is a welcome addition to our tea. I look forward to seeing her, and the others, as the season goes on.
“This was a long-awaited and welcome win after having the talent last year, but not the numbers to score as a team.”
Bridget Ickes was the top Lewistown runner finishing in 25:58.
Penns Valley dominated the boys competition with the top three runners and six of the top eight overall. Tyrone claimed the other two however, with Aaron Houck (18:48) and Chris Bradigan (18:52) placing first and second in the meet against Lewistown.
Eric Sweet was sixth in 20:18, Dustin Elder seventh in 20:36 and Bradley McNeal 10th in 21:40 to key the Eagles to the victory.
Other Tyrone runners included Sam McCloskey, who also had a time of 21:40, Philip Kreckle 13th in 22:02, Jonathan Bishop 15th in 25:42, Jake Smerekar 16th in 25:49 and Caleb Dillon finished 18th in 26:59.
“Our boys team ran so well, Aaron Houck and Chris Bradigan are running better than ever,” said Wills. “They both ran great races as did Eric Sweet, Philip Kreckle, Sam McCloskey, Jacob Smerekar and Caleb Dillon. Newcomers to the team are Dustin Elder, Bradley McNeal, Randy Wilson and Johnathan Bishop. All run impressive races and add so much new talent to the talent and depth of our returning runners. They should help make this a very exciting season for our boys team.”
The Tyrone cross country teams host Philipsburg-Osceola and Bald Eagle Area on Tuesday, Sept. 13, with the race beginning at 4 p.m.
