League Meet Preview 10/18

Pioneer Athletic Conference Championships 10/18
Pottsgrove, one of the top ranked teams in AA this season, looks to start their championship season off on the right foot as Ian Yanusko looks to grab double gold in the individual and team races after he came one spot away last season. Yanusko will be challenged by Avery Scripture, last year's 3rd place finisher, who had an impressive track season running in the 1:55-56 range for 800m and in the low 4:20s for the 1600m. Also in the mix for team and individual titles should be Curtis Watro from Methacton who placed well at the Foundation meet earlier this season. Watch out also for Dave Garton and Sean Hodgins from Perkiomen Valley.

Bicentennial League Championships 10/18
Holy Ghost Prep looks to prove they are a AA title threat this year, led by Christian Kardish. Kardish, coming off a 4:18 1600m last spring, will have to deal with experienced XC vets Tom Seykora and 2011 AA state medalist Dan Alexander. These three should headline the field at Districts next weekend.

Tri-States Coaches Association Championships 10/18
North Allegheny looks to take back the title they surrender last year to Mt. Lebanon in Slippery Rock, PA. The team title race at TSTCA should be a good indicator of who will make it to states from the WPIAL. Behind the big guns of NA and Mt. Lebanon, Fox Chapel, Kiski, Hampton, Pine Richland, Pittsburgh CC and more are all vying to try and take down the final two spots in a tight WPIAL this season. Kiski, who had a big league meet last weekend, is looking to carry the momentum this weekend, led by title favorite Brent Kennedy. The Junior will be challenged by fellow junior Ethan Martin, who will be the low stick for Fox Chapel. Caleb Wakeley, a state medalist a year ago, will look to bounce back out front, as will returning medalist Chris Culley from Moon. Zemet and Meehan will be the senior leaders for NA's pack, which could place as much as 5 guys in the top 10 spots at the meet. Roddy will lead Mt. Lebo's pack, followed by top returners Quirk and Westover. Brian Shields of Hampton is another name to remember as a possible surprise out front, a top 3 finish is a very realistic possibility if he races well. Also don't count out Luke Schott and Jon Faye who finished the spots just behind Brent Kennedy this past week. The Archer twins should be in the mix as well. Also watch out for Aziz Yousif as a sleeper pick in the race. I think this will be a big race for NA's young guys as McGoey, Seel and Love will be counted on to mix it up with the top guys in the field this weekend. My early bet is somewhere around 48 points for NA is this loaded field.