2019 Distance and Middle Distance Preview – Girls

I’m really not sure if there is a better collection of middle-distance and distance talent anywhere else in the country than in Central Pennsylvania. Taryn Parks (Jr, Greencastle-Antrim) and Marlee Starliper (Jr, Northern) ended the indoor season tied with the fastest one-mile time in the country – 4:39.05! Kileigh Kane (Sr, State College) ran 4:52.87 and was ranked 19th nationally. Starliper was also ranked #2 nationally at two-miles and #3 nationally at 3k. Warwick senior Kate Dickow ranked 30th nationally at 3k. Parks ended the indoor campaign ranked 15th in the country at 800m. The talent doesn’t end there either. This is a long preview, but appropriately highlights the quality and depth of talent in Central PA. Enjoy!

If you see any errors or would like to send me any updates (ex: College Commitments I may have missed) please direct message me on twitter @centralparunner

Mary Campbell, Jr, Ephrata

PRs: 1600m – 5:10.65, 5k (XC) – 18:53

2018 XC Highlights: 5th LL League, 13th PIAA District III AAA, 50th PIAA AAA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 5th LL League, 14th PIAA District III AAA

Margaret Carrol, Soph, Northeastern

PRs: 3000m (in) – 10:36.21, 5k (XC) – 19:24

2018 XC Highlights: 18th YAIAA, 48th PIAA District III AAA

Carrol had a strong indoor season setting PRs at 800m, 1600m, and 3000m. She could be set for a big sophomore outdoor track and field season.

Julia Cusatis, Sr, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy

PRs: 800m (in) – 2:23.06, one mile (in) – 5:05.86, 3000m (in) – 10:42.32, 5k (XC) – 18:52

2019 Indoor Highlights: one mile – 6th PTFCA State Championships

2018 XC Highlights: 33rd PIAA A State Championships

Cusatis has had a breakout senior season. She ran really well indoors and set PRs in the 800m – 3000m runs. She ended the winter season placing 6th in the state at one mile. She will be one to watch at 1600m this spring.

Kate Dickow, Sr, Warwick – COMMITTED TO UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND

PRs: 1600m – 5:10.45, 3000m (in) – 9:56.44, 3200m – 10:54.83

2019 Indoor Highlights: 3000m – 1st PTFCA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 6th LL League, 10th PIAA District III AAA. 3200m – 2nd LL League, 7th PIAA District III AAA, 7th PIAA AAA State Championships

Dickow ran a fantastic 3k at PTFCAs to win the indoor state championship. She is significantly ahead of where she was entering last outdoor season when she finished 7th in the state 3200m championship. The University of Richmond recruit will be looking to move up the podium this spring. She is the #4 returning place winner in the state at 3200m.

Tatyana Gibson, Jr, Milton Hershey

PRs: 800m – 2:18.31, 1600m – 5:15.87

Lizzie Gilpatrick, Jr, State College

PRs: one mile (in) – 5:18.98, 5k (XC) – 19:52

2019 Indoor Highlights: one mile – 19th PTFCA State Championships

2018 XC Highlights: 12th Mid-Penn Conference, 4th PIAA District VI AAA, 55th PIAA AAA State Championships

Ella Haushalter, Jr, State College

PRs: 400m – 1:01.04, 800m – 2:20.65

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 6th Mid-Penn Conference, 2nd PIAA District VI AAA

Lacey Higgins, Sr, Cumberland Valley – COMMITTED TO MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY

PRs: 400m – 1:00.04, 800m – 2:17.80

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 3rd Mid-Penn Conference, 4th PIAA District III AAA, 23rd PIAA AAA State Championships

Higgins will be looking to break the 60-second barrier at 400m and improve upon her 23rd place finish at states in the 800m run.

Katie Jones, Jr, Hershey

PRs: 3200m – 11:28.57, 5k (XC) – 19:16

2018 XC Highlights: 10th Mid-Penn Championships, 14th PIAA District III AAA, 38th PIAA AAA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 3200m – 5th Mid-Penn Conference

Coming off her best XC season to date, expect a new 3200m PR this spring.

Kileigh Kane, Sr, State College – COMMITTED TO PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

PRs: 800m (in) – 2:20.04, 1600m – 4:56.64, one mile (in) – 4:52.87, 3000m (in) – 10:17.15, 3200m – 11:11.81, 5k (XC) – 18:42

2019 Indoor Highlights: one mile – 5th PTFCA State Championships, 10th New Balance National Championships

2018 XC Highlights: 1st PIAA District VI AAA, 2nd PIAA AAA State Championships

2018 Outdoors: 1600m – 3rd Mid-Penn Conference, 1st PIAA District VI AAA, 6th PIAA AAA State Championships. 3200m – 2nd Mid-Penn Conference

Was the state AAA XC runner-up this fall. She followed that up with a fantastic indoor season that ended with her running 4:52.87 for the mile run and finishing 10th at the New Balance National Championships. The PSU signee will push for a top 3 state finish at 1600m this spring and could go sub 4:50 in the process.

Makenna Krebs, Sr, Central Dauphin East – COMMITTED TO PENN STATE

PRs: 400m – 59.54, 800m – 2:14.65, 1600m – 5:05.26, 5k (XC) – 18:41

2019 Indoor Highlights: 800m – 11th PTFCA State Championships

2018 XC Highlights: 3rd Mid-Penn Conference, 11th PIAA District III AAA, 22nd PIAA AAA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 1st Mid-Penn Conference, 2nd PIAA District III AAA, 10th PIAA AAA State Championships. 1600m – 4th Mid-Penn Conference.

Krebs has progressively improved at 800m over the past few years. She has good range from 400m-5k. She most recently placed 11th at the indoor state championships over 800m. Look for her to grab her first outdoor state medal this spring at 800m.

Grace Kuhn, Soph, Wyomissing

PRs: 1600m – 5:15.41, 5k (XC) – 19:33

2018 XC Highlights: 2nd BCIAA, 5th PIAA District III AA, 36th PIAA AA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 7th BCIAA, 19th PIAA District III AA

Kuhn is the #1 returning District III AA 1600m runner based on time.

Delaney Line, Soph, Central Dauphin East

PRs: 800m – 2:19.53, 1600m – 5:17.65, 5k (XC) – 19:36

2019 Indoor Highlights: 800m – 19th PTFCA State Championships

2018 XC Highlights: 31st Mid-Penn Conference, 39th PIAA District III AAA

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 2nd Mid-Penn Conference, 8th PIAA District III AAA

One of the top underclassman in the area, Line placed 19th at the indoor state championships at 800m. She will be looking to advance to the PIAA AAA State Champs at 800m this outdoor season.

Kiersten Lloyd, Jr, Red Lion

PRs: 800m – 2:23.38, 1600m – 5:07.93, 3000m (in) – 10:39.92, 5k (XC) – 18:49

2018 XC Highlights: 2nd YAIAA, 34th PIAA District III AAA

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 7th YAIAA, 19th PIAA District III AAA. 1600m – 4th YAIAA, 11th PIAA District III AAA

Set indoor PRs at 1600m, one mile, and 3k this winter. Should challenge for a state berth at 1600m.

Katie Locker, Jr, Elizabethtown

PRs: 400m – 58.74, 800m – 2:13.52, 1600m – 4:56.70, 5k (XC) – 18:40

2019 Indoor Highlights: 800m – 8th PTFCA State Championships. One mile – 8th PTFCA State Championships

2018 XC Highlights: 1st LL League, 4th PIAA District III AAA, 26th PIAA AAA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 1st LL League, 1st PIAA District III AAA. 1600m – 1st LL League, 4th PIAA District III AAA, 7th PIAA AAA State Championships

One of the preeminent middle-distance and distance runners in the state of Pennsylvania. Has had success on the track and on the XC course, winning state medals at each discipline. Has great range between 400m-5k. Could medal at 800m and 1600m this outdoor season. Will be one of the states top recruits in the class of 2020.

Sera Mazza, Sr, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy

PRs: 800m – 2:24.48, 1600m – 5:11.83, 3200m – 11:33.18, 5k (XC) – 18:39

2018 XC Highlights: 1st District VI A, 4th PIAA A State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 1st PIAA District VI AA, 8th PIAA AA State Championships. 3200m – 3rd PIAA District VI AA

Finished 4th during the fall PIAA A State XC Championships, improving from her 8th place finish in 2017. She is the #4 returning place winner from the PIAA AA State Championship 1600m final. Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy could also put together a strong 4x800m relay team.

Olivia McLain, Sr, Eastern York – COMMITTED TO LEE UNIVERSITY (Tenn)

PRs: 1600m – 5:24.79, 3200m – 11:35.31, 5k (XC) – 19:29

2018 XC Highlights: 5th YAIAA, 4th PIAA District III AA, 23rd PIAA AA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 5th YAIAA, 7th PIAA District III AA. 3200m – 6th YAIAA, 5th PIAA District III AA

McLain is coming off of her best XC season where she finished 23rd in the AA state meet. She set an indoor mile PR this winter. She will be looking for her first trip to outdoor states the spring.

Andrea Miller, Sr, Governor Mifflin – COMMITTED TO LEHIGH UNIVERSITY

PRs: 1600m – 5:02.42, 3200m – 11:06.13, 5k (XC) – 18:47

2018 XC Highlights: 1st BCIAA, 7th PIAA District III AAA, 16th PIAA AAA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 2nd BCIAA, 7th PIAA District III AAA, 15th PIAA AAA State Championships. 3200m – 4th BCIAA, 9th PIAA District III AAA

Miller had another great XC season, moving up one spot at the state meet from 2017 to finish 16th overall. Can she join the sub-5 minute mile club this spring?

Kelty Oaster, Jr, Gettysburg

PRs: 800m – 2:21.80, 5k (XC) – 20:36

2018 XC Highlights: 17th YAIAA, 27th PIAA District III AA

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 5th YAIAA, 15th PIAA District III AAA

Taryn Parks, Jr, Greencastle-Antrim

PRs: 800m (in) – 2:09.87, 1600m – 4:45.81, one mile (in) – 4:39.05, 3200m – 10:39.75, 5k (XC) – 17:59

2019 Indoor Highlights: 800m – 1st PTFCA State Championships. One mile – 1st PTFCA State Championships, 1st New Balance National Championships

2018 XC Highlights: 2nd Mid-Penn Conference, 2nd PIAA District III AA, 2nd PIAA AA State Championships, 7th Footlocker Northeast Championships, 27th Footlocker National Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 3rd PIAA District III AAA, 1st PIAA AAA State Championships

One of the most accomplished middle-distance and distance runners in the country. She will be a national level recruit in the class of 2020. She continues to get better as evidenced by her national championship in the one mile run this past indoor season. She ended the winter campaign ranked #1 in the nation in the mile run and #15 nationally at 800m.

Maliyah Paynter, Sr, Hershey – COMMITTED TO DAVIDSON COLLEGE

PRs: 400m – 59.39, 800m – 2:21.34

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 400m – 4th Mid-Penn Conference, 10th PIAA District III AAA. 800m – 5th Mid-Penn Conference, 13th PIAA District III AAA.

Coming off of an indoor PR at 400m, Paynter should be looking for her first open 400m sub-59s time. She will also challenge the sub-2:20 mark at 800m.

Marissa Pritchett, Fr, Northeastern

PRs: 1600m (in) – 5:25.41, 3000m (in) – 11:14.66

2018 XC Highlights: 4th YAIAA, 20th PIAA District III AAA, 126th PIAA AAA State Championships

Teamed with Bella Treglia, Margaret Carrol, and Trinity Schraudner to form the best underclassman (s)quad in the area. Had a good XC and indoor season to start her high school career.

Madeline Quinn, Soph, Elizabethtown

PRs: 1600m – 5:19.59, 3000m (in) – 10:22.95, 3200m – 11:30.50, 5k (XC) – 18:51

2019 Indoor Highlights: 3000m – 12th PTFCA State Championships

2018 XC Highlights: 4th LL League, 3rd PIAA District III, 34th PIAA AAA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 9th LL League. 3200m – 12th LL League, 16th PIAA District III AAA.

Quinn joins Cedar Crest’s Gwyneth Young as two of the top underclassman in the LL League, district, and state. She has made very nice improvements from her freshman year and seems poised to challenge for a state berth at 3200m this spring.

Jordan Reed, Soph, State College

PRs; 3000m (in) – 10:48.08, 5k (XC) – 19:29

2018 XC Highlights: 7th Mid-Penn Conference, 2nd PIAA District VI AAA, 31st PIAA AAA State Championships

Had a strong XC season and followed it up with indoor PRs at 800m, 3000m, and 3200m.

Laura Sakol, Jr, Camp Hill

PRs: one mile (in) – 5:14.77, two mile (in) – 11:56.37, 5k (XC) – 19:46

2019 Indoor Highlights: one mile – 20th PTFCA State Championships

2018 XC Highlights: 20th Mid-Penn Conference, 2nd PIAA District III A, 21st PIAA A State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 3200m – 6th Mid-Penn Conference, 7th PIAA District III AA

Had a successful indoor season and will battle for an outdoor state berth at 1600m.

Trinity Schraudner, Soph, Northeastern

PRs: 800m – 2:18.41, 1600m – 5:21.26, 5k (XC) – 19:53

2018 XC Highlights: 15th YAIAA

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 1st YAIAA, 6th PIAA District III AAA, 21st PIAA AAA State Championships

PR’d indoors at 200m and 400m. Improved speed could lead to nice time drops this spring at 800m. She was the #2 freshman in the state at 800m last year.

Emily Schuler, Jr, Dallastown

PRs: 1600m – 5:05.5, 3200m – 11:03.39, 5k (XC) – 17:47

2019 Indoor Highlights: One mile – 14th PTFCA State Championships

2018 XC Highlights: 1st YAIAA, 1st PIAA District III AAA, 10th PIAA AAA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 2nd YAIAA, 16th PIAA District III AAA. 3200m – 2nd YAIAA, 10th PIAA District III AAA, 10th PIAA AAA State Championships

Schuler is another of the highly accomplished class of 2020 distance runners in Central Pennsylvania. She is the top runner in York County and has won state cross country medals in each of her 3 seasons to date. She is ahead of her 2018 pace as evidenced by her one mile indoor PR this past winter. She is the #6 returning place winner from last year’s state championship 3200m competition. She will be one of top distance recruits in PA next year.

Lauren Shaffer, Fr, Portage Area

PRs: 5k (XC) – 19:51

2018 XC Highlights: 2nd PIAA District VI A, 2nd PIAA A State Championships

Shaffer was the top freshman in PIAA A this past fall. She did not compete indoors, but could be a factor this outdoor season.

Cat Shontz, Sr, Elizabethtown

PRs: 1600m – 5:13.76, 3200m – 11:15.83, 5k (XC) – 18:57

2018 XC Highlights: 3rd LL League, 5th PIAA District III AAA, 25th PIAA AAA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 7th LL League, 12th PIAA District III AAA. 3200m – 4th LL League, 14th PIAA District III AAA

Had her best XC season this past fall. She won her first state medal placing 25th in Hershey. Joining teammates Locker and Quinn, Elizabethtown has one of the best distance trios in the area.

Kathleen Simander, Soph, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy

PRs: 400m – 1:01.59, 800m – 2:21.35, 5k (XC) – 21:19

2018 XC Highlights: 11th PIAA District VI A, 85th PIAA A State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 2nd PIAA District VI AA, 25th PIAA AA State Championships

Just a sophomore, Simander improved upon her XC performances as a freshman, advancing to the A State Championships. Will be looking to improve upon her 25th place finish at 800m from the 2018 AA State Championships. Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy has distance depth and should put together a good 4x800m really team.

Marlee Starliper, Jr, Northern

PRs: 800m – 2:14.30, 1600m – 4:46.86, one mile (in) – 4:39.05, 3000m (in) – 9:20.91, 3200m – 10:17.41, two mile (in) – 9:58.22, 5k (XC) – 16:50

2019 Indoor Highlights: One mile – 1st NYRR Millrose Games, 2nd New Balance National Championships. Two mile – 18th USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships

2018 XC Highlights: 1st Mid-Penn Conference, 1st PIAA District III AA, 1st PIAA AA State Championships, 2nd Foot Locker Northeast Championships, 13th Footlocker National Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 1st PIAA District III AAA, 3rd PIAA AAA State Championships. 3200m – 1st PIAA District III AAA, 1st PIAA AAA State Championships

One of the nation’s best distance runners. She will be a national level recruit in the 2020 class. She holds multiple state records and competed at the senior national championships this past winter, placing 18th in the United States at two miles, running 9:58.22. She will be the heavy favorite to win another 3200m state title this spring. She and Greencastle-Antrim’s Taryn Parks will likely dual for the state 1600m title.

Anna Steich, Sr, High Point Baptist

PRs: 5k (XC) – 19:38

2018 XC Highlights: 1st PIAA District III A, 14th PIAA A State Championships, 64th Footlocker Northeast Championships

Has had a lot of success during XC no is coming off of an indoor campaign where she PR’d at 800m and 1600m.

Meg Tate, Sr, Carlisle – COMMITTED TO DICKINSON COLLEGE

PRs: 800m – 2:18.72

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 12th Mid-Penn Conference, 5th PIAA District III AAA

Rachelle Tejeda, Sr, J.P. McCaskey

PRs: 800m – 2:21.74

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 3rd LL League

Sophia Toti, Jr, Carlisle

PRs: 800m – 2:21.20, 1600m – 5:00.65, 3000m (in) – 10:03.66, 5k (XC) – 19:01

2019 Indoor Highlights: 3000m – 8th PTFCA Indoor State Championships

2018 XC Highlights: 4th Mid-Penn Conference, 9th PIAA District III AAA, 14th PIAA AAA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 7th Mid-Penn Conference, 12th PIAA District III AAA. 1600m – 6th Mid-Penn Conference, 8th PIAA District III AAA, 8th PIAA AAA State Championships.

Really stepped up for Carlisle when teammate Meg Lebo went out with an injury. She had a great XC season, finishing 14th in the state. Toti followed that up with an indoor state medal at 3k (8th place). Should have a great chance to go under 5-minutes for 1600m this outdoor season. She will be looking to go 3/3 in state medals for her 2018/19 seasons with an outdoor podium finish this spring.

Bella Treglia, Fr, Northeastern

PRs: 3000m (in) – 11:06.96, 5k (XC) – 19:10

2018 XC Highlights: 3rd YAIAA, 8th PIAA District III AAA, 40th PIAA AAA State Championships

Treglia was the top freshman in District III AAA XC this fall. Ran well indoors and could make some noise this spring.

Brynn Underwood, Jr, Wilson

PRs: 800m – 2:22.02, 1600m – 5:11.76, 3200m – 11:10.45

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 3rd BCIAA. 1600m – 4th BCIAA, 18th PIAA District III AAA. 3200m – 3rd BCIAA, 11th PIAA District III AAA

Nice range between 800m-3200m. Could challenge for a state qualifying spot at 1600m and/or 3200m.

Reagan Underwood, Jr, Wilson

PRs: 800m – 2:20.32, 1600m – 4:56.11, 3200m – 10:33.05

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 2nd BCIAA. 1600m – 1st BCIAA, 9th PIAA District III AAA. 3200m – 1st BCIAA, 3rd PIAA District III AAA, 5th PIAA AAA State Championships

Underwood is another sub-5 minute performer at 1600m in District III. She has nice range from 800m-3200m. She is the #3 place returner in the state at 3200m. She will be looking for another podium finish at states this spring.

Mackenzie Walker, Sr, Marion Center

PRs: 1600m – 5:19.50, 3200m – 11:01.61, 5k (XC) – 19:06

2018 XC Highlights: 2nd Heritage Conference, 7th PIAA District VI A, 19th PIAA A State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 1st Heritage Conference, 6th PIAA District VI AA. 3200m – 1st Heritage Conference, 1st PIAA District VI AA, 9th PIAA AA State Championships.

Walker is the #5 returning place winner in the PIAA AA 3200m competition.

Paige Wess, Sr, Central Cambria – COMMITTED TO INDIANA UNIV OF PA

PRs: 800m – 2:17.75, 1600m – 5:09.48, 5k (XC) – 18:57

2018 XC Highlights: 1st LHAC, 2nd PIAA District VI AA, 12th PIAA AA State Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 1st LHAC, 1st PIAA District VI AA, 5th PIAA AA State Championships. 1600m – 1st LHAC

Coming off of her best XC season where she finished 12th in the state AA championships. Will be looking to earn another outdoor state medal this spring.

Lauren Wilder, Jr, Cedar Cliff

PRs: 800m – 2:20.66

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 4th Mid-Penn Conference, 9th PIAA District III AAA

Alana Yoder, Jr, Solanco

PRs: 400m – 1:01.74, 800m – 2:09.98, 1600m – 5:07.94

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 800m – 7th PIAA District III AAA

Yoder had tremendous success as a freshman 2 years ago, placing 3rd in the state and running sub-2:10 for 800m.

Gwyneth Young, Soph, Cedar Crest

PRs: 1600m – 5:05.85, 3000m (in) – 10:07.71, 3200m – 10:50.50, two mile (in) – 10:50.29, 5k (XC) – 18:33

2019 Indoor Highlights: 3000m – 10th PTFCA State Championships. Two mile – 5th New Balance National Championships Emerging Elite

2018 XC Highlights: 2nd LL League, 2nd PIAA District III AAA, 6th PIAA AAA State Championships, 23rd Footlocker Northeast Championships

2018 Outdoor Highlights: 1600m – 3rd LL League, 13th PIAA District III AAA. 3200m – 3rd LL League, 5th PIAA District III AAA, 8th PIAA AAA State Championships

Young is one of the top underclassman in the Northeast. She finished 23rd at the Footlocker Northeast Championships this fall. She finished 4th in the Emerging Elite two mile run at the New Balance Indoor Nationals running 10:50. She is the #5 returning place winner from last year’s AAA State 3200m finals.

Freshman Watch List

Anne Bair, Gettysburg

Katelyn Deitrick, Bishop McDevitt

Allie Engle, Northern

Hannah Hogan, Dover

Ella Kahn, Wilson

Stella Kuntz, Central Cambria

Marissa Pritchett, Northeastern

Jacqueline Reninger, Cumberland Valley

Lauren Shaffer, Portage

Lydia Tolerico, Dallastown

Bella Treglia, Northeastern