Here are some notes for the 2020 YAIAA Girls XC season.
Dallastown took home the YAIAA title in 2019 with Northeastern and Red Lion close behind. These three all went into Districts with state aspirations, but only Dallastown qualified in what was arguably the most competitive District in the state. All 4 qualifying District III teams placed in the top 10 with Dallastown finishing 10th.
Heading into 2020, Northeastern is well-positioned to take home the YAIAA title (and potentially District III title). They return all but one of their top 7 from 2019 and welcome a couple of freshman who could push for varsity spots. 5 of their returning runners rank in the top 15 from the 2019 race. This is an experienced group of girls who should have post-season success. Gettysburg moves up to AAA this season and will have the firepower to compete. They graduated team #2 Kelty Oaster, but welcome top freshman Winter Oaster (younger sister to Kelty). Winter placed 6th at the Footlocker NE 13-14 yo 5k championship race last season, running 20:50 on a difficult course. She will factor in immediately as a freshman. Northeastern and Gettysburg are our “way too early” pre-season #1 and #2 teams in the YAIAA.
Individually, Margaret Carroll (sr, Northeastern) will look to repeat as individual champion. She is also the #4 returner in the state (AAA). Lydia Tolerico (jr, Dallastown) had a great sophomore year which ended with a 22nd place finish at states. Dover’s Summer Hogan was one of the top freshman in the area last year and could push for state honors this season.
Here’s a look at how YAIAA teams placed at state’s in 2019:
AAA
#10 Dallastown
Top 15 returnees from 2019 conference meet:
Returning state medalists from 2019 include:
AAA
Margaret Carroll, Northeastern – 5th
Lydia Tolerico, Dallastown – 22nd
Potential impact freshman in 2020:
Here’s a look at a few rising freshman looking to make an impact in 2020 –
– Winter Oaster, Gettysburg – Winter took home victories at the Altoona and Gettysburg MS Invitationals last year. She finished 2nd at the Carlisle MS Meet of Champions and then ran 20:50 to finish 6th at the Footlocker NE 13-14yo championships.
– Hayley Green , Central York – Hayley finished 16 seconds behind Oaster at the Gettysburg Invite. She should make an immediate impact for Central York. (She ran for West York in 2019)
– Thalia Reihm, Northeastern – Thalia won the Little Ship Invite and then placed 7th at the Carlisle MS Meet of Champions .
Dallastown and Northeastern both had strong middle school programs last year.