District 2 Cross Country Championships: Familiar Faces Shine as New Champions Emerge

By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | October 23, 2025 | Photo courtesy Bob Geatano

The top runners from across Northeast Pennsylvania met at the Wyoming County Fairgrounds for the District 2 Cross Country Championships, delivering strong performances and exciting finishes across every classification. The event showcased both seasoned veterans and breakout performances, with several programs once again proving why District 2 is one of the state’s most competitive regions.

Boys AA: Staude Leads the Pack

Crestwood’s Mason Staude captured the Class AA individual title, continuing a stellar season for the Comets. Mid Valley earned the team championship, narrowly edging out Lake-Lehman, while Scranton Prep rounded out the top three.

Staude set the tone early and never looked back, with runners from Mid Valley and Lake-Lehman filling out the chase pack in what was one of the most competitive races of the afternoon.

Boys AAA: Wallace Claims the Top Spot

In Class AAA, Seamus Wallace of West Scranton crossed the line first to capture the district crown. Wallenpaupack secured the team title, with Abington Heights and Hazleton Area close behind.

The top five featured a mix of veterans and rising talent, with the race staying tight through the midway point before Wallace pulled away for the win.

Girls AAA: Pucilowski Three-Peats for Abington Heights

Abington Heights senior Anna Pucilowski continued her incredible career by winning her third District 2 title, finishing with another strong performance to lead the Comets. Her effort helped Abington Heights earn the team championship, followed by Crestwood and Hazleton Area.

Pucilowski’s consistency and dominance have made her one of the premier distance runners in Pennsylvania, and she’ll once again represent District 2 at the PIAA State Championships in Hershey.

Girls AA: Loftus Brings Home Gold for Valley View

Sadie Loftus of Valley View captured the Class AA individual championship, leading the way in a deep and competitive field. Valley View’s collective effort also earned them the team title, just ahead of Wallenpaupack and Lake-Lehman.

Loftus maintained a steady pace throughout, pulling away in the final mile to secure the win and solidify her status among the region’s elite runners.

Class A Highlights: Elk Lake Sweeps Small-School Titles

Elk Lake once again proved dominant at the small-school level, winning both the boys and girls Class A team championships.

On the boys’ side, Kendel Jones led a 1-2-3 sweep for Elk Lake, turning in one of the fastest times of the day. Kendyl Weisgold captured the girls Class A individual title, continuing Elk Lake’s tradition of distance excellence.

Programs like Montrose, Holy Redeemer, and Wyoming Seminary also placed runners near the front of the pack in both races.

Looking Ahead to Hershey

The top finishers and qualifying teams will advance to the PIAA State Championships in Hershey, where District 2’s best will compete against the top runners in Pennsylvania. With proven veterans like Pucilowski, Staude, Wallace, Loftus, and Jones leading the way, expect District 2 to make a strong showing on the state stage once again.

Archives

• 2025 (897)
• 2024 (136)