Wyoming Area improved from 5-13 to 14-4 in boys cross country in Kristen Lombardo’s first season as head coach.
For her second season, Lombardo expects even more.
“Admittedly, I have high expectations for this group to really be a contender this season,” Lombardo said. “We are coming off a strong previous season which has helped to completely shift the dynamic to one where the performance of our team is what inspires each individual.”
The Warriors used balance to finish their season by placing sixth of 19 teams in the District 2 meet where they ran against what is annually one of the state’s strongest fields in Class 2A.
“Seeing what they are capable of as a unit has encouraged this group of guys to buy in to the program and work hard over the summer to come back stronger, faster and more determined than ever before with the knowledge they are counting on one another.” Lombardo said.
Juniors Michael Branley, Jacob Katulka and Kyle Emsley all finished between 29th and 42nd out of 139 runners in the District 2 field and senior George Sharkey joined them in the top half of the field.
Freshman Jaden Pepe finished fifth in the Ed Narkiewicz Wyoming Valley Conference Coaches Meet last season.
“With the older guys on the team taking him under their wing, I think that he will really help to bolster our roster,” Lombardo said.
Lombardo is hoping for the team to establish itself early.
“I think that new mentality will make itself apparent right out of the gate, especially in guys like Michael Branley and Jacob Katulka, who have put in the summer training to set the necessary foundation for both personal and team success in this sport,” she said.
The girls team also has potential, but could continue to struggle at times to have enough runners.
The Lady Warriors went 8-10 last season, including forfeit losses on days when they did not have the minimum five runners for a team score.
“We once again may have a difficult time fielding enough runners for a team during several meets,” Lombardo said.
Aubriana Marranca was 35th of 95 at the District 2 Class 2A girls meet last season and best among schools that did not have enough girls to compete as a full team.
Marranca, a junior, and Julie Bonsavage, a senior, will run cross country full time this season after splitting time between the sport and soccer last season.
“I will really be looking to Aubriana Marranca to lead the team this year with her two solid years of experience at the varsity level and a new-found confidence coming off of a track season that was filled with personal bests,” Lombardo said. “She has really put in the work this summer, so I expect for her to find her stride early on this season.”
Lombardo said Bonsavage’s full-time commitment should also boost the team because of her “unique leadership quality that has helped to create a close-knit team, albeit a small one.”
Junior Olivia Kwiatkowski, another runner with experience, and sophomore Amelia Golden are soccer players who will run with the team when available.
Erika Holweg, another junior returns. Freshman Hailey Crawford is expected to be a key contributor.
