What to watch: Butler, Seneca Valley cross country ready to test themselves in tri-meet with Pine-Richland
It’s still early in the season, but Butler and Seneca Valley will get a feel for what they’re up against during a WPIAL Section 3-3A cross country tri-meet Tuesday at Pine-Richland.
The trip down Route 8 will be the first tri-meet Butler takes part in this season. The Golden Tornado ran the HOKA Kickoff Classic and McDowell Invitational over the past two weekends.
“(It) kinda sees where your pecking order is within your own section, which helps you kind of see where you’re at around the WPIAL, as well,” Butler coach Mike Seybert said.
“There’s nothing better than the head-to-head rivalry we’ve developed with Butler and Pine-Richland over the years,” Raiders coach Steve Strelick said. “We have a ton of respect for both of their programs.”
Brendan Eicher and seniors Ethan Thomas and Logan Rogers make up the Golden Tornado boys’ top trio of runners. Seybert said Eicher broke McDowell’s 51-year-old course record.
“He ran a 15:45, which is one of the top three times in the state on a 5K course,” Seybert said. “So as a junior, he’s happy where he’s at.”
Seneca Valley is paced by senior Rye McGee, who Strelick said has made huge strides since last fall. Juniors Hunter Petersen and Jackson McClune are aiming to break out behind him.
Freshman Landon Slear has stepped up for the Golden Tornado, winning Thursday’s race against Avonworth after Butler left that top trio back to train instead.
“Between him and another junior that we have that just started running last year, Alex Motonis, those two kids are like our No. 4 and No. 5 runners,” Seybert said.
Butler’s top girls runners are sophomore Zari Golojuh, junior Macie McLister, sophomores Avery Sintz and Kyra Olivares and freshman Maya Keffalas. Olivares won the girls’ race at Avonworth.
That stable will compete with Seneca Valley’s Elyse Cilik, Gracie Gordon and Siena Varlotta. Senior Giulia Pologruto is a dark horse who Strelick has learned never to count out.
Seybert is a fan of the Rams’ course.
“They have a good course,” Seybert said. “It’s not a super hilly course. I like it. I like the feel. You can get a good time on that course.”
Brett Poirier’s Raiders (3-0) will play Butler on Tuesday and North Allegheny on Wednesday to open WPIAL Section 2-4A play.
“There is not time for a practice between games,” Poirier said. “Every section game is crucial if you want to make playoffs. I believe we are ready to be tested.”
Seneca Valley has yet to drop a set over three matches, sweeping Penn-Trafford, Armstrong and Hampton. The Golden Tornado have started 4-1, and North Allegheny is 1-2 but should start to find its groove as defending WPIAL Class 4A champions.
Having outscored their first six opponents 24-7, the Trojanettes (5-1, 1-0 WPIAL Section 2-2A) welcome Freeport in for the first of two section matchups this season.
The Yellowjackets (2-1, 1-0) knocked off Shady Side Academy in overtime to begin section play Thursday. This one should go a long way in deciding this year’s conference champion.
