For the Central Bucks East cross country teams, molded much like the Charles Dickens’ novel “Tale of Two Cities” – it is a tale of two teams.
The boys team, under head coach Todd Wiley, is undergoing a youth movement, while the girls team, under head coach Keith Sinn, has a veteran core.
“It’s pretty interesting this year,” said Wiley, who is in his second year at the helm after replacing longtime coach Sam Losaggio. “We were a strong team last year led by 10 seniors, many of whom made it to states.
“This year it is a different makeup.”
Wiley said his current squad is composed mainly of freshmen and sophomores. It has left Wiley with a truly positive outlook.
“It has been exciting because these guys have bought into the system, and they are really working hard,” he said. They are running well.
“Five of our top six guys are freshmen, and most of them haven’t run cross country before.”
In the recent Neshaminy Invitational, freshman Aaryan Katiyar paced the pack in a time of 18:00 and was eighth overall. Senior James Sexton was 15th in a time of 19:14.80.
“Aaryan is our No. 1 runner, and he is a very experienced one,” added Wiley. “He is not new to the sport. He has run in AAU cross country.
“He has a lot of potential.”
Wiley’s freshmen crew is Katiyar, Coltan Jones, Jacob Cooper, Hugo Blair, Joseph Lapeire, Austin Loving and Kyle Smith.
“These guys are really into running,” boasted Wiley. “They really love the sport. They are doing the work they need, and entering 5Ks.”
Wiley, who previously coached at CB West and spent two years with Losaggio, is very optimistic about his young core.
“I love to see any kid run, and it is great to have freshmen who are maturing quickly,” he stated. “If they continue to work like they are, they can have a very good postseason.
“The program seems to be in very good shape for the future.”
On the flip side, Sinn has a team that brings back several seasoned harriers.
He will look to seniors Devon Sutton, Jillian Thorning and Aleta Lyzinski to set the pace.
At Neshaminy, the trio followed each other in true fashion. Sutton was third (20:33.20); Thorning, fourth (21:18.30); and Lyzinski, sixth (22:33.10).
Sophomore Lily Norcross was ninth overall (22:53.80), and juniors Olivia Rosica (11th, 23:23.30) and Alyssa Curry (12th, 23:36.40) were among the top 15 finishers.
“Devon, Jillian and Aleta will lead us,” said Sinn. “Both Devon and Jill qualified for the PIAA state meet last year. Aleta was battling injuries last year, but she is healthy this year and looks great.
“Alyssa and Lily are returning runners, and they are running very well. Olivia is a newcomer and had a successful track season. It has carried over into her cross country season.”
With three seniors, six juniors, two sophomores and three freshmen on the roster, Sinn has an optimistic perspective.
“We’re looking for some good things from our three seniors,” added Sinn. “There is a good group of veteran runners back, and they should be getting better every week.”
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