In his four years, Palisades’ Thomas Smigo hasn’t been slowed by many elements or situations. He wasn’t going to let a sudden rash of cold weather hinder his progress.
The senior and three-time defending Colonial League champion made it a four-year sweep as he paced the field in 16:30.14, his season best, recently on DeSales University’s 3.1-mile course. Smigo finished 21 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Matthew Santana of Northwestern Lehigh.
Smigo was among the top local runners who crossed the finish lines in prominent places at the Colonial League and Suburban One League (SOL) championships. He now will look ahead to capture his fourth consecutive district title.
“I ran great and it was by far the coldest meet of the year,” said Smigo. “It was fine, but it did slow everyone down a bit. I know the course very well, so that helped a lot.
“Since we are on the same course again for districts, I think it plays even more in my favor. It is the same course as the league one, and it is very similar to Hershey. I’m looking forward to the last few meets of the year, and hopefully, I can end on a high note.”
Central Bucks West’s girls squad captured the SOL Colonial Division crown with 52 points, nine ahead of second-place Central Bucks East (61). Central Bucks South finished and Pennridge tied for third with 70 points.
Pennridge’s sophomore Ashley Landis and senior Nora Ritting topped the field with their first- and second-place finishes respectively. Landis ran in 18:46.40, and Ritting ended in 19:02.60.
CB West veteran head coach Kiki Bell was pleased with her squad’s performance.
“There have been no restrictions or limited concerns,” Bell noted. “We have a lot of great kids who are learning from older athletes who’ve had an interesting four years.
“We are so impressed with the performances of the team, and, of course, thrilled that those efforts secured the league championship. Our usual first and second finishers were sixth and seventh in the varsity race. For a team to come up with the win is a testament to their pack mentality and positive attitude.”
Bucks senior Cayleigh Haag, who was seventh overall in 19:53.20, truly enjoyed the moment.
“I am very happy with how I ran, and also how my team ran,” said Haag. “It was a personal record for myself, as I had a goal of running 20 minutes since I was a freshman, but I never truly thought I was going to get to that point. Finally being able to break that barrier in one of my last races was super special.
“My season has been really fun, too. The whole team is progressing together, which is very encouraging. We wanted to win leagues, and we were ready to race really hard to get that title. We put in the effort all season with morning practices, ice baths and long runs. It was so exciting to see all of our work pay off.”
Central Bucks South sophomore Riley Rooney was third (19:12.10), and Central Bucks East senior Jillian Thorning was fourth (19:12.60), recording the top spots for their teams.
On the boys side, CB West senior Owen Donaher was sixth (16:17.50); CB South junior Evan Morrow, 11th (16:44.90); Pennridge junior Thomas McGann, 13th (16:54.70); and CB East senior Patrick Haurin, 18th (17:29.40).
As a team, CB West was third (90 points); CB East, fourth (109); CB South, fifth (128); and Pennridge, sixth (142).
In the Patriot girls division, Council Rock South senior Bailey Gassman crossed the tape first in 18:37.70, and Council Rock North senior Jack Czarnecki took top honors among the boys in 15:53.70.
CR North took the boys title with 29 points, while CR South was fifth with 108 points. Council Rock South’s girls unit was second (40), and CR North was third (67).
Quakertown senior Rebekah Hickey was third overall in the Liberty Division in 19:34.60, and brother freshman Josiah Hickey was the Panthers’ top boys runner with a 23rd-place finish in 18:34.90.
The Panthers’ girls team was second overall behind Upper Dublin with 58 points, and the boys’ team was sixth with 168 points.
In the Freedom girls division, New Hope-Solebury’s Ruby Keddie finished fourth (19.56.50) and Aadi Shah was the top boys runner for the Lions, finishing ninth (17.24.20).
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