The Bradford High girls cross country team will attempt to use a
mix of youth and experience to win their sixth consecutive District
9 Class AAA title.

The Lady Owls’ team is comprised of 15 runners, six of whom are
returning letterwinners.

“The girls have been conditioning throughout the summer to
prepare themselves for a rigorous season,” Bradford coach Bob
Macfarlane said.

The team attended a week-long running camp in August in
preparation for the upcoming season.

There are three senior members on this year’s team – Megan
Foster, Jessica Graves and Liz Keller.

“Keller is a second-year captain and will continue to provide
leadership through her dedication and hard work,” Macfarlane
noted.

Foster ran as an alternate at the PIAA meet last year and her
goal for this season is to be in the top seven this season.

Graves is returning to running after a rough season of injuries
last year. Her goal is to improve each meet and stay healthy.

Some of the team’s most experienced runners are in the junior
class.

Sarah Lonzi, a two-time District 9 champion, Renee Cavallaro and
Paige Ambrose have all been with the cross country program since
they were in seventh grade.

These three girls, along with Keller, are co-captains of this
year’s team.

“Lonzi is very focused on her goal to become the first Bradford
High girl to be a three-year District 9 champion,” the coach
pointed out. “She also wants to be in the top 10 at the state
level.

“Renee and Paige have a strong work ethic and desire to be among
the top runners in the district. They are willing to work hard and
pass these values on to the younger group.

“The team is counting on them for leadership on and off the
course. Also in our group of juniors are Chloe Nickel and Kevryn
Boser. While they do not have as much experience, they are showing
a willingness to train hard and make a commitment to the sport in
order to continually improve.”

The sophomore group consists of Erica Pascarella, Kara
Piganelli, Olivia Goble and Shannon Taylor.

Pascarella ran on the varsity team as a freshman and has had
experience competing at the state level.

“She possesses the ability to really excel this year and have a
positive impact at the varsity level,” Macfarlane commented. “Kara,
Olivia and Shannon are constantly improving and showing a desire to
contribute to the team with a positive attitude.”

Running as freshmen this year are Megan Prosser, Marissa
Buchheit and Brittni Wiseman.

“What this young group lacks in experience, they more than make
up for in their eagerness to continually improve and contribute to
the team,” Macfarlane said. “They are adapting well to the changes
of running at the high school level and they will all be pushing
for positions on the varsity team.”

The theme this year is “It’s All About Team,” which began with
summer training camp.

“Each girl knows what she needs to do as an individual in order
for the team to be successful,” the coach emphasized. “We have a
very strong schedule this year that includes seven invitationals
and eight dual meets.”

The Lady Owls open the season Saturday at the Erie McDowell
Invitational.

In addition, the team will host the third annual Bradford
Invitational on Sept. 23 at GGB.

“Our runners need to stay healthy throughout the season, be
mentally tough and stay focused on the goals they have set,”
Macfarlane added.

“This is a very coachable group of young girls who want to excel
and are willing to give the type of commitment to the sport that is
necessary to carry on the tradition of Bradford cross country.”