HERSHEY — Senior Logan Caruso took 26th place in the team competition to lead Bradford to a 17th place finish at the PIAA Class AA Cross Country Championships on Saturday. Caruso ran 17:17 which was also the 44th best individual place in the overall competition.
“Logan has had a great career,” BHS coach Tom Tessena said. “He just came off winning his third District 9 AA Championship. Only one other boy accomplished this and that was Matt Vezza of Clearfield who did it in 1987, 1988, and 1989. That is quite an accomplishment and when you consider the serious back surgery that cost Logan his sophomore track season and hindered his full recovery for cross country last year. The field this year was pretty strong as well but we are proud of Logan and all that he has accomplished.”
Sophomore Tyler Kraft’s time of 17:42 was good for 48th teamwise and 91st overall.
“Tyler looks ready to take up the title of number one for 2018,” Tessena said. “We are really looking for Tyler to have a great year in Track this spring and next year in Cross Country.
Junior Vinnie Bizzarro improved his earlier time on this course by 1:14, running 18:13 for 77th place (144th individually).
“Vinnie overcame a lot of adversity to finish strong for the team,” Tessena said. “He will be counted this spring both indoor and outdoor and will be a force to be reckoned with for Cross Country next fall.
Also running strong races for the Owls were Gabe Mitchell (18:52, 105th team, 190th indiv.), Andrew Kraft (19:20, 117th team, 205th indiv.), Ian Paterniti (19:23, 119th), and Ryan Cottillion (19:25, 120th). Paterniti and Cottillion ran in place of Cade Hayden and Isaac Paterniti, who were both sidelined with injuries.
“I want to thank all the boys for their hard work this season,” Tessena said. “We have most of our team back for next year including all of the guys from the Varsity extra race at district which they won.”
Equipment will be collected immediately after school on Wednesday, Nov. 8 and the team banquet will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. at the St Bernards Social Center. Those parents and friends wishing to attend should call Nancy Crissman at 465-2294 to make reservations. The runners will be free but there will be a fee for others.
