The Bradford High girls cross country teams returns three letterwinners despite a low turnout with only five members on the team.  

“We lost four girls to graduation including Amanda Little and Logan Sunafrank,” BHS coach Mark Kelley said. “Logan was our top runner last year and Amanda qualified for states three out of the four years. They were great leaders and difficult to replace. We also had five other girls including three letterwinners decide to not come back out for the team this year.”
Leading this year’s team is senior captain and three-year letterwinner Bethany Bednez.

“Bethany had a very good summer of training,” Kelley said. “I think she is in the best shape of her four years. She has really stepped up the leadership of the team, not just with the varsity team but the junior high team as well. She finished 11th at the district meet last year and was an individual qualifier for the state meet and that will be the goal again this year.”
The other senior letterwinner is Brianna Keller.

“Bri had a really great second half of the year. She was fighting for that seventh spot at Districts and had some really great races. She has been practicing very well and right now she looks to be our third runner.”
Two juniors out for the team are Alex Safran and Haleigh Reid.

“Alex and Haleigh have been on the team since 7th grade. They are experienced runners and now get the chance to jump into the varsity races. We do not have the luxury of any depth this season, so it will be important for Alex and Haleigh to be consistent this season.”
The sophomore class is the smallest class but features one letterwinner in Hannah Lary.

“Hannah came out last year and had an excellent season. She was consistently one of our top two runners and finished ninth at the district meet, earning an individual qualifying spot at the state meet. She has had a great summer of training and her workouts have been some of her best. She is a very disciplined athlete and will do whatever we ask her to. The goal is to be near the front of the race at the district meet.  
“All of the girls understand where we are as a team and how important it is to stay healthy, be consistent and work hard. Unlike the past few years where we have had some competition for the those coveted seven varsity sports. This year everybody will be running varsity races. We don’t have as many invitationals this year, so we will be ready to run at the district meet at the end of October.”

Bradford’s 2018 schedule

September

1 – at Lock Haven Invitational, 10:30 a.m.

4 – vs. Kane, St. Marys, 4:45 p.m.

11 – at Brockway, DuBois, 4 p.m.

15 – Bradford Invitational, 9:30 a.m.

18 – at Punxsutawney, DuBois, 4 p.m.

22 – at Sharpsville, 9:15 a.m.

25 – Northern Tier Mega Meet, 4:45 p.m.

October

6 – at Slippery Rock Invitational, 10 a.m.

13 – at Cuba-Rushford Invitational, 11 a.m.

27 – District Championships, at Ridgway, 11 a.m.