Fox Chapel cross country claims section titles, building momentum for WPIAL meet

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Fox Chapel cross country coach Thomas Moul knew what the top goal on the mind of the girls team was. After a few years without a title, the Foxes wanted to get back on top of the section.

All five of the Foxes’ top runners placed at the top 10 of the section meet at Northmoreland Park in Apollo. Fox Chapel finished with 33 points, comfortably ahead of Kiski Area, which finished second with 50 points.

“They were really focused this year,” Moul said. “We have the kids write up their goals in the preseason. They had that as a goal. I was super proud of the team for doing that. We knew Kiski had a good team. They had two strong girls, and it wouldn’t be an easy race.”

Clara Kelley was the top finisher on the girls side. Kelley placed fourth in a time of 21 minutes, 25.80 seconds. Kelley, a senior, qualified for states during her freshman and sophomore seasons.

Sara Michaelak was Fox Chapel’s second-best finisher at sections by placing sixth (21:40.5). Ceccilia Ressler finished seventh (21:44.6). Marin Airik also finished in the top 10 by finishing ninth (22:07.7).

Both of Fox Chapel’s cross country teams, boys and girls, built momentum heading into the WPIAL Class 3A Championships at White Oak Park. The Foxes’ boys team won its fifth straight title.

Fox Chapel was able to do so by having its top seven runners finish in the top 19 overall. The Foxes were without one of their top runners, Ethan Vaughan. Fox Chapel finished with 39 points, which was well ahead of second-place Kiski Area, which finished with 62.

“Those guys are working hard,” Moul said. “We’re fortunate to have a deep team. We have a want of guys that want to be in that top group and feed off each other. That’s what it takes. You have a bunch of guys competing against each other for top spots on the team.”

Rowan Gwin, a returning state qualifier, was able to make quick progress back from his injury at the end of last season. Despite not being able to get back into his training until early August, Gwin has bounced back.

Gwin won the section title by placing first with a time of 16:34.10.

“He’s worked really hard,” Moul said. “He rehabbed all summer and he is diligent to get back to his goal and peak form. He’s where he should be.”

David Black (sixth), Michael Costello (ninth), Max Kaizer (11th) and Nicky Clump (12th) rounded out the top five finishers for the boys team.

Doug Lisotto (13th) and Dylan Berman (19th) also finished in the top 20.

“Our guys have been focused,” Moul said. “We’re hoping to finish among the top teams in the WPIAL.”

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