Seniors return to lead Shady Side Academy cross country

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 | 5:30 PM

The Shady Side Academy girls cross country team posted a 4-2 mark last year and saw Jeanne Lauer run to an eighth-place finish at the PIAA championships.

SSA coach Sue Whitney lost a few runners to graduation, but she is excited about the returning athletes.

“We'll be led by a very good group of seniors who have been with the team for four years,” Whitney said.

Those seniors are Lauer, Megan McInerney, Alicia McLaughlin, Lucia Santos Huertas and Carolyn Woll.

“Jeanne was our MVP last year,” Whitney said. “Megan is battling injuries right now, but she's devoted to helping the team. I'm not sure how many meets she'll be able to run.

“We're looking for great things from Alicia. Aside from her running skills, she displays great leadership. Lucia is a quiet leader who leads by example. She's very competitive and driven. Carolyn has come on strong. She's looked incredible so far. She's very competitive, and she'll be a force. She is a world class Irish dancer, and I think that's where her competitiveness comes from.”

The Indians also have three talented juniors returning in Natalie Capretto, Bella Cavagna and Josie Szlachetka, along with a newcomer in junior Emmie Lau, who also stars at lacrosse.

“Emmie is very athletic and a natural athlete,” Whitney said. “Cross country is a good fit for her.”

Whitney said the team is doing whatever it takes to be successful.

“A lot of kids have done a lot of running in the summer,” she said. “Everyone's willing to work hard. They have a lot of energy, and they're so incredibly coachable. Most importantly, they're having fun and they have a great team chemistry.

“If I tell them at the end of practice to run one more hill or do one more lap, they don't roll their eyes. I'm not saying they give me a big smile, but they just go and do it.”

The Indians compete in WPIAL Division II, Section 4.

“I think that Indiana will be the team to beat again.” Whitney said. “They're always strong.”

Other teams in the section are Burrell, Southmoreland, Deer Lakes, Freeport and four Class A schools — Riverview, Greensburg Central Catholic, Geibel and Redeemer/Ellis.

“I think we'll do well,” Whitney said. “We have some very capable senior leadership and that, along with our experience, will be our strengths.”

Marty Stewart is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shady Side Academy