Belle Vernon harriers look to get up and running
The interest was there, so Belle Vernon decided to attempt to get boys and cross country teams up and running in 2016, and it’s been so far, so good, to date.
Chris Stasicha, who coaches track in the spring, is leading the Leopards into what he called “the first serious attempt at a team.”
The school has had solid runners in the past, notably John Kerekes, a 2001 graduate, and the late Ryan Moravic, who graduated in 2003. Both runners showed well at the WPIAL finals despite being a “team of one.”
Belle Vernon has had a strong track & field program — despite not having a track or facilities — of late, so Stasicha sees a cross country program a logical extension to continue that success, especially on the track.
“We didn’t know we were having a team until late July,” explained Stasicha. “The first couple of meets were tough. It took us a while to get a good time.”
Part of the tough start was, according to Stasicha, “Learning the nuances of running on grass, concrete and a track. We go to Cedar Creek Park and run on the trail. I set up a 5K course, and a 400 and 800 loop, through Cedar Creek. There’s a nice hill so we get in hill work.
“There’s a lot of mental toughness with cross country. They just have to stay focused. It’s a very competitive sport. It’s a team sport with a lot of individual aspects.”
Stasicha’s been able to keep runners on the team through the initial season.
“We started with 17 kids and have 16 running right now. At the end of track, we took a poll who was interested or not interested,” explained Stasicha. “They’re learning. They’re learning the sport. It’s been fun. I really enjoy it.”
Belle Vernon will compete in the FCCA Cross Country Championships on Oct. 13 at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus and the Tri-State Coaches Association meet the following Thursday at California University of Pa.
Then, since they do not have an officially sanctioned team, the Leopards can bring one girl and one boy to the WPIAL Championships at Cooper’s Lake Campground on Thursday, Oct. 27.
Stasicha is looking for the same thing every cross country coach is looking for.
“We’re looking for everyone to drop times,” said Stasicha.
Hannah Seitzinger and Brett Seich are leading the way through the inaugural season.
Seich and the Leopards ran along with Ringgold, Connellsville, Albert Gallatin, Laurel Highlands and Uniontown at their Section 2-AAA meet at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus.
Seich finished in 17:37, only seven second behind the first-place finisher Logan Gonzales, from Connellsville.
“It felt like any other race,” said Seich. “(Coach Stasicha) said time would be pretty good.”
Seich ran on the heels of participating in the Great Race, where he ran 17:13 to win his age group.
Seich is relishing the opportunity to be on the ground floor of the cross country program.
“It feels good. I get to be the leader of it,” said Seich, adding, “I’m hoping to try to get to states. I look to get into the 16s (minutes).”