West leads University to Everhart Invite team title
Jim Downey | Herald-Standard
University’s Jacob West (center) and Laurel Highlands’ Matt Schwertfeger (right) run in the lead pack as they near the mile mark in Saturday’s 32nd annual A.J. Everhart Invitational at Penn State Fayette. West finished first and Schwertfeger placed fourth.
Jim Downey | Herald-Standard
Uniontown’s Cooper Gilleland (center) is bracketed by a pair of Morgantown runners as they near the final mile in Saturday’s A.J. Everhart Invitational at Penn State Fayette.
Connellsville's Jonah Lindstrom leads a pack of runners to the mile mark during Saturday's A.J. Everhart Invitational at Penn State Fayette.
Laurel Highlands' Matt Schwertfeger tries to reel in a runner during Saturday's A.J. Everhart Invitational at Penn State Fayette.
University High’s Jacob West settled in around half way through Saturday’s 32nd annual A.J. Everhart Invitational course at Penn State Fayette, and didn’t let the light rain and undulating terrain slow him down for a first-place finish.
West crossed the finish line in 16:17.40, leading a host of teammates to a top-10 finish and the team title with an impressive 19 points.
West was pleased with his performance, considering the race was his first on Uniontown’s home course.
“It was a good time for the course,” said the senior. “I came in blind. I talked to some people who ran it years ago and they said it was pretty hilly. Then, yesterday, our coaches said it wasn’t too hilly.”
West noted the point where he felt he was in control.
“The sharp 180-turn at the base of the hill, about 1½ miles I would guess,” said West.
West said he’s generally not a frontrunner.
“It’s scary, but I enjoy (running in the lead). It motivates you,” said West, adding, “I never (felt comfortable). If there’s an uphill, I try to make a move on those. Make the move on the up and protect your move on the down.”
The cross country season in West Virginia is winding down, as well.
“We have 4 races left. This helps definitely helps confirm that (he is where he needs to be),” said West.
University’s Tyler Umbright (16:44.50) and Ethan Conroy (16:45.30) followed their teammate across the finish.
Laurel Highlands’ Matt Schwertfeger placed fourth with a time of 16:48.20.
“Well, I fell behind a little bit, so I reattached a little bit (with the lead pack) around the half mile,” explained Schwertfeger.
Schwertfeger felt his time was not the best.
“Eh, it’s early. It’s something to work with,” said Schwertfeger. “Definitely not (his best time), right now, but I still have time.
“Yeah, I think (I have enough time). That’s the plan.”
The Section 2-AAA schedule closes Tuesday with Albert Gallatin, Connellsville, Ringgold, Uniontown and Laurel Highlands all running each other at Laurel Highlands. Schwertfeger isn’t sure how he’ll approach the race on his home course, but is excited to close the week with a strong performance in the Paul Short Run at Lehigh University.
“I’ll just play (Tuesday) by ear. I’m really looking forward to next Saturday right now,” said Schwertfeger.
Gateway’s Kefimba Cisse (5, 17:04.30), University’s Jack Overfield (6, 17:12.40) and Gavin Whorton (7, 17:13.10), Penn-Trafford’s Jake McGhee (8, 17:15.30), Greensburg Central Catholic’s Nick Szekely (9, 17:16.60), and Riverside’s Christopher Barnes (10, 17:17.90) rounded out the top 10.
Uniontown’s Cooper Gilleland ran to a spot on the medals stand after he finished 18th overall in 17:55.70. Teammate Ethan Syner just missed after he placed 21st in 18:09.30.
Connellsville’s Jonah Lindstrom had a top-30 finish after he placed 27th overall in 18:24.60. West Greene’s Jackson Grimes was 58th in 19:57.30.
Waynesburg Central’s Travis Tedrow placed 93rd with a time of 22:08.60. Calvary Chapel Christian School’s Harrison Bommer finished 72nd in 20:29.30.
Southmoreland’s Logan Deluca (83, 21:11.50), Carmichaels’ Landon Brown (138, 30:15.20), Brownsville’s Owen Shimshock (106, 22:33.90), and Albert Gallatin’s Brock Mace (63, 20:06.60) had the top finishes for their teams.
Morgantown won the junior varsity team title with 15 points after sweeping the first five places. Donald Adjeroh won the individual title in 17:56.40.
St Francis Central Catholic won the junior high boys team title with 31 points. St. Francis’ Micah Gainer won the race in 7:33.60, followed by Connellsville’s Jake Pritts (7:52), Ellic Pritts (7:54.30), and Finn Jones (8:40.70).