It’s that time of year again—students are heading back to school, the nights are getting cooler, and cross country season is officially underway. Just three weeks in, we’ve already seen standout performances and teams making their presence felt across Western Pennsylvania.
North Allegheny wasted no time showcasing its depth and talent, with freshmen Gatik Hirwani and Samantha Strelick proving they’ll be names to watch for years to come. Their efforts turned the season opener into a true coming-out party, and it’s exciting to imagine what they’ll accomplish as the year unfolds.
At the HOKA Riverside Kickoff Meet, the Norwin boys made an early statement by defeating both North Allegheny and Butler. For a young squad, this victory serves as a massive confidence boost, showing the rest of the WPIAL that they’re every bit as strong as last year. Not to be outdone, the Norwin girls captured the team championship, highlighted by Annie Czajkowski’s silver medal in the Showcase Race under the lights.
North Catholic also made its mark at the Butler County Scrimmage, where Tyler Carroll and Madeline Meeuf dominated their races with commanding margins of victory. If the girls’ team can stay healthy, they’ll be a tough out come late October at White Oak Park.
One of the biggest individual highlights came from Freeport sophomore David Kristine, who opened his 2025 campaign with a season-best effort. He came within seconds of breaking the 17-minute barrier in the 5K—a clear sign that he’s ready to step into contender status this fall.
Meanwhile, the Mount Lebanon girls are shaping up to be one of the top teams in the WPIAL. Five runners broke 21 minutes on the challenging, hill-filled course at Mingo Park—a performance that cements them as legitimate championship contenders. This is a team that consistently peaks at the right time, and they’ll be one to watch as the postseason approaches.
At Schenley Park, Josh Matthews and Abby Weinstein of Winchester Thurston took control on a humid Pittsburgh day, running smart, commanding races to set the tone for their seasons.
And finally, don’t overlook the Oakland Catholic and Blackhawk girls’ programs. Both squads bring talent and depth to the AA girls’ field and could very well be in the mix for postseason runs later this fall.
Cross country season is off to a blazing start—and if these early performances are any indication, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year on the trails. Stay connected with me at NixonTFXC.com and follow along on Instagram, X, and Facebook for the latest and most exciting XC coverage all season long!
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