Honesdale's Brenna Dahlgren earns a medal at the PIAA Cross Country Championships
HERSHEY — Honesdale’s varsity cross country teams put the finishing touches on an historic season this past weekend.
The Hornets traveled to Hershey Friday and Saturday where the entire boys squad plus Brenna Dahlgren competed in the 2022 PIAA State Championships.
This year’s edition of the event, which was held at the storied Parkland course, attracted elite runners from all over the Commonwealth. And, when the clock stopped ticking on the final race, it was Dahlgren who’d earned the biggest headline.
The high-flying junior rocketed to 23rd place overall in the Class AA girls standings. Brenna crossed the line in a time of 20:37, becoming the first Lady Hornet in 10 years to bring home a state medal.
“I'm so happy!” Brenna exclaimed after the race. “To be a state medalist was my biggest goal this whole season and being able to accomplish that is one of the best feelings ever.”
Veteran Head Coach Lindsey Pender, who is celebrating 20 years at the Honesdale helm, was thrilled with Dahlgren’s performance.
“Brenna absolutely saved her best for last,” Coach Pender said. “She ran beautifully. Brenna had things under control from the one mile mark. Watching her run was just emotional overload … it was amazing.”
Lady Hornet History
Summer Hill is one of the most decorated student-athletes in Honesdale history.
A distance running superstar who dazzled in both cross country and track, Hill made multiple appearances at the state meet over the course of her career. She then went on to earn All-American status at California University of Pennsylvania.
Hill was on hand for Saturday’s Class AA races and had nothing but praise for Dahlgren’s achievement.
“Brenna did so well!” Summer said. “She is truly built for distance running. Brenna ran a smart race and made great decisions fighting all the way to the finish line. I’m sure we will see Brenna have a lot more success in her future career.”
Dahlgren came off the line hard, fighting for position among 243 other competitors. She settled in to a comfortable spot just before the one mile marker and waited for an opening.
“I was extremely nervous before the race,” Brenna admitted. “Luckily I had all my teammates there for support. After the first 800, the nerves started to settle down and I was able to focus on running my race.”
Dahlgren’s pace improved as the race developed. She clocked in at 6:08 for her first mile, then improved 10 spots from 45th to 35th at the 2.5km checkpoint.
Brenna made her biggest move with a little less than a mile to go. She catapulted into medal contention inside the Top 25, eventually crossing the line 23rd and collapsing.
“For basically the whole race I was running in the 25-27 range,” Brenna said. “But, I gave it my all there at the end.”
Dahlgren’s official time of 20:37.1 was two seconds better than her closest pursuer. It was also just a little over three seconds quicker than Ella Novelli of Crestwood who finished 25th.
“I’m so thrilled with the whole season,” Brenna said. “It’s sad that it has come to an end, but I’m just glad to finish out my junior year on a high note.”
Bittersweet Ending
Honesdale’s boys cross country team captured this year’s Lackawanna League Class AA championship.
It marked the first time the Hornets have copped the crown since 2004. Led by Aidan LaTourette, the Red & Black then proceeded to finish first at the District 2 Meet, sealing the deal on a trip to Hershey.
There, the local lads battled their way to a 12th place overall finish in AA. While this performance might not have been what Coach Pender was hoping for, she had nothing but praise for her team.
“Today is hard,” she said. “I truly wish this season never had to end. These boys are fast, but they are also fabulous to work with. They’re so dedicated, coachable … and most of all, they’re all friends.”
LaTourette was the first Honesdale runner across the line. He stopped the clock at 18:05, good for 31st place.
Aidan was followed in by teammates Logan Novobilski (51st, 18:39); Joseph Taraschuk (64th, 18:53); Peter Pham (71st, 19:03); Jonah Legg (74th, 19:08).
Also contributing to the Red & Black attack were Lucas Murray (88th, 19:22) and Paul Reiprich (106th, 19:55).
“We went in looking to perform to the best of our ability’s and see what we could truly accomplish after a season of success,” LaTourette said.
“To end a phenomenal and historical season with a Top 15 at states is truly a blessing. These guys have worked so hard all season and we are glad that it all paid off in the end.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale Hornets Cross Country Brenna Dahlgren State Medalist
