On November 1, 2025, the best runners in Pennsylvania took on the PIAA State Championships in Hershey. Just under 1,500 athletes participated in six races that spanned the morning. The fast course and high energy of competitors makes the anticipation for this race beyond compare. The competition is split into three divisions based on school size, 1A, 2A, and 3A. The top 25 runners in each race earn a medal. In the girls’ races, Virginia Kraus of Saucon Valley secured her 4th consecutive state title in 2A, and Madelyn McCartney of Emmaus secured her 1st title in 3A.
For the first time in Pennsylvania History, Virginia Kraus, who has committed to Dartmouth, won states all four years of her High School career. She raced in the 2A division and set a new state course record with a time of 17:48. “It’s a great feeling, and right now it’s a mix of excitement, relief, a little bit of sadness because it’s over, and a whole lot of gratitude”, says Virginia. In college she wants to learn to become a better athlete and have fun, while hopefully winning the Ivy League Championships and qualifying for NCAA nationals. After college, she plans to focus on trail running while pursuing medical school in hopes to become a psychiatrist.
In the girl’s 3A race, Madelyn McCartney, who is committed to the University of Kentucky, came in first with a time of 18:17. She helped lead her team to a 15th place finish. Elizabeth McClarin, a sophomore from Liberty, took 13th with a 19:15. Easton’s team finished 11th. In the 2A race, Samantha Karwaki of Notre Dame Green Pond came in 38th with a time of 20:47, her team finished in 12th. Wilson’s team came in 14th place. Lastly in the 1A race, Minersville took 20th, and Schuylkill Haven took 21st.
In the boy’s 3A race, Colin McGuigan of Parkland placed 23rd with a time of 16:33, his team placed 18th. Emmaus finished 15th. In the 2A race, Connor Hibell finished 26th with a 17:10. Wilson placed 13th, and Notre Dame Green Pond placed 18th. In the 1A race, Robert Espinal of Shenandoah Valley came in 12th with a time of 17:07. Nativity took 17th and Marian Catholic took 19th.
The PIAA State Championships is the last race of the season for most of the athletes. It gave them an opportunity to show their true capabilities one last time. The excitement of the race could be felt on the sidelines, which were packed with spectators and teammates. As the 2025 cross country season winds down, the D11 teams should be proud of their spectacular accomplishments.
