By Anthony Sparrow and Jayden Sparrow
Pen Argyl’s cross country team got their feet pounding on a sticky Tuesday afternoon.
The packed crowd was cheering on their fellow friends, children, and relatives, and especially Anthony Coppolella. Coppolella aimed to achieve below a staggering 17:00 time.
The race kicked off with Coppolella and Saucon’s Matthew Chiakowsky closely knit with each other in the first lap. However, Coppolella picked up his pace in the next few moments, surmounting a pretty large lead over his competitors. The crowd, extremely excited for Coppolella to finish with an amazing time, cheered him on and made sure they followed his every move.
The blistering heat picked up, taking a toll on every runner and spectator there. However, Coppolella did not fold. He continued his incredible pace and still aimed to overcome his great goal of finishing under the 17:00 mark.
The end was nearing, and Coppolella was on pace to beat his two biggest competitors, the clock and the runner behind him. Coming across the spectators field of view, Coppolella was heading on to the finish line. The crowd screamed and cheered him on.
Halfway into the sixteenth minute, Coppolella crossed the finish line. The crowd surrounded him, students and friends congratulating their fellow athletic peer. Coppolella officially finished with an astounding 16.31 time. He was 14 seconds ahead of the second place finisher, Matthew Chaikowsky.
Pen Argyl’s course is thought to be the most challenging for runners, because of the massive hills and the odd route.
Anthony looks to continue an amazing senior season and hopefully go on to leagues, districts, and even states.
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