Boys Cross Country wins the County Meet
Led by captains Ryan Ewing, Jonathan Stetchock, and Isaiah Bittner, Hempfield Area’s Boys Cross Country Team has been having a season to remember.
With two invitational victories, a third-place finish at another, and their first section title in over a decade, the Spartans have proven to be one of the most dominant teams in the area—defeating 81 teams so far this season. Being ranked as first in the WPIAL and seventh in the state, the boys are setting their sights on making school history at the upcoming WPIAL Championships on October 23 at White Oak Park.
The team entered the season with high ambitions: to win every major meet they attend. So far, they’ve accomplished nearly all their goals, leaving just the WPIAL and State Meets on their list. As captain Ryan Ewing explains, the WPIAL title remains their main focus — and would mark a historic first for Hempfield.
“This team has really bought in and believed in one another,” said Athletic Director Brandon Rapp. “They’ve worked hard every day, pushed each other to get better, and shown what can happen when a group commits to a common goal. I’m excited to see what they’ll accomplish at WPIALs and States”.
Cross Country, however, is as much a test of mental toughness as it is of speed. Long-distance running pushes athletes beyond comfort, demanding constant focus and resilience. The captains agree that the hardest battles happen in the mind. The runners rely on each other for encouragement and strength, “Trying to keep your mind focused while being extremely tired is tough,” states Isaiah Bittner, “I go into each race with confidence from my teammates and coaches”.
Jonathan Stetchock shares that with the mental game of long distance running, “You’ve really got to flip your mindset, focus on what you have done. Once you get to that point, it’s just a matter of putting in as much work as you can”.
When their bodies reach the point of exhaustion, the captains each rely on their own strategies to stay composed. Ewing says he repeats positive affirmations like “Believe” to keep calm, while focusing on breathing.
“I know my body will quit a thousand times before my mind will,” he said. Stetchock emphasized pacing: “You don’t want to hit true exhaustion until the very end. Concentrating on the people around you helps”.
Bittner focuses on form and breathing, keeping his composure when it matters most.
Looking ahead, each captain has his own path. Ryan Ewing plans to attend Robert Morris University or Grove City College to continue running while majoring in mathematics to become an actuary. Jonathan Stetchock intends to study software and biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, and Isaiah Bittner hopes to continue his running career in college, though he remains undecided on where he’ll attend.
More than anything, the captains say this season has taught them the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and gratitude. Being a senior has sparked the realization of how much their teammates mean to each other. They’ve learned to appreciate the people around them, value every moment, and support one another through every challenge.
We wish the Spartans the best of luck at their upcoming meets!
