Liberty’s cross country team will be led by two head coaches this year, Adam Syty, who is returning for the boys, and Kelly Bracetty, who coached Emmaus to a district championship in 2020, for the girls.

“It should be an exciting season for us, and we should be in the top three at districts,” Coach Syty said. “These guys are committed and their depth is much stronger.”

Currently running in the top five for the boys are Emrick Lesko, Jacob Orrico, Owen Reilly, Jack Huie, and Spencer Sabo.

Although this Hurricane roster of 19 isn’t as large last last year’s, Syty believes the boys team will be stronger this year by a good margin and is looking forward to competing against all teams within the EPC.

“It’ll be 100 times better,” he said. “That lack of competition last year was really hard to teach anybody anything. It’ll be a much better experience for learning to run at a higher level. The boys are ready to move up, but we need to put ourselves in situations that will test us.”

Returning for the girls are Ella Scott, Madeline Mumma, Mikaela Madecavage, Zoe Sharkan, and Kayla Lazorik.

“We spent the whole summer together with voluntary practices and had a great turnout,” Coach Bracetty said. “Maddie put in a great amount of training, and she’s off to a phenomenal start. Mikaela came a long way and will be exciting to watch, and Ella is back with her expertise.”

Bracetty is also looking forward to racing all teams from within the EPC this year.

“I missed the competition and the friendships we have as coaches, cheering them on and seeing them succeed as well,” she said.

Liberty’s first taste of competition will be at the Northampton Invitational scheduled for Sept. 4.