The Parkland boys cross country team used depth to produce a second-place finish at the 2021 Eastern Pennsylvania Conference cross country championships held last Tuesday at DeSales University.

The Trojans finished with a 17:50 average time, 10 seconds behind champion Nazareth. The Blue Eagles finished with 69 points, Parkland with 78.

Leading the Parkland pack was sophomore Paul Abeln, who finished 11th overall in 17:32. Abeln has emerged during the season as one of the Trojans’ most consistent and determined runners. Coach Stephen Ott has lauded Abeln for his development and leadership during the ‘21 campaign.

In every sense, Parkland’s second-place finish was a team effort. This was illustrated by the consistency of remaining runners. Ethan Willard, Cameron Price and Samuel Tomko finished 15th through 17th with times of 17:50, 17:54 and 17:56. One second after Tomko’s finish was Liam McGuigan, who took 19th place.

“I think I did pretty well,” said Price. “I was a few seconds than the invitational here a few weeks ago.”

Just five seconds behind McGuigan was Brian Warren, who claimed 22nd place at 18:02. Then eight seconds behind was Avi Hochhauser at 18:10. Brady Hoffman rounded out the Trojan contingent only four second behind Hochhauser at 18:14.

“I was definitely hoping to do better, but I can’t complain that much,” said Warren.

Both young men enjoy running for Ott.

“He always tells us to stay positive,” Price said.

“He always brings out the best in us,” added Warren.

The District 11 championship is scheduled for Oct. 27 at DeSales.