Liberty senior harriers Maddie Mumma and Emrick Leshko made big moves during the District XI Class 3A Cross Country Championships last Wednesday at DeSales University, each earning a top 10 medal and an opportunity to compete in the PIAA State Cross Country Championships next weekend.

“Maddie went for it in that first mile and continued to push the entire way,” said Liberty coach Kelly Bracetty. “I couldn’t be more proud of the fact that you can’t coach that in an athlete, and just that will and desire to go out there and compete with some of the stronger girls in the district. I’m just so proud of her.”

Mumma finished the girls race in seventh place with a time of 20:06.15.

“I was happy with the first mile. I ran it pretty comfortably without going over the red line, as we call it,” said Mumma. “The end of the second mile, I was up in fourth place, and then I took it too aggressive and lost it a little bit, and three people passed me. I slipped a lot over in the cornfield and in the third mile. Last year I was new to the experience (at states), and it wasn’t my best race. It was a lot with a lot of people, so this year I’m excited to try and kick it up a notch and go for it this year.”

Leshko is also making a return trip to states after placing fifth at districts.

“I was proud of him,” said Coach Bracetty. “He definitely put a move on the pack in the middle of the hills, and sometimes it works in your favor and sometimes it takes you a little bit further from where you want to finish, but I think he’s just super strong, super talented, and he’s definitely going to rebound for states next week.”

Leshko’s district time was 17:05.63.

“That final stretch, coming down the hill out of the woods, I tried to make a move on the first two guys because that’s where I thought I could win,” Leshko said. “I flew out on the side and hit mud, and I had no power left. It’s disappointing I didn’t win but you know, I can’t be mad at myself. It was something out of my control, and I’ve got next week. I’m happy to make states.”

Parkland’s Paul Abeln won the boys race with a time of 16:49.98, and Parkland’s Lana Hurwitz won the girls race with a time of 19:09.49.

In team results, Liberty’s girls placed fifth, and Liberty’s boys also placed fifth.

Also competing for the Hurricanes at the district meet were Mikailyn Matacavage, Kendall Terefinko, Emma Haas, Emily Orrico, Rhianna Eppler, Jack Huie, Ryan Aburto, Owen Reilly, Luke Diagnault, Spencer Sabo, and Cole Ruhf.

The state meet is scheduled for Nov. 5 in Hershey where Mumma will compete at 12:30 p.m., and Leshko will race at 2:45 p.m.