With the cross country season winding down, Catasauqua’s Evan Reed has gained confidence, but he realizes he can still raise the bar.

Reed recently clocked a 19:08 in a home meet and senior night Sept. 6, which was almost a minute faster than a race four days earlier.

He ran a 19:52 at the Northampton Invitational Sept. 2.

The sophomore is taking it one race at a time.

“I feel like I’m running well, but I still have a lot to learn if I want to get out to states,” he said. “I have definitely improved from last year, and there’s still a lot of season left.

“I have high hopes for the rest of the season.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock sees a steady climb ahead for Reed.

“Evan had a fantastic race at our home meet,” said Rusnock. “He has really been progressing as he dropped his time by nearly a minute over his last two races.

“We believe he can have a strong finish to his season.”

Overall, Rusnock likes the state of his team.

“We have been running really well. Posting better time than previously at the same courses. Coach Gerhard and I are proud of their efforts and improvements.”

Rusnock cited Nick Kemashvili, Jonathan Rizzo, Jack Brubaker, Cassius Estronza on the boys’ side, as well as Uyen Ly, Shakala Roberts, Ana Rodriguez, Caroline Rodriguez, Nhi Thai, and Kaylin Stewart on the girls’ side.

“Nick Kemashvili ran awesome on Saturday, but he couldn’t participate on Wednesday,” added Rusnock. “Jonathan Rizzo and Jack Brubaker had great times and were 2 minutes faster on Wednesday. We also had Cassius Estronza make his debut Wednesday and he did a nice job for us.

“Uyen Ly, Shakala Roberts, Ana Rodriguez, Caroline Rodriguez, Nhi Thai, and Kaylin Stewart are running faster times. They all did a great job.

“We’re looking forward to the rest of the season.”