BETHLEHEM – After being named co-champions at the League Championships, the North Penn Boy’s Cross-Country Team traveled once again to Lehigh University to take part in the 2018 District Championship. Big things were predicted, as North Penn Junior Noah Demis placed first at Leagues. It was now time to show spectators the runners he and his team truly were.

Both the Varsity and JV teams arrived early on Friday, October 26th, to view the course and warm-up for the big race. A gun sounded at 12:00 pm and the varsity runners were off. Junior Noah Demis had a strong start, as he led the majority of the race. Not too far behind was Junior Samir Razi, Senior Brian Johnson, and Junior Erik Kull.  After the 3.1-mile course, North Penn had two competitors qualify for states. Noah Demis, one of the state qualifiers, placed 4th and was ecstatic to make it to states for the second year in a row. Junior Samir Razi will also be joining Noah on the trip to Hershey.

“I felt a little nervous in the beginning to be honest. Days leading up to this race, me and coach were doing some training, trying to get ready for the meet. I tried to boost my confidence going into the start. At the start is where I feel like I can do anything,” shared Demis.

After an entire season of hard work and dedication, districts were finally over. According to members of the team, the outcome is exactly what they expected.

“I am pretty happy with my performance. I couldn’t be happier with how [the team] performed. I have no description of how proud I am of them. I am so happy to be a part of this team under these great coaches and great teammates to help me get better,” Demis added.

Although not every member of the cross-country team gets the opportunity to compete at the state level, all of them were supportive of their two teammates who qualified.

“I am really honored to be around these kids. It has been three years, three seasons, and a lot more track seasons, but obviously coming to practice every day and running with these kids has been such a blessing. We had a very good season this year. I am really just happy for the team,” said senior James Chupalio.

This meet was not only a time of qualification, but the moment where North Penn seniors ended their high school cross-country careers.

“Being around people who were so cool to me and had my back through the good and bad times was why senior year was one of the best times of my life,” stated senior Erik Loro.

Overall, the boys’ cross-country team had a successful season, and are looking forward to see the progress of the new and returning runners in 2019.