WPIAL cross country: Freeport runner Michael Braun wins Class 2A crown

October 24, 2024 Last Updated: October 28, 2024 11:42 PM Sports

Freeport senior Michael Braun runs with no competition a little over a mile into the Class 2A boys cross country race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Braun took first place with a time of 15:18.90. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle.

Rob McGraw

Freeport senior Michael Braun took first place with a time of 15:18.90 in the Class 2A boys cross country race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024.

Freeport’s Michael Braun looks at the board at his time after winning his race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Michael Braun (right) congratulates other local athletes that qualified to run in the PIAA State Cross Country Championships at Hershey on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the awards ceremony following the Class 2A boys cross country race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Freeport senior Michael Braun runs with no competition a little over a mile into the Class 2A boys cross country race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Braun took first place with a time of 15:18.90. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle.

Rob McGraw
Freeport senior Michael Braun took first place with a time of 15:18.90 in the Class 2A boys cross country race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024.
Freeport’s Michael Braun looks at the board at his time after winning his race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Michael Braun (right) congratulates other local athletes that qualified to run in the PIAA State Cross Country Championships at Hershey on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the awards ceremony following the Class 2A boys cross country race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Behind the scenes at some of the local cross country prep before a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Freeport, Knoch, and North Catholic boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 2A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Mars and Seneca Valley boys and girls cross country teams ran in a Class 3A race during the WPIAL Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak, on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Pedaling rather than running, Freeport’s Michael Braun kept wondering how he’d do when he was finally back to form.

The Yellowjackets senior had been nursing an aching lower back in mid-August. Biding his time, he could only gingerly jog at a light pace or spin on a stationary bike — and wonder.

“When you’re in that phase, it’s kind of weird because you really don’t know — when you’re back to healthy again — how well you’re going to perform,” Braun said. “It’s kind of like a question that you’re always asking yourself when you’re rehabbing.”

Question answered.

He darted through the cross country course at White Oak Park in 15 minutes, 18.9 seconds, winning the WPIAL Class 2A boys individual crown on Thursday afternoon. The runner-up, Hampton’s Christopher Belch, finished about 22 seconds later.

Braun’s time was the fastest in either classification, as Fox Chapel’s Ethan Vaughan was over seven seconds slower as the Class 3A winner.

A recent Penn State commit, Braun placed 31st at the WPIAL race as a freshman, 11th as a sophomore and seventh as a junior. His progressive climb to the district mountaintop hit a rocky patch, however.

Including scrimmages, Braun said he missed this season’s first four weeks of competition with the aforementioned back inflammation. The gradual soreness became a hindrance after competing in the Ice Cream Race 5K in Grove City on Aug. 14.

“That was the first injury, really, in any sport ever that has actually sidelined me for more than two or three days,” Braun said. “It was a little bit of a learning curve doing cross-training and just getting healthy again. … It’s just weird not being able to run.”

Braun visited the chiropractor 3-4 times a week to get his hip re-adjusted and put back in place. He went from running 60 miles a week to “maybe 5 or 10,” he said.

“I think patience was the key from the beginning,” Freeport coach Melissa Schaeffer said. “Thankfully, he had that tweak early, so there was no rush to get him back on the course. We could take our time. … We knew the season was long.”

Braun wasn’t nearly as self-restraining Thursday. He wanted to run his own race.

“He did just that, going right from the gun,” Schaeffer said. “The plan there was that he didn’t want to get stuck in traffic. … He just wanted to pick a quick pace that he knew he could hold and hopefully shake his competition from the get-go, which he did.”

Braun got out to a 4:41 split after the first mile. He gained another 11 seconds over the next. The competition stood him up the rest of the way.

“I had a pretty decent lead at the time, so I knew if I could just hold a pretty solid pace for the next mile, I’d be able to close pretty well and wrap it up,” Braun said.