How Butler cross country found its stride just in time for WPIAL championships: ‘We’re contenders’

October 22, 2024 Last Updated: October 21, 2024 10:48 PM Sports

Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw
Butler, Knoch, Freeport, Seneca Valley, Mars, and North Catholic competed in the Tri-State Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in White Oak. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

The Tri-State Cross Country Championships was just the kind of performance Butler needed.

Multiple runners ran personal bests Thursday afternoon, the boys finished second in the team standings and coaches and athletes left White Oak Park with confidence heading into this week’s WPIAL Cross Country Championships.

It continued the good vibes the Golden Tornado have felt throughout the second half of the season.

“We’re in amazing shape. I seriously think that we pulled it together at this race,” sophomore Brendan Eicher said during the bus ride back from Tri-State last week. “I think if everyone has a great race, we’re contenders for No. 1 (in WPIAL).”

Eicher was one of several Tornado runners to post PRs last week, finishing 11th in 16 minutes, 24.37 seconds, about 25 seconds faster than his previous best. Senior Zachary Slear finished 10th, just ahead of his teammate by three-hundredths of a second, and felt he ran a “smart race.”

And on the girls side, Zari Golojuh surprised herself with a 19th-place finish, on the podium, with a PR of 19:23.94. The girls finished sixth, and Golojuh, a freshman, said they feel ready to contend for one of the three WPIAL spots that qualify for the PIAA championships Nov. 2.

The season was one of transition for Butler.

The boys are competing in their first season without the nation’s top runner in 2023-24, Drew Griffith, who is already putting his mark on Notre Dame’s distance program.

And the team has a new coach — Mike Seybert — after the retirement of Rick Davanzati. Seybert coaches the track and field teams, so the acclimation process was smoother than most coaching changes, Slear and others said.

Butler runner Brendan Eicher leads a pack of Golden Tornado runners to the finish line during the Tri-State 3A Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. The sophomore took 11th place, second on the team, with a time of 16:24.37 to help the team take second place overall with 93 points. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

“He just likes to watch kids grow and get faster through the workouts,” Slear said of Seybert’s laid-back approach. “It really hasn’t been too much of a change as far as coaches.”

But it still took time for everything to click.

Butler didn’t find its stride immediately. The girls team is rather young and some runners were adjusting to varsity competition. The boys team had to learn to rely on its depth rather than a sure-fire single point from Griffith.

“It’s a process through the year,” Seybert said. “You don’t have your fast legs going yet.”

But there was a turning point — the PIAA Foundation Cross Country Invitational at Hersheypark, site of the state championships.

There, Seybert and others said they realized they were running along with and beating some of the state’s best teams and runners.

Butler’s boys finished ninth in Class 3A, with junior Logan Rogers coming in a team-best 27th (17:01). The girls also finished ninth, with senior Makayla McLister the leader placing 40th (21:02).

“That’s when the kids ran with the big dogs and felt, ‘We can run with these guys,’” Seybert said.

“At foundations, we all realized we really can do this,” Eicher said. “We really can be just as good, if not better, than last year. … We realized not a whole lot has changed.”

Butler Golden Tornado runner Zari Golojuh leads a large pack of runners during the first mile of the Tri-State 3A Cross Country Championships at White Oak Park, in White Oak on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. The freshman took 18th place, first on the team, with a time of 19:23.94 to help the team take sixth place overall with 194 points. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Slear, in particular, is running with confidence. He won his first meet against North Hills and has taken to being one of the veteran leaders this year.

“I’m looking at some of these guys (I’m racing against) and saying, ‘You know what, I’m a contender in these races,’” he said. “Winning my first cross country race against North Hills this season, that was also a big confidence boost.”

A month after the Foundation meet, the Tornado are feeling confident that their best races — starting Thursday back at White Oak Park for districts — are ahead of them the next few weeks.

“Just from our first race,” Golojuh said, “not even in the team dynamic, our times have improved and that’s also because of how close we’ve gotten.”

The boys’ depth is its advantage; Seybert was particularly impressed last week by Shae Sintz, the Tornado’s fifth runner, running a sub-17 minute race for the first time to finish in 16:57.25, good for 35th. And the girls will get Kiera Olivaris back after she battled an illness and missed Tri-States.

“This meet, today, they took a real step up,” Seybert said after the races.

“Now it’s the confidence and mental toughness.”

Added Golojuh: “(I’ll) definitely go out strong (at WPIALs) like I did today, but also gotta maintain and not let people get in my head.”

Both teams believe that can make the WPIAL top three and qualify for the state championships in Hershey if everything goes well. The district is competitive, and Seybert feels more than three teams are good enough to compete at a state level.

“I think, me and Zach gotta go out there (fast),” Eicher said, “we need Logan and Ethan to finish top 20, and I think that’s within the realm of possibility, for sure.”

Added Golojuh: “It’s definitely nerve-wracking, but we’re all gonna push each other.”