White Oak Park | October 23, 2025 | 48°F, Dewpoint 40°F — Ideal Conditions

The North Allegheny cross country teams turned in strong performances at the WPIAL Class AAA Championships under perfect racing conditions at White Oak Park. The Tigers combined for a runner-up finish in the boys race and a fourth-place showing for the girls, highlighted by clutch efforts, lifetime bests, and two individual state qualifiers.

For the boys, senior Andrew Peigh led the charge with a fifth-place finish in 15:44, pacing an exceptionally tight North Allegheny front pack that kept the Tigers in contention for the title from start to finish. Junior Wyatt Case continued his breakout season with a 9th-place finish in 15:57, while freshman Gatik Hirwani impressed yet again, running 16:00 to take 10th overall as the top ninth grader in the field. Freshman Colin Clarkson (21st, 16:11) had the best race of his high school career, contributing valuable low points for the Tigers. Senior Jack Curren (34th, 16:31) rounded out the scoring five, helping NA secure second place with 79 points behind Hempfield Area (67). Junior Nathan Hou (60th, 17:05) and sophomore Denny Smith (70th, 17:09) completed the varsity lineup. The boys will advance as a team to the PIAA State Championships in Hershey, where they’ll once again look to contend for a top team finish.

On the girls’ side, North Allegheny placed fourth overall with 164 points, narrowly missing one of the three team qualifying spots for states but earning two individual state qualifiers in freshman Samantha Strelick and junior Gabriela Pizon. Strelick continued her outstanding rookie season, finishing 11th overall in 18:41, while Pizon ran a lifetime best of 19:26 to place 25th and secure one of the final individual qualifying positions. Behind them, sophomore Lydia Stuart (34th, 19:42), senior Elinor Handel (47th, 20:10), and freshman Elizabeth Richmond (52nd, 20:13) rounded out the scoring five, with sophomore Leila Nocera (75th, 20:37) and junior Madeline Burgbacher (87th, 20:58) providing additional depth.

With both squads racing confidently and executing their race plans in ideal fall conditions, North Allegheny once again showcased the depth, balance, and championship focus that have defined the program. The Tigers will now send their boys’ team, along with Strelick and Pizon individually, to Hershey for the PIAA State Championships next weekend.

Complete results available at: https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/270370/info