Photo by Brandon Miles
The Liberty boys have been one of the state's most successful programs over the course of this decade. After finishing as state runners-up in 2014, they have won four consecutive 2A state titles, edging a strong River Hill team by seven points in 2018. This year figures to feature more of the same success as only two of their top ten runners from last year (by 5K season best) graduated. They will also be shooting for their fourth straight Carroll County title (they lost to Westminster in 2015).
Carroll County Boys Preview: By The Numbers
Photo by John Roemer
South Carroll's John Kettula was one of the top breakout performers during the track season this past spring. He finished third and fourth in the 1600 at the 2A indoor and outdoor state meets, respectively. The Cavaliers return eight of their top ten runners from last year's squad and could pose the biggest threat to Liberty's chances of capturing a fourth straight county title.
Photo by John Roemer
Century sophomore Hayden Hebert clocked the fastest 3200 (10:05) this spring among non-senior Carroll County boys. The Knights will turn over much of their varsity squad this year as five of their top eight runners graduated, but Hebert figures to be in the mix for a county title as the fourth-fastest returning runner from last year's county meet.
Photo by Craig Amoss
Winters Mill graduated its top two runners from last fall, but still rank favorably among Carroll County teams in returning composite scores. One reason why is top returner Tad DiDio, a top 15 finisher at the county meet last year and owner of a 10:24 3200 personal best.
Photo by Craig Amoss
One runner to watch this fall: Francis Scott Key senior Cole LaPierre. In his first season of running, he placed second at the 1A indoor state meet by clocking a 10:17 3200. According to his coach, LaPierre will be running cross country for the first time this fall. He could be a contender not only for the Carroll County title, but in the mix at the 1A state meet as well.
Photo by Lisa McArthur
Daniel Saxon had been Liberty's top runner for the past three years, but after his graduation, rising senior Woodrow Kashima seems next in line for the Lions' #1. Kashima has finished in the top 20 at the state meet in each of the past two seasons. Another runner to watch is fellow rising senior Connor Stewart, who placed 15th at last year's state meet.