Saint Vincent is accustomed to fielding some of the most competitive men’s and women’s cross country programs in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. Since joining the PAC in 2010, the men’s team has won nine titles — including seven in a row between 2010-16 — and the women consistently have been among the top three, with a high-water mark of second in 2014.

The men’s team is in a different position this season after heavy graduation losses. The Bearcats were picked to finish sixth in the conference, so getting individuals to the regional and national meets might be a more realistic goal for coach Kevin Wanichko’s group.

Brady Sundin (Gateway), who has earned multiple PAC Runner of the Week honors this season, and Jordan Raynor appear to have the best chance.

“Our team is definitely in a different role this year than we’re used to,” said Wanichko, in his 10th season in charge. “Those two guys are the only ones who returned from our top seven last year. … I think they’re both thinking they want to be all-conference.”

On the women’s side, Grace Neubert, a sophomore who was the PAC Newcomer of the Year in 2024, has been leading the way. Hempfield grad Lily Murphy, a senior, is having her finest collegiate season, and Derry’s Jane Huss also has shown plenty of promise.

Neubert finished third in the PAC championships last fall.

“Grace is built different, that’s for sure,” Murphy said. “She’s not only a phenomenal runner, she always has such a good attitude with everyone. She’s definitely a lot quicker than most of us, but she’s always been super helpful with us, keeps us pushing.”

Murphy has run primarily third for the Bearcats behind Neubert and fellow senior Cassy Lanza. Murphy was the second SVC runner across the line at the Paul Short run Oct. 3 at Lehigh.

Murphy is confident she can finish her college cross country career on a high note. She believes an all-conference performance is within reach.

“I think this has definitely been my fastest year of cross country for sure,” she said. “I think a big part of that for me that has changed is my confidence. I think when I was coming in here freshman year … I kind of got in my head a little bit.

“Not only has the training been a confidence boost but also the people I’m surrounded with have helped a lot, too.”

The PAC championships are scheduled for Nov. 1 at Allegheny.

Other notes

Pitt-Greensburg: The Bobcats face a tough challenge in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference meet — also scheduled for Nov. 1 — but short of winning a team title, UPG should have a couple of runners in contention for all-conference honors.

David Brokaw (Norwin) has been the top runner for the Bobcats men most of the season. On Oct. 11, he won the Mt. Aloysius Invitational. On the women’s side, Trinity Lockwood-Morris (St. Joseph) has led the Bobcats, and Jocelyn Bielak (Highlands) also has had a strong season.

Seton Hill: Like Saint Vincent, the Griffins are more likely gunning for individual all-conference honors. Cody Achilles finished 26th at the PSAC championship last season and appears to be in line for All-PSAC honors. Achilles was second, third and first in his first three races this season.

For the Seton Hill women, Marissa Manko has led the way along with Katelyn Stravinsky.

Another Westmoreland County runner to watch at the PSAC championships, scheduled for Saturday, is Burrell grad Kadi Bauer. The Edinboro junior is expected to be among the title contenders after finishing 13th last season.

Bauer’s teammate, Kiski Area grad Eliza Miller, also has a shot to make all-conference.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)