Padua Girls Score Perfect 15 For Sixth Straight State Title

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Even with the graduation of standout Lydia Olivere, Padua did not a miss a beat at the Delaware state cross country championships. In fact, the Pandas found a way to be perfect. Led by senior Elizabeth Bader (19:21.69), Padua claimed the top five spots and had all seven runners in the top 20 for a perfect score of 15 points to win the Division 1 championship on Saturday at Brandywine Creek State Park in Wilmington. This was the sixth straight state title for Padua.

In the boys Division 1 race, Salesianum repeated as state champion and won for the 47th time in 53 years. Senior Michael Keehan won his second straight individual crown in 16:31.42. Led by Keehan’s victory, Salesianum nabbed five of the top six spots to score 19 points.

In girls Division 2, Ursuline Academy put a halt to Tatnall’s state streak of 14 straight titles, as they scored 45 points, placing all five runners in the top 15 to score 45 points. Tatnall finished in second place (76 points) as senior Keelin Hays won the race for the fourth straight year in 19:12.6. 

The Tatnall boys defended their title, barely edging out St. Andrew’s 43-44. Wilmington Friends senior Connor Nisbet won his third individual title in 16:12.57. 

Team Champions

Boys D1 - Salesianum 19 points RESULTS

Girls D1 - Padua 15 points RESULTS

Boys D2 - Tatnall 43 points RESULTS

Girls D2 - Ursuline Academy 45 points RESULTS