Delaware State Meet

Padua Girls Run To Seventh Straight Division 1 Championship

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

The Padua Academy girls cross country team doesn't rebuild, it reloads.Saturday at Killens Pond State Park in Felton, Padua ran to its seventh straight Delaware Division 1 state title. Padua was led by junior Judith McLaughlin, who won the race in 19:04.4. Padua placed all five runners, and all sophomores or juniors, in the top 21 to score 55 points.

The boys Division 1 title was a close battle as Charter School of Wilmington pulled off the big victory, edging out the defending champions, Salesianum, 39-42. Charter School of Wilmington put four runners in the top 10. Individually, Salesianum senior Aidan Higley won the race in 15:49.4.

The Ursuline Academy girls did just enough, placing all five runners in the top 15, to repeat as Division II champions with 50 points, holding off a strong St. Mark's effort (52 points). Individually, Tatnall freshman Lydia Colasante won the race in the fastest time of the day in 18:48.9. This marks the fifth straight year a runner from Tatnall claimed top individual honors.  

With the graduation of three-time winner Connor Nisbet, the race as wide open for a new Division II champion. Tatnall junior Declan McDonnell took full advantage of the opportunity, winning the race in 16:03.9. Tatnall, the defending champions, finished in second (72 points), as Wilmington Friends scored 64 for the team title.  

Team Champions

Division 1: Charter School of Wilmington boys 39 points; Padua Academy girls 55 points

Division 2: Wilmington Friends boys 64 points; Ursuline Academy girls 50 points