Denny Smith sets new course record at Section 3 Preview
by: Cross Country Contributor
North Allegheny turned in a strong showing at the WPIAL Division I, Section 3 Preview, highlighted by a boys team victory and a new course record from junior Denny Smith.
The NA boys captured 1st place with 36 points, finishing ahead of Seneca Valley (49) and Mars (63). Junior Denny Smith delivered the performance of the day, winning the race in 16:37.68 — a new course record. Senior Wyatt Case gave NA another top-five finish, placing 5th in 17:13.14. Senior Andrew Morton finished 8th in 17:29.54, followed by sophomore Holden Kerzmann in 10th at 17:31.33 and junior Nathan Hou in 12th at 17:36.54. Senior David Ochoa placed 14th in 17:39.98, while freshman James Christian rounded out the Tigers’ top seven in 15th at 17:42.25.
The NA girls placed 3rd with 79 points, behind Pine-Richland (43) and North Hills (75). Freshman Sydney Burgbacher led the Tigers, placing 10th overall in 21:17.20. Sophomore Sedona Brown followed in 15th at 21:23.80, with freshman Nora Mountain close behind in 16th at 21:26.20 and freshman Margaret Coffman in 17th at 21:28.80. Sophomore Olivia Romanow finished 21st in 21:45.90, freshman Avalyn Yurky placed 24th in 21:51.90, and freshman Allison Ryan rounded out NA’s top seven in 25th at 21:53.10.
The boys used impressive depth to take the team title, putting all seven runners inside the top 15, while Smith led the way with an individual victory and course-record 16:37.68. On the girls’ side, NA packed its first four runners within just 12 seconds, with all seven Tigers finishing inside the top 25.
