Despite what the political ads say, there are actually a lot of good things happening in the world. One of those things, on a more local note, is Claire Dufrene winning cross-country gold.
The 85th Annual PIAA Cross-Country Championships were held at the Parkview Cross-country Course in Hershey on Saturday, November 2nd, and the competition was intense. In total, 1,613 athletes competed for top honors. The field included (95) 3A boys’ teams, (91) 3A girls’ teams, (92) 2A boys’ teams, (85) girls’ teams, (104) 1A boys’ teams, and (98) 1A girls’ teams.
Through grit and determination, Claire Dufrene, a junior at Warrior Run, was crowned the #1 cross-country runner in 1A. The next closest runner was Bella Ascheri, a senior from Forest Hills, who followed by 14 seconds.
To celebrate Claire’s victory, I thought it fitting to reach out to her and her father, Corey Dufrene, who also happens to be her coach. Coach Dufrene is no stranger to success, having coached numerous track and cross-country champions.
Dave: How did you get into running?
Claire: I started running because my dad was the coach, and he used to bring us to practice with him.
Dave: Did Claire always show promise as a runner, or was her talent something that surprised you?
Corey: Claire signed up for cross-country in 7th grade but ran with high school girls at track practices before that. We knew she had a talent for running during her 7th-grade cross-country season.
Dave: You were 53rd last year and 124th as a freshman. What was different about this year?
Claire: It was a combination of moving down a classification to 1A and coming off of a successful track season that gave me confidence that I could run with other really good girls.
Dave: What is your diet and training like throughout the year?
Claire: Throughout the summer, we work on consistent mileage and then transition into the cross-country season. Training during cross-country season varies. During the winter, workouts consist of keeping mileage up and hill workouts, as well as a few indoor meets. We then transition into outdoor track meets, where the workouts also vary. My diet is not really anything special. I try to avoid fast food and sugary drinks.
Dave: When you get into your championship races, does your training and diet change, and if so, how?
Claire: The biggest thing about my diet during championship races is staying away from fast food and drinking more water. During championship phases of the season, mileage is typically reduced.
Dave: What was your mindset going into the postseason?
Claire: My mindset was to relax and focus on the goals that we set at the beginning of the season.
Dave: What was the strategy at Hershey?
Corey: The strategy for Hershey was to relax and go out with the lead pack for the first mile. Once we hit the hills, the strategy was to maintain place or move up. After the hills, the strategy was to race.
Dave: What were you thinking about going into the final 1,000 meters? Did you feel confident you could win?
Claire: I was not sure how close Bella was behind me, so I just wanted to finish strong and give it my all.
Dave: I’m sure you are very proud of Claire. What were you thinking about going into this season and watching her win?
Corey: Each year is different, and going into the season, we felt that she had a decent summer of training. We didn’t really talk too much about what could happen at the end of the season. We took each meet one at a time and really planned races for those moments. Claire did everything we asked her to do during the season, and I think she started to gain confidence. It was an awesome feeling watching her come up the hill with the lead and break the tape.
Dave: I know it’s early, but do you have college plans, and is cross-country part of them?
Claire: We are in the process of starting college visits. I’d like to run both cross-country and track in college. I’d like to do something in the medical field after college, but I’m not sure what major I want at this point.
Lindsay Wins 3A Tennis Gold
By Steph Nordstrom
In late September, Addison Lindsay started her path to PIAA tennis gold. With a first-round bye in the District tournament, she gained the D6 tennis title with a win over Hollidaysburg’s Crosby Denis, 6-2, 6-0.
On her journey to the district title, Lindsay faced tough competition. She dominated Sabrina Doebler of Shikellamy, a formidable opponent, with a score of 6-0, 6-0 in the quarterfinals. In the semis, Lindsay overpowered Grace Muriceak, a skilled player, with a score of 6-0, 6-0, securing her spot in the finals.
After ending her freshman year as a PIAA Class 3A singles runner-up, Central Mountain sophomore Addison Lindsay returned with a vengeance and earned her first singles state title, beating out Anya Rosenbach from New Oxford, 6-2, 6-4.
This is a significant milestone in the history of Central Mountain High School, marking the first 3A tennis state title. Addison Lindsay’s achievement has not only brought glory to herself but also to Central Mountain, inspiring future generations of athletes.
Tennis is not just a physical game, it’s a mental one too. Addison Lindsay’s victory is a testament to her resilience and mental strength. She has shown remarkable composure and the ability to stay calm under pressure, a quality that sets her apart as a champion.
Addison never lost a set during her state title run. First, she defeated Taryn Zerby from Mechanicsburg, 6-2, 6-2, to reach the quarterfinals.
Next up was Grace Piro from Central Bucks South. She easily handled that match, winning 6-4, 6-2.
Her next win, 6-3, 6-1, was against Alexandria Warsing from Parkland. That win advanced her to her second straight finals appearance.
Being just a sophomore, Addison has plenty of time to add more State Gold to her resume. Just two seasons deep, she has already picked up back-to-back D6, 3A district titles, and PIAA gold.
She also continued a “family tradition” as she followed up her brother, David Lindsay, who won Boys PIAA AAA State Championship in the spring of 2024.
Coach Tom Zettle told the Lock Haven Express, “Addison is a perfect example of setting a goal and then doing the work required to attain said goals. No one I know works harder than she does. She stayed strong and focused throughout the state tournament. I can’t come up with enough superlatives to convey just how good she is, so I will make up my own — fantabulistical.”
With her relentless drive and passion for the game, there’s no doubt that Addison Lindsay has a bright future in tennis. As she continues to hone her skills and compete at high levels, she sets a new standard for athletic excellence at Central Mountain High School and inspires others to pursue their dreams.
