The Mahopac cross-country program has built a lot of momentum in recent years, but this season, Pac runners have raised the bar once again as two runners — senior captain Kira Waring and junior Cara O’Halloran — booked their tickets to the NYSPHSAA championships on Saturday.
With third- and seventh-place finishes, respectively, in the Section 1 Class A state qualifier at Bowdoin Park, Waring and O’Halloran will become the first Mahopac athletes to compete in the state cross-country championships since 2012.
Coach Kelley Posch said the accomplishment was extra special for Waring.
“This is especially sweet for Kira, who was the first individual to not qualify the last two years,” Posch said. “Third time is the charm!”
Posch said Waring used those disappointments as motivation, training throughout the summer with a group of Westchester runners.
“She got out aggressive and left no question today,” Posch said. “She dominated the race for that individual qualifying spot. It was a celebratory moment in what has been a breakthrough season.”
Posch praised Waring's leadership as well as her athletic accomplishments.
“She's an incredible example to her teammates of what it looks like when you...