By Hunter Johnston, News Editor

The more things change, the more they stay the same. This was the case for college cross country runners and Saegertown alumni, Drew Tordella, sophomore at Gannon University; Michele Kozubal, sophomore at Robert Morris University; and Julie Pierret, senior at Seton Hill University. As they departed Saegertown High School, some things, in fact, did change. Yet, on Oct. 8, they sensed that something was still the same.
They competed at the same cross country invitational hosted by Slippery Rock University, at Cooper’s Lake Campground. Both Kozubal and Pierret raced the women’s 5K, while Tordella ran the men’s 8K. As the runners took off at the start up a 400 meter hill, the familiar voices of Coach Houck and Coach Hetrick echoed, “Come on Julie! Come on Michele! Come on Drew!” Words of encouragement were also called out by former teammates and other members of the Saegertown cross country family.

“It brings back some good memories,” said Tordella about running again with his old teammates and coaches supporting him. At the end of the races, the three runners gathered around with their former coaches, Mr. Hetrick and Mr. Houck, and some fans who have been watching them since their high school years.“This is a moment I will always cherish. I couldn’t be more proud of them. Seeing them all on the same day, watching the way they move through the other runners brought back wonderful memories. They will always be part of our team,” said Coach Hetrick.

(photos and photo illustrations by Hunter Johnston)