Hempfield Area boys reached the top of the podium at the WPIAL Cross Country Championships in October, as the Spartans captured their first ever team title. Competing in Class 3A, the Spartans posted a team score of 67, besting runner-up North Allegheny, which totaled 79.

The qualifying finishers for the Spartans placed second, seventh, 16th, 18th, and 24th. Jonathan Stetchock led the way with his silver performance, as he finished with a time of 15:37.50. He ranked behind only Norwin’s Benjamin McBride, who clocked 15:27.80. Ryan Ewing placed seventh, registering a time of 15:48.80, which Isaiah Bittner (16:08.20), Troy Payne (16:09.20), and Carter Moody (16:15.80) also factored into the scoring. Jacob Halsted and Blake Rumbaugh finished 45th and 75th, respectively, representing the Spartans.

The Spartans made a significant leap from 2024, when they came in sixth place.

To commemorate their amazing accomplishment, a $500 donation will be awarded to Hempfield Area Cross Country as part of the Shining Stars program from Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmoreland Sports Network.

ABOUT SHINING STARS: Shining Stars is a program formed by Westmoreland Sports Network and Smail Kia in Greensburg to recognize and support Westmoreland County student-athletes whose academics, community and athletic excellence shines the brightest. Two teams will be chosen as Shining Stars each season throughout the year with both receiving funding to assist their booster programs. The program has now contributed $16,000 to local teams.