Quaker Valley’s Jonah Montagnese was a virtual one-man wrecking crew in cross country this year.
After a sensational regular-season, Montagnese ended his junior year on the off-road trails as a state champion.
Montagnese finished the Hershey Park course on Nov. 1 in 16 minutes flat to edge Hughesville senior Tyce Shaner (16:10) by 10 seconds.
“Jonah’s race at the PIAA championships was phenomenal,” QV coach Ryan Kelly said. “To win a state title in such a competitive field speaks to his exceptional work ethic, race strategy and mental toughness. His consistency all season long, culminating in first-place finishes at both the WPIAL and PIAA championships, really set the tone for our team’s success.
“Jonah has developed into a confident racer who thrives in big moments, and this victory was a testament to his dedication and composure.”
QV’s talented distance runner became the school’s first PIAA Class 2A boys champion in cross country.
“Going into states, I knew I was in a very good spot to contend for the title,” Montagnese said. “I also knew that I would have to work really hard to get it with such a talented group of guys to run against. My main goal was just to run a race that I am proud of, which I think I did pretty well.”
Montagnese led QV to a runner-up finish in the PIAA team standings as Hughesville from District 4 narrowly defeated the Quakers, 135-141.
“Our team performed at a historic level at both the state and WPIAL championship meets,” Montagnese said. “We haven’t placed top 2 at states since 2011, so it’s a huge accomplishment that we are all proud of. The group of guys we had this year was truly special. We all worked incredibly hard all season, and I think the work paid off in a way that we are all grateful for.”
Montagnese was complemented in QV’s team scoring at Hershey by seniors Ryan Kempton (17:30), Tyler Bell (17:38) and River Capek (18:16) and freshman Henry Howard (17:46). Kempton captured 38th place, Bell placed 50th, Howard finished 65th and Capek ended up 105th.
Michael Minnock, a senior, and James Irwin, a junior, also represented Quaker Valley at the state finals.
“Our boys team raced with tremendous heart and focus to earn the runner-up spot,” Kelly said. “With strong performances from seniors Ryan Kempton, Tyler Bell, River Capek and Micheal Minnock, along with junior James Irwin and freshman Henry Howard stepping up in their first state appearance, the group demonstrated depth and balance from top to bottom.
“The team’s second-place finish is a reflection of the commitment and camaraderie that have defined this group all year.”
Montagnese also led the Quakers to the WPIAL Class 2A cross country title with a winning performance at the championship race at White Oak Park in McKeesport.
“I’m really proud of my performances at both the state meet and the WPIAL championship meet,” Montagnese said. “I think it is a testament to my coaching and support that I receive every day from all the people around me.
“My familiarity with the course at Hershey and at White Oak Park allowed me to strategize where to push, and it allowed me to understand more about where I was in the race as a whole.”
Prior to the district championship race, Montagnese finished first at the PIAA Foundation meet in 16:14.
And the fleet-footed QV runner shifted into cruise control toward the end of the Midwestern Athletic Conference championships to propel the Quakers to the 2025 boys team title. Montagnese crossed the finish line at Brush Creek Park in Beaver Falls in 15:26.9 to win by more than a minute.
“Jonah’s race was incredible from start to finish,” Kelly said. “He took command early, ran confidently and maintained an aggressive but controlled pace throughout.
“His 15:26.9 is one of the fastest MAC championship times we’ve ever seen.”
Quaker Valley’s girls team ended up 13th in Class 2A at the PIAA championships.
Sophomore Lucy Montagnese set the pace for the Quakers with a 20:17 time and 26th-place finish.
“Lucy had an outstanding race at states, leading our girls team with another strong performance,” Kelly said. “She continues to show impressive maturity and composure as a sophomore, and her mental and physical toughness is matched as she overcame injuries this season and was still able to achieve tremendous success.
“Lucy is developing into one of the top young runners in the state, and her effort at Parkview capped off a fantastic year for her.”
Senior Mia Gartley wrapped up 64th place in 21:14 and junior Maggie Doz ended up 107th in 21:56.
Two juniors, Kate Steinfurth and Rose Cline, recorded times of 23:30 and 24:09 to round out the QV team scoring. Freshman Alexis Kempton and junior Fiona Mikita also represented the Quakers in the race.
“Overall, it was a memorable state meet for Quaker Valley cross country,” Kelly said. “Both teams represented our school and community with pride, grit and sportsmanship. I’m incredibly proud of how our student-athletes competed and supported one another throughout the season.”
Sewickley Academy sophomore Zachary Sharara was the top district runner in Class A at the PIAA boys cross country championships.
Sharara placed third in 16:08, seven seconds behind Northwest Area senior Michael Fritz’s winning time of 15:59.