Jonah Montagnese shifted into cruise control toward the end of the Midwestern Athletic Conference cross country championships to lead Quaker Valley to the 2025 boys team title.
The fleet-footed QV junior crossed the finish line in 15:26.9 at Brush Creek Park to defeat runner-up Lucas Bleakney of Ellwood City with his 16:27.8 showing.
“Jonah’s race was incredible from start to finish,” QV coach Ryan 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, and it reflects the hard work and focus he’s put in all season.”
Montagnese was complemented in the MAC championships by senior teammate Tyler Bell (16:51.6) and sophomore Henry Howard (17:08.9), who recorded top 10 finishes in fifth and ninth place.
Senior Ryan Kempton registered a 17:18.8 to place 13th and help out in the Quakers’ team scoring. River Capek wrapped up the 20th spot in 17:37.3.
Other QV competitors at the race included seniors Michael Minnick, Aiden Dwyer and Austin Young, freshman Gavin Kahrs and junior Giavanni Ramella.
“Our boys team really rose to the occasion and ran one of their most complete races of the season,” Kelly said. “From our frontrunners to our fifth to eighth runners, everyone executed their race plan and stayed composed on a challenging course. It was a well-deserved team victory and a great confidence boost heading into the postseason.
“We knew the boys had a chance to win if we ran our race, but in cross country, nothing is guaranteed. They’ve been focused on our team depth all season, and that really showed (at Brush Creek) with our entire boys team having a great race.”
With 45 points, Quaker Valley finished ahead of Moon (119), Beaver (124), Ellwood City (144) and Montour (151) in the team race.
Quaker Valley’s girls team, led by senior Mia Gartley, zeroed in on third place in the final MAC scoring.
Gartley paced the Quakers with a 20:59.4 time, junior Maggie Doz wasn’t far behind at 21:34.9, and junior Kate Steinfurth finished 14th in 21:54.3.
“The girls’ third-place finish was a strong showing,” Kelly said. “They’ve been steadily improving throughout the season, and to place third against some very competitive programs says a lot about their consistency and team chemistry.
“Mia ran a smart, gutsy race. She’s been a leader for our girls team all year, and her top five finish at MACs was a great way to cap off her senior regular season. She’s been a steady presence for us and sets the tone with her work ethic.”
Two other top QV runners at the event were Rose Cline, who finished in 23:31.1, and freshman Alexis Kempton, with a 24:54.8 time.
Junior Fiona Mikita, sophomore Keira Watson and senior Kendra Hines also represented the Quakers at the race.
Moon won first place in the girls division with 41 team points, followed by Blackhawk (70), Quaker Valley (100), Beaver (104) and Montour (130) in the top five.
“It’s been a busy but exciting few days for us coming off the MAC championships at Brush Creek,” Kelly said. “I am really proud of how both QV squads supported one another throughout the day. It’s been a season defined by leadership, accountability and a genuine team-first mentality.
“With WPIALs right around the corner, this was exactly the type of performance we wanted to see.”