BARNESVILLE – White Birch Golf Course served as the perfect backdrop for Wednesday’s Schuylkill League Cross Country Championships, providing a rolling, scenic layout that challenged every stride.

Just ask Shenandoah Valley’s dedicated and determined senior Robert Espinal. The elusive, fast, and focused runner turned in a dominant performance — clocking 16:19 to win the boys race by a wide margin. Out of a field of 78, Espinal seized the lead from the gun and never looked back.

The senior jetted to the front immediately, setting a tone of “catch me if you can” and charging through the first mile with purpose. He never looked over his shoulder — only toward the finish line.

His training habits are equally impressive.

“He’s up at 4 a.m., runs until 6, then heads home for a shower and gets ready for school,” said Tony Pytak, Shenandoah Valley’s head coach. “None of us are surprised by the work he’s put in. Robert was focused and wanted this very badly.”

Though Espinal needed an interpreter for post-race comments, his wide smile said plenty.

“It was hard for the last mile, but I did pretty good,” Espinal said humbly. “I wanted to get better every year, and I’m proud of what I did. My parents encourage me — they keep telling me that I am good, that I can do it, just keep working.”

Fans roared as Espinal powered down the stretch, his lead unchallenged. Despite running far ahead of the field, he credited his teammates for their motivation.

“They gave me a lot of motivation — that made me feel good,” said Espinal, who hopes to continue running in college, with DeSales University at the top of his list.

Blue Mountain repeated as the boys team champion, led by Francesco Carr, who placed fourth in 17:30. The Eagles, coached by former Tamaqua mentor Tom Kanger, totaled 45 points, well ahead of Tamaqua’s 115.

The Blue Raiders were led by Brody Moyer, who finished fifth to help his team secure second place. Nativity (122), Marian Catholic (138), and Mahanoy Area (143) rounded out the top five. Shenandoah Valley (147) was sixth despite Espinal’s individual victory.

It was a similar outcome on the girls side.

Blue Mountain captured the team title with 31 points, paced by junior Vanessa Frasnelli (20:55), and her sister Victoria Frasnelli (21:14). The Eagles held off Tamaqua (73), Minersville (82), Schuylkill Haven (106), Shenandoah Valley (111) and Marian Catholic (124).

Right behind the Frasnelli sisters was rising Tamaqua freshman Shaylee Gormley, who clocked 20:39 to place third overall in her first varsity season.

“I liked the course, and I wanted to get my personal best — which I did,” Gormley said. “The only tough part was running up the hill. Otherwise, the conditions were perfect.”

With Gormley leading the way, teammates Ava Jones, Cali Frantz, Mollie Walker and Madelyn Schaefer ran in a tight pack to help the Raiders secure second place.

“I really liked the way our teams — both boys and girls — competed,” said Amanda Hascin, Tamaqua’s first-year head coach. “We want to come out, compete and have fun doing it. They all work very hard, and it shows in their performances.”

Marian Catholic was led by senior Teaghan Biros, who placed eighth overall (21:58). She was followed by Anna Keer (22:53), Addy Marek (25:51), Azrael Zito (26:32) and Isabella Martinez (27:50).

“I was hoping for our girls to get their personal bests,” said Dominique Thaler, Marian’s head coach. “Teaghan blew it out of the water with a fantastic run, and all the girls did great. They’re a good group that cheers each other on.”

What They Said

“My goal is always top 10.” — Ava Jones, Tamaqua

“That kid from Shenandoah, he is so fast.” — Aidan Elston, Tamaqua

“I wanted to do my best, which I did.” — Memphis Kline, Tamaqua freshman

“It was fun. I know those guys so well, and I’m proud of everything they did.” — Tom Kanger, Blue Mountain coach and former Tamaqua mentor

“He’s definitely shooting for something big at the end of the season. I was impressed with how he took the lead from the start; he didn’t sit back and wait. It was nothing but pure running — he looked smooth.” — Kanger on Espinal

“I wanted to get top 10 — I kind of screwed up at the end.” — Wade Eroh, Marian junior

“It was my best race yet. I PR’d by almost a minute.” — Jacob Berlanda, Marian junior

Schuylkill League

Championships

BOYS

Team Standings

1. Blue Mountain (BM) 45; 2. Tamaqua (T) 115; 3. Nativity (N) 122; 4. Marian Catholic (MC) 138; 5. Mahanoy Area (MA) 143; 6. Shenandoah Valley (SV) 147; 7. Schuylkill Haven (SH) 173; 8. North Schuylkill (NS) 175; 9. Minersville (M) 178; 10. Pottsville (P) 213; 11. Weatherly (W) 223; 12. Gillingham Charter (GC) 285.

Individual Results

(top-5 plus locals in the top-50)

1. Robert Espinal (SV) 16:19; 2. Aidan Elston (T) 17:00; 3. Shane Meyer (N) 17:23; 4. Francesco Carr (BM) 17:30; 5. Brody Moyer (BM) 17:30; 7. Wade Eroh (MC) 17:50; 8. Memphis Kline (T) 17:56; 17. Alex Best (W) 18:28; 18. Jacob Berlanda (MC) 18:29; 19. Parker Steencken (T) 18:31; 27. Achilles Fitzpatrick (MC) 19:12; 29. James Gelatko (MC) 19:16; 38. Luis Sanchez (T) 19:50; 39. Raymond Montz (W) 19:53; 49. Khristian Rivera (W) 20:55.

GIRLS

Team Standings

1. Blue Mountain (BM) 31; 2. Tamaqua (T) 73; 3. Minersville (M) 82; 4. Schuylkill Haven (SH) 106; 5. Shenandoah Valley (SV) 111; 6. Marian Catholic (MC) 124.

Individual Results

(top-5 plus locals in the top-50)

1. Genevieve Dando (NS) 19:50; 2. Marley Zimmerman (M) 20:35; 3. Shaylee Gormley (T) 20:39; 4. Vanessa Frasnelli (BM) 20:55; 5. Victoria Frasnelli (BM) 21:14; 8. Teaghan Biros (MC) 21:58; 12. Ava Jones (T) 22:34; 15. Anna Keer (MC) 22:53; 19. Alexia Kehler (W) 23:27; 26. Cali Frantz (T) 24:00; 28. Mollie Walker (T) 24:07; 31. Madelyn Schaefer (T) 24:32; 32. Gia Clemson (T) 24:44; 40. Lila Stegermerten (T) 25:18; 44. Addy Marek (MC) 25:51; 47. Azrael Zito (MC) 26:32; 49. Isabella Martinez (MC) 27:50.