Carter Smith crosses the finish line to win the PIAA Class 3A boys’ cross country title in Hershey. (Sentinel file photo by MIKE GOSS)

[Editor’s Note: This article was previously published in the Nov. 4, 2024 edition of The Sentinel].

HERSHEY — Carter Smith sprinted through the finish line at Hershey’s Parkview Course in 15:41, becoming Mifflin County’s first PIAA state champion in cross country — a historic milestone for a county that has produced numerous collegiate runners but never a state champion until Saturday.

The junior secured the Class 3A title with a blazing 5:03 per mile pace, capping a near-perfect season where he defeated 1,702 of the 1,703 runners he faced — his lone defeat coming by a tenth of a second at the Mid-Penn championships. His championship run exemplified the dominance he displayed throughout the fall campaign.

“The race was crazy. From the gun, I’ve never experienced anything like it,” Smith said. “It was awesome.”

The championship race tested Smith’s focus early when one of the Mazzeo twins fell on the first downhill. Many runners might have lost concentration or momentum after witnessing a competitor fall, but Smith maintained his composure. “That could have been me during the race,” Smith said. “You have got to keep pushing forward.”

The final stretch evolved into a battle between Smith and Nick Mazzeo, with Smith unleashing an extra burst of speed around the last corner. His motivation stemmed from a previous track championship experience where he came up short.

“Going through my head was the outdoor 800 state championship,” Smith said. “I got out-kicked by two people, and I kept telling myself not to let that happen again and to keep pushing through the line.”

The victory adds to Smith’s growing collection of PIAA medals, marking his emergence as one of Pennsylvania’s elite runners. In the past year, he captured the indoor 800 state championship and placed third in the outdoor 800 before securing the cross-country crown. This triple-threat of achievements across different running disciplines showcases his versatility as an athlete.

After crossing the finish line, exhaustion overtook Smith before the magnitude of his achievement set in. “Right after the race, I was cooked,” Smith said. “But when I got back to the tent, I was thankful for everybody. I got emotional with my family.”

His coach, Alex Monroe, recognized the perfect execution of their race strategy. “It was pure dominance, and it’s largely due to everything he poured into this one dream and race,” Monroe said. “He earned this accolade.”

The partnership between Smith and Monroe, in their first year working together, has yielded remarkable results. Smith credits his success to Monroe’s guidance and expertise. “Alex is amazing. He has been through it all. He’s a great runner. He knows what he talks about, and I listen to what he says, and it works,” Smith said.

The state meet brought additional success for area runners. In Class 2A, Juniata’s Wyatt Stroup earned a 12th-place medal with a time of 16:35, running at a 5:21 pace. His teammate Joey Bomberger secured 24th place in 16:48. Midd-West’s Ben Hummel claimed fifth place, crossing the line in 16:19.

In the girls’ Class 2A race, Juniata sophomore Sylvia Brubaker earned a 10th-place medal, completing the course in 19:22 with a 6:15 pace.

The championship represents more than a personal triumph for Smith — it marks a breakthrough moment for Mifflin County athletics. His victory stands as a milestone achievement in school history, setting a new standard for future runners.

Smith’s dedication to his craft extends beyond natural talent. His commitment to training, ability to execute race strategies, and mental fortitude in championship moments have elevated him to the pinnacle of Pennsylvania high school cross country.

Looking ahead, Smith sees his state championship as a stepping stone rather than a culmination. “It’s going to elevate my game, and it’s going to be amazing,” he said. His trajectory suggests more accomplishments lie ahead in both track and cross country.

The victory resonated beyond personal achievement for Smith, who emphasized the support system behind his success. “I’m thankful for my family, God, my teammates, my coaches,” he said. “I’m so blessed to have these people.”

As Smith continues his high school career with more seasons of track and cross country ahead, his state championship performance serves as a foundation for future success. His combination of speed, endurance, and championship mentality positions him as a force in Pennsylvania running circles, with his best performances potentially still to come.