Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac

Ryan Pajak of Ringgold celebrates as he approaches the finish line for the third consecutive year in first place in the WPIAL Class 2A cross country championships. The senior and Notre Dame recruit not only won his third district title, he did so by setting a new course record with a time of 15:04 at White Oak Park.

Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac

A determined Ryan Pajak races along the straightaway portion of the course during the WPIAL Class 2A cross country championships. The Ringgold senior won the race in a record time of 15:04.

Ringgold’s Ryan Pajak is out in front of Julian Kletz from Montour during the WPIAL Class 2A cross country race last Thursday at White Oak. Pajak won his first state title Saturday in a time of 15:21.

Grace Trimmer of Uniontown sets the early pace ahead of West Allegheny's Grace Fritzman. Trimmer and Fritzman though could not hold onto their places but finished third and second respectively to WPIAL Class AA girls' cross country champion Madeline Meeuf of North Catholic. Meeuf won the race in 19:01.10 while Gritzman and Trimmer followed with times of 19:04.30 and 19:05.60

Tessa Rodriquez of Belle Vernon pulls out the stops during the WPIAL Class 2A cross country championships. The senior finished 10th overall in the race with a 19:43.90 time.

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Sydney Shock of Peters Township crosses the finish line in ninth place and qualified for the PIAA state championships. The senior submitted an 18:55.5 time on the course at White Oak Park during the WPIAL Class AAA championships.

Alaa-Eddine Guetari of South Fayette checks his shoulder and wards off a charging Michael Gauntner of North Allegheny and Plum's Gabriel Powell at the finish line during the WPIAL Class 3A cross country championships. Guetari finished fifth overall in the race with a 16:16.70 time and earned a berth in the PIAA championships set for Nov. 4 in Hershey.

Alaa-Eddine Guetari of South Fayette checks his shoulder and wards off a charging Michael Gauntner of North Allegheny and Plum's Gabriel Powell at the finish line during the WPIAL Class 3A cross country championships. Guetari finished fifth overall in the race with a 16:16.70 time and earned a berth in the PIAA championships set for Nov. 4 in Hershey.