Runner sets new standard

Emily Giannotti

Coudersport freshman Emily Giannotti followed up her PIAA District 9 cross country title with a respectable 27th place finish among 288 runners in the state championship meet last Saturday in Hershey. It was her best time ever for a five-kilometer course and it placed her among fourth among all freshmen from Class AA schools.

Giannotti came out with a fast pace and was among the leaders at the first split, which was part of her strategy.

Emily was accompanied on the trip by Falcon Coach Carl Klingaman and e i g h t h - g r a d e r Brielle Whitman, who is a bright prospect for the 2007 cross country season. Klingaman is a long-time advocate of the cross country program who finally succeeded in having the varsity sport adopted in Coudersport. He believes Giannotti has the potential to improve on her finish in 2007 and beyond. Her success could also spur others to strive for success at the district level and beyond.