Northampton High School cross country runners, Alec Lederer and Hayley Jackson will be making the trip to the PIAA State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 3 after qualifying at the District XI Cross Country Championships last week at Bethlehem Municipal Golf Course.

"It was a go-hard day," said Lederer, who won second place in 16:44. "This one mattered. I just went out and gave it 110-percent."

Easton's Colin Abert took first place in 16:21, and Parkland's Trevor Bergen was third in 16:54.

"I stayed with [Colin Abert] a lot longer than last time, and I passed Bergen in the beginning," Lederer said.

On a day that felt more like summer than fall, Lederer kept Abert in sight for most of the race.

"Today's weather was nice. Nothing was cramping up. I went out a little bit slower and worked my way up to the front," said Lederer.

The Northampton senior kept an extra boost of energy on reserve.

"I attacked the hills pretty well. The finish was a little bit of relief, knowing I was going to states. I definitely feel proud. I didn't win, but Colin is just a really good runner," he said.

Jackson's goal was to make top ten, a guaranteed ride to the state meet. The Northampton junior placed 12th in 20:30, winning the second to last spot to Hershey.

"I pushed as much as I could. I was really tired, so I know I did good," said Jackson.

Jackson began the race, running with teammate, Joelle Pirelli, who eventually fell back.

"The start was really fast. It was hot today, hilly. Once I got past the second hill, it wasn't too bad. I think my time was good for this course," Jackson said.

For Jackson, the key to getting to states was being prepared, both mentally and physically.

"I've been drinking water, eating healthy, trying not to be too nervous, and being comfortable with what I do," she said.