A cross country invitational earlier this season provided Whitehall's, Gabe Lamm, with just enough experience to improve on his time significantly at last weekend's PIAA State Cross Country Championships at Parkview Cross Country Course in Hershey, Pa.

"I ran it earlier in the year, and I was just thinking I have to do a lot better," Lamm said.

Lamm went from a time of 19:10 to 17:45 on one of the most challenging courses in the state. The Zephyr sophomore was Whitehall's only state qualifier after the District XI meet on Oct. 24.

"It was fun seeing all those fast kids and being one of a few underclassmen," said Lamm.

With cold temperatures on his side and a set of larger spikes than usual, Lamm knew what to expect from the extremely hilly course.

"I took it out, and I was right in the front of the pack. It was really faster than usual. On the hills, I knew to stay on my toes and get up them as fast as I could," Lamm said.

Whitehall cross country coach, Mike Lelko, was able to keep Lamm within his sight for most of the race. At times, Lamm was running with some of Parkland's team.

"At the beginning, I was running with Will Nemeth, and then he broke away. I passed some and beat some. There was a ton of guys, so I always had a motivation," said Lamm.

In the end, Lamm's emotions went from happiness to relief.

"I was so happy that I was actually able to run this race, and I knew I'd have a nice break before indoor track. I just tried to run my heart out," he said.