Cross country runners, Roberto Marrero and Will Alpaugh, have been running together for weeks, pacing each other, sharing tips when appropriate, and consistently placing well in dual meets.

Both, however, are neighboring rivals. Marrero is a Liberty senior, and Alpaugh is a Freedom sophomore.

As the cross country season progressed, Marrero and Alpaugh found themselves relatively even in dual meets, using that to push each other and themselves.

Last week, Alpaugh finished in sixth place with a time of 17.25 in Freedom's victories over Liberty (18-43), Allen (15-50), and Dieruff (15-50). Marrero took seventh place in 17.35, as the Hurricanes defeated Allen (15-50) and Dieruff (15-50).

Marrero said, "I've been consistent with their fifth guy [Alpaugh]. We go back and forth, and sometimes give each other tips. Since I started last year, I wanted to go out with a bang senior year. Our coach [Mark Will-Weber] is great with pacing. He knows the right techniques, and he knows how to read his runners. I'm meeting my goals and shooting for top ten in districts."

Alpaugh, who played soccer last year, is running cross country for the first time.

"We pace each other in the beginning, and then one of us will get in front of the other. Sometimes we'll help each other out," Alpaugh said.

The Patriots have now completed their second undefeated season in a row.

"It feels awesome, really. We have some really great runners," said Alpaugh.

Taking first place last week was Ben Ziegler (F), followed by Jason Lopez (F), and Chris Kelly (F). Alex Fitch (L) took fourth place, followed by Dan Quigley (F), Alpaugh, and Marrero. Shane Smith (F) placed eighth, Will Masemore (L) was ninth, and Ian Gross (F) was tenth.

As the regular cross country season has ended, teams are preparing for the Lehigh Valley Conference Championships which are scheduled for Oct. 15 at Illick's Mill.

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Some local runners competed in the Northampton Invitiational on Saturday at Bicentennial Parkl and East Allen Township.

Bethlehem Catholic finished sixth for the boys while Freedom was 14th. Jim Thorpe won the event.

John Donchez was the first Hawk to cross taking eighth 17:27. Trevor Watlington was Freedom's first running to cross taking 16th in 17:55. Jim Thorpe's Jonathan Condly took first in 16:42.

Other local finishers were: Bryce Orlaski, BC, 37thth 18:33; Quinn Stasia, BC, 50th 18:49; Dominic Santanasto, BC, 54th 18:58; Andrew Haldaman, BC, 60th 19:05; Nate Shay, FHS, 61st 19:08; John Shay, FHS, 63rd 19:14; Chirs Landolfi, BC, 64th 19:15; Eric Braun, BC, 70th 19:26; Ryan Hanchick, FHS, 89th 20:06; Jack Fried, FHS, 97th 20:19; Brandon Burnette, FHS, 98th 20:21; Jude DePadua, FHS, 102nd 20:44.