Whitehall High School cross country runner, Gabe Lamm's second trip to the PIAA State Cross Country Championships resulted in a 33 second improvement from last year's time on Saturday at the Parkview Golf Course in Hershey, Pa.

"I came out hoping to medal and hoping to go under 17:00, but the weather just got to me," Lamm said.

On a relatively unseasonably warm day, Lamm placed 76th out of 219 runners in 17:12.

As is typical at the state meet, the start was fast for the Class AAA boys race.

"I was all bundled up, and it was hard to make a move for the first mile. I never really got to settle in. I would see a guy and just go for him or go with him. You don't want to get passed, but you want to stay in your zone and not lose yourself," said Lamm.

Sticking with runners from District XI, Lamm paced himself off the Freedom Patriots and Parkland's Dan Kyvelos.

"I was near Dan, and we all pushed each other from District XI. It was nice,"he said.

Just as fast as the start was the finish.

"It was a mad dash. Right before poop-out hill, you know the finish is right there, and you just go for it. You hear all the cheers and the adrenaline kicks in," said Lamm.

As with the District XI meet on Oct.23, Lamm beat all the Freedom Patriot runners, except for Ben Ziegler, at the state meet.

"I guess I'm pretty content. You always feel like you can do better," Lamm said.

Whitehall senior, Brian Plucinsky, also competed at states, but suffered an injury after the first 200 meters.

Whitehall coach Mike Lelko said, "There was a lot of jostling for position going on with the other runners, and Brian said he felt something pop in his knee. He showed a lot of courage and did complete the race, although he was one of the last runners."

Plucinsky crossed the finish line, grimacing and in pain. Race officials did not record an official place and time for him.

"He is currently doing fine, walking OK, and being treated by our trainer, Sean Harkum," Lelko said.