When he took over as head cross country coach two years ago, Kyle Rusnock joked with former athletic director Tom Moll that he only needed a van to transport his team.

But, Rusnock also stated that he would need two buses for the same task in a few years.

Based on some recent growth in the program, Rusnock's prognostication will apparently come to its fruition.

The Roughies completed the season at the PIAA District 11 Class A meet a few weeks ago and had two runners finish in the top-25 and three overall in the top-40. Catty will graduate a core of four seniors, but they have a cupboard full of sophomores and juniors back in the fold for next season.

Senior Dionis Lora finished ninth overall at the meet in a time of 18:51 followed by fellow senior Spencer Phillips (21st, 19:46), senior Andrew Rice (31st, 20:17) and freshman Cam Ritter (39th, 20:39). Dora barely missed qualifying for the state meet.

"It was really a good year for us," said Rusnock. "Dionis (Lora) ran well for us all season and he had a very good race at districts. It's a shame he just missed going to states. Spencer (Phillips) was a little bit disappointed in his time, but he and Andrew (Rice) had solid years overall. We also had a good year from Chris Sobrinski and Aaron Felker, our other seniors. They will all be missed.

"But this is a team in which our freshmen and sophomores stepped up. We didn't have any juniors on the team this year, but it does put us in a good spot for next year."

Fellow freshmen Alec Hartranft (43rd at districts, 20:56) and Jeremy Torres (56th, 22:57) rounded out the top-six runners for the Roughies for the boys' this past fall.

On the girls' side, Rusnock was again blessed with talented youth, as his unit will be returning next year.

Sophomore Dani Pluchinsky (59th, 30:16) will head a group of talented freshmen who all should improve with age next season.

Madison Zangl (44th, 26:43), Alexia Reichl (48th, 27:06), Bree Sheldon (49th, 27:07), Kaleigh Miller (50th, 27:07.30), Tyler Treiber (53rd, 28:05) and Gwen Polles, will all be back in the fold next season.

"We had a big (freshmen) class and we have another one coming," added Rusnock. "This year's freshmen really improved their own personal times. They worked very hard all season and it showed.

"We have a good group coming back and we are really looking forward to have a bigger team next year. These kids are very committed to working hard during the spring and summer.

"It looks like we will need a couple of buses."