Liberty’s cross country team began its preseason with a virtual meet on Sept. 4, and the results were so positive, Coach Adam Syty is looking forward to more of its kind.

“It was the perfect night. The sun was set, the atmosphere was great, and people were excited about it,” he said. “Cross country is something you don’t get to see unfold.”

The Hurricanes ran at the BASD Stadium track where spectators were able to watch the entire race.

Reigning district champions Emily Jobes and Cole Clark placed first in individual results. In team results, Liberty’s boys placed first, and Liberty’s girls placed second to Easton by two points.

Easton, Nazareth, and various individuals from the Philly area also competed in the virtual meet at other venues.

A key returner for the Hurricane boys this year, along with Frank who placed in the top-20 at the PIAA State championships last year, is Philip Bezas.

“He’s a great guy, super-committed, a leader, and a captain for us,” said Coach Syty.

Sophomores Jacob Orrico and Emerick Leshko will also be runners to watch.

The girls’ team will be led by Jobes, who also placed in the top 20 at last year’s PIAA State championships, and Madison Drager.

“Emily is a solid number one. She’s a calm and collected athlete. She’s patient in races and will work her way up. She’s very detail-oriented and truly understands the sport,” Syty said.

“Madison is doing a great job, working hard, and she’s tough. She doesn’t make excuses and will run through any kind of pain.”

Another runner to watch will be first-time harrier Ella Scott.

This season, Coach Syty believes the Hurricane girls will be strong in the one, two, and three positions, and having lost a few to graduation, will need to fill in some gaps.

On the boys’ side, Syty thinks they could be a dark horse.

“With the right commitment, they could be in the top three or four, and they could surprise some people by moving up to two,” he said. “They could be a competitor this year.”