Any way you cut it, the 2020 Emmaus girls cross country team runs fast, very fast. Last Wednesday, they ran faster than anyone in the neighborhood.

In a display of temerity, intensity and mental and physical toughness, the Green Hornets claimed the 2020 District 11 Class 3A Championship held at the Blue Mountain Resort in Lower Towamensing Township in Carbon County with 39 points, 19 less than second-place Southern Lehigh. With the first-place finish, Emmaus earned a spot in the PIAA Championship meet, scheduled for Nov. 7 in Hershey.

The Emmaus cross country program’s slogan - Run Fast - summarizes its attitude, but numbers tell the story. The Hornets finished 1-2-3 in their individual district heat and when results from both heats were merged they had three girls in the top five overall and all five in the top 15. All season long - in fact for the last three seasons - the Hornets have displayed a depth most schools cannot match.

“These girls have a special bond whether they are racing together or not,” said Hornet head coach Kelly Bracetty. “They truly want the best for each other all the time and it makes it a great environment for everyone. I’m really going to miss our seniors and this team dynamic next year.”

The course - two loops around the resort - was like the Dorney Park roller coaster, going up and down the ski slopes. The Hornets did not know what they were in for until the race, as they were unable to practice on the trail beforehand because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Leading the way for the Hornets was Ashleigh McNellis, who finished in a blistering 20:53, good for second place in the district overall and four seconds behind Liberty’s Emily Jobes, the top runner.

“We were at a big disadvantage being placed in Heat 1 because the coaches in Heat 2 already knew our splits,” said Bracetty. “If there was only one heat, I know Ashleigh would have given Jobes (the Heat 2 winner) a run for the individual title.”

McNellis’ transformation in the last 365 days has been remarkable. From alternate on the Hornets’ 2019 district roster to the winning district silver in 2020.

“I don’t think many realize just how much she has improved for us,” said the coach.

Finishing second for Emmaus and fourth overall was Hailey Reinhard, registering a 21:34 time. Six seconds behind her was teammate Kera Reinhard in fifth place.

“Hailey and Kera were so mentally and physically strong from start to finish,” Bracetty said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone kick as fast to the finish as Kera did.”

Claiming 13th overall place was Keerstin Augustin in 22:14, followed by Clara Kennedy (22:24) and Isabela Lees (22:25) in 16th and 17th place, respectively.

The days leading up to a big race are like the dying days of summer before the first day of school. Much anticipation and a few jitters. The general sentiment is direct - let’s get this show on the road!

“It can feel like an eternity as a coach,” Bracetty said. “You’ve got each athlete in the best shape of their lives and you just want them all to get to the line healthy so they can reap the rewards of their hard work.”

To Bracetty and her staff, the runners adopt the “what, me worry?” routine. But who knows what’s happening inside.

“We try to keep the mood light and joke around,” the coach said.

It’s no joke when it comes to be being prepared. The Hornets were ready to find District 11 gold at the end of the rainbow.

“Leading up to districts, I really try to listen to how the athlete is feeling,” she said. “That might mean I change the workout or the game plan and that’s OK. There’s no magic formula to running fast.”