Emotions ran from bewilderment to tears for Freedom and Liberty harriers at the District XI Class 3A Girls Cross Country Championships on Oct. 22 at DeSales University.

As expected, Emmaus’s Madelyn McCartney took the top spot (18:02.5), but Liberty’s Elizabeth McClarin was caught a little off guard by her second-place finish (18:49.6).

“I didn’t know what was happening,” McClarin said. “I was very surprised. I came out of the woods, and I was like, I’m in second? This feels a little different, so I was like, well, if someone starts coming up on me, play it smart.”

Adding to McClarin’s surprise was the fact that the Liberty sophomore had been sick leading up to the district meet.

“I was very, very happy. It was a great effort, and I had a strong finish. This was probably one of my best races where I was able to kick it in,” she said. “Also, for our team, a lot of the girls tried really hard today. It’s been a positive environment and everyone’s thriving. I just have to say that our coaching staff (Joe Spang, Kristin Spang, Christa Sharrer, and Erin Matyus) is amazing. Anytime I’m stressed out or nervous about anything, they really make it positive and they make me feel confident before every race. I think today, coming in sick, I really needed that.”

Freedom’s Hannah Brodhead took third place (19:06.5), and Liberty’s Katie Drabouski came in fourth (19:09.5).

“There are times you can let the course dictate how much energy you’re using up, so there are times you can conserve and save it for that last under-a-mile to make a great finish,” said Liberty coach Joe Spang. “We were crossing our fingers a little bit because [Elizabeth’s] been sick, but when the gun goes, a switch gets flipped and she’s able to power through that.”

Freedom’s Taylor Vidumsky won the last district medal awarded with a 10th place finish (19:51.3), and the Patriot junior was emotional as she was greeted by family members after the race.

“I think last year I missed it by one or two, and it was a moment I’ve been waiting for, for so long, and then my dad’s a coach at Saucon, and he’s such a good runner, and he came over to me crying, and I’ve never seen my dad cry before. It was just a really emotional moment,” Vidumsky said. “I think I ate a little better before this race, and there was more competition, and I had more goals, like I wanted to get in front of the Nazareth girl and focus on that. When I was back there in the hills, I could see everyone and Hannah in front of me. I just counted them off and I made sure to not let anyone pass me, and I was really happy at the end.”

Freedom coach Bob Thear expected Vidumsky’s top 10 finish, especially after the Patriot junior placed 10th in the conference meet the week before.

“This year was probably a little bit of redemption, but she ran a really good race, definitely her fastest time here, and other than at Louise Moore Park, this might’ve been her fastest time ever,” Coach Thear said. “She runs really well on this course. For whatever reason, she just does. Certain courses just suit her, and this one seems to suit her really well.”

Liberty’s Cali Sobrinski had a top 20 finish, placing 18th of 86 (18 20:26.2).

In girls team results, Easton placed first, Liberty placed fourth, and Freedom placed seventh.

In the Class 1A girls race, Bethlehem Catholic’s Rio Stoudt placed third (22:02.3), and teammate Skylar Husser placed 16th (24:38.3) of 45 competitors.

“I went out really fast, and I was in first place for the first mile,” Stoudt said. “It was a little treacherous, and in the last 800 meters, a girl got enough to pass me, but I’m excited and looking forward to states.”

Bethlehem Catholic coach Krystyn Fenon expressed pride in Stoudt and Husser for working hard this tear and making it to the state meet.

McClarin, Brodhead, Drabouski, and Vidumsky will also compete in the PIAA State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 1 in Hershey.