Two Northwestern cross country runners earned their way to this weekend’s PIAA Class 2A Championships.

Rosy Nestor finished eighth overall at last week’s District 11 Championships to earn her first trip to states. The sophomore ran the DeSales University course in 17:56 last Wednesday to earn a district medal.

Noah Griffith took 17th place in the 2A boys race, securing the final state-qualifying spot.

Nestor was happy with her performance last week.

“I really tried to focus on having fun,” Nestor said. “I’ve had some health issues and injuries, so I just wanted to enjoy the race. I really thought I’d make states my freshman year and then I just bonked, so I’m so happy to finally get there.”

The Northwestern standout said her approach this fall was guided by patience.

“I’ve been reminding myself that progress isn’t linear,” she said. “It’s OK if you’re not there yet, because you will be.”

Griffith had to look at the scoreboard after the race to see if he was on of the top 10 finishers who were not part of state-qualifying teams.

“I was the last one in, and it was close at the end,” he said. “Not getting it last year, I really wanted it this year. I pushed harder on the hills, and it worked out. All the offseason work — it’s worth it.

“I knew it would be close. I missed it last year, so I really wanted it this time. I had to hold someone off at the end, but it was worth it.”

The Northwestern boys team finished seventh at the league meet. Behind Griffith was junior Brady Furman (34th, 18:39.4), senior Jonathan Fornauf (42nd, 18:57.5), junior Michael Richards (46th, 19:12.4) and senior Kieran Baker (51st, 19:27.2) rounding out the team score.

Sophomores Quentin Gutierrez-Kehm (53rd, 19:27.8) and Isaac Grub (60th, 19:55.1) also competed for the Tigers at districts.

The Northwestern girls team took eighth place. Following Nestor were freshman Katie Furman (21st, 21:49.1), senior Ava Smedstad (47th, 23:48.7), junior Charlotte David (63rd, 24:38.0) and freshman Emily Fornwalt (68th, 25:07.8) rounding out the team score. Junior Amber Carl (74th, 25.41.6) and freshman Annie Kline (85th, 26:30.0) also competed for Northwestern at districts.