Celebrate 50 Years at Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial XC Race
The Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial race has long held a special place in the hearts of local runners and fans, and this year, it truly lived up to its reputation as the first unofficial race of the 2025 cross country season. Held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Misericordia University, the Wyoming Valley Striders 50th Annual race enjoyed perfect weather and a course in great shape, providing ideal conditions for kicking off the season.
This year’s event saw the highest number of registered runners in a decade, along with an impressive turnout of teams. It was the most in many years and signaled a growing excitement for the sport. The event’s energy was electric, thanks in large part to the enthusiastic spectators who lined the course, cheering runners every step of the way. The atmosphere reached a crescendo on the final straightaway, where supporters urged every athlete to dig deep and finish strong.
It’s not just the fans making noise — it’s the runners, too. Teammates cheer each other on with genuine passion. One parent shared, “His coaches and teammates were really cheering him on. I’ve never seen anything like that cross country meet yesterday, and I’m so pumped for more!”
The meet, open to PIAA member schools for grades 7–12, featured four races: varsity and junior high boys and girls. With 780 total finishers and 89% participation from registered athletes, it marked the highest completion rate in years.
We’re especially proud to host this meet during our 50th anniversary year as a running club. Over the decades, many top athletes who raced here have gone on to compete at the collegiate level and beyond.
This year’s meet also showcased outstanding individual performances:
- Varsity Girls Champion: Lauren Kosek, an 11th grader from Wellsboro Area, won with an impressive time of 18:58 in her first-ever appearance at the Cliff Robbins.
- Varsity Boys Champion: Michael Fritz, senior from Northwest Area, won with a time of 16:07, the second-fastest on this course since 2014.
- Jr. High Girls Champion: Vella Byrne, 8th grader from Scranton, improved her time by 1 minute and 21 seconds to win in 12:20.
- Jr. High Boys Champion: Frank Pacelli, 8th grader from Holy Redeemer, took the win in 10:58, shaving 45 seconds off last year’s time.
Cross country athletes are dedicated to the sport! Attend a weekly meet during the season to support the sport, witness the talent of student-athletes across the region, and become part of a tradition that continues to grow stronger every year.
At Cliff Robbins, that tradition runs deep, even some of today’s parents once raced this meet themselves, now returning to cheer on their children.
To learn more about upcoming races & walks and events hosted by the Wyoming Valley Striders, including our 50th Anniversary Celebration on December 6 at King’s College, visit our website.
Featured image: Girls varsity runners at the start of the 2025 Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial.
