All-Harford County: Boys cross country

Runner of the Year

Pete Houlihan, C. Milton Wright

The senior has been one of the metro area's most consistent runners over the past few years, helping the Mustangs be a force in the Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference.

He ran well in big races throughout the fall. Houlihan finished fourth in the large schools division at the Bull Run in the first part of the season, and he closed the season strongly by finishing second in the Class 4A North region as the Mustangs scored an impressive victory. After that, Houlihan ended up eighth in the state meet to help C. M. Wright finish fourth.

Coach of the Year

Shawn Loper, Bel Air

Loper has done a good job of gradually building the Bobcats' cross country program. Loper took over the team eight years ago, and the Bobcats have continually gotten tougher. This year, the boys finished second in the UCBAC and followed that with another second-place performance in the Class 3A East regional.

Blair ended its season with a fourth-place finish in the Class 3A state meet. The Bobcats ran well in several tough meets and peaked in time for the postseason.

Note:

Player and Coach of the Year were selected by Jeff Seidel after consultation with

The Sun

staff and area coaches.