Judy Deiter
Now junior Gabby Benner (right) runs alongside previous seniors Gracyn Shutt (left) and Megan Foltz (middle) at the PTXC Kutztown University High School Invitational last fall.
After a remarkable 2024 season, winning both the boys and girls Perry County championships, having the boys team come runner-up at the Tri-Valley League championships, and having 2025 alum Matthew Tubioli set a new school record, the new stampede of cross country Buffaloes is ready to have another eventful year.
Head coach Melissa Briggs and assistant coach Barbara still will lead with returning seniors Riley Babski, Jordin Briggs, and Mary Jones, and rookie seniors Bradyn Diaz and Jenna Nail.
Jones, as a big returner for the team, looks forward to be able to have not only a personal successful season, but for the entire team to share the prosperity of the season. “I’m trying to PR, and I want everyone else to PR as well… I think I have a lot more confidence this season… making states last year made me more confident,” Jones stated
Babski and Briggs expressed excitement for the new season.. “I want it to be the best season Newport’s ever had,” Babski expressed. “I hope people think of cross country as a good sport… I hope they [her teammates] enjoy the fact that they are progressing, both themselves and the team,” Briggs added.
Diaz, returning from his freshman year, and Nail, joining for her first season, are ready to make the most of what this fall season has to offer. “I’m going to succeed and do my best,” Diaz said hopefully. “PRing for sure, and feeling more confident in my running,” Nail shared.
The team will begin the season with the traditional Run for the Chocolate hosted by Hershey at Shank Park in Hummelstown on Aug. 26. The team will then jump right into the invitational season with the Lebanon Valley College Invitational on Sept. 6.
Further in the season, the team will bring it home at Little Buffalo State Park for a Tri-Valley League meet on Sept. 9. Next, the team will attend the Ben Bloser Bulldog Invite at Big Spring on Sept. 20. This being the course of the District meet will allow runners to gauge what their time may look like later this season. Later, the team will travel to East Juniata for a Tri-Valley League meet on Sept. 23. Being a fairly flat course, some runners can set a personal record here or plan to have their time increase.
Continuing the list of invitations, the Carlisle Area Invite will carry them into the week on Sept. 27. This fast course can increase any runner’s speed, and includes a downhill to the finish, which allows for sprinting, challenging finishes. Carlisle will lead them to their meet at East Pennsboro area on Sept. 29. September will close with a Tri-Valley League meet at Susquenita.
The Gettysburg Area Invite will open up in October and close out the regular season on the fourth.
Postseason will arrive with the Tri-Valley League Championships hosted by Saint Joseph’s Catholic at Oak Hall Regional Park on Oct. 7. Later, the Perry County Championships will be hosted by Susquenita on Oct. 16.
Once qualifiers are figured out, the team will move on to the PIAA District III Class A Cross Country Championship at Big Spring. If any runners advance, they will attend the PIAA State Class A Championship at Hersheypark’s Parkview Course.
Cross country, though athletes compete as a team, is an individual sport. The sport can feel difficult if the athlete plateaus or if inconsistency occurs. There are mental affirmations made to overcome these hardships. “Keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep running. That’s what helps me run and helps me get through life… It’s my philosophy,” Babski stated.