ST. JOHNSBURY – Several former Craftsbury Academy (CA) and Hazen Union standouts will be taking a big step up in competition this fall as they compete for the St. Johnsbury Academy (SJA) cross-country program.
The SJA boys’ program adds depth to an already stacked roster with the additions of CA senior Charlie Kehler and Hazen sophomore Manny Fliegelman. Kehler was the overall runner-up in the Division III boys’ cross-country state championships last fall, helping the Chargers win their fourth overall state title in what was the swan song to Mike LeVangie’s incredible coaching career. Kehler also helped bring the lone Division IV boys’ track and field state title back to the Common in 2022. Fliegelman had a standout freshman campaign for the Wildcats in both cross-country and track and field and will learn from the best in the coming seasons. They join a star-studded senior-laden squad led by the all-world Andrew Thornton-Sherman, who has racked up countless records at SJA in his three seasons. Emmett Johnson, Ari Leven, Evan Windrow, and Moses Andrews round out a group of seniors that have won the last three Division I cross-country state championships. Brandon Legendre embarks on his first season coaching the Hilltoppers after the tragic passing of legendary coach Chip Langmaid this past spring.
Former CA standout Ruth Krebs returns for her second season for the SJA girls’ cross-country program that finished fifth overall at States in Division I last fall. Krebs racked up six top-fives, including a pair of overall wins in her maiden season with the Hilltoppers last year. Former Hazen Union runner Finn Burgess (junior) will look to make the jump from JV to varsity in her second season at SJA. Head coach Tara Hemond will look to fill several holes left by graduation, including former CA multi-sport star Ava Purdy.
SJA is scheduled to kick off their season on Saturday at the White River Valley Invitational.
Runner-Up Finish for Circosta
CASTLETON – Former Craftsbury Academy (CA) standout Leo Circosta wasted little time getting accustomed to the next level last week, leading his Norwich University men’s cross-country team to victory at the Castleton Invitational in their season opener.
The Greensboro native finished second overall in his collegiate debut as the Cadets blistered the six-team field comprised of SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Canton, Elms, VTSU Randolph, and VTSU Castleton. Circosta helped the CA boys’ cross-country team win the Division III state title in 2021.
Royer Sisters Reunite at UVM
S. BURLINGTON – A pair of former Hazen Union standout runners will be competing at the next level this fall for the University of Vermont women’s cross-country team.
Cassandra Royer will join her sister Jessica to compete for the Catamounts after a stellar high school career at Hazen and a strong showing in the CVR Race series this past summer. Jessica will be a junior at UVM this coming fall and Cassandra will look to breakthrough as a junior after a senior campaign with the Wildcats that saw her win three times, as well as a top five finish at states.
