Region 4 Boys Runner of the Year, Warren junior Sam Lindell. Photo submitted to the Times Observer

Warren junior Sam Lindell was named Region 4 Runner of the Year for the second straight year and was among six Dragons named region cross country all-stars.

Lindell, ninth at the District 10 2A Championships, qualified for states for the third time. Warren’s boys team was sixth overall, and junior Cam Williams joins Lindell as a first-team region all-star. Sophomore teammate Emre Morgan made the second team. Eisenhower junior Joe Mistretta also made the second team.

The all-region teams and runners of the year are submitted by the region coaches.

“Well, one way to ensure you’re the runner of the year is to never lose,” said Warren coach Kevin Dustin of Lindell. “Sam defends his honors from last year. He is extremely involved in his plan and is very coachable. He is a great kid to be around and is always encouraging his teammates. With all of Sam’s hard work, he is more than deserving of his honors.

“We are so glad (Williams) came out and ran,” said Dustin. “He is a natural born runner who is quickly learning running. It’s amazing to see what he has done in a short period of time. We are very proud of him and cannot wait to see what he continues to do. Emre joined us this year for his first year running… He is a quiet guy who just puts in work day after day. He immediately established himself in the region as one of the top guys and was pivotal in the team’s success. Emre has been a pleasure to coach and we are looking forward to his success over the next couple years.”

For the Lady Dragons, senior Hannah Pearson and sophomore Morgan Alexander are first-team all-stars, and teammate Cassidy Britton was named to the second team in Region 4.

“Morgan Alexander was instrumental in the team’s success this year,” said Dustin. “She is a very hard worker, very driven, and always looking to see what she can do to improve. Outside of herself, though, she really picks up those around her and gets the team on the same wavelength. She had a great season and is extremely deserving of her all-star honors.

“Hannah Pearson had a great one-and-done season being a senior,” added Dustin. “She loves to run and loves to work. Sometimes I had to tell her to take it easy. She gained her experience quickly and immediately saw success. Wish we had her here for more than one year, but she did great with the one she had.

“Cassie Britton joined the team after having some good seasons under her belt already,” said Dustin. “She jumped into it this year, doing just as well. She saw immediate improvement and does all the right things to continue with that. She works hard and is super fun to have on the team. She keeps things very fun for everyone. Great running from her.”

Eisenhower junior Emily Grosch was also named a second-team all-star.

REGION 4 ALL-STARS

Girls

First team

Veronica Brewer – Harbor Creek – 11

Jordan Fox – Corry – 11

Morgan Alexander – Warren – 10

Hannah Pearson – Warren – 12

Allie Gladitz – Seneca – 11

Haeleigh Bayle – Corry – 12

Ariel Knapp – Corry – 11

Second team

Cassidy Britton – Warren – 11

Mackenzie Nelson – Seneca – 12

Baylee Dernar – Seneca – 12

Kelsea Brace – Seneca – 10

Brooke Majewski – Seneca – 10

Samantha Abate – North East – 12

Emily Grosch – Eisenhower – 11

Region champion – Corry

Region runner of the year – Veronica Brewer, Harbor Creek

Boys

First team

Sam Lindell – Warren – 11

Cameron Williams – Warren – 11

Michael Werner – Seneca – 12

Aivan Vargas – North East – 12

Fabian Fourspring – Corry – 12

Paxton Zinz – Corry – 9

Tavon Kornikoski – Corry – 12

Second team

Joe Mistretta – Eisenhower – 11

Quinn Brewer – Harbor Creek – 10

Micah Lander – Harbor Creek – 10

Emre Morgan – Warren – 10

Anthony Galkowski – Seneca – 9

Bryson Hammond – North East – 11

Ethan Behm – Corry – 10

Region champion – Corry

Region runner of the year – Sam Lindell, Warren