With Winter sports in its full glory, a look back at the Best of Fall sports would have include Annville-Cleona.

The Boys team took home medals, a trophy and 5-pound Hershey bar after winning the PIAA boys’ Class 1A cross country meet at Parkview Course on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023.

The title was the program’s fifth overall, but first since 1977.

On a day made for cross country, the Dutchmen placed their five runners in the top 32 to finish with 91 total places. Riverview, out of District 7, finished second with 137 total places.

Annville-Cleona also claimed the District 3 title this Fall.

Annville-Cleona’s boys just missed competing as a team last year, but coach Caitlin Heller knew it was just a matter of time.

“I thought if they trained over the summer, and they put in the miles and the work that yes, they could be very good,” Heller said. “They ran pretty much every day this summer. They worked on their own and worked together.”

Heller credits Moran with pulling the score together. Last week, the sophomore finished 12th in the District 3 race in 18:07. That was sixth-best on his team, and he didn’t factor into the total places for the team title.

She correctly predicted that Moran would be reminded of that finish during practice.

“This week I just wanted to make sure I was in the pack or saw the front pack,” he said. “I feel like this course fits me well because by nature I’m a sprinter and more explosive when running up a hill. That’s more like what I’m good at.”

The Dutchmen are no strangers to the medal podium, but it’s been awhile. This is their fifth state title, but first since 1977.