On Thursday, May 16, 2024, four Central Bucks South seniors were recognized for committing to compete in cross country and/or track & field.
Katie Bosak – Slippery Rock University (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Major: Exercise Science/PA program
Final list of colleges: Slippery Rock, University of Kentucky, College of Charlestown
Reasons for choosing Slippery Rock: “They have a great program for exercise science and it would help me continue running and competing.”
What was the progression that led you to running at the collegiate level? “Running in college was always something I’ve wanted to do since I started running at five years old. I enjoy racing and training a lot and didn’t want that to all stop after high school.”
Coach Connor Simpson says: “Katie is a four-year varsity member of the track and field program. She is a District One qualifier in the 4x800m relay and 1600m run. She is a two-time state medalist: 2022 - 4x800m relay (4th) and 2024 - Distance Medley Relay (4th). Katie is a valuable member of the track and field program at CB South. Unfortunately, she had to deal with multiple injuries over the course of her career. She showed a great deal of resilience, overcoming multiple challenges and setbacks to have a very successful run at South. She could always be counted on during workouts to provide consistent and accurate splits, leading many workouts for the girls’ team. In racing, Katie could always be counted on to rise to the occasion and provide a competitive and impressive performance. She will continue her running career at Slippery Rock University.”
About Katie:
Favorite food: Strawberries
Favorite TV show: Vampire Diaries
Favorite music: Country
Cate Hildebrand – West Chester University (Track & Field)
Major: Special Education
Final list of colleges: West Chester, Bloomsburg
Reasons for choosing West Chester: “I wanted to be close to home, and I just really liked the environment of West Chester.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track and field at the collegiate level? “It was more recently – probably the beginning of the spring season. I just really enjoyed running track, and I realized I wanted to continue doing it.”
Coach Jason Gable says: “Cate had a tremendous high school career. As a young hurdler she learned from alum Felicia Oh the hard work and focus needed to be a great hurdler. Through focusing on the drill routine over and over again, Cate ended her high school career as a double District 1 qualifier in the 100m High Hurdles and the 300m Intermediate Hurdles. She saw big drops in time throughout the season, concluding with multiple season bests through SOLs and Districts. Cate also became a fantastic leader and motivator to the younger athletes this year. Our hurdling crew is a small group that has always had great athlete-leadership. Cate helped continue this mantra over her career. And we are thrilled that she will be continuing her hurdling next year at West Chester University.”
About Cate:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite movie: The Notebook
Favorite music: Country
Lucas Knappenberger – Carnegie Mellon University (Track & Field)
Major: Mechanical/Biomedical Engineering
Final list of colleges: Carnegie Mellon, RPI, Rochester Institute of Technology, Lehigh
Reasons for choosing Carnegie Mellon: “I wanted to find a good mix of academics and athletics. I wanted a team I could really compete on and be part of the team instead of just a practice guy, and also, a school where I could go and have a really good education.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track at the collegiate level? “My freshman year I joined track just for fun. I wanted to get in shape, and then my sophomore year, I kind of really broke out and realized I could get really good at this, so my junior and senior year I was really working to get to the college level.”
Coach Angelo LaFratta says: “Sometimes athletes do get a happy ending for their high school career. Lucas Knappenberger is a three-year letter winner for CB South Track and Field. Throughout his four years as a jumper, Lucas has competed in long jump, triple jump and pole vault. His primary focus at the District & State competitions has always been pole vault. Starting with a series of no heights as a 10th grader, Knapp stayed true to the event and only pushed himself harder. Being a consistent top jumper in the SOL and District 1, across the State he was on the outside looking in. His strong work ethic and dedication has led him to some memorable moments including being District Champion in pole vault (Spring 2023) and placing sixth at this year’s PIAA State Track and Field Championships. Lucas’ strong communication skills and leadership make him an integral part of our team. He will continue his athletic career at Carnegie Mellon University this fall.”
About Lucas:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite TV show: Brooklyn 99
Favorite music: Jazz
Evan Morrow – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Major: Aeronautical Engineering
Final list of colleges: Rensselaer, Stonybrook, Vermont, Gettysburg, Middlebury
Reasons for choosing RPI: “Mostly the academics, but the athletics are very good for a D3 school.
What was the progression that led you to competing in cross country and track at the collegiate level? “I started doing cross country in sixth grade for CYO, and in eighth grade, I started to get good at it. Ever since then, I’ve been training to get to college.”
Coach Connor Simpson says: “Evan is a three-year varsity member and a captain of the boys’ track and field team. Most recently Evan was a District One qualifier in the 1600m run, where he ran a personal best of 4:26. Over the past three years, Evan has been an integral part of the program's success, qualifying for Districts and PIAAs on multiple relays and as an individual. Aside from splits and results, Evan has served has an excellent example for the younger members of the team, both boys and girls. Evan conducts himself with a level of maturity and integrity beyond his years, an attribute that will serve him well in life. Evan is continuing his running career at RPI, where he is studying aeronautical engineering.”
About Evan:
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite movie: Gladiator
Favorite music: Travis Scott
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