Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast DELCO XC Pod

he DELCO XC Pod is back with our first Top 5 rankings of the 2026 season!

Kevin Kee breaks down the opening weeks of Delaware County cross country, including the Unionville Two Mile Bash, PTXC 5K, Northampton Invitational, and Abington Invitational.

On the boys' side, Strath Haven, Ridley, Penncrest, Haverford and Episcopal Academy make up our first Top 5, while Marple Newtown, Episcopal Academy, Springfield, Strath Haven and Haverford lead the girls' rankings.

But this episode is about more than rankings. It's about what actually wins cross country races: the pack.

We break down team compression, low sticks, scoring gaps and the runners who could make the biggest difference as the season develops. We also spotlight standout performances from Connor Walsh, Cassidy Jones, Cecilia Kane, Sloane Smith, Cayla Gaffney, Rowan Carr, Sean Holst-Rightley and many more.

Plus, we announce this week's Runner of the Week, presented by Ridley Running Company

It's only September. The rankings will change. The packs will tighten. And the road to November is just getting started.

This is DELCO XC. Every week, the pack changes.

This week on the DELCO XC Podcast, Coach Kee gives you a look behind the scenes with “The Life of Coach Kee” — sharing some fun tidbits, stories, and experiences from coaching at a non-DELCO school with Lower Merion.

Then, we're going back to the basics with Cross Country 101! New to the sport? New XC parent? Just trying to figure out why everyone is standing around in a field waiting for runners to disappear into the woods? We've got you covered! We'll break down how cross country scoring works, what spectators and parents should expect at a meet, and how to attend and enjoy a race.

Finally, it's time for the ultimate DELCO class battle! We take a look at the Sophomore vs. Junior vs. Senior classes and ask: Which class has the most depth in Delaware County? We'll compare the top runners, build hypothetical teams, and see which class comes out on top — boys AND girls!

And of course, a huge thank you to this episode's sponsors:

📿 DELCO Beads — Follow @DELCO_beads on Instagram and show off your DELCO pride!

👟 Ridley Running Company — Supporting the local running community and helping runners get where they're going.

So whether you're a seasoned XC parent, a first-time spectator, a coach, or just someone who loves Delaware County cross country, this episode has something for you!

Listen, follow, and subscribe to the DELCO XC Podcast!

Some people leave an impact on your life without ever realizing just how much they meant to you. Harry Chaykun was one of those people.

This is a thank-you to Harry Chaykun, to Terry Toohey, and to everyone who has used their voice to make young athletes feel like they matter.

Because the people who inspire us don't ever really leave us. We carry pieces of them forward—and sometimes, we carry their stories, too.

From Harry's Granddaughter:

My goal is to gather as many stories as possible and create something that I can sit beside my grandad and show him.I want him to see the faces.I want him to hear the stories.I want him to understand just how many lives he touched.Because for decades, Harry told everyone else’s stories.Now I want to tell his.I want my grandad to know that the work he dedicated his entire life to mattered.That the athletes he believed in remember him.That the stories he wrote mattered.That the countless hours he spent on the sidelines mattered.And most importantly, that he mattered.To my grandad, you spent a lifetime making sure other people got their moment.Now it’s your turn.Let’s come together as a community and give Harry Chaykun the moment he deserves. If you have a story, memory, photo, article, video, or anything else you’d like to share, please message me directly. You can also email me at madison@lifeofmadison.com. Please share this far and wide.

For Harry.

The 2025 cross country season was only the beginning.

Delaware County’s sophore class has already shown flashes of what could be a massive transformation. From standout performances to developing depth, this group has the talent, experience, and potential to reshape Delco XC in 2026.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the girls and boys from Delco’s 2025 freshman class and look ahead to what could happen after a summer of training, growth, and confidence-building.

We spotlight emerging stars like Cayla Gaffney, Jessica DeMaio, Nick Kane, Oliver Brody, Colin Park, Rudy Goerke, and many more, while examining the young groups at Strath Haven, Marple Newtown, Garnet Valley, Episcopal Academy, The Haverford School, Radnor, Penncrest, and programs throughout Delaware County.

Because the jump from freshman to sophomore year can change everything.

More strength.
More confidence.
More racing experience.
More belief.

The summer miles are coming. And by October 2026, some of these promising freshmen could be leading the next era of Delaware County cross country.

The future of Delco XC is already here.

Cross country is a sport built on pushing limits—but sometimes the most important race is the one happening inside your head. In this episode of the DELCO XC Podcast, we take a deeper look at the importance of mental health and mindfulness for cross country athletes.

Because cross country is about more than times, places, PRs, and medals. The goal is to build athletes who are mentally strong, resilient, and able to enjoy the journey.

Run hard. Breathe. Be present. And remember: you are more than a stopwatch.

The wait is over—Season 4 of the DELCO XC Podcast is here!

In one of the most anticipated episodes of the offseason, Kevin unveils his Way-Too-Early 2026 Delaware County Cross Country Team Rankings, counting down the preseason Top 10 boys and girls teams heading into the fall.

From powerhouse programs like Penncrest, Haverford, and Episcopal Academy to rising contenders ready to make a leap, every ranking is based on returning talent, varsity depth, and each program's potential entering the 2026 season.

In this episode:

• 🏃 Boys & Girls Preseason Top 10 Rankings
• 🔥 Which teams have the highest ceilings?
• 👀 Biggest storylines heading into the season
• 📈 Programs poised to surprise Delco
• 📱 Updates on Instagram takeovers and a major DELCO XC announcement
• 🎙️ A new way for athletes to be part of the podcast this season

These rankings are only the beginning—and they'll certainly spark some debate.

Do you agree with the rankings? Who's too high? Too low? Who did we miss?

Follow @DELCOXCPod on Instagram for offseason coverage, athlete spotlights, takeovers, and more as we count down to the opening race of the 2026 cross country season.

Keep running, Delco. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🎙️

Reaction to the course change for PIAA Championships beginning Fall 2026!

In this special edition of the DELCO XC Podcast, we hit pause on predictions, rankings, and race breakdowns — and shift the focus to what truly matters: appreciation.
This episode is a love letter to DELCO cross country. To the miles, the mud, the struggle, the community, the laughter, the heartbreak, and the joy. It’s about the athletes who define the culture, the coaches who give everything, the parents who show up no matter what, and the county that has always been built different.
We also unveil the unofficial DELCO 20 — the twenty athletes who embodied grit, presence, leadership, and identity this season. Because this sport is bigger than times. Bigger than medals. Bigger than lists.
It’s for the love of the sport — and for the people who make DELCO cross country what it is.

In this episode of the DELCO XC Podcast, we break down the PIAA State Championships — where every stride is earned and every finish means something. From breakout performances to unforgettable displays of resilience, Delco athletes once again proved that toughness is more than a mindset — it’s our identity.

We highlight standout races from Sloane Smith’s historic finish, to Haverford’s team-first heart, to the grit shown by individuals across the county pushing through adversity. From AAA to A, boys and girls, this episode captures the pride, the edge, and the tradition that makes Delco running built different.

This week on the DELCO XC Podcast, we dive into one of cross country’s most overlooked truths — it’s a team sport through and through.

From PIAA District 1, District 12, and the PA Independent State Championships, we break down how chemistry, trust, and execution decide who’s heading to Hershey.

We talk Haverford’s dangerously confident run, Penncrest’s breakout performance, and Marple’s Julian Bothma’s moment of joy, before heading over to Belmont Plateau to unpack Episcopal Academy’s historic finish, Agnes Irwin’s podium push, and Notre Dame’s surprise top-5 at PAISAA.

Add in a few laughs, a shot at ChatGPT’s “predictions,” and some love for the runners who just missed the cut — and you’ve got a full plate of district drama, DELCO pride, and the road to the land of chocolate 🍫.

Buckle up, tie those spikes tight, and get ready to be dangerously confident.

Three championship races. One massive weekend.

In this episode of the Delco XC Podcast, we dive into the biggest week of the season — the District 1, District 12, and PA Independent State Championships.

With tickets to Hershey and state titles on the line, we break down, with a little bit of help from my friend, AI, every storyline, matchup, and athlete to watch across all three championships.

We’ve got you covered with:
🌎 The Big Picture — Why this weekend defines Pennsylvania cross country
🏆 The Team Races — Can Lower Merion, North Penn, and Penn Charter finish the job?
👟 The Individual Showdown — Mazzeo, Landis, Gosling, and the Delco firepower chasing gold
🔦 The Delco Spotlight — Haverford, Penncrest, and Episcopal Academy taking center stage
💭 Predictions & Bold Takes — Who’s ready for Hershey… and who might fall short?

From Lehigh to Belmont , the championship chaos is about to unfold — and it’s going to be epic.

The forecast called for rain, but the cross country gods had other plans! In this week’s episode of the DELCO XC Podcast, Kevin Kee dives deep into League Championship week — where the conditions were perfect, the competition fierce, and the races unforgettable.

From Conestoga’s dominance at Rose Tree Park to Lower Merion’s Mazzeo brothers, and Penn Charter’s Inter-Ac sweep, this episode covers every major storyline across Delco and beyond.

We break down every league:
🏃‍♀️ Central League Championships — Tubbs, Smith, and Gaffney shine in a field full of grit.
🏃‍♂️ Central League Boys — Lower Merion’s 1–2 Mazzeo finish and depth that threatens anyone come Districts.
🏁 Inter-Acs at Belmont Plateau — Penn Charter’s girls put on a masterclass; Episcopal rolls as the boys’ champs.
🔥 Del Val — Penn Wood’s girls and boys put together statement performances and program-defining runs.
⛪ Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) — Nazareth’s depth and Katie Sautter’s individual brilliance headline a competitive PCL weekend (girls & boys recaps included).
📣 BAL Championships — full coverage of the BAL races and the key storylines you need heading into postseason (team performances, breakout athletes, and who’s trending up).

Grab your spikes — we’re reliving every surge, every finish, and every moment that made championship week one for the books. Play-by-play breakdowns, top-10 rundowns, and my takes on who to watch at Districts and States.

Oh, it’s that time of year again — the weather’s getting cooler, and so are the athletes! Welcome back to the DELCO XC Podcast with your host Kevin Kee, breaking down everything you need to know heading into League Championship Week across Delaware County and beyond.

From the Inter-Ac to the Central League, the PCL, BAL, and DEL Val, Kevin dives deep into every matchup, rivalry, and upset alert on the board. Who’s ready to own their league? Who’s peaking at the perfect time? And yes — a little DELCO bias might sneak in along the way.

With insights, predictions, and plenty of energy, this episode captures everything we love about high school cross country in Pennsylvania.

🏆 Rivalries are alive.
🔥 Spoilers are waiting.
💪 It’s time to OWN YOUR LEAGUE!

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

What a week it was for DELCO Cross Country! From Kendra Williamson rewriting history with the fastest 5K in county history, to dominant team wins across Paul Short, Souderton Twilight, and William Tennant — DELCO showed up big. We break down record runs, school milestones, and the squads making noise as championship season heats up. Tune in as we spotlight Kendra’s historic 17:04, Ridley’s record-setting day, Agnes Irwin’s team victory, Radnor’s Twilight triumph, and Marple flexing at William Tennant. It’s all here in another packed week of DELCO XC!

Twitter, Instagram, Youtube @DELCOXCPod

Email: delcoxc@gmail.com

It was a massive day at the DELCO Cross Country Championships! Tune in for a full breakdown of the action, where the Haverford boys ran away with a dominant team victory. But the biggest story of the day belongs to the Episcopal Academy girls, who captured their first-ever DELCO Championship team title! We cover the standout individual performances, the key team scores, and what this historic win means for DELCO cross country. Don't miss this one!

Follow the action year-round:Instagram & X: @delcoxcpodNOW on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@DELCOXCPOD

DELCO XC Podcast – DELCO Championships Preview (9/27/25 at Rose Tree Park)

It’s championship week in Delaware County! Join us as we preview the 2025 DELCO Cross Country Championships at historic Rose Tree Park on Saturday, September 27th.

Race Schedule:

12:30 pm   Boys/ Girls MS 3K Race Combined--- NEW FOR 2025 (6th-7th-8th graders ONLY)

1:00 pm     Girls and Boys Novice -- unlimited number, but 9th and 10th graders only.(Top 5 girls, top 5 boys)

1:45 pm     Girls Junior Varsity  (unlimited number) (top 8)

2:30 pm     Boys Junior Varsity  (unlimited number) (top 8)

3:15 pm     Girls Varsity    (7 runners max per school)   (top 20)

4:00 pm     Boys Varsity   (7 runners max per school)   (top 20)  

We’re joined by special guests Coach Tom Kennedy and Coach Bill Coren, who share their most memorable DELCO Championship moments and break down everything you need to know heading into this year’s varsity races. From team battles to individual standouts, this is your full guide to one of the most exciting meets of the season!

The regular season is over, and it's time to talk championships! In this episode, we're recapping the final major invitationals before the big one, including the Whippets Invitational, George School Invite, Foundation Invitational, and Adidas XC Challenge. We'll break down how local runners performed and discuss the major takeaways. Then, with just days to go, we're diving deep into the final Delaware County team rankings, giving you our predictions for who will be on top at the DELCO Championships!

Twitter and Instagram @DELCOXCPod

On this special mini-segment of the DELCO XC Podcast, Kevin shares his drive-to-work reflections on the state of Delaware County cross country. With big races on the horizon, he asks one simple but important question: Where are all the 5Ks?

We’re less than two weeks away from the DELCO Championships—and there’s still no clear favorite on either the boys’ or girls’ side. This week, Belmont Plateau’s Briarwood Invitational gave us grit, history, and breakout performances from Marple Newtown, Springfield, and Strath Haven. Meanwhile, Agnes Irwin dominated the Cougar 5K in Exton, and Interboro made its case in DelVal. Join me for a full breakdown of every DELCO runner and team performance as we look ahead to league meets and invitationals before the big showdown.

This weekend, DELCO cross country was everywhere — and we’ve got it all covered in one jam-packed episode! Host Kevin Kee breaks down three major meets: the Unionville 2-Mile Bash, the Abington Invitational, and PTXC 16.

On the girls’ side, Episcopal’s Kendra Williamson smashed a meet record, Garnet Valley’s Avery Lustgarten completed a perfect Unionville sweep, and the Agnes Irwin girls brought home a championship. On the boys’ side, Haverford showed why they’re #1 in DELCO, Episcopal and Penn Wood flexed at Abington, and Marple Newtown and Strath Haven made noise at PTXC.

We close out with updated DELCO XC team rankings, highlighting who’s hot right now and who to watch as the season heats up. Whether you’re a runner, a fan, or just proud of DELCO, this episode has the results, stories, and energy you need!

Join host Kevin Kee for a new episode of the DELCO Cross Country Podcast!

This week, Kevin shares some big news: he's the new assistant coach for the girls' program at Lower Merion High School, and he explains how this means more access to your favorite DELCO runners and coaches.

We break down the Oakbourne Relays, celebrating the impressive depth of the Strath Haven boys and the thrilling battle between the Penncrest and Garnet Valley girls.

Then, we preview Week 1 of the cross country season, covering where DELCO teams will be competing:

• Unionville 2-Mile Bash: Featuring the Strath Haven boys and Episcopal girls.

• Mill Street Run: Look for Interboro.

• Abington Invitational: With Agnes Irwin, O'Hara, Chester, Carroll, and the Episcopal boys.

• PTXC: The Marple Newtown and Strath Haven girls will be on the line.

Plus, Kevin shares his unique perspective on the benefits of the Unionville 2-Mile Bash's grade-separated format. Don't miss it!

Also, we're looking for a new theme song! If you're a talented musician, get in touch. Follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) at @delcoxcpod or email us at delcoxc@gmail.com.

🎙️ DELCO XC Podcast – Season 3, Episode 3 🏃‍♂️🔥

We’re back with a full breakdown of Week 0 in Delaware County XC! Penncrest, Ridley, Garnet Valley, and Strath Haven all lined up at the Oakbourne Relays hosted by West Chester Henderson, and we’ve got all the early takeaways.

In segment two, we touch on some big national news: Foot Locker Nationals officially closing its doors this year after decades as one of the sport’s most iconic meets.

Then in segment three, DELCO legend Greg Thomas returns to the mic! We dive into the unique challenges coaches and athletes face when balancing the pressures of leading a top team or chasing greatness as an individual — and how to best set up everyone for success.

📲 Follow us: @delcoxcpod
📧 Email: delcoxc@gmail.com

#delcoxc #xcseason #crosscountry #highschoolxc #oakbournerelays #delawarecounty #gregthomas #footlockernationals #podcast #runnersofinstagram #xc2025

In this episode, we break down how summer training shapes the future of cross country success — especially for those making the leap from freshman promise to sophomore stardom.

We start by diving into the importance of consistent summer mileage, smart workouts, and building a base that carries athletes through the fall. Then, we shift focus to the top sophomore sensations in Delaware County, highlighting the names you’ll want to remember when the gun goes off this season.

And we’re not doing it alone — guest host Greg Thomas rejoins us for this hour-long deep dive, bringing his insight and energy back to the mic. From long runs in the heat to early morning track sessions, we show how the work put in during the off-season transforms potential into performance.

📲 Follow: @delcoxcpod
📧 Email: delcoxc@gmail.com

#delcoxc #xcseason #crosscountry #highschoolxc #sophomores #distanceRunning #runnersofinstagram #xc2025

🎙️ Season 3 Premiere – DELCO XC Podcast 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️
We’re back! Kicking off Season 3 with a bang as we dive into Way Too Early Predictions for the DELCO Championships on September 27th. Who are the top returners to watch this fall? Who could surprise us? We break it all down and set the stage for what’s shaping up to be an electric cross country season in Delaware County.

💥 Don't miss out — follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes, and more:
📸 Instagram & X: @delcoxcpod
📧 Got questions, takes, or shoutouts? Email us at delcoxc@gmail.com

Let’s get this season rolling!

On this episode I recap a historical DELCO T&F State Championship meet!

Congratulations to all athletes!

Preview and shoutout to the DELCO Track programs heading to Penn State this weekend!

This is a bonus podcast with shoutouts and rants! Please enjoy!

Instagram and Twitter @DELCOXCPod

On this finale, I break down PIAA State Championships and talk with state medalists Rowan Carr and Jackson Kane!

Season Finale (Part 1 of 2): My interview with the PIAA State Champion Haverford girls team with special guest host Terry Toohey of the DELCO Times.

Interview with:

Coach Laura Clinton

Seniors:

Olivia Cieslak

Camryn McGeehan

Micah Haskins

Anastasia Harmon

Pru Frein

Junior:

Ryan Dankanis

Sophomores:

Evelyn Awad

Isabelle McDermott

HAVERFORD WINS STATES!!!!

Recaps of PA Independent School State Championships, PIAA District 12, and PIAA District 1 Championships

A quick preview of the DELCO teams at District 12 and District 1 Championships this week.

District 12: Thursday

District 1: Friday.

The title explains it all. I show my bias towards DELCO XC by covering league championship meets:

Most coverage for Central League, InterAc, and PCL with some coverage for BAL and very little (sorry) for DEL VAL

Follow Instagram and X @DELCOXCPod

An unscripted preview of CAL and InterAc Championships!

I quickly break down the top 5 teams in DELCO and the top 10 athletes right now, based off of my observations, in DELCO. Consider this a 1st Team All DELCO Watchlist!

A podcast shorter than Paul Short? Well I tried and failed!

I break down the importance of health at this point of the season, especially going into league meets.

I quickly touch on the following meets:

Paul Short, William Tennent, and Sally Invite.

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I break down DELCO Champs and all the tactical races!

I speak to:

DELCO Individual Champs: Rowan Carr and Kendra Williamson

DELCO Runner-Up: Camryn McGeehan

3rd overall: Edomias Mulugeta

DELCO Team Champs: Haverford Township and Penncrest.

I break down all the races - the tactics, the individuals, and surprise teams!

I also add a TOP 5 Power Ranking!

Kevin is joined by Coach Tom Kennedy to preview DELCO Championships this weekend, September 28th. Preview breakdown includes:

1 Pros and Cons of DELCOs in September

What DELCO Champs means to the county.

Recent history of DELCO Champs

Breakdown of teams and individuals in contention.

Instagram and Twitter @DELCOXCPod

Email delcoxc@gmail.com

Kevin breaks down, in a tired effort, the following meets:

Sorry for the mumbling in this one, a tired effort but wanted to release a podcast prior to a DELCO Champs preview!

Souderton Twilight

Whippets

Foundation

Adidas XC

DELCOs are a week away!

I highlight the meets from Penncrest, Briarwood, and George School Invite!

The top 10 rankings in DELCO are now out!

Follow on Twitter & Instagram @DELCOXCPod

Email DelcoXC@gmail.com

Yell at me if I got something wrong!

I break down the following meets:

Unionville 2 mile bash

PTXC

Abington

Mill Street Run

Top 6 Team Rankings in DELCO

Twitter & Instagram @DELCOXCPod

Like, share, and subscribe!

The regular season begins in Delaware County! We get prepared for season 2 of the DELCO XC Podcast as I do a quick preview of the following meets:

• Unionville 2 mile bash
• PTXC
• Abington Invitational
• Mill Street Run

Best of luck to those competing!

Twitter and Instagram @delcoxcpod

Like, share, subsribe.

Our social media is getting a little more social! Starting this Monday, the instagram page will have a takeover by a top athlete in Delaware County!

On the season 2 premiere episode, I welcome you back to DELCO XC for the upcoming 2024 season!

I give background information on the sport of cross country. I break down the cost of losing graduating seniors and how that effects and upcoming ranking and season.

I also give the "way too early" power rankings for DELCO XC this year!

I also talk about DELCO Championships in September and how that plays with the training and mindset of coaches.

Welcome to season 2!

Make sure you like, share, and subscribe.

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter (X) at @DelcoXCPod

On the season finale of the DELCO XC pod, I break down coverage of the PIAA State Championship meet.

On this episode I break down state championships, the course, and give shoutouts to all the athletes from DELCO Competing!

Best of luck!

Twitter/Instagram @DELCOXCPOD

Email DELCOXC@GMAIL.COM

Congratulations to all the programs that completed last weekend! Best of luck to all who qualified for PIAA State Championships!

Twitter/Instagram @DELCOXCPod

Email delcoxc@gmail.com

On this episode I break down DELCOs influence in the PA Independent Schools Championships (PAISAA) this Saturday at the historic BELMONT PLATEAU!

On this episode, I break down PIAA District 12 AA and AAA races and how they effect Delaware County!

I also dive deeper into DELCO's influence in District 1 A and AAA races!

On this episode I break down the DELCO performances from Inter-Ac and PCL Champs from this past week!

This teams all performed at the legendary Belmont Plateau and will return to the course this week!

My complete bias brings me to Inter-Ac, BAL, and PCL Championships this week! I preview the Inter-Ac, BAL, and PCL Champs this week! Big races ahead in league championship meets!

Follow us on Twitter/Instagram: @DELCOXCPod

E-mail delcoxc@gmail.com

10/16 Inter-ac Championship Schedule :

??

10/18 BAL Championship Schedule:

3:00 BOYS VARSITY

3:40 GIRLS VARSITY

10/21 PCL Championship Schedule:

1:30 Frosh (unlimited)

2:00 JV (unlimited)

2:30 Girl Varsity (unlimited)

3:00 Boys Varsity (top 7)