Waring, O'Halloran head to state championships

The Mahopac cross-country program has built a lot of momentum in recent years, but this season, Pac runners have raised the bar once again as two runners — senior captain Kira Waring and junior Cara O’Halloran — booked their tickets to the NYSPHSAA championships on Saturday.

With third- and seventh-place finishes, respectively, in the Section 1 Class A state qualifier at Bowdoin Park, Waring and O’Halloran will become the first Mahopac athletes to compete in the state cross-country championships since 2012.

Coach Kelley Posch said the accomplishment was extra special for Waring.

“This is especially sweet for Kira, who was the first individual to not qualify the last two years,” Posch said. “Third time is the charm!”

Posch said Waring used those disappointments as motivation, training throughout the summer with a group of Westchester runners.

“She got out aggressive and left no question today,” Posch said. “She dominated the race for that individual qualifying spot. It was a celebratory moment in what has been a breakthrough season.”

Posch praised Waring's leadership as well as her athletic accomplishments.

“She's an incredible example to her teammates of what it looks like when you choose to work hard at something,” Posch said. “She is an all around amazing person, student and athlete. She is all you'd want in a role model for your younger athletes.”

“This is Cara's first season running XC,” Posch said. “She is an absolute force on the track with a grit that is unmatched so I knew she would find success this season because she accepts nothing less.”

O’Halloran had to battle through the final portion of the race to secure the last qualifying position.

“To take to the sport and reach one of the highest goals in your first season is truly astounding,” Posch said. “She's a true competitor. And she is just getting started.”

Both runners will compete in the Class A race at the state championships Saturday, Nov. 14, at Queensbury High School.

The team visited the course in September with the hope of returning for the championships.

“Mission accomplished,” Posch said.