October is the optimal fall month for peaking. When it comes to both foliage and running.

It would seem that Jesse Cruise is peaking at the perfect time of the season, as a runner and a leader. But it may be the Cedar Crest boys’ cross country team that is reaping the greatest rewards.

On Tuesday evening at Ephrata Middle School, during the annual contesting of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Cross Country Championships, Cruise and the Falcons approached their full potential. The senior ran the challenging 3.1-mile course in 17:05.7 to finish tenth among individuals.

Cruise’s performance spurred Cedar Crest to a gratifying second-place tie with Hempfield in the team standings, just behind champion Manheim Central. Following Cruise across the finish line was junior teammate Adam Wolfe.

Competing with Wolfe almost the entire way, Cruise enjoyed both a fast start and a strong finish. But he did fall short of his goal of running with the lead pack.

Up next for Cruise and the Falcons will be another chance to reach new heights, at the District Three Class AAA Cross Country Championships in Hershey.

In the spring, Cruise is an accomplished distance runner for the Cedar Crest track and field unit.

 – Jeff Falk