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PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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Former PPS Cross-Country Athletes Run for a Good Cause

The inaugural Alumni Cross Country Race proved to be an exciting and heartwarming event, bringing together a diverse group of Pittsburgh Public Schools graduates for a day of athleticism and community building. Held at Schenley Oval, the event saw alumni from various high schools and decades compete in a spirited race while reconnecting with their alma mater and former classmates.

The men’s division saw strong competition, with Nathan Meyers (CAPA/Allderdice, 2014) taking first place, finishing the course with an impressive time of 19:54. Close behind was Lenny Lucas (Carrick, 2000), who clocked in at 21:00 for second place, followed by Aiden Forcucci (Carrick, 2022) in third with a time of 22:06. Other standout performances included Justin Quast (Peabody, 2009) at 22:20 and Will Bowens (Carrick), who finished at 22:43, rounding out the top five.

In the women’s division, Alexis Tressler (Carrick, 2002) claimed first place with a time of 22:39. Melanie DeMarco (Carrick, 1987) followed in second, finishing at 24:42, while Anna Jackson (Schenley, 2009) secured third place at 25:44. Rounding out the top finishers were Corinne Orchowski (Carrick, 1997) at 25:56 and Kayla Key (Westinghouse), who finished at 27:56. 

In addition to the race, the alumni came together for a great cause, raising $748.56 in donations. Founder and organizer Bill Thomas was proud to announce that 100% of the funds will go directly to supporting Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Cross Country and Track programs. These much-needed donations will help provide new uniforms, spikes, sweats, equipment, and cover invitational fees for current student-athletes, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed on and off the track.

Bill Thomas also shared exciting plans for the future of the race. Next year, he hopes to open the event to all former Pittsburgh Public Schools athletes, regardless of which sport they played, allowing for even greater participation and support for district athletics. His vision is to grow this into an annual tradition that fosters community spirit while supporting the next generation of PPS student-athletes.

With such an incredible turnout and strong performances, the inaugural Alumni Cross Country Race not only celebrated athletic achievement but also gave back to the programs that shaped so many of Pittsburgh’s alumni. It was a day of camaraderie, competition, and generosity, with everyone looking forward to next year’s expanded event.