The York Daily Record/Sunday News presents its 2011 Division II boys' cross country all-stars:
 

RUNNER OF THE YEAR


   Kevin Chambers, West York: The senior stepped it up in his senior season, improving his times and finishes across the board. In his fourth year running varsity, Chambers only lost twice all year during the regular season, to Dallastown's Adam Katora and South Western's Ryan Hertzog. He also beat Hertzog once, at the Gettysburg Invitational.

Chambers finished the year on a positive note. The Bulldog placed third at the YAIAA meet in 16:58, up from 11th a year ago, and then took 25th in Class AAA at districts (up from 63rd). He capped his career with a 104th-place finish at states.

"The reason he made it to states this year was that he became more mature and more patient this year," coach Ryan Sell said. "He also really took control on any course that had hills. He was going to beat you on the hills."

Unlike last year, when West York had a successful season as a team, the Bulldogs only had seven runners total and struggled much of the season. Sell said that didn't faze Chambers.

"He was the team leader, and all those kids rallied around Kevin," said Sell. "His confidence was much improved."

Don't expect Chambers to slow down just because the season is over. The Bulldog now turns his attention to swimming and track.
  

ALL-STARS


   Bryan Procopio, Susquehannock: The senior had a stellar season, leading the Warriors' charge. He placed seventh at the YAIAA meet in 17:16.
   Kevin Procopio, Susquehannock: The other Procopio ran near the front of the pack all year and placed 11th at the YAIAA meet in 17:21.
   Devin Miele, West York: The Bulldog hovered with the leaders much of the season and placed 17th at the YAIAA meet.
   Nate Slonaker, Northeastern: The senior led the way for the Bobcats, placing 12th at the YAIAA meet in 17:27. He also medaled at Gettysburg and the Carlisle Invitational.
   Nate Vitacco, Northeastern: After running No. 2 behind Slonaker all season, Vitacco topped his teammate at the league meet by placing 10th in 17:20. The first-year runner also medaled at Gettysburg.
  

COACH OF THE YEAR


   Greg Cauller, Northeastern: Cauller claimed this award for the second straight season, leading his team to the Division II title and an overall record of 17-2. After a perfect league season, the Bobcats placed 17th at districts.

Cauller lost five of his top seven runners from last year's team, when Northeastern wrested the Division II title from York Suburban, ending the Trojans' four-year run. Instead of rebuilding, however, the Bobcats just reloaded.

Team MVP Nate Slonaker, who is a four-year varsity runner, led the way, along with classmates Nate Vitacco and Alex Hake. Fortunately for Cauller, a youth movement was under way. Sophomore Ryan Sevret stepped up and was joined by three freshmen: Ben Linne, Logan Wunsch and Thomas Skeehan.

Northeastern lost to South Western by one point and was only overmatched once, against undefeated Red Lion. The Bobcats finished sixth as a team at Gettysburg and 10th at Carlisle, and its district finish (17th in Class AAA) was the best in school history. Next year, it's time to move up to Division I.
-- M.C. Helsabeck