MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area's cross country teams received a special visit from 127th district State Sen. John Gordner.
It's not every day a sports team is paid a visit by a senator, however Gordner has been following the boys and girls cross country teams throughout their successful seasons.
When Gordner was in high school, he ran cross country and is now an assistant volunteer coach at his alma mater, Berwick Area High School.
Gordner said, "Cross country is an individual sport as well as a team sport," and when comparing cross country to other sports, his response to athletes has been, "our sport is your sport's punishmentâ¦runners are a special breed."
Gordner congratulated the boys and girls teams on their victorious seasons and gave certificates to each individual as well as their coaches, Ben and Tim McConnell.
He also presented a certificate to the teams' dedicated bus driver, Joe Gallagher, who, throughout the season, offered his unique personal encouragement and support that helped motivate the team to success.
The Mount Carmel Area boys cross country team earned the PIAA District 4 Class Double A Championship. The team and senior captain from the girls team, Lauren Hause, competed at the PIAA state Championship meet at Hershey.