DALLAS, Pa. — Crestwood's Mason Staude missed half of the cross country season last year due to a medical issue that made his arms go numb while running. After being cleared to return, Staude finished with a time of 16:36 in this year's Cliff Robbins Invitational. It was the first time in three years a new boys’ champion was crowned.
I took it a little bit lighter on the starting end of training just to make sure I wasn't overdoing it,” said Staude. “Because, not knowing exactly where I'm going to be at being out the last half of the season. So, it's good to be back where I am right now. Just gradually getting back to where I should be,” Staude said.
It was also the first time in five years that a student from a school other than Scranton came in first place. Scranton graduate, Brian McCormick, finished with the top time each of the last three years. That was another motivating factor for Staude.
“He definitely helped me get to where I am. Him pushing me throughout my varsity career, it’s kept a target on his head almost just to kind of keep pushing for him and it's good to go against people better than you,” said Staude.
Crestwood’s cross country coach, Robert Moulton, was pleased with the work Staude put in to make his return.
“He just kept pushing,” said Moulton. “He just does a great job listening. He always asks for advice too, which again, someone at that caliber often thinks they know it all but he does a great job just kind of listening to what his coaches have to say,” said Moulton.
Staude’s time of 16:36 was also a personal record for him, making his first race back that much more special.
“I won [Cliff Robbins] eighth grade year. So, it was good to get another one here but on the varsity level- it's a whole different thing. It's good to be at the top,” said Staude.