Ivyland Sisters, Cross Country Stars, Honored By League

IVYLAND, PA — Hustle and work ethic are a huge part of every sport, but for cross country runners, hustle and work ethic are the sport.

And beyond just talent, it's part of what separated two Ivyland sisters from the competition this fall, as they led Penn Charter's cross country team through the 2017 season.

Emma and Abby Zwall were honored by both the Inter-Ac League and their school for their accomplishments. And as girls cross country coach Andy Zuccoti says, talent isn't the only reason.

“When we see athletes like Emma, we are tempted to write off their success as a matter of talent,”Zuccotti said. “But that’s not why Emma wins. There were a lot of talented kids at the Tennent race, and Emma won because she ran harder and was tougher than the field. You can have all the talent in the world, but it means nothing without the will to win.”

Emma, a freshman, and Abby, a junior, were both named to the first team all-Inter-Ac. Emma, who won every league meet she ran in this fall, was also named to the PIAA first team, and even made the prestigious all-state team of the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association. Abby, meanwhile, was given the team's Coaches Award.

“Abby embodied what this team was all about this year,” Zuccotti said. “She is quiet, modest and will swear she’s not a good runner. Wrong. Abby might be the toughest, strongest runner I have ever seen. She ran the race of her life at league champs and put on a clinic of toughness that coaches and parents are still talking about.”

Penn Charter is located in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Image courtesy Penn Charter, (L-R) girls cross country coach Andy Zuccotti, Abby Zwall, teammate Sophia Solomon, and Emma Zwall.