Making a Difference: PWHS Boys Cross Country team

Instead of crossing the finish line themselves, members of the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School boys cross country team helped others to do that by volunteering at a race hosted by the Wicked Fast Distance Runners Special Olympics of Montgomery County.

The team members volunteered as course marshals, water station attendants, race pacers, and fans for the 5K, 3K, and 1500M races. This was their first volunteer effort as a team, but another is already planned for October. 

“This is a volunteer activity we would like to continue with the team through other seasons, as we found that, as the students get to know the athletes, it just makes it more personal and rewarding for the students,” said Coach Dave Bucko, who added that the girls cross country team is planning to get involved as well. 

The team learned about the Wicked Fast runners through Colin Reilly, a 10th-grader who runs cross country and whose mother volunteered for the organization. Coach Bucko said it made sense for them to see how they could support the organization, which offers students with special needs the chance to race. Colin, along with teammates Josh Bucko, Dan Bucko, Declan McGorry, Rian McGorry, Brett Westerfer, Justin Scott, Rex Abary, Jace Bell, John Ditore, and Alex Petruschke were on hand to help out at the race held in September at Heebner Park in Worcester Township.

Giving back has been rewarding for PW’s students. Coach Bucko said the Wicked Fast runners asked to pose for pictures with his students, and he could see how “meaningful it was to them for our students to be there supporting them.”

Brett, who is a 12th-grader, said the spirit of the event made an impression on him.

"What stood out to me the most at the races was the sense of community they had. How happy everyone was to participate and how much they cheered each other on,” he said. “[The event] embodies what it means to have true sportsmanship."

Twelfth-grader Declan said having a way to support others in a sport that he enjoys was an awesome experience that he hopes to repeat again in October. During the event, he helped pace a runner named Eli, who was from Chester County and about the same age as Declan. 

“He was around the same age as me and it was super cool running with him and encouraging him to push himself. I loved being able to pace the runners and help them hit new personal bests and it just made me feel really happy,” said Declan.