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Cross Country and Track & Field Announces 12-Member Signing ClassCross Country and Track & Field Announces 12-Member Signing Class

Cross Country and Track & Field Announces 12-Member Signing Class

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State cross country and track & field announced a 12-member signing class following National Signing Day on Wednesday. 

Seven women and five men will join the Nittany Lions. The class adds five distance runners, one middle-distance runner and two sprinters. The field events gain two throwers, one high jumper and one pole vaulter.

Ava Cavanaugh (Malvern, Pa.), Musa Herzi (Lansdale, Pa.), Isabella Keller (Effingham, Ill.), Delaney Reuter (Eaton, Colo.) and Kendra Williamson (Malvern, Pa.) make up the distance group, while Neenah Trusty (Wynnewood, Pa.) joins the middle-distance group. Radnor Rowlands (Coplay, Pa.) and Trey Resch (Sussex, Wis.) will bolster the sprints group.

The field event additions include throwers Hunter Pitcavage (Dallas, Pa.) and Addy Stiverson (Montrose, Mich.), high jumper Darius Reid (Pennsburgh, Pa.), and pole vaulter Aleah Morgante (Grove City, Pa.).

Read in detail about the 12 student-athletes joining the Nittany Lions below:

Darius Reid | Pennsburg, Pa (Upper Perkiomen) | Jumps

Darius Reid | Pennsburg, Pa (Upper Perkiomen) | Jumps

Personal Bests: 

High Jump – 6-10.25 (PA #2) 

Career Highlights

  • 2026 PIAA High Jump Champion 
  • 2026 Penn Relays High Jump Runner Up 
  • 2026 Pennsylvania Indoor (PTFCA) High Jump Runner Up 
  • 3x All-State Finisher 

Quote From Darius Reid:  
“I chose Penn State because I believe it’s where I can become the best athlete and student I can be. I’m most looking forward to competing and winning at the collegiate level.”  

Quote From Coach Mike Ashton:  

"Darius embodies the qualities and traits required to be a Penn State high jumper. He’s a competitor I matter the situation, he has a strong work ethic and a desire to be great. He is going to be a fantastic addition to our already stellar high jump crew."

Aleah Morgante | Grove City, Pa (Grove City) | Pole Vault

Aleah Morgante | Grove City, Pa (Grove City) | Pole Vault

Personal Bests: 

Pole Vault – 13-0.50 (PA #4)

Career Highlights: 

  • 2026 PIAA State Champion
  • 5x Pennsylvania State Medalist
  • USATF Junior Olympic National Champion
  • 2026 Nike Indoor National All-American
  • District 10 Record Holder 

Quote From Aleah:

“I chose Penn State because it felt like the perfect fit both athletically and academically. I love the coaching staff, team atmosphere, and opportunity to compete at such a high level. I knew this was a place where I could push myself and reach my goals.”  

Quote From Coach Mike Ashton: 

"We are very excited for Aleah to come and join our team and pole vault crew at Penn State. She brings a passion, fire, and energy that will allow her to make a positive impact in her freshman year. She will be a critical part of helping us turn our women's pole vault crew into a nationally recognized powerhouse. I cannot wait to coach her and work with her to help her achieve her goals and dreams." 

Addy Stiverson | Montrose, Mich. (Montrose) | Throws

Addy Stiverson | Montrose, Mich. (Montrose) | Throws

Personal Bests: 

Shot Put– 55-7 (MI #1, US #1)

Discus – 157-1 (MI #3) 

Career Highlights: 

  • 2026 Nike Outdoor, Bronze Medalist (Shot Put)
  • 2026 Nike Indoor, Bronze Medalist (Shot Put)
  • 5x High School All-American
  • 4x Michigan (MHSAAA) State Champion
  • Ranked #4 All-Time U.S. High School Shot Put
  • National Record Holder - Freshman and Sophomore Class (Shot Put) 

Quote From Addy Stiverson:

“I chose Penn State because of the relationship that Coach Hill and I have built through the last few years and the connections I already have on the team.  I’m excited to have a group of people who will support and push me to perform my best.”  

Quote From Coach Hill:

“Addy is a great thrower, but a better human. We are very excited that she chose to come join the Penn State family and to see her growth over the next few years!” 

Hunter Pitcavage | Dallas, Pa. (Dallas) | Throws

Hunter Pitcavage | Dallas, Pa. (Dallas) | Throws

Personal Bests: 

Javelin - 236-2 (PA #1, US #1)

 Career Highlights: 

  • 2026 Nike Outdoor National Champion (Javelin)
  • 2025 and 2026 American JavFest Champion (Javelin)
  • Ranked #7 All-Time U.S. High School Javelin
  • Track & Field News All-America Team
  • 2x PIAA State Medalist  

Quote From Hunter:

“Attending several national competitions over the past year and seeing the Penn State team support one another really stood out to me. Their camaraderie and the way they pushed each other as competitors showed me Penn State had something special. It was an environment where I could see myself growing and being part of a team that brings out the best in one another.” 

Quote From Coach Hill: 
 
“Going through the recruiting process, it was clear that Hunter embodies what Penn State throws is all about. Any time you can add an athlete like Hunter to an already talented group, your team gets better. Excited that he’ll be joining us!” 

Musa Herzi | Lansdale, Pa. (North Penn) | Distance/XC

Musa Herzi | Lansdale, Pa. (North Penn) | Distance/XC

Personal Bests: 

800m - 1:52.30

1200m (Split ) - 3:02.22

1600m - 4:17.51

Career Highlights 

  • 2x PIAA State Champion 
  • 1x PTFCA Indoor State Champion 

Quote From Musa:

“I really enjoyed my visit to the campus, and I really liked the business school a lot. The team, and coaches felt so welcoming and you can tell that they have a strong culture among the team.” 

Quote From Coach Aaron Kindt:

“Musa is another high-character, talented young man joining us from the North Penn program. His versatility across the 400m and 800m, along with his experience as a strong leadoff leg in the DMR, makes him an exciting addition to our middle-distance group. Musa has also impressed us with his continued development and growing confidence in cross country, which speaks to his range and long-term potential.” 

Delaney Reuter | Eaton, Colo. (Eaton) | Distance/XC

Delaney Reuter | Eaton, Colo. (Eaton) | Distance/XC

Personal Bests: 

1600-Meters – 4:50.44 (CO #3) 

3200-Meters – 10:06.01 (CO #3) 

5000-Meters – 16:20.32 (CO #1, US #3) 

5K XC – 16:40.20 (CO #3, US #13) 

Accolades: 

  • 3x Colorado Cross Country Champion
  • 3x Colorado State Track & Field Champion
  • 2026 Nike National 5000-Meter Champion
  • 2025 Nike Cross Nationals, 10th Place
  • 2x Nike Cross National Qualifier 

Quote From Delaney: 

“I chose Penn State because of the amazing coaches, teammates, and the academic opportunities. I am so excited to build relationships with the team, ramp up my training, and compete at a higher level!” 

Quote From Coach Amy Rudolph: 

"We are beyond excited to officially welcome Delaney to Happy Valley and our Penn State Track & Field and Cross Country program. As a national champion on the track, a three-time Colorado state champion in cross country, and multiple Nike All-American honors, she brings a level of competitiveness that will set her up to be a difference maker on our team. Delaney's integrity and leadership will have a positive corner stone on our team and program. 

Isabella Keller | Effingham, Ill. (Effingham (St. Anthony) | Distance/XC

Isabella Keller | Effingham, Ill. (Effingham (St. Anthony) | Distance/XC

Personal Bests: 

1600-Meters – 4:51.77 (IL #5)

3200-Meters – 10:16.02 (IL #1) 

5K XC – 16:24 

Career Accomplishments: 

  • 3x Illinois (IHSA) State Champion
  • 2x NXN Top 10 Finisher (Fourth in 2025)
  • 2x Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year 

Quote From Isabella:

“I chose Penn State because the girls on the team were so amazing and friendly and the coaches truly cared about me as a person and an athlete. I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to such an accomplished program. Penn State has amazing coaches and national caliber athletes. I can't wait to be a part of such a competitive team”  

Quote From Coach Amy Rudolph: 

"We are thrilled to officially welcome Isabella to Happy Valley and our Penn State Track & Field and Cross Country program. As one of the premier distance talents in the country with her multiple state titles, national top 10 finishes and Gatorade Player of the Year honors, Isabella brings experience and heart to our squad. Her work ethic and team-first mentality will make a huge impact on our program." 

Kendra Williamson | Malvern, Pa. (Episcopal Academy) | Distance/XC

Kendra Williamson | Malvern, Pa. (Episcopal Academy) | Distance/XC

Personal Bests: 

3000-Meters – 9:34.52 (PA #2, US #16) 

5000-Meters – 16:34.72 (PA #1, US #10) 

Career Highlights: 

  • 2x PTFCA State Indoor Champion
  • 2025 Nike Cross Nationals, 16th Place 
  • Nike Cross Nationals All-American 
  • 2026 Nike Indoor All-American (3000-Meters) 
  • 2025 Nike Outdoor All-American (5000-Meters) 

Quote From Kendra:

“When I visited Penn State, I was amazed by the facilities and resources every student-athlete is given. I could see myself being able to go after different goals with a team right beside me. Once I left campus, it was hard to see myself at any other school. I felt so welcomed by the girls, coaches, and staff on the team that it felt like I already had a family there.” 

Quote From Coach Amy Rudolph:

"We are thrilled to keep one of Pennsylvania's premier distance talents right here at home by welcoming Kendra to Happy Valley and our Penn State Track & Field and Cross Country program. With her multiple State titles and national All-American honors, Kendra will bring depth and range to our program. Kendra's range across events and her winning mindset are huge attributes for our team. 

Ava Cavanaugh | Malvern, Pa. (Episcopal Academy) | Distance/XC

Ava Cavanaugh | Malvern, Pa. (Episcopal Academy) | Distance/XC

Personal Bests: 

400-Meters – 55.02 (PA #6) 

800-Meters – 2:06.10 (PA #1, US #20) 

Career Highlights: 

  • 2026 Nike Indoor Nationals All-American (800-Meters)
  • 2026 Under Armour Nationals Bronze Medalist (800-Meters)
  • 2026 Pennsylvania Indoor (PTFCA) Runner Up (800-Meters)
  • 2025 PA Independent Schools Champion (800-Meters) 

Quote From Ava:

“I’m most excited to be surrounded by a group of talented people who love the sport as much as I do and have big goals for themselves. I’m looking forward to working hard together, pushing each other to become better, and being part of a team that challenges me to reach my full potential. I’m also excited to build friendships, and be part of a group that supports each other both on and off the track.” 
 
Quote From Coach Amy Rudolph: 
“We are thrilled to welcome Ava to Happy Valley and our Penn State Track & Field and Cross Country program. Ava comes from a Penn State family and already knows what it means to be a Nittany Lion. Her success at the national level in the 800 meters, along with her speed in the 400 meters, gives her a strong foundation for collegiate success. We’re excited about the depth and versatility she’ll bring to our middle-distance group.”

Radnor Rowlands | Coplay, Pa. (Parkland) | Sprints

Radnor Rowlands | Coplay, Pa. (Parkland) | Sprints

Personal Bests: 

60-Meters – 6.87 (PA #6) 

100-Meters – 10.66 

200-Meters – 21.24 (PA #6) 

Career Highlights: 

  • 2026 New Balance Nationals Outdoor Finalist (200-Meters)
  • 2x PIAA Medalist
  • 2026 Pennsylvania State (PTFCA) Indoor Medalist (60-Meters) 

Quote From Radnor:

“I chose Penn State because of the people I met during my visit. Everyone I encountered was incredibly genuine and welcoming, and it made me feel like I had found the right place. I couldn’t be more excited to spend my college years surrounded by these people and to call them my teammates.” 

Quote From Coach Brandon Rizzo: 

“Radnor’s range across multiple events speaks to his talent, but his passion, patience, and dedication are what truly set him apart. His commitment to becoming the best version of himself, combined with his competitive spirit, is why I believe he’ll make a tremendous impact as part of our program!” 

Trey Resch | Sussex, Wis. (Arrowhead) | Sprints

Trey Resch | Sussex, Wis. (Arrowhead) | Sprints

Personal Bests 

100m – 10.53 (WI #6) 

200m – 20.98 (WI #1) 

Career Highlights: 

  • 2026 Wisconsin (WIAA) 100-Meter State Champion 
  • 2026 Wisconsin (WIAA) 200-Meter State Champion 
  • 7x Wisconsin (WIAA) State Qualifier 

Quote From Trey:

“I chose Penn State because the team and the coaching staff made it feel like home. I am most excited to work with my teammates and coaches to get better every day.” 

Quote From Coach Brandon Rizzo: 

“Trey has an exceptional ability to rise to the occasion and find a way to win. His unwavering confidence and competitive mindset are a reflection of his hard work and devotion to the sport. I believe those qualities make him a special addition to our team!” 

Neenah Trusty | Wynnewood, Pa. (Friends’ Central) | Middle Distance

Neenah Trusty | Wynnewood, Pa. (Friends’ Central) | Middle Distance

 Personal Bests: 

400-Meters – 54.39 (PA #2) 

800-Meters – 2:07.25 (PA #4) 

Career Highlights: 

  • 2026 Nike Indoor National All-American
  • 4x Junior Olympic National Champion
  • 2x Pennsylvania Indoor (PTFCA) Medalist 

Quote From Neenah:

I chose Penn State because it felt like a place where I would have another family. During my official visit, my family and I immediately felt welcomed by the team and coaching staff. I loved seeing how everyone treated each other like family, and even before I was officially part of the team, they made me feel like I was already one of them which meant a lot to me. 

Quote From Coach Brandon Rizzo: 

“Neenah’s versatility as an athlete is unmatched. With her character and work ethic, she has the ability to elevate herself and those around her. She’s a tremendous competitor, and I’m excited to see the impact she’ll have here at Penn State!”