Whitney To Run Track & XC For Lock Haven

By: Ed Weaver  /  June 19, 2026  /  Photo: Ed Weaver

Back on April 22, senior Henry Whitney made his commitment to continue his track and cross country career in the fall at Lock Haven.

Whitney will be majoring in Biology then attending Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). Whitney is in LECOM's early acceptance program, and the school is affiliated with Lock Haven, which aided in the decision.

"I was looking at them (LECOM) in the first place, then after doing some research I felt like it was the right kind of school for what I wanted to do," he said. "It's a pretty small town but it reminds me a lot of Wellsboro. The campus has a cadaver lab, which is interesting for what I want to do. The whole town is a really nice environment and a lot of nice places to run and fun things going on. Coach (Eric) Kosek also led me to look at Lock Haven because he said they have a great cross country program. It made me look at them and what they have. Their teams run really good times for their conference, they place really well and the coaches are great."

Whitney has built his way up the past four years to lead the Hornets' cross country team. From running a top time of 20:18 in his freshman year of 2022, Whitney improved his time to 17:44 in his junior year to a personal best time of 15:56 in his senior year. He placed 7th overall (16:44) at the District IV championships, and was 44th overall (17:32) at the PIAA Class 2A championship meet. After cross country season was over Whitney then reached out to the coaching staff.

"I met up with him once the season was over. We talked about my season and throughout the winter. I did an indoor meet in that time frame and we talked after that meet too."

Whitney is the second Hornet cross country runner this season under head coach Eric Kosek to continue his career next fall. Max Macias announced earlier in the spring he will be running at Edinboro.

"Henry has been a part of the XC team since I started coaching," said Kosek. "Every year he has improved and grown into the sport. Having started as a kid like any kid who just wanted to try the sport, to a a senior with one of the smoothest strides in running I've seen. He is a leader on and off the field. As his coach but more importantly, friend, I can't wait to see what he achieves at Lock Haven. He will be missed here in Wellsboro greatly!"

On the track side Whitney wants to contribute to the from day one.

"The distance events are different from what we run in high school, but it seemed like I'd be in the middle of the pack. I wouldn't be near the front but I won't be at the very end either. So I think it'll be a good place."

Whitney also got a chance to meet his future teammates this spring as well.

"I had an overnight visit with everyone. I got to meet the whole team. Another day I visited I got to eat lunch with everyone and just hung out for a couple hours. It was great to meet everyone. They're all really great kids."

Whitney led the Hornets this spring in the 1600m (4:24.63) and the 3200m (9:52.66) and was 2nd in the 800m (2:02.99). He also set a new school record in the steeplechase (6:53.44).

"Henry established himself as one of the most dedicated athletes on our track team, setting a standard through his relentless work ethic and commitment to improvement," said boys track head coach Brigette Largey. "As a key member of a tight-knit group of long-distance runners, Henry helped foster a culture of encouragement and mutual support - an environment that has elevated every athlete involved over the past four years. From his early days as a promising freshman competitor, Henry has grown into a cornerstone of our program. Over the past two seasons in particular, he has emerged as both a dependable contributor and a formidable presence in competition. This year, his dedication has translated into exceptional results, with first-place finishes across nearly every event he competes in at each NTL meet and consistently strong performances at invitational events. One of Henry's most notable achievements this season was breaking a longstanding school record in the steeplechase - an accomplishment that speaks volumes about his perseverance and drive. Beyond his success on the track, Henry’s positive attitude and leadership have made a lasting impact on the team. His enthusiasm, discipline, and character exemplify what it means to be a student-athlete, and he continues to inspire those around him every day."