Sectional Showdown: Girls' Breakdown
Perry King is webmaster of section1/ NYS running, and contributor to the MileSplit network. You can find more of his writing here.
Boys Article to come tomorrow.
Spanning Thursday, November 3 to Saturday, November 5, 2011
State Qualifiers Overview - Girls and Boys General Outlook
Weather permitting, between Thursday and Saturday, teams from 11 sections will hold State Qualifiers to determine the 82 teams and total of almost a thousand runners who will be trekking through the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill trails on November 12.
Among those 82 girls and boys contests, there will be some races in which one team will be running basically unchallenged or as a prohibitive favorite. At the other end, there will be races so tight that the 6th runner will be needed to see who gets a ticket to States. Last year in the 5-class era, of the 86 races run in the sections that held separate class contests and generally have more than two teams competing against each other (not S8 or S10), there were 12 races that were won by 6-10 points, 10 by 2-5 points, and 1 by 1 point (Girls S7-C), plus 2 more that needed tie-breakers (Girls S9-B and Boys S11-D). So all told, more than 1 out of 6 races had at least two coaches with hard-bitten nails and clumps of hair missing.
This year much of the best NYS postseason action will again be occurring at State Qualifiers. 20 of the 82 matches previewed here have been selected for the eXCite award (10 boys and 10 girls), marking those viciously competitive races that should be especially fun to watch, even if some have no potential impact on what team will win at States.
Thanks to NY Milesplit for being a bedrock for NYS XC and to all the sites that have run through hoops to bring us all the action. Special thanks to that guy up at Tully who provides the TR numbers that sites like Section 1 NYS Running and those of us who do state rankings depend on, and without Bill Meylan there would be no joy in Mudville or Snow City. Lastly a big shout out to the tens of thousands of runners who created another great season in NYS XC. And a tip of the cap to all those top teams and runners who gave it their best shot but bow out short of States even though almost everybody knows you should be there. You're in good company, since in 1995 a national champion from NY was shut out of their state championship. Here's to the courage for change and doing the right thing for the runners.
In the previews below, I have tried to list where possible at least the top two teams in an SQ contest, though in a few cases finding a second team was a bit of a reach. The team order is based on TR speed rating averages and doesn't necessarily reflect who will be favored in a race, since sometimes the TR score is skewed by elite runners who just count as one runner each in the teams score. I have also gleaned the names of up to 20 of the top runners in each class (limit of 7 per team) from the Tully Runners States Leaderboard.
On the girls side, a number of teams will be trying to extend Sectional championship streaks that stretch back more than ten years, and one of which goes back to a time when Jimmy Carter was President and kids were seeing Scooby Doo, the Dukes of Hazzard, and Nickelodeon for the first time. The 5 States champions from last year -- Fayetteville Manlius, North Shore, East Aurora, Bronxville, and Maple Grove -- should have easy passages to V-V-S, but because of the change to 4 classes, many of last year's Sectional winners are in a desperate squeeze and may not move on. And if there is any race that truly reaches the marvelous level, it's gotta be S6-C, which is not only a close contest but also has a situation so unique that I can almost guarantee that it will never be repeated. Great stuff in great times. Cheers!
Section 1 - Friday
Class A
Fast Teams: Suffern ( 109.4), North Rockland (102.6), Arlington (101.4), and Mahopac, John Jay - East Fishkill, LakelandPanas
Fast Runners: Kate Zendell 130 (Suf), Ursula Svoboda 127 (Suf), Alexis Hatcher 117 (NR), Olivia Beltrani 112 (Arl), Ellie Hekker 109 (NR), Claire Gomba 108 (JJEF), Sabrina Johnston 108 (Arl), Gabrielle Robert 108 (JJEF), Corinne Florie 107 (Maho), Gabby Cuccia 106 (RCK), Delphi Cleaveland 105 (Arl), Carolina Casin Silva 105 (LP), Kailey Dwyer 100 (NR), Paige Cloonan 99 (Fox Lane), Emily Betts 99 (Clarkstown North), Angelica Matwiejczuk 98 (Suf), Ashleigh Bowen 97 (Suf), Casie Morgan 95 (Suf), Kaitlyn O'Grady 95 (NR), Annie Gould 93 (Carm)
Summary: Suffern's margin over 2010 S1-AA champ North Rockland and 2007-09 champ Arlington has narrowed in recent weeks, and the first title for the Mounties since 2005 may hinge on whether long-time frontrunner Ursula Svoboda can recover and rejoin freshman star Kate Zendell at the top of S1-A
Class B *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Pearl River (115.0), Nanuet (108.0), Tappan Zee (91.8), Brewster (87.0), Somers (82.4)
Fast Runners: Ariana Bottalico 128 (Brew), Molly Shine 126 (PR), Megan Young 126 (Nan), Kelly Hayes 124 (PR), Mary Kate O'Meara 118 (Nan), Ceili McMorrow 116 (PR), Maria Kohlbrenner 113 (PR), Nicki Nesi 110 (Pel), Meagan Jaskot 109 (TZ), Katherine Doyle 107 (Sleepy Hollow), Katherine Loomba 106 (Arl), Lauren Fernandez 106 (Nan), Katherine Aguiar 102 (Nan), Madison Goldrick 101 (TZ), Ellen Friedman 97 (Rye), Bene Abbate 96 (Som), Emma Haley 96 (PR), Laura Cooper 95 (PR), Jackie Krueger 94 (Somm), Jamie Maguire 94 (Brew)
Summary: Despite being strongly challenged by #7 NYS-B team Nanuet, Pearl River should capture its 33rd straight Sectional title due to a general surge at the top of the lineup. Brewster's Ariana Bottalico will battle the top Pirates and 2009 NYS-B champ Megan Young to attempt to earn her second Sectional crown.
Class C
Fast Teams: Bronxville (115.6), Pawling (73.8), Dobbs Ferry (70.6)
Fast Runners: Mary Cain 149 (Brx), Meredith Rizzo 127 (Brx), Natalie Tanner 122 (Rye Neck), Sarah King 110 (DF), Courtney Campbell 102(Brx), Amelia Phillips 102 (Brx), Argentina Chrappa 98 (Brx), Emelie Hoffer 96 (Brx), Hilary Rizzo 95 (Brx), Zoe Nagasing 89 (Pawl), Delia Hayes 89 (Brx), Sarah Marvin 86 (Pawl), Morgan Meaney 84 (Pawl), Anneliese Raftis 78 (Irvington), Caroline Pennacchio 78 (Briarcliff), Shanna Yue 76 (DF), Alyssa Pizzolongo 72 (Croton Harmon), Lauren Wilt 71 (Hastings)
Summary: Bronxville will win its 15th straight Sectional title and head for the showdown with Greenwich at States. Broncos' Mary Cain gets 2nd straight Sectional crown and looks to add another States diadem.
Class D
Fast Teams: Haldane (NA , Alexander Hamilton (NA)
Fast Runners: Samantha Ricketts ~60 (Hald)
Summary: Haldane appears set to win their 4th S1-D title in a row.
Section 2 - Friday
Class A
Fast Teams: Saratoga Springs (127.8), Shenendehowa (112.4), Niskayuna (106.6), Guilderland (104.2), Colonie (103.4), Bethlehem (100.6), and Shaker, Columbia
Fast Runners: Lizzie Predmore 141 (Shen), Taylor Driscoll 134 (Sara), Estela Smith 133 (Sara), Keelin Hollowood 129 (Sara), Marayanna Lansing 126 (Shak), Katie Treichel 125 (Sara), Sarah Morin 118 (Sara), Jenna Robinson 118 (Guild), Felicia Sciortino 118 (Nisk), Shannon Trant 116 (Nisk), Bailey Kowalczyk 116 (Shen), Maggi Szpak 116 (Sara), Caroline Hampton 114 (Shen), Spencer Hayes 114 (Sara), Olivia Morrow 114 (Sara), Lindsey Cheu 112 (Beth), Jackie Malecki 109 (Colon), Katie Schillaci 108 (Colon), Christina Macfarlane 107 (Beth), Peyton Czupil 105 (Shak)
Summary: It's almost silly how strong this group of teams is, but Saratoga will likely win its 12th Sectional title in a row with 7 runners plugged into the top 10. Lizzie Predmore of Shen is the big favorite for the individual title, with Taylor Driscoll and Estela Smith of the Blue Streaks close behind.
Class B
Fast Teams: Burnt Hills (120.4), Holy Names (112.6), Queensbury ( 106.8), and Broadalbin- Perth, Notre Dame - Bishop Gibbons
Fast Runners: Dani Martino 127 (BH), Jolie Navatka 124 (Q), Leah Triller 123 (HN), Alyssa Drapeau 122 (BH), Schuyler Pruyn 122 (BH), Jordan Casey 119 (BH), Jacqueline Willsey 116 (HN), Catherine Maloy 116 (HN), Meagan Roecker 116 (BH), Emily Digman 112 (BH), Allison Fernandez 112 (BH), Talya Williams 111 (NDBG), Kaylee Scott 110 (HN), Sherri Metcalf 106 (Q), Tyra Wynn 106 (Q), Becky Celorio 105 (Scotia-Glenville), Meagan Kellogg 99 (Q), Keara Byrne 99 (Q), Gabby LeBihan 98 (Q), Cara Sherman 98 (Mohanasen), Kaitlin Close 98 (HN)
Summary: Burnt Hills has 4 runners in the top 7, and the Spartans appear to have enough of a margin over a very strong Holy Names team to earn their 2nd Sectional title in a row. Dani Martino leads a group of fairly evenly matched runners in the battle for the individual crown.
Class C
Fast Teams: Greenwich (119.8), Fonda-Fultonville (86.8), and Maple Hill
Fast Runners: Victoria Houser 130 (Green), Alicia Clark 130 (Granville), Madeline Montague 123 (Green), Sarah Lapham 119 (Green), Victoria Spezio 116 (Green), Tori Hathaway 107 (Stillwater), Kimberly Geniti 105 (FF), Jamie Kasza 100 (FF), Jackie Boyce 98 (Green), Arissa Spitalny 96 (Mechanicville), Maggie Sanderson 93 (Hoosic Valley), Hannah Riordan 93 (MH), Michelyn Little 86 (Voorheesville), Samantha Phelps 83 (FF), Kali Demarco 82 (Mechanicsville), Suzie Hanehan 79 (Schuylerville), Jordon Fogel 78 (Cobleskill), Mckenzie Colwell 76 (Hudson)
Summary: Greenwich can take on any team in S2 except Saratoga and possibly win. They will win their 8th straight SQ by a huge margin and then go on for another duel with Bronxville at States. The Witches' Tori Houser and Granville's Alicia Clark should battle it out for the individual crown.
Class D
Fast Teams: Berne-Knox-Westerlo (88.8), North Warren (61.0)
Fast Runners: Courtney Tedeschi 116 (BKW), Megan Erickson 110 (NW), Kiera Warner 91 (NW), Allie Tedeschi 90 (BKW), Sarah Montgomery 76 (Mayfield), Abby Swint 71 (BKW), Ciara Fisher 67 (Duanesburg)
Summary: Berne-Knox-Westerlo escaped the Witches' clutch up in Class C by jumping down to Class D in 2011, and they seem slated to win their first Sectional crown behind the Tedeschi sisters, with Courtney favored for the individual crown.
Section 3 - Saturday
Class A
Fast Teams: Fayetteville-Manlius (142.2), Cicero-North Syracuse (102.8), West Genesee (99.6), Liverpool (97.0)
Fast Runners: Jillian Fanning 154 (FM), Laura Leff 147 (WG), Christy Rutledge 144 (FM), Katie Sischo 141 (FM), Annika Avery 138 (FM), Hannah Smith 134 (FM), Heather Martin 131 (FM), Jenna Farrell 129 (FM), Alana Pearl 129 (FM), Jacqlynn Halstead 115 (CNS), Nicole Watterud 114 (CNS), Taylor Perry 107 (CNS), Rachel Miller 106 (Baldwinsville), Lindsey Weaver 104 (WG), Annie Peterson 102 (Baldwinsville), Kaitlyn McNamara 102 (Liv), Abby McNamara 100 (Liv), Caroline Diffender 99 (Liv), Katie Laris 93 (CNS), Megan Holzwarth 92 (Central Square), Jessica Turner 92 (Liv)
Summary: Every time you start thinking that FM can't possibly top their last feat, they go it one better. Now with a TR of 140+, the Hornets will win their 7th Sectional crown in a row, though again they will likely score more points at the SQs than they do at States because West Genesee's Laura Leff gets to barge in on their S2 party, though she runs at-large at States. FM's 2nd team has a 120 TR average, which would put them 4th or 5th in NYS. Jillian Fanning seems to be ready to win the individual crown.
Class B *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Westhill-Bishop Ludden (97.4), Marcellus (92.4), Jamesville-Dewitt, Homer, New Hartford
Fast Runners: Jessica Curry 126 (WBL), Rachel Garn 116 (Marc), Betsy Black 116 (WBL), Jade Auchmoody 106 (Homer), Rachel Fairbanks 105 (JD), Maggie Dunn (inj. ?) 103 (Marc), Emily Washburn 103 (WBL), Gabrielle Pallotta 101 (East Syracuse-Minoa), Abbey Gray 95 (Homer), Molly McGuane 90 (Marc), Emilee Carpenter 90 (JD), Kimberly Wrate 85 (NH), Haylie Virginia 85 (Phoenix), Mary Moroco 85 (Marc), Erin Morrell 85 (WBL)
Summary: This could be a really close battle between Westhill-Bishop Ludden and Marcellus, though the condition of Marcellus's #2 Maggie Dunn is not clear after missing the team's last two meets. Jessica Curry appears likely to win her second S2 crown after taking Class A's title last year.
Class C
Fast Teams: Tully (95.2), Cazenovia (85.4), South Lewis (83.6), Skaneateles (83.0), Holland Patent (75.6), South Jefferson (75.0)
Fast Runners: Victoria Campanian 119 (SL), Katherine Ward 108 (Tul), Megan Pierce 106 (Christian Brothers Academy), Madeline Adams 106 (Skane), Ellen Jaworski 104 (Tul). Skyler Pastor 103 (SJ), Jeanette Cudney 102 (Caz), Ashley Evans 99 (Tul), Meghann Tanner 99 (Adirondack), Christina Platt 98 (SL), Jackie Miller 97 (SJ), Michelle Karker 96 (Caz), Marissa Jones 95 (Sauquoit Valley), Dalton Villeneuve 93 (HP), Brooke Vancoughnett 93 (SJ), Cheyanne Petrillo-Lavin 87 (HP), Chelsea Cooper 86 (Altmar-Parish-Williamstown), Alex Doney 86 (SL), Casey Cole 85 (Tul), Virginia Hamilton 85 (Skane), Morel Malcolm 85 (Skane)
Summary: There's a very crowded field in S3-C, but Tully appears to have enough wiggle room to capture its 5th straight SQ title. Last year's S3-C individual runnerup Victoria Campanian of South Lewis also looks to have a comfortable lead for the title this year.
Class D
Fast Teams: Beaver River (78.2), Remson (63.6), Fabius-Pompey (59.8 )
Fast Runners: Erin McConnell 120 (FP), Sage Hurta 105 (Hamilton), Elizabeth Dean 103 (Manlius Pebble Hill), Karlee Duffer 97 (BR), Jordan Weir 96 (Cato Meridian), Gabby Thompson 95 (Watertown IHC), Cassidy Doster 86 (Lafayette), Makenna Cooley 85 (Rem), Rachel Steiner 83 (BR), Anna Roberts 81 (Rem), Victoria Rollin 79 (BR), Elinore Loch 74 (Faith Heritage), Ariel Piazza 72 (Onondaga), Marina Giraud 72 (FP), Maria Roberts 72 (Rem), Francesca LoRusso 70 (Cooperstown), Nola Pominville 67 (BR), Reganne Smith 65 (BR), Emily Peebles 64 (Lafayette), Ciera Verschneider 64 (BR)
Summary: Beaver River looks pretty well set to regain the S3-D title it lost to Remsen last year. The individual contest pits 2010 S3-D winner Erin McConnell against 2010 NYS-D champion Sage Hurta, the first XC athlete to win a state crown as a 7th grader.
Section 4 - Thursday
Class A
Fast Teams: Ithaca (102.8), Elmira District (93.6), Corning District (81.2), and Vestal
,Fast Runners: Mary Carroll 116 (Ith), Khiere Ashley 109 (Elm), Brianna Lentkowski 109 (Elm), Jackie Cornell 106 (Ith), Lauren Trumble 103 (Ith), Alicia Sutphin 100 (Vest), Taylor Mangino 100 (Ith), Abigail Bideaux 98 (Binghamton), Imari Johnson 97 (Elm), Katie Butler 96 (Corn), Lani Nagle 92 (Corn)
Summary: Ithaca's strength at the top should earn it a 3rd straight Sectional title, after winning the S4-AA crown last year. 2010 S4-B winner Elmira could still pull the upset if it finds a little more help at the back. Ithaca's Mary Carroll seeks her 4th straight Sectional crown after taking the AA title the previous three years.
Class B *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Johnson City (80.6), Owego (75.6)
Fast Runners: Lauren Mullins 131 (JC), Erin Gunther 98 (Ow), Diedre Nolis 88 (Ow), Emily Cluck 88 (JC), Samantha Wilks 85 (Maine-Endwell)
Summary: Johnson City is set for a tough battle with Owego for its first Sectional title since 2007. Lauren Mullins of Johnson City seeks her 4th straight indivdual Sectional crown, but she hasn't yet managed to get both crowns in the same year.
Class C
Fast Teams: Newark Valley (85.0), Trumansburg (71.4)
Fast Runners: Maddie Zeitz 128 (Windsor), Jenna Cupp 122 (NV), Kaitlin Shippy 95 (Trum), Mackenzie Sage 93 (Windsor), Brianna VanSoest 89 (Trum), Blair Wigsten 89 (Lansing), Leanne Riegel 88 (NV), Natalie Hawkins 87 (Chenango Valley), Shanna Swanson 86 (Lansing), Kaylee Uhl 78 (Waverly), Corey Flahive 78 (Watkins Glen), Francis Sariego 74 (Corning), Rebekah Myers 73 (NV), Erin Mushtare 73 (Oneonta)
Summary: Newark Valley has the goods to win their 6th straight S4-C title, but the Cardinals' frontrunner Jenna Cupp has a big challenge ahead in Windsor's Maddie Zeitz as she goes for her 3rd straight individual crown.
Class D
Fast Teams: Delhi (60.4), Candor (50.8 ), TA Edison (47.4)
Fast Runners: Elizabeth Jewiss 109 (Marathon), Samantha Sauer 105 (TAE), Aubrie Russell 98 (Can), Gabrielle Rollo 86 (Del), Kristine Reed 86 (Walton), Nicole Blazicek 80 (Seton Catholic-Binghamton), Katie Aikens 75 (Del), Miranda Russell 75 (Can), Lynda Balloni 74 (Southern Cayuga), Daphne Knapp 73 (Afton), Jessica Greene 69 (Spencer Van Etten), Bethany Murphy 69 (Southern Cayuga)
Summary: Delhi appears to have just enough depth to beat 2010 S4-D champ Candor for the title. Marathon's Elizabeth Jewiss hopes to get a repeat individual crown by holding off TA Edison's Samantha Sauer.
Section 5 - Saturday
Class A
Fast Teams: Canandaigua (118.6), Penfield (109.6), Rush Henrietta (103.0), and Webster Thomas, Hilton, Fairport, Webster Schroeder
Fast Runners: Katie Lembo 134 (Pen), Meghan McCormick 134 (Can), Leila Mantilla 132 (Pen), Kennedy Jensen 129 (Can), Kathleen McCormick 134 (Can), Amanda Paratore 121 (WS), Valerie Palermo 121 (WS), Autumn Albrecht 120 (Brockport), Karli O'Neill 118 (Churchville), Lizzie Greiner 116 (RH), Eileen O'Hara 116 (WT), Georgia Tuttle 113 (Irondequoit), Alana McDonald 112 (RH), Ashton Hughes 109 (Fpt), Amanda Palmeri 107 (Hilton), Siobhan Quinn 106 (RH), Maggie Lawler 106 (Victor), Shannon O'Hara 106 (WT), Lindsey Heyer 104 (Pen), Lauren D'Amore 103 (Can)
Summary: 2010 S5-A champ Canadaigua outdistanced both 2010 S5-AA champ Penfield and Rush Henrietta at last weekend's Monroe County, and the Braves have a good sized TR margin over both teams. The individual battle could come down to a photo finish between 2010-AA champ Katie Lembo and Meghan McCormick, who finished with the 2nd best overall time at the meet while placing 2nd to Pittsford Mendon's champ Shaylyn Tuite in the A race.
Class B
Fast Teams: Honeoye Falls-Lima (112.2), Pittsford Mendon (103.8), Pittsford Sutherland (89.6), Brighton (86.4)
Fast Runners: Allison Hallock 121 (PM), Hannah Cole 120 (HFL), Katie Engel 118 (HFL), Krista Roncone 113 (PM), Ruth Steinke 111 (HFL), Jenna Williams 106 (HFL), Riley Douglas 106 (HFL), Robin Wagner 106 (Br), Mary Visca 102 (PS), Michelle Collins 99 (Geneva), Kylie Ryan 98 (PM), Colleen Yancey 96 (PM), Alicia Mizes 95 (PS), Veronica Wojnowski 95 (East Irondequoit), Ari Cole 93 (HFL), Jessica Mulroy 92 (PS), Erika Steensma 92 (Wayne), Talia Pinker 92 (Br), Melissa Mineti 91 (Livonia), Brenna Swetman 91 (PM)
Summary: Honeoye Falls-Lima will get a challenge from Pittsford Mendon, but the Cougars look ready to head back to States after a one-year absence following a 13-year run that included a streak of 7 straight State titles. The battle for the individual crown is pretty open.
Class C
Fast Teams: Wayland-Cohocton (86.2), Byron-Bergen (80.0), LeRoy (74.8)
Fast Runners: Nicole Bubie 108 (Greece Odyssey), Meghan Curtin 101 (WC), Evelyn Pinneo 94 (Penn Yan), Hannah Groshner 92 (WC), Sarah Donovan 91 (BB), Lauren Cook 90 (Bath Haverly), Maggie Callan 89 (LeRoy), Megan Bouton 89 (Campbell-Savona), McKenzie Bennett 88 (Dansville), Kim Lovett 86 (BB), RaYanne Luke 85 (Williamson), Rebecca Schwan 85 (LeRoy), Amanda Booth 84 (WC), Breonica Smith 83 (WC), Kara Hall 83 (BB), Julianna Lauricella 82 (LeRoy), Samantha Walker 79 (BB), Mackenzie McNelis 78 (Hornell), Alanna Driscoll 77 (LeRoy), Audrey Button 76 (Marcus Whitman)
Summary: Wayland-Cohocton dominated the race last year, but this year things could be a bit closer with Byron-Bergen trailing by only a small margin in the TR ratings. Greece Odyssey's Nicole Bubie has come on strong in her senior year and appears to have opened a gap on the rest of the field.
Class D *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Geneseo (81.0), Oakfield-Alabama (76.0), Red Creek (73.8), and Campbell-Savona
Fast Runners: Liz Valento 125 (Pavilion), Sarah Coon 107 (Red Jacket), Jeannatte Schramm 95 (Harley-Allendale), Heather Yuhnke 95 (Pavilion), Megan Bouton 93 (CS), Raylene Wade 92 (RC), Brenna Lyons 92 (Addison), Jordan Prescott 91 (Pavilion), Anna Warner 90 (Notre Dame- Batvia), Erin Schiano 89 (Keshqua), Casey Emerson 88 (Gen), Brianna Horn 88 (Gen), Ashley Covel 84 (OA), Lindsey Ryan 81 (Gen), Jenny Crossen 80 (OA), Faith McDonald 78 (RC), Allyson Feenton 77 (Clyde Savannah), Anna Phillips 77 (Avon), Raelyyn Moskal 75 (Alexander), Katelyn Chiccino 75 (Red Jacket), Emily McCracken 75 (OA)
Summary: Section 5 is certainly the land of Class D, and there is a great battle raging here between three closely matched teams, including 2010 D champ Geneseo. Pavilion's Liz Valentino has exploded in her senior year and appears to be the likely winner over last year's champ, Sarah Coon of Red Jacket.
Section 6 - Friday
Class A
Fast Teams: Clarence (100.2), Frontier (80.2)
Fast Runners: Kaitlin McCadden 118 (Clar), Marissa Saenger 112 (Clar), Emily Krasinski 106 (Fron), Danielle Dorogi 104 (Williamsville North), Katelyn Tresino 98 (Clar), Abby Lang 97 (Lockport), Olivia Zabrodsky 95 (Jamestown), Isabella Anillo 93 (Williamsville North), Laura Hintermeier 91 (Fron),
Summary: Clarence won last year's S6-AA championship in a squeaker, but this year the Red Devils should have little difficulty winning their 3rd straight title. Clarence frontrunners Kaitlin McCadden and Marissa Saenger are the favorites for the individual crown.
Class B
Fast Teams: East Aurora (109.0), Starpoint (93.0)
Fast Runners: Marta McLaughlin 124 (EA), Livia Chase 119 (Star), Paige Anderson 116 (EA), Jenny Delsignore 115 (Sweet Home), Alexis Mucci 103 (EA), Megan Barritot 102 (EA), Madeline Murray 100 (EA), Sophia Tasselmyer 100 (Star), Sarah Anstett 99 (EA), Grace Rich 98 (Albion), Courtney Laderer 97 (Star), Katelyn Jaroszewski 94 (Pioneer), Rebekah Zee 93 (EA), Rebecca Schmitt 92 (West Seneca East), Claire Losito 87 (Williamsville South), Aileen Doyle 86 (Sweet Home)
Summary: East Aurora's streak of Sectional championships began in 2001 and its string of States title began in 2005. The S6 Sectional streak will hit 11, but the States run is likely at an end following the reclassification. Sophomore Marta McLaughlin should take her 3rd straight Sectionals individual crown.
Class C *****eXCite***** +1
Fast Teams: Fredonia (89.8), Falconer (88.2), Newfane (80.4), JF Kennedy (72.8)
Fast Runners: Lauren Reyda 124 (Fred), Shannon Murphy 109 (Falc), Sarah Ziomba 108 (Newf), Kristen Holmberg 107 (Falc), Kaylea Rustay 101 (JFK), Michaela Tramuta 100 (Fred), Shannon Nye 97 (Wilson), Claire Brawdy 95 (Eden), Elizabeth Vohwinkel 92 (JFK), Alyssa Stroud 90 (Allegany-Limestone), Kelly Bochnewetch 89 (Newf), Holly Heil 85 (Medina), Meredith Zebracki 80 (Fred), Jaclyn Wallace 78 (Alden), Jessie Cipriano 78 (Falc), Kate Bochnewetch 77 (Newf), KiKi Dy 77 (Newf), Katie Saff 77 (Falc), Tori Couturier 77 (Wilson)
Summary: This should be an alltime classic race. Last year Fredonia beat Falconer by 4 points, and now the two teams appear to be about dead even, plus 2010 Class B runner-up Newfane has dropped down to join in the fun. But the most unique element of this race is that four different past S6-C individual titlists are running in it, including the big favorite and 2010 winner Lauren Reyda, 2009 winner Kaylea Rustay, 2008 champ Shannon Murphy, and 2007 winner Katie Saff. You just can't make this stuff up (and I didn't).
Class D
Fast Teams: Maple Grove (103.8), Sherman (70.4)
Fast Runners: Megan Marsh 119 (MG), Hope Pietrocarlo 117 (MG), Holly Eliason 111 (Sher), Caroline Benson 105 (MG), Katelyn Benson 96 (MG), Hannah Seiders 92 (Silver Creek), Rebecca King 84 (Sher), Taylor Norris 82 (MG), Katie Przybal 80 (Barker), Emma Verdonik 75 (MG), Sabrina Harris 70 (Barker), Stephanie Krempa 68 (MG)
Summary: Last year's incredibly young S6-D and States D champs have grown up a bit, and Maple Grove's top duo is now an old veteran 8th grade tandem of Megan Marsh and Hope Pietrocarlo. The Red Dragons will win the title without a problem, and Marsh and Pietrocarlo and 2010 champ Caroline Benson should vie with Sherman's Holly Eliason for the individual crown.
Section 7 - Friday
Class A
Fast Teams: No S7-A teams
Fast Runners:
Summary:
Class B
Fast Teams: Peru (86.6), and Beekmantown
Fast Runners: Ashley Leta 104 (Peru), Meghan Mazzella 98 (Peru), Cheyanne Dobozy 86 (Peru), Maria Remillard 73 (Peru), Maile Sapp 73 (Beek), Taylor Durocher 72 (Peru)
Summary: Peru traditionally wins S7-B, and this year will be no different. Last year the Indians went on to finish 9th of 11 teams at States, so they pack a bit of a punch with a solid 86.6 TR.
Class C
Fast Teams: Saranac (52.0), Northeast Clinton (40.6), and Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake
Fast Runners: Emma Deshaies 93 (Platts), Elena Beideck 78 (SL), Samantha Smith 75 (NEC), Justine Rabideau (NEC), Lexi Blockson 65 (Sar), Morgan Kelly 62 (Sar)
Summary: Last year Saranac Lake beat Northeast Clinton by 27-28, and this year the outcome between Saranac and Northeast Clinton should be pretty close, too.
Class D
Fast Teams: Seton Catholic - Plattsburgh (58.2), and Lake Placid, Ticonderoga
Fast Runners: Margaret Champagne 104 (SC), Nina Armstrong 88 (LP), Phoebe Christopher 77 (SC), Gabby Armstrong 69 (LP)
Summary: Seton Catholic may win again running against incomplete teams in S7-D, but the Knights went on to take a very strong 4th at States last year. Margaret Champagne finished 2nd to teammate Anna Rabideau in Sectionals last year, but now as an 8th grader she looks ready to start adding some more titles to the family stash and then start looking toward upping her brother Michael and sister Mary Kate's total of 5 state titles somewhere down the road.
Section 8 - Saturday
Class A *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: East Meadow (96.0), Massapequa (95.4), Syosset (92.2)
Fast Runners: Lauren Gruber 116 (Syo), Catherine Young 112 (Mass), Lauren Lavoro 109 (Mass), Kaelyn Greene 106 (MacArthur), Meaghan Peysson 105 (EM), Alana Richardson 101 (Uniondale), Sara Rosenzweig 101 (JFK Bellmore), Henna Rustami 97 (Syo), Jade Knaste 97 (Syo), Alex Dagnall 96 (EM), Nilam Patel 94 (EM), Brittany Cutler 93 (EM), Shannon O'Connell 93 (Mass), Rachel Levy 92 (EM)
Summary: By straight TRs, this looks to be a dead heat between East Meadow and 2010 S8-AA champ Massapequa, with Syosset close behind. But if East Meadow were able to pack 5 runners up top to beat Massapequa by 12 points in the first round S8 Conferences match last weekend, so the Jets may be flying to a title on Saturday. The individual battle should also be close.
Class B
Fast Teams: North Shore (131.2), Garden City (106.6), Valley Stream North (90.8), Wantagh (88.5)
Fast Runners: Brianna Nerud 149 (NS), Samantha Nadel 149 (NS), Elizabeth Caldwell 129 (NS), Stephanie Gerland 128 (GC), Jennifer Gerland 125 (GC), Jessica Donahue 125 (NS), Mary Welsh 115 (Manhasset), Tristynn Mercedes 107 (Clarke), Emma Gallagher 105 (GC), Natalie Thomas 104 (Floral Park), Alexandra Osman 104 (NS), Monica Morra (103) (NS), Liz Stirling 102 (Want), Avery Kratzer 100 (Want), Gabriela Espino 98 (VSN), Lauren Dorsky 98 (Cold Spring Harbor), Gabrielle Andrade 96 (VSN), Marissa Bellisci 96 (Lynnbrook), Lauren McDonough 93 (South Side), Sarah Rubino 92 (GC), Victoria Ennab 90 (VSN), Shea Weber 90 (Want)
Summary: The extremely young Garden City team may be giving North Shore fits some day, but that day is still a little bit in the future. North Shore has seen the welcome recent development of Alexandra Osman and Monica Morra at the vital 5-6 spots to support the powerful top quartet for a 5th straight Sectional title and at States and Nationals. Garden City freshman Jennifer Gerland was the top S1-A finisher last year at Sectionals, but in the new S1-B grouping, Brianna Nerud and Samantha Nadel have gone to a level above both Jennifer Gerland and her 8th grade sister Stephanie.
Class C
Fast Teams: Friends Academy (88.0), Oyster Bay (64.2)
Fast Runners: Kelsey Margey 143 (FA), Nicole Gianetti 100 (OB), Molly Sullivan 86 (FA), Katrina Garry 86 (FA)
Summary: With Kelsey Margey transferring from Harborfields to Friends, there was little doubt that the Quakers would stay at the top of S8-C for their 3rd straight Sectional title.
Class D
Fast Teams: No S8-D teams
Fast Runners:
Summary:
Section 9 - Friday
Class A *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Valley Central (104.8), Monroe-Woodbury (101.8), Warwick Valley (100.2), Newburgh (80.6)
Fast Runners: Gianna Frontera 137 (New), Holly Cavalluzzo 132 (VC), Lauren Hehir 122 (Washingtonville), Kristen Borriello 119 (VC), Meaghan Ventarola 116 (MW), Katie Fitzgerald 115 (War), Christina Schneider 110 (VC), Allison Davis 109 (Minisink Valley), Kalleigh Forrester 108 (New), Deirdre Davis 105 (War), Darby Ginley 104 (War), Amber Goodspeed 102 (Middletown), Dana O'Donnell 102 (MW), Christina Zelenoy 102 (MW), Randi Gomez 96 (MW), Kelsey Esselman 95 (MW), Kerry Connors 91 (Washingtonville)
Summary: The numbers appear to be very close, but recently they have swung strongly in favor of 2010 S9-AA champ Monroe-Woodbury, whose pack rat mentality helped them place ahead of Warwick Valley and Valley Central at last weekend's OCIAA championship. Holly Cavulluzzo was the 2010 S9-AA champ and should face off against the explosive Gianna Frontera for the individual title.
Class B
Fast Teams: Cornwall (102.0), Monticello (72.8)
Fast Runners: Dara Cuffe 106 (Corn), Camryn Johnson 104 (Mont), Keila Sheetz 104 (Corn), Ashley Wallace 104 (Corn), Naomi Bouchard 103 (New Paltz), Beatrice Boylan 101 (Corn), Michelle Lujan 95 (Corn), Georgia Houghton 92 (Marlboro), Camila Ferguson 91 (New Paltz), Sydney Johnson 91 (Mont)
Summary: The news is out that there's a Cuffe heading an S9 group at Sectionals, but this time it's Aisling's freshman sister Dara, hitting the big time one grade-year before her big sister burst on the XC scene. Cuffe and the Dragons will win their 11th straight Sectional crown.
Class C *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Rhinebeck (83.4), Tri-Valley (81.6), Sullivan West (75.8), James O'Neill (72.2)
Fast Runners: Emily Waligurski 116 (Onteora), Autumn Bender 105 (TV), Julia Rubin-Armstrong 105 (Onteora), Deirdre Dwyer 101 (Spackenkill), Anna Clark 95 (Rhine), Lillian Gavio 95 (Rhine), Mallory Peterson 94 (Millbrook), Dani Myers 93 (SW), Kelsey Dutton (SW), Mary Kate Bida 92 (Millbrook), Cameron Daddis 86 (JO), Kayleigh Waters 83 (JO), Courtney Meyerer 82 (SW), Olivia Rehm 81 (TV), Ali Gay 80 (Rhine), Brooke Gillette 77 (TV), Sabrina Smith 76 (TV), Catherine Clark 75 (Rhine)
Summary: A 4-way battle for the S9-C title is underway, with 2010 winner Rhinebeck having recently moved back into top position as the Hawks look to win their 4th straight crown. Anna Clark won the 2010 individual title, but Emily Waligurski appears to be headed for the champion's role this year.
Class D
Fast Teams: Eldred (45.4), JA Coleman (40.2), SS Seward (38.4)
Fast Runners: Kate Shults 94 (JAC), Christine Donnelly 94 (Eld)
Summary: It's hard to get a fix on the state of things in S9-D, 2010 champ John A Coleman appears to be in an interesting battle.
Section 10 - Thursday
Class A
Fast Teams: No S10-A teams
Fast Runners:
Summary:
Class B
Fast Teams: Canton (92.8), Franklin Academy (77.4)
Fast Runners: Laura Pierce 124 (Cant), Rebekkah Bond 101 (Frank), Maria Ricalton 98 (Cant), Gemma Del Rossi 86 (Cant), Lauren Orosz 79 (Cant), Rebecca Del Rossi 79 (Cant), Morgan Bronner 78 (Frank)
Summary: A little confusion on the Class status of Canton, but I'm guessing they're in B, and they should win.
Class C
Fast Teams: Potsdam (NA), Ogdensburg (NA)
Fast Runners: Danielle Steenkamer 82 (Og), Madi Dow 78 (Pot)
Summary: Assuming Canton is not in S10-C, this race is a toss-up. If Ogdensburg can field 5 runners, it likely has the advantage.
Class D
Fast Teams: Norwood-Norfolk (NA), Tupper Lake (NA)
Fast Runners: Kaycie Saucier 96 (NN), Gretchen O'Leary 66 (Tup), Hannah Seguin 64 (NN)
Summary: If Norwood-Norfolk can field five runners, it should win.
Section 11 - Friday
Class A *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Sachem East (111.4), Ward Melville (110.4), Northport (105.2), Connetquot (94.2)
Fast Runners: Rachel Paul 141 (SE), Caroline O'Hea 126 (WM), Brigid Brennan 122 (NP), Victoria D'Amato 122 (Np), Juliana Marcucci 116 (WM), Courtney Williams 115 (WM), Shannon Ahern 115 (Kings Park), Jessica Smillie 113 (Con), Shannon O'Hehir 113 (SE), Erin Melly 112 (Con), Kelly Lavan 111 (Sachem North), Kathleen Naeher 111 (Kings Park), Danielle Vazquez 108 (SE), Melanie Notarstefano 107 (SE), anna Corrigan 105 (Np), Christine Eisenburg 105 (Hauppauge), Victoria Ingram 105 (Smithtown), Amy Irving 104 (Con), Jessica Ball 104 (West Islip), Jasmin Reyes 101 (Bay Shore)
Summary: Ward Melville came out on top in last week's S11 Division Championships with Sachem East down a key runner. Which runners the top three teams can put on the line Friday may make the difference in this race, as Ward Melville, Sachem East and 2010 S9-AA champ Northport are all very close. Rachel Paul appears to have a comfortable lead for the individual crown.
Class B *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Bayport-Blue Point (93.6), Miller Place (90.0), Sayville (81.2), Mount Sinai (72.4)
Fast Runners: Talia Guevara 126 (MP), Tiana Guevara 124 (MP), Katie Saroka 117 (BBP), Dana Cebulski 104 (East Hampton), Courtney Dooley 102 (BBP), Laura Nolan 102 (MP), Ashley West 99 (East Hampton), Shanna Heaney 95 (Hampton Bays), Kerri Culhane 93 (Say), Sarah Hardie 93 (John Glenn), Rose Bastion 92 (Say), Stephanie Vickers 91 (Westhampton), Nina Volino 88 (MS), Stephanie Sheehan 88 (MS), Jennifer Blakey 86 (Rocky Point), Taylor Darby 85 (BBP)
Summary: Bayport-Blue Point appears to have the depth to win its 2nd straight S11-B title in a good battle with three other teams. Miller Place's Talia and Tiana Guevara are the top runners.
Class C
Fast Teams: Center Moriches (93.0), Mattituck (48.0)
Fast Runners: Ryleigh Donegan 95 (CM), Kaylee Bergen 93 (Matt), Molly Schaefer 81 (CM), Georgie Nicholes 79 (CM), Jordan Sanders 74 (CM), Erika Gulija 69 (Southampton)
Summary: Center Moriches should breeze to its 3rd straight title.
Class D
Fast Teams: Southold (NA), Stony Brook (NA)
Fast Runners: Margot Rashba 79 (SB), Colette Steele 71 (South)
Summary: Southold appears to have the edge this year based on the S11 Division Championship, though Stony Brook won by 7 last year.
