Sectional Showdown: Boys' Breakdown
Perry King is webmaster of section1/ NYS running, and contributor to the MileSplit network. You can find more of his writing here.
Spanning Thursday, November 3 to Saturday, November 5, 2011
State Qualifiers Overview - Girls and Boys General Outlook
If the weather holds, 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 boys side, there are almost too many close battles to feature on any one race, so let's make it three. In Section 3 Class C, 8 teams have at least a whimper of a chance at hoisting a trophy, though for some teams a few unusual things might have to happen. In Section 5 Class B, there are four teams grouped so closely together it may be diificult to pull them apart and find a winner. And in Section 1 Class B, last year's S1-A champ goes head to head with last year's S1-B champ in a battle that could play a huge role in determining a state champion. Great stuff for a great three days. Cheers!
Great stuff in great times. Cheers!
Section 1 - Friday
Class A
Fast Teams: Arlington (171.8), Suffern (163.8), North Rockland (161.8), John Jay - East Fishkill (157.8)
Fast Runners: Mike Turi 183 (JJEF), Sibby Hanson 180 (Arl), Eddie Merenda 178 (Arl), Eric Holt 178 (Carmel), Kevin French 176 (JJEF), Evan Ward 172 (Suf), Benito Muniz 171 (Carmel), Joe Clinton 170 (PR), Ryan Tancin 170 (RC Ketchum), Brett Bernard 169 (NR), Chris Wise 169 (NR), Aaron Ryley 168 (Arl), Liam Purdy 168 (NR), Ryan Cross 165 (Suf), Steve Morrison 164 (Arl), Corey Chiavelli 164 (Arl), James Shea 163 (Yorktown)Jonathan Miklos 162 (NR), Jason Flach 162 (Suf), Asad Jeffrey 161 (NR), Shawn Vettom 161 (Suf)
Summary: Arlington guns for its 2nd straight Sectional title, and though Suffern and North Rockland have seen a decent spurt in their ratings lately, the Admirals have all the guns in place to go to States. How many great races Mike Turi of John Jay - East Fishkill has in him this season remains to be seen, but the S1 Coaches and Northern Counties champ has moved into contention for a State title, whether he wins at Sectionals or not.
Class B *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Pearl River (166.4), Brewster (164.4), Tappan Zee (161.4), Somers (158.6), Byram Hills (145.4)
Fast Runners: Justin Maguire 180 (Brew), Taylor Love 179 (Rye), Nathan Kotch 174 (TZ), Joe Dinan 173 (TZ), Charlie Carr 170 (Brew), Marc Violone 170 (BH), Justin Zorn 170 (Som), Adam McIe 169 (Brew), Kieran Brennan 169 (PR), Stephen McNiff 167 (PR), Brian Edsall 166 (PR), David Sammel 165 (Som), Luke Gavigan 163 (TZ), Brian Cook 160 (PR), Nick Cortina 157 (Brew), Kyle Chesterman 157 (Nanuet), Cameron Rasmussen 156 (Hendrick Hudson), Trey Wasilesky 155 (Harrison)
Summary: Projections for me show this race going to 2010 S1-B champ and NYS-B #1 ranked Pearl River by 56-67 based on current ratings. However, 2010 S1-A champ Brewster did basically exactly what it was hoping to do in its Northern County race last Friday and got knocked back to #7 in the State rankings, which is a bit unusual. The key to the race is whether Brewster's #5 runner can move up to finish in the top 25, and if he can, this race could need a tie-breaker, though the Rockland County champ Pirates would still be favored in that scenario. Brewster's Justin Maguire, the 2010 S1-A champ, and Rye's Taylor Love appear on course for a big Bowdoin battle.
Class C *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Bronxville (156.8), Pawling (154.4), Dobbs Ferry (140.2), and North Salem (136.4), Dover (135.6), Irvington (133.0), Rye Neck (131.4)
Fast Runners: Brendan Wortner 175 (DF), Dayton Flannery 173 (Brx), Tom Higgins 170 (Westlake), Stephen Shine 169 (Briarcliff), John Flannery 167 (Brx), Matt Jorgensen 167 (Pawl), Cullin Burdett 165 (NS), John Vetromile 164 (Brx), Colin Souter 162 (Pawl), Charlie Fraoli 154 (RN), Thomas Lindberg 154 (Irv), Taylor Souter 154 (Pawl), Peter Sander 153 (Dov), Matt Lee 151 (Dov), James Harrison 149 (Brx), Grant Sheely 147 (DF), Ben Eisenkraft 146 (Edgemont), Joseph Iradukunda 146 (Irv), Brandon Capo 146 (Pawl), Brendan Crowley 143 (RN), Dylan Smith 143 (Pawl)
Summary: The run up to Sectionals in S1-C lost a lot of its punch with the effective cancellation of the Westchester County meet in the snow storm, so many of the runners have not competed for a while. Two of Bronxville's top 3 will have had three weeks off, and how that will affect the Broncos' chances against a steadily but slowly rising 2010 S1-C champ Pawling squad remains to be seen. The race should be very close, and the two teams currently have the highest season TRs of all NYS-C teams that will compete at States. Dobbs Ferry's Brendan Wortner is running for his 2nd crown, but he will likely get a strong challenge.
Class D
Fast Teams: Haldane (116.6), Keio (NA), Alexander Hamilton (NA)
Fast Runners: John Hughes 130 (Hald)
Summary: Haldane is in good shape to win its 4th straight S1-D title and John Hughes looks likely to get the individual crown.
Section 2 - Friday
Class A
Fast Teams: Shaker (175.8), Saratoga Sprimgs (166.2), Bethlehem (165.0), Shenendehowa (151.8), Guilderland (151.8), Niskayuna (150.2)
Fast Runners: Mike Libruk 183 (Shak), Jon Vallecorsa (181), Christian Delago 175 (Shak), Luke Carpinello 171 (Beth), Adam Schwenzfeier 170 (Shak), Jay Navin 169 (Sara), Spencer Patterson 169 (Sara), Ryan Recchia 169 (Shak), Brent Freestone 169 (Sara), Ethan Hausaman 169 (Shak), Dan Janeczko 167 (Shen), Matt Crawford 167 (Beth), Maxwell Morgan 166 (Shak), Philo German 166 (Albany), Benjamin Fishbein 165 (Beth), McKinley Gray 165 (Beth), Jonathan Moore 163 (Sara)
Summary: 2010 S2-AA and State champ Shaker put the big hurt on the rest of the field at last weekend's Suburban Council meet, and it now looks unlikely that any team can challenge the Bison with 2010 S2-AA champ Christian Delago back up with Mike Libruk and Jon Vallecorsa. Shaker now has the 2nd best TR in NYS behind FM and is approaching last year's level.
Class B
Fast Teams: Burnt Hills (163.6), Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons (159.2), Queensbury (157.2), Broadalbin-Perth (149.8)
Fast Runners: Buddy Herkenham 177 (BH), Jason Lange 176 (NDBG), Jordan Pantalone 175 (NDBG), Matt Lange 175 (NDBG), Evan Little 170 (LaSalle), Andrew Tario 168 (Averill Park), Justin Ferguson 167 (BP), Don Fernandez 166 (BH), Troy Kelly 165 (Q), Austin Becker 160 (BP), Paul Smith 160 (Q), Joe Chapman 159 (BH), Jared Short 158 (BH), John Rabideau 158 (BH), Joe Girard 157 (BH), John Knox 157 (Gloversville), Jack Sullivan 155 (Ichabod Crane), Ben Anderson 155 (Q)
Summary: Little Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons has the great trio at top, but Burnt Hills has the 3-6 spot pack that may well be enough to give the Spartans their 4th straight Sectional title. The battle for the top guy appears to be between Burnt Hills Buddy Herkenham, who was 3rd in last year's S2-A race, and Bishop Gibbons' Jason Lange or Jordan and Matt Pantalone.
Class C
Fast Teams: Fonda-Fultonville (153.2), Schuylerville (137.6)
Fast Runners: Austin Lane 182 (Greenwich), Michael Scott 168 (FF), Jeremy Spezio 167 (Greenwich), Matt Hoffman 167 (FF), Matt Watson 166 (Schuy), Seth Bulich 166 (Catskill), Joe Becker 159 (Voorheesville), Jordan Healey 158 (Maple Hill), Corey Tate 155 (Catskill), Tyler Angioli 154 (FF), Patrick LaChance 152 (Hudson), Ross Wightman 151 (Chatham), Sam Morett (Cohoes), Mike Muzio 150 (Cohoes)
Summary: 2010 S2-C and State champ Fonda-Fultonville has got the strength at top behind Mike Scott and Matt Hoffman and enough depth to win the Braves' 3rd straight Sectional title and challenge for a repeat at States. Greenwich's Austin Lane is the big favorite to win his 3rd Sectional crown.
Class D
Fast Teams: Berne-Knox-Westerlo (153.4), Berlin (138.0), Mekeel Christian (135.0), Mayfield (133.2)
Fast Runners: Derek Struck 167 (BKW), Sean Reynolds 166 (BKW), Jacob Urys 164 (MC), Connor Devine 155 (BKW), Tom McClelland 153 (May), PJ Ferguson 150 (Whitehall), Dave Krutz 148 (May), Christopher Murphy 145 (MC), Schuyler VanDerworken 144 (Schoharie), Alex French 144 (Ber), Erik Viner 143 (Ber), Thomas Olehaf 140 (Hawthorne Valley), Daryn Hutchings 139 (Argyle)
Summary: Berne-Knox-Westerlo looks well set to regain the title it lost last year to Mayfield. The Bulldogs' Derek Struck and Sean Reynolds should battle 2010 S2-D champ Jacob Urys for the individual title.
Section 3 - Saturday
Class A
Fast Teams: Fayetteville-Manlius (178.2), Baldwinsville (163.4), Cicero-North Syracuse (159.2), Liverpool (156.2)
Fast Runners: Nick Ryan 185 (FM), Matt Deyo 183 (FM), Alec Peinkofer 179 (Bald), Bryce Millar 177 (FM), Connor Farrell 174 (FM), Ben Thomas 172 (FM), Jules Wellner 171 (FM), Colin Fitzgibbons 171 (FM), Anthony Lupia 169 (CNS), Martin Leff 169 (West Genesee), Justin Middleton 167 (Auburn), Neil Gill 165 (CNS), Andy Fleming 164 (Bald), Josh Perez 163 (Bald), Anthony Ostuni 162 (Liv), Ian Spera 160 (Central Square, Adam Luban 159 (Syracuse East), Drew Henry 159 (Liv), Matt Pond 157 (Bald)
Summary: Fayetteville-Manlius again restocked in 2011 with longtime top runners such as Nick Ryan, Conor Farrell, and Jules Wellner along with largely unknown runners such as senior Matt Deyo and freshman Bryce Millar, and they are #1 in the state. No serious challenge for the Hornets in Sectionals as they
look for their 4th straight title, but Baldwinville's Alec Peinkofer will try to run the FM gauntlet and maybe challenge for the individual crown against Ryan, who was 3rd in S3-AA in 2010.
Class B
Fast Teams: Marcellus (163.8), East Syracuse-Minoa (151.8)
Fast Runners: Ryan Manahan 182 (Marc), Mike Coogan 169 (ESM), Joe Fallon 168 (Marc), James Gowans 168 (Mexico), John Bell 162 (Marc), Justin Garn 158 (Marc), Seth McDonald 156 (VVS), Joseph Coogan 155 (ESM), Tim Walsh 154 (Homer), Nathan Donaldson 154 (New Hartford), Jesse Perrone 151 (ESM), Cody Debernardis 150 (New Hartford), Peter Lynch 150 (West Ludden), Nick Ashton 150 (Whitesboro), William Hohreiter 150 (Jamesville-Dewitt), Nick Herron 149 (Jamesville-Dewitt), David Lilly 149 (Marc)
Summary: Marcellus should capture its 7th straight Sectional title behind Ryan Manahan and Joe Fallon. Manahan is the prohibitive favorite for the individual title after finishing 2nd last year to Jesse Garn, whose brother Justin is now the Mustangs' #4 guy.
Class C *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Hannibal (154.6), Holland-Patent (153.8), Tully (150.2), Sauquoit Valley (145.4), Jordan- Elbridge (145.0), Ilion (143.6), Solvay (143.2), South Jefferson (135.4)
Fast Runners: Brendan Smith 183 (Christian Brothers Academy), Sam Anderson 176 (SL), Ben Griffin 167 (Han), Cody McCarthy 167 (Sol), Alex Mirra 163 (Tul), Nick Tyler 163 (SJ), Steve Slonsky 162 (JE), Erran Gates (?) 161 (HP), Kevin Sidoran 161 (HP), Ryan Perry 160 (Han), Austin Hirsch 159 (Hamilton), Todd Stevens 159 (HP), Nick Spina 157 (SV), Brandon Rawson 155 (Ilion), Nate Delles 153 (Tul), Dominic Pedulla 152 (SV), Dan Eichorn 152 (Tul), Mitch Alpha 150 (JE), Curtis Baker 150 (Han), Evan Knapp 148 (Tul), Ben Slate 148 (Han), Matt Crogan 148 (Sol), James Sullivan 148 (Han)
Summary: It's obviously a down year in S3-C when only 8 teams are in the rumble vying for a win at Sectionals. Yes, a year after Holland-Patent dominated the S3-C and won its 3rd straight title, the class is again as unruly and overcrowded as it was in 2009. Seeking its first title since 1972, Hannibal has recently emerged as a bit of a favorite, especially since Holland-Patent may not have the services of one of its top guys, Erran Gates, at Sectionals. But this is still a wild free-for-all that any team can take. One matter that seems more clear is that CBA's Brendan Smith should win the individual title after finishing 3rd to HP's Racha brothers last year.
Class D
Fast Teams: Beaver River (150.6), Lafayette (139.4), Onondaga (137.2)
Fast Runners: Logan Kempney 175 (BR), Seth Baker 163 (Weedsport), Thomas Sargent 159 (Laf), Brett Ryan 157 (Cato Meridien), TJ Moade 154 (DeRuyter), Alex Hall 149 (BR), Alex Jones 148 (Laf), Zach Fenner 146 (Onon), Nathan Cobb 146 (BR), Jason Naughton 146 (Onon), Tyler Field 145 (Onon), Tyler McDevitt 144 (Fabius-Pompey), Joshua Purcell 143 (BR), Cody Donahue 142 (Sandy Creek), Travis Grennell 141 (Weedsport), Dustin Neddo 140 (BR)
Summary: The winningest program in NYS history looks to be in a pretty comfortable position to win its 5th straight Sectional title and take on the other killer B's (Barker and Berne-Knox-Westerlo) for the State title. Logan Kempney placed 2nd last year to teammate Matt Cheyney, but this year the crown looks to be his.
Section 4 - Thursday
Class A *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Ithaca (163.2), Corning District (159.2), Vestal (157.8), Elmira District (152.6)
Fast Runners: Brian Crimmins 177 (Horseheads), Ari Lowenstein 173 (Ith), Ian Tolan 172 (Binghamton), Josh Greenberg 171 (Ith), Noah Chauvin 171 (Corn), Mackenzie Cummings 170 (Ith), Tim Banach 170 (Corn), Shaun Kurcoda 168 (Elm), Cory McCarty 168 (Elm), Sam Chauvin (inj ?), 166 (Corn), Matt Moody 166 (Elm), Joe Spivak 163 (Vest), Dan Dracup 157 (Ith), Dana Carris 156 (Vest)
Summary: The race features four fairly bunched teams, though 2010 S4-A champ Ithaca seems to have the edge with one of Corning's top runners apparently out of action. Both Ithaca and 2010 S4-AA champ Vestal will be seeking their 3rd straight Sectional titles. Brian Crimmins of Horseheads finished 2nd last year in the AA race, and he heads a big group of contenders to the 2011 S4-A throne.
Class B
Fast Teams: Maine-Endwell (163.0), Owego (132.8), Norwich (131.2)
Fast Runners: Nick Miller 172 (ME), Ryan Brizzolara 168 (ME), Bryant Hatala 161 (ME), Andres Rodriguez 158 (ME), Corey Wasilnak 156 (ME), John Mooney 154 (Nor), Nathan Smith 151 (ME), Jesse Brennan 152 (ME)
Summary: Maine-Endwell faces light opposition and should have no problem moving on to States. One of the Spartans will take the individual title, and Ryan Brizzolara was the 2010 S4-B champ.
Class C
Fast Teams: Watkins Glen (139.2), Trumansburg (128.2), Newark Valley (128.2)
Fast Runners: Cameron Bruce 184 (Lansing), Tyler Sutherland 163 (Tru), Matt Gill 157 (WG), James Allen 153 (Chenango Forks), Levi Anderson 153 (Oneonta), Dennis Travis 150 (Windsor), Connor Cleaveland 149 (NV), Andy Kisley 147 (Waverly), Tom Williams 146 Chenango Valley), Josh Langley 144 (WG), Cal Randle 141 (Tru)
Summary: During its quest for an 8th straight Sectional title, Newark Valley appears to have lost frontrunner Jordan Stevens, and the odds in the S4-C contest now appear to favor Watkins Glen. Lansing's Cameron Bruce is among the top 3 runners in the state and will take the title here.
Class D
Fast Teams: Spencer Van Etten (126.0), Southern Cayuga (125.6), Groton (125.2), Harpursville (120.2)
Fast Runners: Robert Dunham 153 (Grot), Kenneth Reuter 149 (SVE), Andrew Doxey 145 (Marathon), Jason Jenks 144 (Grot), Tom Miller 143 (SC), Josh Gaudette 141 (Harp), John Larkin 140 (Marathon), Alex Legg 140 (Delhi), Will Villano 139 (Harp)
Summary: A group of fairly evenly matched teams will see who gets five runners over the first.
Section 5 - Saturday
Class A
Fast Teams: Rush Henrietta (174.0), Irondequoit (161.6), Victor (157.6), Webster Thomas (157.2), Hilton (154.8), Fairport (153.0 )
Fast Runners: Nate Kozyra 181 (RH), Mickey Burke 178 (RH), Andrew Sweeney 178 (RH), Travis Jordan 177 (Gates-Chili), MJ Erb 174 (Victor), Tyler Ranke 173 (Hil), Josh Dyrland 169 (Ir), Michael Sullivan 169 (McQuaid), Alex Raymond 169 (RH), Connor Hayward 164 (Vic), Brennan Root 164 (RH), Jack Scott 163 (Fair), Colby Burke 163 (RH), Josh Goldstein 163 (WT), AJ Stuver 162 (McQuaid), Sasha Andrievsky 162 (WT), Keith Johnson 161 (WT)
Summary: Rush Henrietta is seeking its 3rd straight Sectional title and should get it with a strong group of runners at top and a good amount of depth. After dominating the field at the Monroe County meet, the Comets are ranked 3rd in NYS-A. Mickey Burke won the individual title as a freshman last year, and now he is the top candidates for this year's crown along with teammates Nate Kozyra and Andrew Sweeney.
Class B *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Brighton (165.4), Pittsford Sutherland (165.2), Honeoye Falls-Lima (164.4), Pittsford Mendon (160.8)
Fast Runners: Cooper Roach 181 (HFL), Mike Anvelt 180 (PS), Will Burton 170 )PM), Andrew Mullen 170 (Br), Jack Wesley 170 (PM), Will Ronchetti 169 (Br), Will Phelan 166 (PS), Joe Brunett 166 (HFL), Eric Stahl 166 (Br), Matthew Tarduno 165 (Br), JT Pagnelli 164 (HFL), Collin Mulcahy 163 (Batavia), Corey Pavia 161 (PM), Connor Green 161 (PM), Alex Strang 160 (PS), Langton Douglas 159 (HFL),Zachary Cove 158 (PS), Jeremy Hassett 157 (Newark), Zachary Simpson 157 (Br), Matt VanDeMortel 157 (Geneva), Brian Northrup 157 (Greece Arcadia)
Summary: Can't get much better than a battle between four highly ranked NYS-B teams for a Sectional title. Pittsford Mendon edged Brighton at the recent Monroe County meet, but this is a tossup between those two teams and Honeoye Falls-Lima. Pittsford Sutherland needs a boost at the #5 spot to compete with the other teams. The battle is close at the individual level too, as HFL's Cooper Roach and Sutherland's Mike Anvelt are both in 180 TR territory.
Class C *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Dansville (141.2), Williamson (139.4), Wayland-Cohocton (137.4)
Fast Runners: David Smith 164 (Holley), Tim McGowan 160 (Dans), Brandon Selbig 154 (WC), John Beiswanger 151 WIll), Jacob Bailey 151 (Will), Martin Beadle 150 (Holley), Jeff Mangiafesto 148 (Greece Odyssey), Jacob Champlain 146 (Marcus Whitman), Aaron Kelly 144 (WC), Charlie Flagg 143 (WC), Ben McCarthy 142 (Bath Haverling), Doug Smith 141 (Will), Tyler DeMay 140 (East Rochester), Steven Custozzo 140 (Greece Odyssey), Jacob Hanns 140 (East Rochester)
Summary: This race comes down to how the places sort out for the many teams running in S5-C, as the top three have pretty similar makeups and close TR scores. Wayland-Cohocton lost a narrow decision to Greece Odyssey last year. David Smith and Tim McGowan are the frontrunners for the individual title.
Class D
Fast Teams: Geneseo (151.0), Notre Dame-Batavia (141.6), Campbell-Savona (139.8), Addison (139.2), Oakfield-Alabama (134.4 )
Fast Runners: Gabe Rodriguez 178 (Gen), Jeff Antolos 173 (NDB), Devon Rodriguez 169 (Gen), Jon Pearl 157 (CS), Thomas Abbey 152 (Addison), Ethan Richardson 151 (Pavilion), Connor George 150 (OA), Mitch Cicero 149 (Perry), Andrew Fischer 149 (NDB), Everett Geiger 149 (Caledonia-Mumford)
Summary: Last year's Sectional and State champ Geneseo should win its 3rd straight S5-D title in a crowded field. Gabe Rodriguez finished 3rd last year as a sophomore and now looks ready to claim a crown.
Section 6 - Friday
Class A
Fast Teams: Clarence (156.6), Lancaster (146.0), Williamsville North (144.0)
Fast Runners: Justin Bender 171 (Clar), Kalen Sullivan 168 (West Seneca West), Brian Dobmeier 167 (WN), Nick Kontopskyj 165 (WN), Daniel Huben 164 (Clar), Matt McCann 163 (Frontier), Jake Schmitz 162 (Lan), Craig Kaiser 162 (Lan), Jake Eniex 161 (Orchard Park), Mike Feeney 161 (Lockport)
Summary: Clarence looks like it has the margin to beat Lancaster and 2010 S6-AA champ Williamsville North. Justin Bender appears to be the favorite for the individual title, but there are some guys close behind.
Class B
Fast Teams: East Aurora (166.4), Starpoint (152.6), Lake Shore (146.4)
Fast Runners: TJ Hornberger 182 (LS), Elliott Martynkiewicz 173 (ES), Sean Phillips 173 (EA). Nate Smith 173 (Pioneer), Adam Murphy 170 (Amherst), Gene Barritot 167 (EA), Brendan Keany 163 (EA), Paul Swartz 161 (Star), Jordan Roseland 159 (Star), Matt Prohaska 157 (Star), Rhace Colon 157 (Hutchinson Tech), Larkin Bohanon 156 (EA), Justin LaRossa 152 (hamburg), Carl Daigler 152 (Star), John Panus 152 (Olean), Jack Hughes 152 (Williamsville South)
Summary: East Aurora is gunning for its 5th straight Sectional title and likely can fight off a challenge from Starpoint and go on as the #2 NYS-B team to defend its 2010 State title. Lake Shore's TJ Hornberger is one of the state's top runners and should take the individual title.
Class C *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Fredonia (148.6), Alden (145.4), John F. Kennedy (142.6)
Fast Runners: Frankie Pfeil 175 (Royalton-Hartland), Jeremy Rushok 171 (Akron), Nigel Cordullo 166 (JFK), Josh Szukula 161 (Fred), Eddy Pfeil 158 (Royalton-Hartland), Degan Seamus 165 (City Honors), Edwin Bliemeister 156 (Alden), Taylor Nielson 156 (Gowanda), Chaz Mancino 153 (Fred), Cody Bartholemew 151 (JFK), Sean Turner 151 (Alden)
Summary: Fredonia looks for a repeat title in a very tight race with Alden and JFK. Frankie Pfeil was the 2010 champ and should battle Akron's Jeremy Rushok for the top spot.
Class D
Fast Teams: Barker (154.4), Maple Grove (148.0)
Fast Runners: Corey Wefing 171 (MG), Tyler Scheving 165 (Bark), Mike Lantinen 159 (Bark), Jedediah Platt 151 (Bark), Anthony Diaz 151 (Bark), Shawn Thompson 148 (MG), Ryan Carpenter 147 (Sherman), Jordan Bender 146 (Bark), Peter Cala 146 (MG), Hunter Leinhart 146 (Randolph), Sergio Cruz 145 (Bark)
Summary: Barker goes for its 5th straight S5-D title and gets a nice challenge from Maple Grove as it tries to go to States as the #1 NYS-D team and go one better than its 2nd place at States last year. 2010 S6-D winner Corey Wefing again leads the field.
Section 7 - Friday
Class A
Fast Teams: No S7-A teams.
Fast Runners:
Summary:
Class B
Fast Teams: Peru (144.8), Beekmanton (140.8)
Fast Runners: Dan Lenno 183 (Peru), Jarad McLean 150 (Peru), Matt Simpson 150 (Beek)
Summary: The team battle could well go down to a 1 point decision, with Beekmanton seeming to have a better place-sort advantage, but an obvious winner here is Dan Lennon, who may be the top guy in the state.
Class C
Fast Teams: Saranac (132.4), Plattsburgh (131.0)
Fast Runners: Jeriqho Gadway 161 (Platt), Josh Wade 150 (Sar)
Summary: This is another Section 7 race that could end in a 1 point decision.
Class D
Fast Teams: Seton Catholic (137.2), Ticonderoga (122.0)
Fast Runners: Mitchell Ryan 155 (SC), Barrett Waling 153 (SC), Tyler Belden 138 (Tic)
Summary: Seton Catholic goes for its 4th straight S7-D title, and in all likelihood the Knights will get it over Ticonderoga.
Section 8 - Saturday
Class A *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Port Washington (161.0), Calhoun (155.8), Syosset (154.6), Massapequa (147.6)
Fast Runners: Taylor Titcomb 171 (PW), Sidharth Kakkar 170 (PW), Aakaash Pillalamarri 169 (Herricks), Sean Grady 169 (East Meadow), Ryan DePinto 168 (Syos), Zachary Toner 168 (Cal), Bradley Kaufmann 162 (East Meadow), Chris Landi 161 (Cal), Nick Haile 160 (Cal), Ryan Schwartz 159 (PW), Bryant Babel 157 (Oceanside), Ryan Cooney 157 (Mass)
Summary: This should be one of the better SQ races as Port Washington tries to regain a title it last held in 2009 in a battle with 2010 S8-AA champ Calhoun. Port Washington ran about 6 seconds faster than Calhoun in the recent S8 Conference Championships. This race also has the most crowded field vying for the individual title.
Class B
Fast Teams: Manhasset (152.2), Wantagh (148.4), and Valley Stream North
Fast Runners: Stephan Bourguet 173 (Man), Dan Reilly 168 (Wan), Charles Morris 168 (Man), Eric Ratner 167 (Clarke), Mike Darnell 159 (Wan), Samuel Catalano 157 (VSN), James Sommer 157 (Plainedge), Andrew Morra 156 (Garden City), Dmitry Baptiste 155 (Hewlett), Gabriel Skuger 155 (New Hyde Park), Fred Lang 155 (Mineola)
Summary: Manhasset had about a 21 second advantage in average time over Wantagh in the recent S8 Conference Championships, so the Indians look ready to regain a Sectional title it last won in 2009. Stephen Bourguet has the edge for the individual title. Garden City can also look to challenge, as they have defeated Wantagh three times this season.
Class C
Fast Teams: Friends Academy (131.2), Oyster Bay (113.4)
Fast Runners: Jonathan Schloth 157 (East Rockaway), Glenn Lostritto 154 (FA), Patrick Crowley 141 (FA), Nicholas Mavros 141 (OB)
Summary: Friends looks likely to unseat 2010 S8-D champ Oyster Bay for the title.
Class D
Fast Teams: No S8-D teams.
Fast Runners:
Summary:
Section 9 - Friday
Class A
Fast Teams: Warwick Valley (168.8), Washingtonville (158.6), Monroe-Woodbury (150.2)
Fast Runners: Paddy Grandinali 181 (War), Grant Parrelli 174 (War), Aaron Peterson 172 (War), Lukas Vasadi 167 (Wash), Connor Quinn 164 (Wash), Jeremy White 163 (Wash), Ray Farinella 162 (War), Alex Shodai 160 (Middletown), Eric Albino 160 (Miniink Valley), JT McIntyre 159 (MW), TJ Ferguson (Minisink Valley), John Guargano 158 (Valley Central)
Summary: No guys team has a Sectional streak longer than Warwick Vally, as the Wildcats are looking to take their 14th straight title. With a fair-sized edge over Washingtonville, Warwick should advance on to States and Paddy Grandinali should pick up the individual crown.
Class B
Fast Teams: New Paltz (153.0), Port Jervis (147.6), Cornwall (145.4), Red Hook (134.6)
Fast Runners: Alfredo Mazzuca 171 (NP), David Busby 166 (NP), Declan Dwyer McNulty 164 (RH), Michael Vecchio 156 (Corn), Hans Zanger 153 (PJ), Nasson Bailey 150 (PJ)
Summary: 2010 S9-B champ New Paltz takes a small speed rating advantage into the battle for its 3rd straight Sectional title. The Huguenots' David Busby hopes to keep the individual title in the family as he and teammate Alfredo Mazzuca will run for the crown won by Brian Busby last year.
Class C
Fast Teams: Rhinebeck (154.2), Tri-Valley (142.4), Pine Plains (132.4)
Fast Runners: Johnny Marvin 172 (Rhine), Jim Bernstein 164 (TV), Omar Lopez 160 (TV), Zach Snel 159 (James O'Neill), Dante Penepont 158 (Rhine), Devin deJoode 154 (PP), Reed Scott 150 (Sullivan West)
Summary: Rhinebeck appears fairly well prepared to retain their S9-C title, with Johnny Marvin taking the individual crown.
Class D
Fast Teams: SS Seward (132.6), Eldred (NA)
Fast Runners: Alex Campanella 178 (Eld), Hunter Proscia 165 (Eld), Nelson Fernandez 151 (Sew),
Summary: Eldred has the top guys in the race, but Seward may well take the next 5 spots as it seeks its 4th straight S9-D title.
Section 10 - Thursday
Class A
Fast Teams: No S10-A teams.
Fast Runners:
Summary:
Class B
Fast Teams: Franklin Academy (163.4)
Fast Runners: Conor Gordon 174 (FA), Corey Lamere 166 (FA), Morgan Marlow 164 (FA), Rourk Marlow 161 (FA), Doug Fitzgerald 152 (FA)
Summary: The #10 NYS-B ranked team Franklin Academy is set to head on to States and try to improve even more on their 7th place finish at States last year in Class A.
Class C
Fast Teams: Gouverneur (116.4), Potsdam (113.2), Ogdensburg (91.6)
Fast Runners: Alex Wood 151 (Og), Luke Dunkelberg 145 (G), Ethan Vinson 144 (Pot), Jacob Erdman 139 (G)
Summary: Whoever gets 5 guys in first will likely win here.
Class D
Fast Teams: Norwood-Norfolk (107.2)
Fast Runners: Josh Eng 145 (NN)
Summary: Norwood-Norfolk has five guys and will take its second straight S10-D title.
Section 11 - Friday
Class A *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Walt Whitman (170.0), Northport (164.8), Smithtown (161.6), and Sachem East, Ward Melville, Hauppauge
Fast Runners: Ryan Colabella 184 (Haup), Kris Moran 180 (North Babylon), Zach Cammer 177 (WW), Ryan Scarpelli (SE), Michael Damato 175 (WW), Patrick Cummins 174 (WW), Mike Branigan 174 (Npt), Derek Palofox 170 (Bellport), Robert Calamia 170 (Sm), Colin Eberhardt 169 (Sachem North),Wesley Meriwether 167 (Copiague), Thomas Meehan 167 (Eastport South Minoa), Tim McGowan 166 (Npt), Michael Catalano 166 (Sm), James Dickinson 165 (Npt), Joey Pellegrino 165 (Commack), James Valler 164 (WW), Anthony DeMatteo 163 (Half Hollow Hills West)
Summary: After a 7th place finish in last year's S11-AA Sectionals, Walt Whitman hopes to beat out Northport for this years Class A title. Northport finished 25 points ahead of Walt Whitman in the S11 Divisionals however, so this race could go either way. Hauppauge's Ryan Colabella and North Babylon's Kris Moran are two of the top runners in the state and should battle for individual honors.
Class B *****eXCite*****
Fast Teams: Harborfields (163.0), Shoreham-Wading River (160.0), Bayport-Blue Point (148.4), and Miller Place
Fast Runners: Austin Coneys 178 (Harb), John Lee 176 (SWR), Adam Lafemina 171 (BBP), Cameron Coneys 166 (Harb), Taylor Keys 165 (SWR), Nick Hirdt 165 (MP), Conor Murphy 162 (Harb), Ty Gamble 159 (Harb), Robert Vetri 159 (BBP), Jeremy Miekley 159 (MP), Mike Watts 159 (Islip), Kieran Harrison 159 (Sayville), John Antonacci 157 (BBP)
Summary: Two closely matched teams in 2010 S11-A champ Harborfields and Shoreham-Wading River square off in another good S11 battle. The two teams' top runners will also likely be dueling for the individual title as last year's runner-up Austin Coneys tries to beat last year's champ John Lee.
Class C
Fast Teams: Port Jefferson (140.0), Center Moriches (120.8), Babylon (109.0)
Fast Runners: Cole Conte 168 (PJ), Andrew Keresztes 156 (PJ), Matthew Finelli 154 (Bab), Corey Zlatniski 151 (Mattituck), Tyler McGarvey 149 (Bab), Fred Agostino 146 (PJ), Eric Wittenberg 144 (Southampton), John McMahon 141 (CM)
Summary: Port Jefferson is seeking its 3rd straight S9-C title and has no big obstacles in the way.
Class D
Fast Teams: Southold (NA), Stony Brook (NA)
Fast Runners: Jacob Brummeler 117 (SB), Jonathan Rempe 110 (So)
Summary: Stony Brook won last year's race after a 28-28 tiebreaker, and this year Southold looks to have a bit of an edge.
