Boys Races
Division 1
Teams: Manlius has been the surprise team of the early season, but will get their first real test on Saturday. The new top ranked squad will face off against NY #3 Corning and NY #4 Niskayuna, both strong tests on what could come State season. Expect more of the Niskayuna Top-2 to be closer to the front, and then it is all about the 4th and 5th men. Expect the results here to further solidify the State Rankings moving forward.
Individuals: Based on their opening weekend, Fayetteville-Manlius has a chance to go 1-2 in the race, led by sophomore Geoff Howles. However, Corning got the better of FM last year when Kevin Moshier lined up against Patrick Perry at Pre-States, and Quinn Nicholson will be looking to do the same. Add in Howles' former teammate Shea Weilbaker, and you have a strong front of the pack. Local athletes Payton Gleason and Tyler Senall both ran the course at Sectionals last year, and could use that knowledge to pull of a surprise win.
Division 2
Teams: This race might have the strongest team competition of the meet. Headlined by Class B #2 Pearl River, you also have Class B #4 Queensbury and #5 Pittsford-Mendon. An unranked Somers squad could also play spoiler, and a good race will jump them into the rankings. Expect the Lawler brothers to have a nice in-race battle with the Fusco brothers as well.
Individuals: Nathan Lawler is the top returner in the State, and could very well pull in the fastest time of the day from this race. Him, and his brother Sam just ran 16:24 in a recent dual meet this week, and are primed to race. However, Matt Fusco is coming off a faster course record, on a tougher course. That could mean Lawler will have to push harder than previously thought. Matt Politis will be looking to break up the family battles at the front, and could pull off a big upset as well.
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Division 3
Teams: A strange assortment of team pairing could provide some great action. Class B #6 East Aurora takes on Class D #2 Sauquoit Valley and Class C defending State and Fed Champs, Watkins Glen. On paper, East Aurora has the slight edge, but it is so close, it is hard to call anyone a favorite.
Individuals: One year after winning a division at the Pre-State invite at Chenango, Ian Russ is looking to do much the same in 2017. He has a lead on the field, but will be facing off against another Pre-State winner from last year in Dylan Canarelli. Add in the young Gabe Planty and Ryan Guerci, and you have yourself a nice matchup at the top.
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Division 4
Teams: The past two Class D State Champs will face off, as Maple Grove and Lake Placid go head-to-head. Maple Grove has the clear edge in 2017, but Lake Placid will be looking to hold their own,
Individuals: There should be a big gap between the top two, and the rest of the field. Mike Peppy was 3rd at States last year, while Kal Lewis was five seconds behind in 4th. We'll see if a summers' worth of training has switched that finish order, as the two should lead the race.
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