New York State has it's own NXN Region, so the top two teams at the NXN Regional both qualify for the NXN Championships in Portland, Oregon. Here's a look at some of the top teams from last year and where they stack up right now in paper.
We at ArmoryTrack.com know that there are many other teams that are in the mix to be top 15 in the state - that's why there is no number next to the teams. This is just a first glance at what the NYS XC season could look like this year.
15 Teams to Watch
Fayetteville-Manlius (3) - FM brings back their entire squad that placed 16th at the Nike Cross Nationals WITHOUT Paul Merriman, who was hurt. Merriman placed 3rd at the NYSPHSAA Championships. Alex Hatz tore up the track this year, breaking Mike Stahr's 26 year old state meet record in the 1600m with his 4:06 effort and placing 2nd at the NON in the mile.
The question for FM looks to be if they'll be healhty enough to be one of the top 5 teams in the country this year as some of their XC girls were hurt during the track season. The buzz is already starting - can FM win both boys and girls National titles the same year? There's a long road ahead of them but they have a shot.
Liverpool (3) - With their entire top 7 back from last year they slide into the #2 pre-season spot. Liverpool ran 7:44.46 in the 4x800 to win the State Championship with four juniors. They are led by Colin Savage, who ran 4:21 and 1:55 open before concentrating on the relay at the end of the year. They were 9th at Feds last year but should be much higher this year.
Burnt Hills (2) - Was 2nd at the Federation Champs last year and placed 5th at NXN Regionals, which was disapointing to them. With junior Otis Ubriaco leadingt the way they will be right in it again for an NXN spot. Scott Maughan and Sean Pezzulo return giving BH a great 1-2-3 punch.
Honeoye Falls-Lima (5) - With Deir, Mangan, and Hoose HFL brings back 3 runners who have gone under 17:15 at Bowdoin. With a proven track record of success they could be one of the best teams in the state again. Deir should be one of the top 2-3 runners in the state.
Shenendehowa (2) - At first glance it appeared Shen might have a rebuilding year. But look at the numbers closer and you see that shen doesn't rebuild - they reload. If you are the best team in Section 2 Class AA then you'll be one of the best teams in the state. That formula has existed for years and Shen returns 4 runners from last year's top ten that raced at Sectionals (yes - Section 2 runs 10 at State Quals). Shen's 4th returner is better than any other S2 Class AA team's 2nd best retuern. Hard to say where they fall exactly but the defending state and federation Champs could be right in the hunt for a return trip to Oregeon.
Queensbury (2) - Queensbury was 5th at Federations last year and they get hit pretty hard by graduation, only bringing back their 5th and 7th man from that day. But Queensbury has been one of the deepest teams in the state for the past 5 years and they have plenty of candidates to step up. They will have to reload if they are to hang with their rivals - Burnt Hills, which to me is one of the best if not the best rivalry in the state. The two teams have traded NYS titles in Class A every year since 2004.
North Rockland (1) - The Red Raiders bring back almost all of their squad from last year. Hughes ran 16:35 at Bowdoin last year so they'll have the up front strength they need. James Naglieri made big improvements in the steeple this year. With 6 of 7 back, North Rockland is a team to watch.
Shaker (2) - Ryan Egan leads this team which was 2nd to Shen at Sectionals last year. The Bison bring back 5 of 10 from that race and appear to be the challenger again in Section 2 Class AA.
St. Anthony's (CHSAA) - Coach Tim Dearie's squad keeps improving. St. Anthony's didn't have their best race at Feds last year but they do bring back 4 runners from that day. Patrick Murphy has developed into a star for the Friars, running 4:18 this year while Kenneth Walshak ran 4:23 and Tom Flynn 4:34.
Warwick Valley (9) - Warwick brings back 5 of 7 from last year's team, including Tim Luthin, the best sophomore miler in the state this past spring season with a best of 4:16.8m. Warwick once again had an All-American 4x800m squad indoors and outdoors. Coach St. Lawrnence has retired but new head coach Potter has been there for years already and it should be a seemless transition.
Washingtonville (9) - The Wizards had three under 10:00 in the 3200m this spring and seem to be building a nice nucleus. Martin Hehir will lead the group that should challenge Warwick for that Section 9 Class AA crown. Vinny DeSalvo has proven to be a very talented runner in his own right.
Pittsford Mendon (5) - 4 of 7 back from the 11th place team at Federations. Adam VanVleck leads the team.
East Aurora (6) - They were 8th last year at Feds but they lost all their up front strength. A NY State power for years that brings back 3 guys from last year's Fed team.
Suffern (1) - The Mounties only bring back 2 of 7 from last year's team that upset Arlington and North Rockland to win the Section 1 Class AA title. Kevin McKenna has improved a lot during the track season and Johnny Mitchell is good too. Throw in Tyler Frigge, who ran 4:31, and Cullen Soares, and this team could bounce back nicely under veteran coach Joe Biddy. Check out some of their returning young milers here.
Chaminade (CHSAA) - 3 of 7 back from the 10th place team at Federations. Will Slattery had a fine track season and could lead the team again though Peter Kechejian ran 4:32 this spring. They are the defending CHSAA Intersectional Champions.
So who did we leave out? Who should be listed here that isn't? Who had great track season and might mix it up with this group? Tell us what you think by posting a comment above on the right hand side.