New York State Boys XC Preview

Edited by Kyle Brazeil.   Be sure to like us on facebook, and follow us on twitter this season, as this will get you the updates you want the fastest way possible.
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Season Intro

 
The 2012 NY cross-country season is fast approaching with handful of mid-summer prep meets, and all seems set for another year of fantastic feats on the trails. After a 2011 season that saw two States titles decided by 1 and 2 points, there is little reason to believe that this year the thrills will be any less potent as the reigning champs try to keep a firm hold on their trophies. Two of last year's States individual champs are back to defend their titles, so there will be some familiar faces at the head of the early charge despite the usual loss of a big majority of the top runners to graduation.

All of the runners who are back after last year's States meet at Vernon-Verona-Sherril will be hoping for the same freakishly fun mud-bowl conditions for the 6th go-round of States at Elma Meadows out in Section 6. But even if the mud is not served up, the big fun will come from the character-building pain and agony that comes from the quest for any XC title and whose merits will be displayed on t-shirts all over the Manhattan Invitational fields and at big meets in the months to come.

Working as always off the speed ratings compiled on the Tully Runners site and individual and team profiles, the New York State XC Season Guide loads up with too much team historical data and gives another glimpse of how everything could be shaking out in the section and class battles that will be waged across the state. Many longtime stars will be closing out their stellar careers, and many other runners will be making a breakaway to the top. Every year brings hordes of new runners and emerging stars to the forefront, and this year the lineup of suspected infiltrators of the XC upper ranks is large and promising. But the majority of runners will be fighting for the simpler goals of just setting a personal best or pushing their teams a little higher in the standings.

Covering New York XC not only means projecting which squads are likely to be the best teams in the state, but also which teams will earn spots at the State Championship meet. In the other 49 states, those two groupings are pretty much identical, but in New York an average of 40% of the top 10 teams in a class are shut out from States. Sometimes the teams missing from action are ranked #2 or #3 or #4, and sometimes one section has five of the top six teams in a class. The reasons for this state of affairs are buried in the annals of committee meetings from back in the mid-1900s, and today we are left with a strange mix of State, Federation, and national qualifier meets to end off the year in New York. Sorting out a straight path for top NY teams is never easy.

This guide revolves to a great extent around the States race and does not fully cover the New York City schools, which are not part of the NYSPHSAA confederation but do square off against the schools reviewed here both in the state rankings and in many races including the Federation meet. Obviously this is a big omission, and next year I will build in time for full coverage of schools like Monsignor Farrell, St. Anthony's, Stuyvesant, and Bronx Science. But the Manhattan Invitational is right around the corner, and the NYC schools will be heavily featured at that time. In the meantime, the Federation Overview section down below scopes out who the likely big guys are for the Feds meet and which runners from the NYC crowd might be showing up in the headlines on some XC sports sites.

Inside is a tour of the state of NY XC in 2012 with excursions into the burning questions, useless trivia and historical factoids, season previews, featured team capsules, section-class projections, and lots of pics of highly stressed faces, muddy legs, and guys who likely come from savage regions of the world. Bill Meylan's Tully Runners team profile has set already up the regression-tested scenarios for the NY class races, so this guide builds on those keystones of NYS XC info. Any information actually retained in memory longer than a few hours should be reason to get a Men in Black mind-erase, and by early September everything about NY XC will likely be turned upside down as new runners pop up and change the whole landscape.
 
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The XC masses rising up at the Federation Meet at Bowdoin Park

2011 Season Summary

 It was a season that began around the time a devastating storm left a swath of destruction through many upstate communities, continued through heavy heat and a Halloween period snowstorm and mudbath at States, and ended with the Fayetteville-Manlius and Shaker squads and Peru's Dan Lennon heading west to finish 12th, 16th, and 21st respectively at Nationals meets. In all, it was a pretty standard NY XC year, but it did have some noticeable changes. The biggest transformation, the return to the 4-Class system of early 2000s resulted in 10 fewer teams and 120 less runners at States to enjoy the experience of mucking around the cornfields of Vernon-Verona-Sherril. The States course was ultimate test of mind over deep oozy matter, and the poster guy for swamp creature harriers and a runner whose name is mud was personified by Victor's MJ Erb, who worked his way up from around 53rd at the 1K mark of the Class A race to 2nd at the finish.

After a year of fairly volatile state rankings lists and the buzz generated from St. Benedict's Prep (NJ) runner Edward Cheserek's (who now looks to be taking the XC season off) smashing of many course records, including the Van Cortlandt Park 2.5 mile mark at the Manhattan Invitational in a sub-12:00 time, it was a Friday-night downpour in early November that set the stage for a memorable ending. Favored Fayetteville-Manlius ran strong at the top but not so strong at the back and barely hung on to claim a 1-point win over Rush-Henrietta Sperry in Class A. East Aurora took care of business to earn its second straight B title. A year after finishing 2nd in Class C even though it had the top two finishers in the race, Holland Patent implausibly won the 2011 C title with their top guy finishing 30th. And Class D had a swarm of B's fighting for the title, with Barker taking its second crown over Berne-Knox-Westerlo and Beaver River. The Federation meet went to Shaker, with Arlington in 2nd. Then 15 runners headed west, and rest was history.
 
 
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Federation meet runners climb the hill at Bowdoin Park

2012 Season Overview

 
Comparing the Tully Runner projections for NY teams entering the 2012 season with last year's final rankings, we see a lot of similarities. Fayetteville-Manlius is again at the top of the heap in Class A, and most of the other names high up are a moderate jumbling of last year's finishers with the fairly big exception of Northport. Class B again has reigning champ East Aurora standing among the favorites with most of last year's top 10 cast back to fight it out again. The smaller C and D classes often have more turnover, but Fonda-Fultonville and Pawling in Class C and Beaver River and Barker in Class D are perennial powers and again are in the hunt.

Like last year when a quartet of FM, Rush-Henrietta, Shaker, and Arlington seemed to separate from the pack at the top of the NY rankings, 2012 seems to have a focus on another four-team group. Despite the usual heavy loss of seniors from last year's squad, FM has Nick Ryan and enough top guys back to build another champion with new guys pouring in. Last year's 4th ranked team Arlington is in much the same situation, though Sibby Hanson is the Admirals' frontrunner and it will start a little ways behind FM. Saratoga has half of its top 6 back along with top runner Brent Freestone, and that is enough to move the Blue Streaks into the third position. Northport is the fourth projected power team and jumps way up because it returns all of its runners on a fast-developing team.

41 teams will go west (mainly) to the Buffalo-area Elma Meadows course for the States meet on November 10th, and 12 to 13 of them will head to Bowdoin Park a week later to be among the 26 teams at the Federation Meet, where some Sectional runner-up teams and the strong NYC teams will also be gathered. A lot of questions will be asked and answered in between now and then, and 12 of the big ones are spelled out below following a review of what's brewing for Feds.
 
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Federation meet action with Dan Galford of Monsignor Farrell leading eventual winner Brendan Smith of CBA-Syracuse at left.

Federation Overview

 
Besides the teams whose ultimate focus through the first week of November is the NYSPHSAA-sponsored States Meet, there are a number of strong teams located in or near New York City that battle for championships in the Catholic school confederation (CHSAA), public school league (PSAL), and independent association (AIS). Not only are they a big presence at a variety of area invitationals including the humongous Manhattan Invitational, a group of the top representatives from the three NYC-area conferences head to Bowdoin Park on the third Saturday of November to show their stuff along with many of the top NYSPHSAA teams. Last year St. Anthony's and Monsignor Farrell of the CHSAA finished 4th and 5th behind Shaker, Arlington, and East Aurora. In addition, Chaminade (CHSAA), Collegiate (AIS), and Stuyvesant (PSAL) were 7th, 9th and 11th. Among the meet's elite runners, Monsignor Farrell's Dan Galford, Chaminade's Thomas Awad, and Stuyvesant's Konrad Surkont were all in the top 7, and Galford and Awad later qualified for NXN Nationals.

But that was last year and like most NY guys teams the NYC squads lost a lot of top seniors to that evil malady called graduation, so how do they stack up in 2012? The answer is a mixed bag for NYC powers, but overall this is likely to be one of the best years in recent times. Six of the teams appear set to make considerable marks in area meets during the year, and most if not all will be headed to the Federation Meet. The big six include:

* 1--  St. Anthony's (CHSAA)  St. A's doesn't always have that top runner up among the top 40 guys in the state, but they do have a pack that is often unrivalled in NYC, and  this year maybe in the whole state. With a TR average of 167.6 for returning runners, the Friars rank only behind Fayetteville-Manlius in NY, and probably no one can match their 15-deep depth. Seniors Patrick Ginty at 175 TR and Jake Hensler at 170 give the Friars a solid top duo, and Matthew Taddeo, Christopher Regan, Tyler Wolfe and John McMullin carry 160s. That should give the Long Island school the edge in the usual holy war with Staten Island-based Monsignor Farrell for the CHSAA title.

* 2--  Monsigor Farrell (CHSAA)  Dan Galford returns to lead the Lions after 1sts in 2011 in the Mayor's Cup and CHSAA championship, a 2nd at Feds, and a 48th at NXN Nationals. Galford is the 2nd highest rated returning runner in the state after FM's Nick Ryan, and he has already bought up some real estate in the Milesplit headlines for 2012. Fellow senior John Bentivegna helps give the team one of top 2 duos in the state, and if the rest of the top 7 can get up a little higher and raise the TR above 164.2 that is currently 5th best in NY, the Lions could make things interesting for the Friars, especially at Feds.

* 3--  Collegiate (AIS)   The Dutchmen will be anchored at the top of the Class C rankings again this season, though I suspect that if they were located around Albany they would be given a Class A designation. Though a small private NYC school, Collegiate pulls in a lot of top runners. Sophomore Marco Pompilj and senior JP Meredith will lead a team that could well move up on its 9th place finish at Feds last year.

*4--   Chaminade (CHSAA)     Thomas Awad ended his senior season with a 54th at NXN Nationals, but the Flyers' star will no longer be leading the team into action this year. Chaminade should still do well with a nice pack of runners that includes Thomas Slattery, Sean Kelly, and Matthew Walsh at the top, and it will likely take the 3rd spot in the CHSAA with a current TR of 158.8.

*5--   Bronx School of Science (PSAL)     Bronx Science won the PSAL championship but ran a ways behind rival Stuyvesant at Feds. This year the Wolverines appear to be a much deeper team than Stuyvesant entering the season, but we'll see how things shake out. Piers Berkman, Andrew Rock, and Joseph Ledge will lead the Bronx Science squad, which has a TR of 157.6.

* 6--  St. John the Baptist (CHSAA)     The Cougars are sitting in the 4th position in the CHSAA and finished 18th at Feds last year. Jake Morales should be back to lead a team that will also be keeping an eye on Xavier just behind it.


Two other NYC runners to keep an eye on are Stuyvesant's top runner Jack Stevenson and Bishop Ford's star Devin Rocks, who if nothing else has an unbeatable name.
 
 
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The lead group busts out at the NXN-NY Regional at Bowdoin Park

12 Questions for 2012

* 12--  How many NY teams go to NXN?  Without making too much of a rush to judgment, Nike's selection of teams for NXN has raised a lot of questions recently, though more on the girls' side. Last year Rush-Henrietta came very close to winning the States A title and then got shunted to the sideline after running behind Shaker and Fayetteville-Manlius at NXN regionals and having a 3 second deficit in average time versus a NJ school in the NXN-NE regional that would be selected and finish deep dead last at Nationals. The lesson is, NY teams must make their cases absolutely ironclad for at-large spots to have a whisper of a prayer for Portland Meadows, and the Manhattan Invitational results could take on added significance this year even though last year Nike gave Rush-Henrietta's 5-place difference over Westfield (NJ) a big shrug. Last year, no; this year, maybe it's a key credential.

* 11-- Who is the best pair of brothers?  Each year there are sets of NY family guys running at the top of the ratings, and sometimes they are twins. A few of last year's top brother groups had one of the two graduate, but two intact pairs are Jason and Matt Lange of Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons and Aaron and Dan Peterson of Warwick Valley. Other sets may emerge as big bro' drags little bro' along for the 5K hike.

* 10--  Go to States, Win at States, Celebrate, Repeat. Any chance for 2012?  On the senior-dominated guys' side of the action, the chance for any runner to win consecutive States championships is less than for the girls. Mike Champagne of Seton Catholic-Plattsburgh was the last repeater back in 2009 in Class D, but this year both Nick Ryan of Fayetteville-Manlius and Jeff Antolos of Notre Dame-Batavia have a chance after taking titles as juniors.

*9-- Where the heck is Elma Meadows?    For most schools in NY, the answer is north and west, way out by Buffalo and just to the north of some place called East Aurora. Elma Meadows has a storied States history, as this will be the sixth running of the championship there. The first States meet there in 1967 had Ossining, Fox Lane, and Wheatley walking away with trophies, and there have been return hostings in 1975 when the girls made their first appearance (perhaps the NYSPHSAA will celebrate that milestone this year?), 1986, 1991, and 2001. Both Saratoga and Honeoye Falls-Lima pulled off double championships on the boys and girls sides at the last States meet at Elma Meadows.

*8-- Which sectional class race is the tightest?  Entering the season, the Sectional race with the greatest potential to have three or more teams butting heads at the top appears to be the 5-B battle, where Pittsford-Mendon, Brighton, and Honeoye Falls-Lima are all expected to be heavy hitters. As always, the 3-C ruckus will involve way too many of Class C's top ranked teams fighting for the crown, and this year Solvay, Tully, Hannibal, Holland Patent, and Ilion appear to be in the scrum.

* 7--  Which team shines at Feds?  One consolation for finishing a little behind the top team at States is that you get a quick chance to take a championship at the Federation Meet without the States champ around since they usually sit it out. Last year Shaker used a strong Feds championship performance to ride to the top result at NXN-NY regionals. Will history repeat for an NY Federation winner?

* 6--  Which two guys will have the best head-to-head battle for a championship at States?  Buchanan vs. Place, Racha vs. Racha, Freyer vs. Straneva, Hatz vs. Leuchanka, Stogsdil vs. Deir (2), Deir vs. Stogsdil (1) -- the list of scintillating take-no-prisoners endings in States meets is a memorable one over the last 5 years. In 2011 Jeff Antolos of Notre Dame-Batavia and Alex Campanella of Eldred engaged in a scorcher in Class D, and this year they are back for a second showdown. Another strong candidate for top match-up is in Class B, where Ryan Manahan of Marcellus and TJ Hornberger of Lake Shore dueled to a close 2nd-3rd finish behind graduated Dan Lennon.

* 5--  How far can Nick Ryan go?  FM's Nick Ryan opened up a gap over the other NY XC runners last year, and he then continued the powerful show with an extraordinary double victory at the outdoor track States meet while taking the 1600m and 3200m against tough, tough competition. After last year's performance and 5th at NXN, Ryan will be watched even more closely for his standings on the national stage.

* 4--  Will the Beavers get number 15?  It has been an eon (4 years) since Beaver River won its 14th States title, and now everyone is wondering if there's any teeth left in the program after a 2nd-4th-3rd finish the last three years. But the Beavers are chomping at the bit again as they enter the season as one of the top two favorites in Class D. Will they remember to yell "Timber!" as number 15 comes crashing down.

* 3--  Will the top team in Class C please stand up?  As the guy who has to make rankings sense of the motley crew of teams that live down in Class C, I have to say that this is not the strongest group of the last few years. But as always there will be huge developments by both the traditional powers and relative unknowns during the season and it will all be resolved at Elma Meadows in a nail-biter decided by one pair of flapping shoelaces and some kid who was stolen from a soccer practice in the last week of August. No clue at this point.

* 2--  Can the Blue Devils go 3 for 3?  East Aurora has captured the last two States B races by comfortable margins, and now they set their aim on their third in a row and 6th overall as one of the top contenders in a crowded B race. For EA though, three's not a crowd.

* 1--  Will FM go wire-to-wire in Class A?  The Fayetteville-Manlius guys have won 4 State titles and the success of the Hornet girls gives the school almost an aura of invincibility in NY. But the FM guys have never repeated as champion, won last year's Class A race by 1 point, and suffered some deep losses going into 2012. They enter the season as the favorites and have Nick Ryan as frontrunner, but there will be a lot teams taking a run at the top flyer during the year.

 
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Nick Ryan of Fayetteville-Manlius sprints home as the lead NY runner in the Eastern States race at the Manhattan Invitational. Edward Cheserek of St. Benedict's (PA) became the first runner to go below 12:00 on the famed Van Cortlandt Park 2.5 mile course.

Fantastifastical Factoids

* Squeaking By    Last year had two squeakers in the boys races at the state championship decided by 3 or less points, as Fayetteville-Manlius and Holland Patent prevailed in close wins. 21 of the all-time 196 boys States races have had decisions of 3 or less points, and 9 have been won by 1 point or less. Only 1 of the 9 went to a tie-breaker though, and that was back in the 1976 Class A race when two Long Island schools battled to a 268-268 score (much different scoring system back then), and JFK Bellmore's 6th guy was a little better than Walt Whitman's.

* Damn Beavers   Beaver River has made 27 appearances at States and run off with 14 championships, an astounding 51% success rate. Not bad for a team that didn't even begin to start running at state championships until the 17th meet in 1966 and took home no titles until 1983. They may not be the Yankees of the States small division schools, but they're not far off.

* In Defense of Streaking    2010 broke a run of 4 years in which at least one boys team at States successfully defended their title, but last year East Aurora resumed the tradition by taking its 2nd straight B title. Now the Blue Devils are looking for number three in a row and 6th since 1981.

*Growth Spurts    Giant-sized Arlington is one of the top contenders in Class A this year, and the Admirals won their lone title back at the the second States meet in 1951 as they captured the smaller school Class B title during the two-class era. Warwick Valley and Shaker are two other longtime powers that have grown upward over the years while moving from Class B in the three-class era to AA in the five-class years. Port Jefferson has gone the other way, starting off as a Class A school back in the 1950s but in recent times it has even been a Class D school.

*Kings of the Hill    As with the girls, the boys teams from Sections 2 and 3 have been snapping up almost all the titles in the state's biggest class in recent times. After Fayetteville-Manlius's win in 2011, the two sections have won 11 of the last 12 States titles at the top, with only Warwick Valley crashing the exclusive party in 2007.

*Almost Too Close to Call    Last year in the boys States Class C race, three teams finished within 5 points of each other at the top as Holland-Patent edged Pawling and Fonda-Fultonville. The last time that three-way collision occurred previously was back in the 2002 D race when Salmon River prevailed over East Rochester and Bronxville. But back in 1981 and 1982, Class A set the standard for heavy traffic at the top. In 1981 a four-way grouping of McQuaid, Hauppauge, Clarkstown South and Kingston finished within 4 points of each other, and a fifth team Corcoran was another 4 points back. Then in 1982, Ithaca, Churchville-Chili, and Niagara Falls finished at 86-87-88.

 
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There is a good reason the coach tells you to do all those stomach crunches and develop abs of steel.
 
 
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Class A Preview

   
Top 5 Teams at 2011 States 
Fayetteville-Manlius 63 Rush-Henrietta 64 Shaker 81 Arlington 84 Warwick 100
   
Projected Top 5 Teams for 2012 from Returners' 2011 TR Ratings 
1. Fayetteville-Manlius 170.2 2. Arlington 167.2 3. Saratoga 165.8 4. Northport 161.4 5. Warwick 161.0
 
Projected Next 10 Teams for 2012 from Returners' 2011 TR Ratings 
6. Walt Whitman 160.2 7. Rush-Henrietta 159.6 8. Baldwinsville 158.6 9. Shaker 157.6 10. Cicero-North Syracuse 157.2
11. Webster Thomas 157.0 12. North Rockland 156.4 13. Calhoun 155.8 14. North Babylon 155.6 15. Liverpool 154.2
 
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Fayetteville-Manlius's Nick Ryan takes the lead in the States Class A race before the carpet of grass becomes a sea of mud.
   
Top 2012 Returning Runners by Last Year's TR Rating
Name                                         Team Grade Section States Place Season TR
Nick Ryan FM 11 3 1 195
Sibby Hanson Arlington 11 1 10 182
Mickey Burke Rush-Hen. 10 5 4 182
Alec Peinkofer Baldwinsville 11 3 7 181
Kris Moran North Babylon 12 11 42 180
Eric Holt Carmel 12 1 24 178
Zachary Cammer Walt Whitman 12 11 22 176
Brent Freestone Saratoga 11 2 30 175
Michael Damato Walt Whitman 11 11 17 174
Tyler Ranke Hilton 11 5 33 173
Grant Parrelli Warwick 12 9 23 173
Aaron Ryley Arlington 12 1 19 172
Aaron Peterson Warwick 12 9 28 172
Benito Muniz Carmel 10 1 41 172
Bryce Millar FM 10 3 21 171
Josh Dyrland Irondequoit 11 5 45 170
Colin Fitzgibbons FM 12 3 68 170
Cory McCarty Elmira 12 4 36 170
Conor Farrell FM 12 3 64 169
Dan Janeczko Shenendehowa 12 2 --- 169
Jay Navin Saratoga 11 2 --- 169
Sidharth Kakkar Port Washington 12 8 88 169
Tim McGowan Northport 11 11 58 169
Next:   Philo Germano - Albany 168, Jake Johnson - Colonie 168, Liam Purdy - North Rockland 168, Michael Sullivan - McQuaid 167
 
2011 Season Summary for Class A
 
A States Class A race that was supposed to be fairly close turned into way too close for the favored Fayetteville-Manlius team in the mud as Rush-Henrietta Sperry made a late charge to pull within a point of the Hornets. Reigning champ Shaker and Arlington had a close battle for 3rd, with the Bison running 3 points better. The top guy at States by 26 seconds was FM's Nick Ryan, and teammate Matt Deyo was 3rd, with a fast-closing MJ Erb of Victor getting 2nd. Shaker followed up with victories at the Federation Meet and the NXN-NY regional with FM taking second, and both teams went on to run at Nationals.

Earlier in the season, both Fayetteville-Manlius and Rush-Henrietta Sperry ran impressively in the Manhattan Invitational's Eastern States race as the Hornets were 2nd and the Royal Comets 3rd behind eventual national champ Christian Brothers Academy of Lincroft NJ. The rankings for the top four teams stayed fairly steady with FM at the top until shortly before States, when Shaker took over the 2nd spot from Arlington during its final drive to Nationals after Christian Delago returned to top form following his recovery from previous injuries.

Other runners besides Nick Ryan, NXN finalist MJ Erb, Matt Deyo and Christian Delago who were featured in the top 12 of the TR speed ratings at the end of the year were John Jay-East Fishkill's Mike Turi who was 8th at States, Hauppauge's Ryan Collabella who placed 13th, Arlington's Sebastion Hanson in 10th and Eddie Merenda in 18th, Rush-Henrietta Sperry's Mickey Burke in 9th, Patrizio Grandinalli of Warwick Valley in 11th, and Alec Peinkofer of Baldwinsville who placed 7th.
 
 
2012 Season Overview for Class A
 
Fayetteville-Manlius is on a mission to repeat at States this year, and it just may have the troops to carry out the job. Top runner Nick Ryan will be going up against the nation's elite this year, and Bryce Millar, Colin Fizgibbons, and Conor Farrell all have the potential to be the 170s-180s TR runners that FM will need to win the title. More is needed at the back end of the top 7, but generally that part of the job is well established by the time the Manhattan Invitational rolls around. Arlington returns much of the team from last year's 4th-place squad and will start off as the projected top challenger to FM, as frontrunner Sibby Hanson, Aaron Ryley, Steve Morrison, Corey Chiavelli, and Chris Koenitzer will be a dangerous and hungry squad. The Section 2 favorite always features prominently in early season projections, and this year Saratoga Springs behind Brent Freestone and Jay Navin look set to start off as the team to replace Shaker in 2-A. A fourth team that is projected at the top is a Northport squad that has a lot of proving to do after a 3rd place finish in 11-A last year, but with all of its varsity crew back including Tim McGowan, James Dickinson, and Mike Branigan, the Tigers could be ready to explode upward.

Besides the NYC-area schools such as St. Anthony's, Monsignor Farrell, and Chaminade who should be hovering deeply or on the margins of the top 10, there are four teams that have been an active presence at States the last few years. Warwick Valley has a great top duo of Grant Parrelli and Aaron Peterson back and should rule in 9-A. Walt Whitman has its own great top duo with Zach Cammer and Michael Damato and should challenge Northport for the 11-A crown. Rush-Henrietta is missing a lot of pieces from last year's near champion, but Mickey Burke is back for two more years to lead the Royal Comets in 5-A action. And though Shaker has lost last year's top trio of Mike Libruk, Christian Delago, and Jon Vallecorsa, they have enough guys behind frontrunner Adam Schwenzfeier to make things a bit uncomfortable for Saratoga. Two 3-A teams running behind the big shadow of FM are Baldwinsville and Cicero-North Syracuse, but both will make noise at invitationals this year. Finally Webster-Thomas is seeking its first shot in the 5-A spotlight, and it will try to catch up to Rush Henrietta.
   
Section by Section Class A Overview
Section Top Teams Notes

1

Arlington, North Rockland, Carmel, Suffern

Reigning champ Arlington has a huge lead in the race for the sectional title with TR-select Sebastion Hanson leading a quartet of Admirals returning from last year's varsity. North Rockland also returns much of the 2011 varsity and appears to be the top challenger to Arlington along with a fast-developing Carmel behind TR-select Eric Holt and always tough Suffern  

2

Saratoga Springs, Shaker,  Shenendehowa, Colonie, Bethlehem  

Saratoga has the pole position ahead of a graduation-depleted Shaker and a pack of other contenders  led by Shenendehowa. If teams can develop a few top-level elite runners, there is good potential for upward moves.

3

Fayetteville-Manlius, Baldwinsville, Cicero-North Syracuse, Liverpool, West Genesee

Last year's top NY runner Nick Ryan and TR-select Bryce Millar lead a Fayetteville-Manlius team that is a strong favorite ahead of TR-select Alec Peinkofer's Baldwinsville team, CNS, and Liverpool.  

4

Corning, Ithaca, Elmira District, Horseheads  

Corning should have enough depth to beat out reigning champ Ithaca along with Cory McCarty's Elmira District team and Horseheads.  

5

Rush-Henrietta, Webster-Thomas, McQuaid, Irondequoit  

Reigning champ Rush-Henrietta and TR-select Mickey Burke could have a tough time holding off a seemingly more balanced Webster-Thomas team, and McQuaid and Irondequoit could challenge if they can find a little more depth. 

6

Clarence, Lockport, Lancaster  

Clarence has enough of a returning cast to repeat as the 6-A champs.  

7

No representatives  

 

8

Calhoun, Syosset, Port Washington  

Going into the season the less-heralded 8-A battle looks like it could be among the best races as closely-matched Calhoun, Syosset, and Port Washington have either all or the majority of their top 5 back and should all fit in among the top 20 to 25 teams in NY Class A.  

9

Warwick Valley, Washingtonville, Monroe-Woodbury  

Warwick Valley should ride the wave to its 15th straight sectional title behind TR-select runners Grant Parrelli and Aaron Peterson, and Washingtonville has its top duo back and will be the top challenger to the Wildcats.  

10

No representative  

 

11

Northport, Walt Whitman, North Babylon

Northport seeks its first title in 9 years and may have the balance and depth to beat out Walt Whitman and TR-select runners Zach Cammer and Michael D'Amato. But this contest will not start fully shaping up until October, and North Babylon behind TR-select Kris Moran also wants in on the action for the S11-A crown.

 
 
   
Previews of Top Teams
 
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Nick Ryan, Matt Deyo, Ben Thomas, and Bryce Millar spearheaded Fayetteville-Manlius's drive to a 1-point win in the States A race.
 
*

Fayetteville-Manlius  

Hornets  
 
Section:   3   Class:   A   Colors:   Green and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1968 (A-3rd), 1997 (A-1st), 1998 (A-2nd), 1999 (A-7th), 2003 (A-2nd), 2004 (AA-1st), 2005 (AA-2nd), 2008 (AA-2nd), 2009 (AA-1st), 2010 (AA-3rd), 2011 (AA-1st).     
NXN Nationals: 2004 (2nd), 2005 (3rd), 2008 (16th), 2009 (9th), 2010 (2nd), 2011 (12th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   John Gunn (1961, B-4th), John Jeffrey (1968, A-4th), Adam Wasileski (1996 (A-2nd) (1997, A-1st), Dale Cocca (1998, A-4th), Brian Cocca (1998, A-7th), Jared Burdick (2004, AA-7th), Owen Kimple (2004, AA-8th) (2005, AA-4th), Tommy Gruenewald (2005, AA-7th) (2006, AA-2nd), John Heron (2005, AA-10th), Geoff King (2006, AA-3rd), Alex Hatz (2008, AA-1st), Paul Merriman (2008, AA-3rd), Brendan Farrell (2004, AA-6th), Nick Ryan (2011, A-1st), Matt Deyo (2011, A-3rd)
 
Last Year's Summary:    12th at NXN, 1st at States, 1st at Sectionals,
1st at CNYCL American, 2nd in Manhattan Eastern States, 1st in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-1
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Nick Ryan 12 1 5th at NXN Nationals, 5th in Manhattan-ES, 1st in VVS-1 16:28.4 (1) 195
Bryce Millar 10 5 4th at VVS-1 17:30.2 (21) 171
Colin Fitzgibbons 12 3 7th at VVS-1 18:25.7 (68) 170
Conor Farrell 12 8 1st in CNYCL-American 18:18.6 (64) 169
Konrad Niemiec 11 36 20th at Tully   146
Andrew Berge 11 --- 1st in CNYCL-American-JV   145
Charlie Beeler 12 --- 21st at Tully   142
Riley Hughes 10 --- Track: 1600m: 4:49.7, 3200m 10:32.4    
 
This Year's Outlook
Three guys from last year's States champion and NXN finalist squad are gone, but top NY runner Nick Ryan is back along with a trio of 170 TR type runners that includes sophomore Bryce Millar along with seniors Colin Fitzgibbons and Conor Farrell. There enough strong potential in a group of runners from last year's JV to fill out the top choice for the States Class A title entering the season as the Hornets seek their 5th crown.  
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Sebastion Hanson, Eddie Merenda, Aaron Ryley, and Chris Wise in maroon and white for Arlington led the team to 4th in States A race last year. Also, in middle pic: MJ Erb (Victor), Grant Parrelli (Warwick), Ben Thomas (Fayetteville-Manlius), in right pic: Brian Crimmins (Horseheads), Colby Burke (Rush Henrietta). The Rush-Henrietta cheerleader in left pic cannot be ID'ed except that she was wearing the squad's "H.".
     
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Arlington  

Admirals  
 
Section:   1   Class:   A   Colors:  Maroon and Vegas gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:     1951 (B-1st), 1952 (B-2nd), 1975 (A-4th),1976 (A-3rd), 1978 (A-9th), 1984 (A-9th), 1995 (A-4th), 1997 (A-6th), 2005 (AA-6th), 2006 (AA-6th), 2007 (AA-6th), 2010 (AA-5th), 2011 (A-4th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   George Turner (1950, B-7th), (1950, B-1st), Ted Kaiser (1951, B-5th), Vince McKenna (1952, B- 9th), (1953, B-5th), (1954, B-4th), Chris McKenna (1959, B-9th), Jim Quinn (1964, B-4th), Steve Francis (1976, A-2nd), Dan Lyons (1976, A-7th), Charles Barone (1978, A-4th) Bob Packowski (1984, A-5th), Jason Kenny (1990, A-9th), Daniel Cartica (2005, AA-6th), Sebastion Hanson (2011, A-10th)  
 
Last Year's Summary:    2nd at Federations, 4th in States A, 1st in Sectionals A
1st in Section 1 Coaches-2, 1st in Burnt Hills-3, 1st in Queensbury-1, 1st in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-6
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Sebastion Hanson 12 3 12th at NXN-NY, 3rd in Section 1 Coaches-2 17:08.2 (10) 182
Aaron Ryley 12 13 35th in NXN-NY, 6th in VVS-6 17:27.1 (19) 172
Steve Morrison 11 23 8th in VVS-6 18:14.8 (61) 162
Corey Chiavelli 11 9 15th in Section 1 Coaches-2 18:09.3 (55) 160
Chris Koenitzer 12 21 18th in VVS-6 18:09.0 (53) 160
Nick Netto 12   1st in Queensbury-JV   154
Tim Burger 12   2nd in Section 1 Coaches-JV   154
Tom Wimmers 12   3rd in Section 1 Coaches-JV   149
Louis Castellani 11   9th in Burnt Hills-JV   139
 
This Year's Outlook
Contrary to what some so-called XC national ranking services believe, the Admirals return much of last year's States finalist squad. Headed by medalists Sibby Hanson and Aaron Ryley and also including Steve Morrison, Corey Chiavelli, and Chris Koenitzer, the veteran Arlington team is a solid second to FM in Class A as it shoots for its 3rd straight sectional title and a campaign for an NXN berth.
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Saratoga's Brent Freestone (233) made a strong second-half charge in States A race to take 30th. Also: Corey Chiavelli (Arlington), Aaron Peterson (Warwick), Ari Lewenstein (Ithaca), Lucas Carpinello (Bethlehem), Benito Muniz (Carmel, just the head), Philo Germano (Albany)
     
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Saratoga Springs 

Blue Streaks
 
Section:    Class:  A     Colors:   Blue, white and red  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1987 (A-3rd), 1988 (A-1st), 1999 (A-2nd), 2000 (A-3rd), 2001 (A-1st), 2004 (AA-3rd), 2005 (AA-1st).   NXN Nationals: 2005 (1st)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Steve Kaye (1963, B-8th), Bill Briell (1963, B-10th) (1964, A-8th), Dennis Schwartz (1967, A-9th) (1969, A-10th), Matt Wood (1994, A-10th), Dylan Welsh (1996, A-5th) (1997, A-2nd) (1998, A-1st), Chris Dore (2001, A-9th), Sean Curran (2001, A-6th), Mike Foley (2002, A-9th), Steve Murdock (2004, AA-6th) (2005, AA-2nd), Greg Kelsey (2005, AA-3rd), Dmitri Goutos (2007, AA-9th) (2008, AA-7th), Sam Place (2009, AA-7th) (2010, AA-2nd)
 
Last Year's Summary:    6th at Federations, 2nd in Sectionals A
2nd in Suburban Council, 1st in Great American-Red, 3rd in Queensbury-1
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Brent Freestone 11 5 29th at Federation 17:44.5 (30) 175
Jay Navin 11 13 2nd in Great American-Red   169
Brian Halligan 12 19 18th at Suburban Council   165
Travis Briggs 12 20 21st in Suburban Council   161
Gavin Gaynor 9 26 3rd in Great American-JV   159
Evan Quinones 12 35 22nd in Queensbury-1   156
Alex Howk 12   8th at Suburban Council JV   144
Aidan Tooker 9   21st at Great American JV   139
 
This Year's Outlook
It's been seven long years since Saratoga won a sectional title, and in 2005 the Blue Streaks followed up with state and national titles. With Shaker shrunken by graduation losses, Saratoga steps into the void with a squad that returns 4 of the top 7 from last year's varsity, including state finalist Brent Freestone. A strong cast of other runners that include Jay Navin, Brian Halligan, Travis Briggs, Evan Quinones and freshman Gavin Gaynor should place the Blue Streaks among the top 5 teams in NY.  
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Northport's Tim McGowan leads Sachem East's Ryan Scarpelli on way to 58th in States A race.
     
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Northport  

Tigers  
 
Section:   11   Class:   A   Colors:   Navy and gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:   2001 (A-4th), 2002 (A-3rd), 2003 (A-8th) 
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Bob Varsha (1968, A-8th), Kevin Tschirhart (2002, A-3rd) (2003, A-6th) (2004, A-3rd)
 
Last Year's Summary:    3rd in Sectionals A
1st in Section 11 Divisional Merge, 1st in Brown(RI)-2, 1st in Suffolk-A, 1st in Suffern-C
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Tim McGowan 11 7 16th in Section 11 Div.-Merge 18:12.3 (58) 169
James Dickinson 12 15 7th in Brown-2   164
Mike Branigan 10 27 1st in Suffolk Coaches-A   163
Chris Odin 12 57 24th in Section 11 Div.-Merge   155
David Hatch 12 41 41st in Section 11 Div.-Merge   154
Colin Kerr 12 36 29th in NJ Shore Coaches   152
Alex Kramer  12 22 42nd in NJ Shore Coaches   152 
Justin Leopold 11   3rd in Section 11 FroshSoph   150
 
This Year's Outlook
The Tigers finished 3rd at Sectionals last year and haven't been to States in 9 years but yet have impressed one ranking service enough to get themselves cited among the top 5 teams in the nation. The reality is that Northport will need to show that it can translate its great times in outdoor track into success on the XC courses. The key for the team is that all of last year's varsity is back, including state finalist Tim McGowan. Seniors James Dickinson, Chris Odin, David Hatch, Colin Kerr, and Alex Kramer provide veteran backing, and after running a little ways (maybe 4 minutes) behind sophomore Mike Branigan in a recent 5K race, I am willing to believe that the Tigers could be a major force in NY and maybe elsewhere this year.
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Mud-spattered Patrizio Grandinalli (903) and Grant Parrelli (904) led Warwick to 5th place in States A race. Also, most prominently: Mike Libruk (Shaker, far left), Bryce Millar (Fayetteville-Manlius, back) Eric Holt (Carmel, middle center), Alec Peinkofer (Baldwinsville, 329)
     
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Warwick Valley 

Wildcats 
 
Section:   9   Class:   A   Colors:   Purple and gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1982 (B-1st), 1989 (B-6th), 1991 (B-5th), 1993 (B-6th), 1994 (B-1st), 1995 (B-1st), 1996 (B-6th), 1998 (A-9th), 1999 (B-3rd), 2000 B-3rd), 2001 (A-5th), 2002 (A-4th), 2003 (A-5th), 2004 (AA-4th), 2005 (AA-3rd), 2006 (AA-4th), 2007 (AA-1st), 2008 (AA-5th), 2009 (AA-4th), 2010 (AA-2nd), 2011 (A-5th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Jim Parietti (1978, B-2nd), Joe Straub (1981, B-2nd), Chris Nippert (1982, B-6th), Todd Giszack (1983, B-5th), Eddie Carmack (1994, B-4th) (1995, B-4th) (1996, B-5th), Jake LaRoe (2003, A-4th), Mike Mark (2005, AA-5th), Zack Price (2006, AA-4th), Terence Prial (2006, AA-5th), Alex Leuchanka (2007, AA-4th), Patrizio Grandinalli (2011, A-5th)
 
Last Year's Summary:   8th in Federations, 5th in States A, 1st in Sectionals A
1st in OCIAA Championships, 4th in Brown(RI)-Champ. 3rd in Manhattan-A, 1st in Warwick-1
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Grant Parelli 12 2 2nd in OCIAA Champs 17:31.8 (23) 173
Aaron Peterson 12 3 6th in Manhattan-A 17:43.6 (28) 172
Dan Peterson 10 12 21st in OCIAA Champs 18:17.4 (62) 156
Jared Olson 12   6th in Brown-JV   152
Tanner Senius 10 15 1st in OCIAA Champs-JV 18:30.1 (74) 152
Jordan Burton 11 22 13th in OCIAA Div.-2 18:42.1 (81) 150
Michael Fox 12   2nd in OCIAA Champs-JV   148
 
This Year's Outlook
Warwick Valley is one of the few teams with two top guys living above the 170 TR range, but the question for the Wildcats will be whether the rest of the team can close in behind Grant Parrelli and Aaron Peterson. The imbalance puts Warwick a bit down in the projections, but with two fast-developing sophomores in Dan Peterson and Tanner Senius coupled with Jared Olson and Jordan Burton in the support group, the Wildcats could be one of 2012's bigger surprises.
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Walt Whitman's Zach Cammer (with cool haircut) and Michael D'Amato (center) grind through mud to lead the Wildcats to 6th in States A race. Also: Christian Delago (Shaker, in hat), Chris Wise (Arlington)
     
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Walt Whitman  

Wildcats  
 
Section:   11   Class:   A   Colors:  Maroon and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1972 (A-6th), 1974 (A-3rd), 1975 (A-2nd), 1976 (A-2nd), 1977 (A-2nd), 1978 (A-1st), 1979 (A-5th), 2008 (AA-7th), 2011 (A-6th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Vince Derosa (1968, A-3rd) (1969 (A-1st), Jim Hopkins (1974, A-9th), Kevin Hopkins (1975, A-4th), Don Bossardet (1977, A-2nd), Rich Lippert (1977, A-3rd), Joe Greene (1978, A-1st), Pat Jennings (1979, A-2nd), Joe Hopkins (1980, A-2nd) (1981, A-1st), Ryan Sheridan (2004, AA-1st)
 
Last Year's Summary:    6th in States A, 1st in Sectionals A
2nd in Section 11 Divisional Merge, 1st in Manhattan-D, 2nd in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-2
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Zachary Cammer 12 3 3rd in Manhattan-D, 1st in VVS-2 17:30.9 (22) 176
Michael Damato 12 4 4th in Manhattan-D 17:24.9 (17) 174
James Vallar 12 29 15th in Manhattan-D 18:35.6 (77) 160
Brian Windisch 12 59 23rd in Manhattan-D 19:11.0 (97) 148
Josh Roiland 11   2nd in Section 11 Frosh-Soph   143
Ryan Gioe 11   19th in Manhattan-Soph-B   142
 
This Year's Outlook
The Wildcats captured their second sectional title in four years in 2011, but this year they find themselves projected behind a more balanced Northport squad. Like Warwick Valley's Wildcats, Walt Whitman has a top duo of Zach Cammer and Michael Damato running in the 170 TR zone but also with a big gaps to the 3-4-5-6 runners. Much will depend on whether the rest of the Wildcats led by James Vallar can chop another 15 to 30 seconds from their times.
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Nate Kozyra, Mickey Burke, Andrew Sweeney, Colby Burke, Brennan Root, and Alex Raymond were the top 6 for Rush-Henrietta in States A as they almost upset FM for the title. Also in 2nd pic: Kris Moran (North Babylon, in hat).
 
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Rush-Henrietta  

Royal Comets  
 
Section:   5   Class:   A   Colors: Black, green and gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:    2004 (AA-6th), 2009 (AA-5th), 2010 (AA-4th), 2011 (AA-2nd)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Jerry McQueen (1976, A-1st), Mickey Burke (2011, A-4th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    3rd at NXN-NY, 2nd in States A, 1st in Sectionals A
1st at Monroe County, 3rd in Manhattan-Eastern States, 2nd in McQuaid-AAA, 3rd in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-7
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Mickey Burke 11 2 1st at Monroe County 16:59.7 (4) 182
Brennan Root 12 12 15th at Monroe County 17:58.7 (40) 165
Mikey Schantz 12 30 18th at VVS-7 18:55.1 (91) 157
Michael Larkin 12   1st in Penfield-Irondequoit-JV   147
Pat Shenal 12   2nd in McQuaid-JV-Lg   147
Tyler Gerhardt 12   2nd in Monroe County Varsity-2   146
 
This Year's Outlook
Rush-Henrietta came within a half second of winning its first state title last year, a feat that would also probably have clinched a place at NXN, though with Nike you never know. Four of the top 5 from last year are gone, but top runner and junior 4th place medalist Mickey Burke is back along with States finalists Brennan Root and Mikey Schantz on a senior-heavy squad, and the Royal Comets may have just enough of a nucleus left to outrun Webster Thomas for the 5-A title. 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Baldwinsville's Alec Peinkofer (329) begins a small charge that took him to 7th place in States A race. Also prominently: Eric Holt (Carmel), Grant Parrelli (Warwick), Ryan Collabella (Hauppauge)
 
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Baldwinsville   

Bees  
 
Section:   3   Class:   A   Colors:   Red and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1951 (B-7th), 1952 (B-3rd), 1953 (B-2nd), 1954 (B-3rd), 1955 (B-1st), 1956 (B-1st), 1964 (A-8th), 1978 (A-8th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Dick Doback (1953, B-4th), Dick Crook (1956, B-8th), Ernest Nebbert (1956, B-9th), Eric Ober (1970, A-7th), Don Paige (1974, A-3rd), Bob Buckley (1980, A-6th) (1981, A-5th), Joe Saraceni (1987, A-7th), Jeff Gaulrapp (1997, A-6th), Shaun Thomspn (2009, AA-3rd) (2010, AA-3rd), Alec Peinkofer (2011, A-7th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    3rd in Sectionals A
1st in CNYCL National, 3rd in Manhattan-B, 4th in Baldwinsville-Large, 4th in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-4
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Alec Peinkofer 12 6 3rd in Manhattan-B, 1st in VVS-4 17:04.6 (7) 181
Andy Fleming 12 13 10th in Manhattan-B   163
Josh Perez 11 31 19th in Manhattan-B   160
Jack Martin 11 32 13th in CNYCL National   149
Nate Wicks 12 68 1st in Baldwinsville-JV-Lg   140
Casey McAllister 12 55 33rd in Chittenango-1   140
Antonio Martinez 12 48 34th in CNYCL National   140
Harrison Warner 11 61 29th in CNYCL National   137
 
This Year's Outlook
Last year Alec Peinkofer sped to 7th at States for a team that could not crack the top 20 in the States A rankings, but this year the Bees appear to be set for a nest among the top teams. Andy Fleming and Josh Perez provide solid support behind Peinkofer, and Baldwinsville should be battling for the 2nd spot in 3-A behind Fayetteville-Manlius.  
 
 
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Mike Libruk, John Vallecorsa, Christian Delago, Ethan Hausamann, Adam Schwenfeier, and Ryan Recchia ran for Shaker in a 3rd place effort at States. Also in 1st pic: Sebastion Hanson (Arlington), in 3rd pic: Michael D'Amato (Walt Whitman).
 
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 Shaker  

Bison
 
Section:   2   Class:   A   Colors:   Royal blue and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1961 (B-4th), 1962 (B-5th), 1087 (A-7th), 1976 (A-8th), 1978 (A-7th), 1986 (A-8th), 2010 (AA-1st), 2011 (A-3rd). NXN Nationals: 2010 (13th), 2011 (16th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Ron White (1960, B-5th), Justin Corelli (1999, A-2nd) (2001, A-2nd), RJ Sniffen (2007, AA-7th), Christian Delago (2010, AA-6th), Mike Libruk (2010, AA-7th) (2011, A-9th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    16th at NXN Nationals, 1st at NXN-NY, 1st at Federation, 3rd in States A, 1st in Sectionals A
1st at Suburban Council, 12th in Manhattan Eastern States, 1 in McQuaid-AAA, 2nd in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-6
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Adam Schwenzfeier 12 8 4th at Albany County 17:51.7 (35) 166
Max Morgan 12 28 16th at Suburban Council 18:26.0 (69) 159
John O'Connor 12 29 2nd in Albany County-JV   158
Caleb Mellon 12   15th at Shaker   154
Kaushik Pilar 10   49th at McQuaid-AAA   151
Dan Ruiz 12   13th in Manhattan-JV-B   140
 
This Year's Outlook
The 2010 States AA champ and 2011 3rd place team in Class A, Shaker finally had to let go of its longtime great top trio of Mike Libruk, Christian Delago, and John Vallecorsa. Two state finalists who do return are Adam Schwenzfeier and Max Morgan. Two other seniors who return to position the Bison as the #2 team in 2-A behind Saratoga are John O'Connor and Caleb Mellon. 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Cicero-North Syracuse's Neil Gill (330) midway through States A race.  Also prominently: Colin Fitzgibbons (Fayetteville-Manlius), Ryan Recchia (Shaker), Steve Morrison (Arlington)
 
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Cicero - North Syracuse  

Northstars  
 
Section:   3   Class:   A   Colors:   Royal blue, green and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1986 (A-4th), 1989 (A-1st), 1993 (A-2nd), 1994 (A-3rd), 1995 (A-1st), 1996 (A-1st)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Jim Laware (1961, A-9th), Bill Kahn (1988, A-6th), 1989, A-3rd), Sean Kelly (1989 (A-7th), Brian Kuryla (1995, A-8th) (1996, A-4th) (1997, A-3rd), Joe Mahler (1995, A-10th), (1997, A-3rd), Bryan Buchanan (2002, A-6th) (2003, A-1st), Chris Buchanan (2009, AA-8th) (2010, AA-1st)
 
Last Year's Summary:    5th in Sectionals A
5th in Manhattan E, 1st at Tully, 1st in EJ Herrmann-2, 1st in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-3
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Neil Gill 12 9 3rd at CNYCL National 18:55.3 (92) 163
Anthony Lupia 12 98 1st at Tully, 1st at EJ Herrmann-2   161
Colin Greenseich 11 27 8th at Tully   156
Bryan Junod 11 44 5th at Tully   154
Matt Crough 12 43 8th at Central Square   152
Kevin Cialfi 12 30 7th at Central Square   152
Paul DeGennaro 11 58 5th in EJ Herrmann-2   150
 
This Year's Outlook
Cicero-North Syracuse should duel Baldwinsville for the second spot in 3-A behind FM, and it may have the balance and depth to win that battle. Neil Gill was a state finalist last year, and fellow senior Anthony Lupia is close behind in the speed ratings.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Webster Thomas's Sasha Andrievsky runs in States A race.  Also prominently: Brian Dobmeier (Williamsville North), Max Morgan (Shaker), Anthony Ostuni (Liverpool)
 
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Webster Thomas  

Titans  
 
Section:   5   Class:   A   Colors:   Navy and gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:  
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Tom Smith (1988, A-2nd)
 
Last Year's Summary:    4th in Sectionals A
5th at Monroe County, 8th in McQuaid-AAA
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Sasha Andrievsky 12 10 18th at Monroe County 18:10.1 (56) 166
Josh Goldstein 11 15 27th at Monroe County   163
Keith Johnson 11 21 22nd at Monroe County   160
Chris Peffley 11 37 32nd at GCC Cougar-Merge   149
Mitchell Baller 12 41 62nd in McQuaid-AAA   147
Ben Whitman 11 50 69th at Monroe County   144
 
This Year's Outlook
Senior Sasha Andrievsky returns after a good showing at States to try to lead last year's 4th place Sectionals team to its first States berth. The Titans are relatively young, and big developments from juniors Josh Goldstein and Keith Johnson could help to push them past Rush-Henrietta.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
North Rockland guys are among the early crush in Section 1 Class A race.
 
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North Rockland  

Red Raiders  
 
Section:   1   Class: A   Colors:   Red and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:   1977 (A-5th), 1978 (A-3rd), 1988 (A-4th), 1991 (A-2nd), 2001 (A-7th), 2002 (A-2nd), 2003 (A-3rd) 2004 (AA- 7th), 2009 (AA-2nd)  
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    Todd Sinclair (1978, A-10th) (1979-A-5th), Dave Dominquez (1992, A-10th), Carlos Jamieson (2008, A-8th), John Martinez (2003, A-9th) (2004, AA-2nd), Nick Hughes (2008, AA-6th) (2009, AA-1st)
 
Last Year's Summary:    2nd in Sectionals A
3rd at Rockland County, 1st in Section 1 Coaches-1, 5th in Paul Short(PA)-Brown, 8th at Bowdoin
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Liam Purdy 11 16 7th at Rockland County   168
Asaad Jeffrey 11 22 8th in Section 1 Coaches-1   162
Damien Feeney 12 25 20th at Rockland County   155
Thomas Landes 12 27 24th at Disney(FL)-3A   153
Adam Burlew 11   2nd in Rockland County-JV    
Matthew Canals 12   13th in section 1 Coaches-JV   131
 
This Year's Outlook
The Red Raiders may still be another year away from mounting a strong challenge to the recently dominant Arlington squad in 1-A, but juniors Liam Purdy and Asaad Jeffrey are developing strongly and hope to keep North Rockland ahead of Carmel and Suffern.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Calhoun's Zachary Toner and Christopher Landi at left in blue and white in pics above ran in States A race. Also prominently at left: James Vallar (Walt Whitman, back), Max Morgan (Shaker), at right: Zachary Kuleszewski (Clarence)
 
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Calhoun  

Colts  
 
Section:    Class:   A   Colors:   Blue  
 
XC History
States Teams:  
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Pat Kearns (1986, A-9th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    2nd in Sectionals A
2nd in Section 8 Conference Merge, 4th in Section 1 Coaches-1, 6th in Manhattan-D, 11th in Suffolk Coaches-B
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Zach Toner 12 12 2nd in Section 8-Conference 2 18:12.7 (60) 166
Chris Landi 12 13 21st in Manhattan-D 18:58.0 (94) 160
Jack Curran 12 21 7th in Section 8-Conference 2   157
Abe Lahood 12 33 13th in Section 8-Conference 2   153
Christopher Melito 11   10th in Section 8-Frosh-Soph   143
Alex Boyd 11   9th in Section 8-Frosh-Soph   140
 
This Year's Outlook
The battle for the 8-A crown appears to be a pretty close three-way scrap between Calhoun, Syosset, and Port Washington. We'll just have to wait to see how the teams develop, but the Colts have the strongest top duo beginning the season with state finalists Zach Toner and Chris Landi.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Kris Moran of North Babylon runs in States A race. Also: Evan Ward (Suffern)
 
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North Babylon  

Bulldogs  
 
Section:   11   Class:   A   Colors:   Blue and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1962 (A-2nd), 1967 (A-4th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Tom Gazzo (1962, A-2nd) (1963, A-7th), Kevin Bulla (1997, A-4th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    7th in Sectionals A
13th in Section 11 Divisional Merge, 15th in Manhattan-A, 3rd in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-1, 3rd at Shaker
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Kris Moran 12 2 15th at Federation, 2nd in VVS-1 17:59.3 (42) 180
Brock Schmid 12 31 19th in VVS-1   157
Shaun Coyle 12 43 39th in Manhattan-A   155
Jamison Sherretts 11   20th at Shaker   148
Billy Blatz 12 117 30th in VVS-1   138
           
           
 
This Year's Outlook
State finalist Kris Moran returns with a 180 TR to lead a team that will need a few more guys to join Brock Schmid and Shaun Coyle in the support group for the Bulldogs to challenge Northport or Walt Whitman.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Liverpool's Anthony Ostuna at left in States A race. Also in front: Steve Morrison (Arlington), Sasha Andrievsky (Webster Thomas), Tim McGowan (Northport)
 
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Liverpool  

Warriors 
 
Section:   3   Class:   A   Colors:   Orange and blue  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1970 (A-3rd), 1991 (A-1st), 1992 (A-5th), 2000 (A-7th), 2001 (A-2nd), 2006 (AA-3rd), 2007 (AA-5th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Mike Padil (1979, A-8th) (1980, A-8th), Dave Aman (1984, A-6th), Dan Brown (1985, A-9th), Mark Fadil (1990, A-4th), Jay Conover (1991, B-10th), Joe Head (1992, A-3rd), Dan McKenna (2001, A-4th), Ethan Hickey (2007, AA-6th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    2nd in Sectionals A
1st in CNYCL National, 5th in Manhattan D, 6th in McQuaid-AAA, 2nd in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-3
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Drew Henry 12 15 5th in CNYCL National   160
Travis Chewning-Kulick 12 16 10th at CNYCL National   157
Daniel Muldoon 10 23 4th in McQuaid-JV-Lg   154
Connor Buck 10 26 55th in McQuaid-AAA   154
Alex Christiansen 11 38 18th at CNYCL National   146
Kevin Rudd 11 47 10th at CNYCL National   145
Sean Brais 11   5th in McQuaid-JV-Lg   143
 
This Year's Outlook
The Warriors have a fairly balanced squad behind to runner Drew Henry and should challenge Baldwinsville and Cicero-North Syracuse for the 2nd spot in 3-A.  
 
  NYS
 
 

Class B Preview

   
Top 5 Teams at 2011 States 
East Aurora 52 Honeoye Falls-Lima 84 Franklin Academy 113 Burnt Hills 118 Marcellus 125
   
Projected Top 5 Teams for 2012 from Returners' 2011 TR Ratings 
1. Pittsford-Mendon 159.3 2. East Aurora 159.2 3. Franklin Academy 159.0 4. Notre Dame-BG 158.2 5. Brighton 157.0
 
Projected Next 10 Teams for 2012 from Returners' 2011 TR Ratings 
6. Starpoint 154.6 7. Honeoye Falls-Lima 154.4 8. Burnt Hills 154.0 9. Shoreham-WR 151.8 10. Tappan Zee 151.4
11. Queensbury 151.0 12. Port Jervis 149.2 13t. Bayport-BP 149.0 13t. Eastport-South Manor 149.0 15. Pearl River 148.6
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Lead posse in the Class B race chase after glory as the course starts to lose its green look.
 
   
Top 2012 Returning Runners by Last Year's TR Rating
Name                                               Team Grade Section States Place Season TR
Ryan Manahan Marcellus 12 3 2 184
TJ Hornberger Lake Shore 11 6 3 183
Stephen Bourguet Manhasset 12 11 14 178
Jason Lange Notre Dame-BG 12 2 6 178
Sean Phillips East Aurora 12 6 9 174
Alfredo Mazzuca New Paltz 12 9 13 174
James Gowans Mexico 12 3 8 173
Adam Murphy Amherst 12 6 29 173
Joe Dinan Tappan Zee 12 1 36 172
Adam Lafemina Bayport-BP 12 11 12 171
Jack Wesley Pittsford-Mendon 11 5 18 171
Matt Lange Notre Dame-BG 12 2 15 170
Andrew Tario Averill Park 12 2 27 170
Connor Gordon Franklin Academy 12 10 33 170
Gene Baritot East Aurora 12 6 20 170
David Busby New Paltz 12 9 16 170
Jordan Pantalone Notre Dame-BG 12 2 34 169
Andrew Mullen Brighton 12 5 --- 169
Justin Zorn Somers 12 1 --- 168
JT Paganelli Honeoye-FL 12 5 32 167
Will Ronchetti Brighton 11 5 19 167
Next:   Will Phelan - Pittsford-Sutherland 166, Luke Gavigan -Tappan Zee 166, Brian Edsall -Pearl River 166, Corey Lamere - Franklin Academy 166, Brendan Keany - East Aurora 166
 
2011 Season Summary for Class B
Before last year, East Aurora had won 4 States titles but never two in succession. That changed last year when the Blue Devils followed up their 2010 title with a States win by a comfortable 32 points. East Aurora was all over the state B ranking bouncing from 11th early on down to 2nd back to 6th and up to 1st heading into States, so they were clearly not an easy team to figure out. Sean Phillips, Elliot Martynkiewicz, and Gene Baritot all medaled for the Blue Devils in the repeat championship. Honeoye Falls-Lima overcame early 5-B favorite Pittsford-Mendon and was by far the closest team to East Aurora at States, and senior Cooper Roach was the big guy for the Cougars with am 11th at States and then a qualification for NXN Nationals, where he finished 38th. Even though it had no medalists, Franklin Academy of Section 10 continued its resurgence in recent years by leaping to 3rd at States. Burnt Hills had Buddy Herkenham occupying 7th place at States and took the 4th spot, and Marcellus used Ryan Manahan's 2nd place to fuel its run to 5th, and Manahan later won a ticket to NXN Nationals.

Among the runners on Class B teams who starred in 2011, the biggest name was Peru's Dan Lennon, who not only captured the Class B title but also went on to finish 21st at Footlocker Nationals. TJ Hornberger of Lake Shore was a close 3rd at States as a sophomore, and Mike Anvelt of Pittsford-Sutherland and Justin Maguire of Brewster closed out stellar careers with 4th and 5th at States. Two brothers from Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons, Jason and Matt Lange, collected the 6th and 15th place medals in their junior year. Only 7 of the States medalists were seniors, so there are a lot of top guys coming back for 2012.
 
2012 Season Overview for Class B
Going into the 2012 season, the teams projected to be near the top of Class B show some changes, as only two of the first six teams were at States last year. One of them is two-time reigning champ East Aurora, however, and another is last year's States 3rd place team Franklin Academy. East Aurora has States medalists Sean Phillips and Gene Baritot back, and with Brendan Keaney providing further oomph for a strong top 3, the Blue Devils look well set up to make a run for a third straight title. Franklin Academy has a strong top quartet with Conor Gordon, Corey Lamere, Morgan Marlow, and Rourk Marlow, so the Huskies will be a dangerous team if they get a little more depth. Pittsford-Mendon got beat out for the 5-A title last year, but they enter the season with the highest returning TR average with a foursome of Jack Wesley, Matt Van Vleck, Conor Green, and Rob Young. Even with those guys, the Vikings will be challenged strongly in their section by Brighton's squad led by Will Ronchetti and Andrew Mullen, and by reigning 5-B champ Honeoye Falls-Lima headed by JT Paganelli and Langton Douglas.

Among the other teams on the watch list for 2012 include naturally the Section 2 powers, which this year look to be a Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons squad led by Jason Lange, Matt Lange, and Jordan Pantalone, reigning 2-B champ Burnt Hills with a top three of Joe Girard, John Rabideau, and Jared Short, and Queensbury's team topped by Troy Kelly and Ben Anderson. Two other teams that are likely to be in the Class B top 10 include Starpoint, which runs behind East Aurora in Section 6 but has a stong group headed by Paul Swartz and Matt Prohaska, and also reigning 11-B champ Shoreham-Wading River led by Ryan Udvadia.

Topping the list of other runners who will be hanging out near the top of the Class B speed ratings list will be Marcellus's Ryan Manahan and TJ Hornberger of Lake Shore, who finished close together in 2nd and 3rd at States. Manhasset's Stephen Bourguet, New Paltz's Alfredo Mazzuca, Mexico's James Gowans, Amherst's Adam Murphy, Tappan Zee's Joe Dinan, and Bayport-Blue Point's Adam Lafemina are all 170+ TR runners who in many cases will be relied on to lead their teams to a sectional championship.
   
Section by Section Class B Overview
Section Top Teams Notes

1

Tappan Zee, Pearl River, Pelham, Somers 

In the wake of a graduation epidemic that decimated most of the traditionally strong S1-B teams, Tappan Zee behind Joe Dinan appears to have the best-stocked team, followed by reigning champ Pearl River and a developing Pelham squad.  

2

Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons, Burnt Hills, Queensbury 

NDBG behind a top trio of TR select Jason Lange and Matt Lange and Jordan Pantalone may have a small edge over the better balanced teams from Burnt Hills and Queensbury  

3

East Syracuse-Minoa, Marcellus, Jamesville Dewitt  

Eastport South Manor returns all of its top 7 and has a little more balance than reigning champ Marcellus led by TR-select Ryan Manahan  

4

Maine-Endwell, Owego  

Maine Endwell returns enough of last year's 4-B champion squad to take another title.  

5

Pittsford-Mendon, Brighton, Honeoye Falls-Lima  

Section 5 has the strongest set of Class B teams with Pittsford-Mendon, Brighton, and Honeoye Falls-Lima all among the top 5 to 7 teams in the group and all fairly matched.  

6

East Aurora, Starpoint, Lake Shore  

TR-select Sean Phillips leads two-time reigning state champ East Aurora against a balanced Starpoint team and TR-select TJ Hornberger's Lake Shore squad, and the Blue Devils have a solid edge starting out.  

7

Peru  

Peru is the last team standing in 7-B after Beekmantown went down to Class C.

8

Garden City, North Shore  

Garden City looks to have a little more strength in the lineup than does North Shore in a pretty evenly matched battle for the 8-B crown.  

9

Port Jervis, New Paltz, Cornwall  

Reigning champ New Paltz will need to develop quite a bit at the 3-4-5 spots behind TR-select Alfred Mazzuca and David Busby to hold off a stronger and far more balanced Port Jervis squad.  

10

Franklin Academy  

Franklin Academy is one of the top 5 teams in NY Class B behind TR-select Connor Gordon.  

11

Shoreham-Wading River, Bayport-Blue Point, Eastport-South Manor  

Reigning champ Shoreham-Wading River again appears to have the strongest and best balanced team in 11-A, while Bayport-Blue Point has the most powerful top 3 but needs development at the back end to beat out Eastport-South Manor.  

 
   
Previews of Top Teams
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Pittsford-Mendon's Jack Wesley and Will Burton finished 18th and 24th in States B race.  Also at left: Jordan Pantalone (NotreDame-Bishop Gibbons), Evan Little (Lasalle), Will Ronchetti (Brighton), at right: Brian Brizzolara (Maine-Endwell)
 
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Pittsford Mendon  

Vikings 
 
Section:   5   Class:   B   Colors:   Maroon and gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:     19993 (B-8th), 2007 (A-2nd), 2008 (A-2nd)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    Jim Herkimer (1988, A-1st), Matt Wilkens (1991, A-1st), Ben Ashford (1991, A-9th), Adam Van Vleck (2008, A-3rd), Jason Skipper (2008, A-4th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    2nd in Sectionals B
2nd in Monroe County, 2nd in McQuaid-AA, 1st in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-4
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Jack Wesley 11 4 6th in Monroe County 17:42.6 (18) 171
Matt Van Vleck 12 26 8th in VVS-4   160
Conor Green 12 16 13th in VVS-4   160
Rob Young 12 14 38th at Monroe County   158
David Azzara 10 33 9th in McQuaid-Soph   148
Anthony Demme 12   2nd in McQuaid-JV-B   145
Kevin Dooley 10   13th in McQuaid-Soph   144
Tommy Barbaccia 11   31st in VVS-4   141
 
This Year's Outlook
The Vikings are looking to make their first trip to States in 4 years, and with States medalist Jack Wesley leading a deep and balanced team that includes seniors Matt Van Vleck, Conor Green, and Rob Young, Pittsford-Mendon should be among the favorites for the States title if it can survive the knockdown battle with Brighton and Honeoye Falls-Lima.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
East Aurora Blue Devils ran to States B title behind Sean Phillips and Elliot Martynkiewicz at left in left pic, Gene Baritot in center of center pic, and Brendan Keany (in spiffy yellow cap) and Larkin Bohanon in right pic. Also at left: Taylor Love (Rye), Stephen Bourguet (Manhasset), at center: Joe Dinan and Nathan Kotch (Tappan Zee), and Nathan Smith (Pioneer) next to Baritot, at right: Joe Brunett (Honeoye Falls-Lima)
 
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East Aurora  

Blue Devils  
 
Section:   6   Class:   B   Colors:   Blue and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1979 (B-5th), 1980 (B-2nd), 1981 (B-1st), 1982 (B-5th), 1983 (B-9th), 1984 (B-4th), 1985 (B-1st), 1986 (B-6th), 1988 (B-7th), 1990 (B-8th), 1991 (B-1st), 1992 (B-11th), 1994 (B-8th), 2001 (C-4th), 2002 (B-5th), 2004 (B-4th), 2005 (B-6th), 2007 (B-2nd), 2008 (B-3rd), 2009 (B-10th), 2010 (B-1st) 2011 (B-1st)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    Bruce Marquart (1965, B-9th) (1966, B-6th), Bill McLaughlin (1980, B-5th) (1981, B-2nd), Dave Whitman (1984, B-9th), Brian Dodwell (1988, B-5th), Ron Hess (1994, B-8th), Dan Fields (2001, C-3rd) (2002, B-4th), Ryan O'Connor (2006, B-4th), Scott Anderson (2007, B-3rd), Lyle O'Brien (2008, B-7th), Sean Phillips (2011, B-9th), Elliot Martynkiewicz (2011, B-10th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    7th at NXN-NY, 3rd at Federation, 1st in States B, 1st in Sectionals B
1st in Section 6 ECIC, 1st in Knox-C, 1st in Alden-Small, 5th in McQuaid-AA
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Sean Phillips 12 3 3rd in ECIC Champs 17:28.1 (9) 174
Gene Baritot 12 5 40th in NXN-NY 17:44.5 (20) 170
Brendan Keany 12 6 7th in ECIC Champs 18:01.6 (31) 166
Aubrey McLaughlin 11   46th in ECIC Champs   142
Corey Henson 12   18th in Knox-C   140
Robby Coulter 12   2nd in Alden-JV   140
Matt McLaughlin 9 14 1st in Alden-JV 19:20.6 (97)  139
 
This Year's Outlook
The Blue Devils are smelling their 3rd straight States title, and though they lost three guys from last year's varsity they should develop the legs to put some distance between themselves and Starpoint in the 6-B contest. States medalists Sean Phillips and Gene Baritot should lead East Aurora with fellow senior Brendan Keany not far behind. Two McLaughlin guys are moving up fast, but I still don't think either junior Aubrey or freshman Matt can beat their dad up Bowdoin Hill.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Franklin Academy's Conor Gordon, Corey Lamere, Morgan Marlow, and Rourk Marlow in green and white were four of the Huskies running at States for the 3rd place team. Also at left: Dan Fernandez (Burnt Hills), in second pic: Langton Douglas (Honeoye Falls-Lima), Tyler Keys (Shoreham-Wading River), in right pic: Larkin Bohanan (East Aurora)
 
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Franklin Academy  

Huskies  
 
Section:   10   Class:   B   Colors:   Forest green and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:     1977 (B-9th), 1978 (B-8th), 1979 (B-3rd), 1980 (B-4th), 1981 (B-2nd), 1982 (B-2nd), 1983 (B-3rd), 1984 (B-10th), 1985 (B-13th), 1986 (B-7th), 1987 (B-11th), 1988 (B-1st), 1989 (B-1st), 1992 (B-9th), 1993 (B-9th), 1994 (B-12th), 2010 (A-7th), 2011 (B-3rd)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    Marc Gosselin (1980, B-5th), Chad Lawrence (1988, B-6th) (1989, B-2nd), Fred Hughes (1991, B-3rd), Derek Porier (1991, B-6th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    3rd in States B, 1st in Sectionals B
3rd at Marathon, 1st at Beaver River, 1st in Baldwinsville-Large, 2nd in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-4
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Conor Gordon 12 1 1st at Beaver River 18:06.3 (33) 170
Corey Lamere 12 3 10th at Marathon 18:14.3 (40) 166
Morgan Marlow 12 2 4th at Beaver River 18:19.4 (50) 164
Rourk Marlow 12 4 10th in Baldwinsville-Lg 18:15.7 (44) 159
Marcus Garrow 10 6 16th at Beaver River 19:18.5 (96) 137
Mike Haas 12 8 36th at VVS-4   135
Bach Schank 11 9 5th at Marathon   130
 
This Year's Outlook
In 2010 after a long absence from States, the storied Franklin Academy made a return there, and now it is shooting for its third straight sectional crown and 19th overall. That job should be fairly simple, but the Huskies are also seeking their 3rd state title, and that will be a tougher task. Four runners who finished in the top 50 at States are returning, and if Conor Gordon, Corey Lamere, Morgan Marlow, and Rourk Marlow can get a little more support behind them, the Huskies may be sledding home first. 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons runners Jason Lange, Matt Lange, and Jordan Pantalone competed at States and picked up two medals.
 
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Notre Dame - Bishop Gibbons  

Golden Knights  
 
Section: 2   Class:   B   Colors:   Maroon and gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:  
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Dennis King (1991, B-10th), Jason Lange (2011, B-6th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    2nd in Sectionals B
7th in Section 1 Coaches-3, 3rd in Burnt Hills-2, 2nd in Manhattan-C, 2nd in EJ Herrman-1, 3rd in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-5
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Jason Lange 12 2 1st in Burnt Hills-2 17:14.2 (6) 178
Matt Lange 12 4 2nd in Burnt Hills-2 17:40.5 (15) 170
Jordan Pantalone 12 5 3rd in Manhattan-C 18:22.0 (52) 169
Nick Przekurat 12 37 29th in Burnt Hills-2   141
Steve Dixon 12 56 16th at Big 10 Champ   129
 
Lucas Chico
This Year's Outlook
The Golden Knights have two States medalists and the strongest top trio in Class B with Jason Lange, Matt Lange, and Jordan Pantalone. The problem for NDBG is the depth issue, and though it may be able to edge past Burnt Hills and Queensbury in 2-A, winning a state title will require more back-end strength.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Will Ronchetti ran in the States B race for Brighton last year. Also: Evan Little (Lasalle), Austin Coneys (Harborfields)
 
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Brighton 

Barons  
 
Section:   5   Class:  B   Colors:   Navy and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:     1971 (A-7th), 1992 (B-3rd), 1995 (B-11th), 2005 (A-3rd)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    Michael Gregory (2006, A-8th), Scott Smolensky (2009, A-8th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    3rd in Sectionals B
3rd at Monroe County, 4th in Manhattan-E, 9th in McQuaid-AA, 3rd in Vernon-Verona-Sherril--6
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Andrew Mullen 12 15 4th in Manhattan-E   168
Will Ronchetti 12 8 4th in Seneca-A 17:43.0 (19) 167
Zachary Simpson 11 21 10th in Seneca-A   157
Neil Ryan 12 37 21st in Seneca-A   147
Sammy Coons 12   4th in Monroe County-B   146
Justin Koch 12   2nd in Seneca-B   137
 
This Year's Outlook
The Barons have a good top duo with Andrew Mullen and States medalist Will Ronchetti, but overall they appear to be running a little behind Pittsford-Mendon barring any significant developments from last year. Zachary Simpson is the lone junior on a senior-heavy varsity, and he could be a big key to pulling Brighton up to the top level. 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Starpoiint's Paul Swartz and Mike Prohaska running in States B race.
 
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Starpoint  

Spartans  
 
Section:   6   Class:   B   Colors:   Garnet and gray  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1997 (B-2nd), 1998 (B-10th), 1999 (B-8th), 2000 (B-5th), 2001 (B-3rd), 2003 (B-5th), 2005 (A-4th) 
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    Ken Mayer (1965, C-8th), Mike Ryan (1997, B-1st), John Huber (1998, B-2nd) (1999, B-5th), Chuck Laderer (2003, B-7th), Mike Gillis (2005, A-10th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    2nd in Sectionals B
3rd in Section 6 ECIC, 1st in Alden-Large, 8th in McQuaid-AA, 1st in West Seneca-Large
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Paul Swartz 12 7 7th in East Aurora-Lg 18:37.5 (67) 162
Matt Prohaska 12 9 9th in West Seneca-Lg 18:39.0 (69) 161
Carl Daigler 11 13 12 in West Seneca-Lg   154
Jordan Roseland 12 16 5th at Alden-Lg   151
Ian Emerick 10 24 30th in Clarence-Lg   145
Adam Yacos 12 34 84th in McQuaid-AA   139
Justin Geber 12   21st in McQuaid-JV-B   129
 
This Year's Outlook        
Starpoint has a big challenge ahead of it in trying to overcome reigning States champ East Aurora for the 6-B title, but state finalists Paul Swartz and Matt Prohaska return for the Spartans and the team has enough depth to make a run at the Blue Devils.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Honeoye Falls-Lima runners Cooper Roach at left and JT Paganelli (foreground, right) and Joe Brunett and Langton Douglas run in States Class B race. Also: Conor Gordon (Franklin)
 
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Honeoye Falls - Lima  

Cougars  
 
Section:    Class:   B   Colors:   Black and gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:     1995 (B-2nd), 1996 (B-10th), 1997 (B-10th), 2000 (B-6th), 2001 (B-1st), 2002 (B-3rd), 2004 (B-5th), 2005 (B-4th), 2006 (B-1st), 2007 (B-3rd), 2008 (B-1st), 2009 (B-1st), 2011 (B-2nd)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    Tony David (1999, B-7th), Joe Fischetti (2002, B-7th), Trevor Rundell (2004, B-5th), Alex Deir (2006, B-5th) (2007, B-1st) (2008, B-2nd) (2009, B-1st), Ethan Wickus (2008, B-6th), Steve Mangan (2008, B-8th) (2009, B-2nd), Kevin House (2009, B-7th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    2nd in States B, 1st in Sectionals B
1st in Clarence-Large, 5th in McQuaid-AAA, 1st Vernon-Verona-Sherril-5
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
JT Paganelli 12 6 11th in GCC Cougar-Merge 18:03.5 (32) 167
Langton Douglas 12 23 19th in GCC Cougar-Merge 18:12.5 (37) 158
Patrick Leo 12 20 15th in VVS-5 18:25.5 (53) 154
John Lawlor 12 25 61st in GCC Cougar-Merge 19:01.2 (90) 147
Cole Mathews 12 35 19th in VVS-5 18:48.7 (82) 146
Tyler Urckfitz 11   1st in Clarence-JV   139
 
This Year's Outlook
With Cooper Roach and Joe Brunet gone from last year's state finalist team, the Cougars will be challenged to hold off Pittsford Mendon and Brighton and earn their 11th sectional crown during the 2000s. The top 5 returning runners are all seniors, and JT Paganelli and Langto Douglas will try to make sure that veteran experience counts. 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Buddy Herkenham, Dan Fernandez, and Jared Short were the top three finishers for Burnt Hills in the States B race as the team finished 4th.
 
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Burnt Hills - Balston Lake

Spartans  
 
Section:   2   Class:   B   Colors:   Maroon and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:     1993 (B-2nd), 1994 (B-2nd), 1995 (B-4th), 1996 (B-1st), 1999 (B-1st), 2000 (B-2nd), 2001 (B-4th), 2002 (B-2nd), 2003 (B-2nd), 2004 (A-1st), 2008 (A-1st), 2009 (A-1st), 2010 (A-3rd), 2011 (B-4th}
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    Miles Irish (1982, A-6th), Chris Mulford (1993, B-3rd) (1994, B-2nd), Steve Lorenc (1996, B-4th), Matt Doyle (1997, A-8th), Ken Little (2003, B-8th) (2004, A-1st), Shamus Nally (2004, A-3rd), John Mueller (2004, A-7th), Drew Houghalen (2006, A-9th), Otis Ubriaco (2006, A-2nd) (2009, A-1st) (2010, A-3rd), Scott Maughan (2009, A-3rd), Buddy Herkenham (2011, B-7th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    4th in States B, 1st in Sectionals B
4th in Suburban Council, 4th in Burnt Hills-3, 3rd in McQuaid-AA, 2nd in Baldwinsville-Large
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Joe Girard 12 11 16th in Baldwinsville-Lg 18:44.5 (77) 159
John Rabideau 11 10 24th in Suburban Council 18:43.3 (74) 158
Jared Short 10 13 27th in Suburban Council 18:18.2 (49) 157
Patrick McGuiness 11 22 34 in Suburban Council 18:59.4 (88) 150
Brandon Stalker 12 32 54th in NXN-NY-Open   146
 
This Year's Outlook
The Spartans lost their top two guys from last year's 4th-place States squad, so the big requirement going ahead will be to find some runners to step up into the places of graduates Buddy Herkenham and Dan Fernandez. Sophomore Jared Short could be the guy to take the lead following his 49th place at States, and Joe Girard and John Rabideau will also be looking to move up.  
 
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John Lee, Tyler Keys, and Ryan Udvadia were the lead finishers for Shoreham-Wading River at States. Also in left pic: Stephen McNiff (Pearl River)
 
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Shoreham - Wading River  

Wildcats  
 
Section:  11    Class:   B   Colors:   Gold, navy and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:     1977 (C-6th), 1978 (C-3rd), 1979 (C-9th), 2003 (B-3rd), 2004 (B-2nd), 2005 (B-3rd), 2006 (B-3rd), 2007 (B-1st), 2008 (B-2nd), 2011 (B-6th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):  Damian Emery (1977, C-5th) (1978, C-6th), Tom Stanford (1978, C-4th), Dion Telting (1984, B-1st), Mike Gibney (2003, B-9th), Ryan Hayes (2003, B-10th) (2004, B-6th), Bobby Andrews (2007, B-6th) (2008, B-4th), Kyle Wightman (2008, B-10th), James Hunt (2009, B-9th)  
 
Last Year's Summary:    6th in States B, 1st in Sectionals B
1st in Brown University-1, 8th in Manhattan-E, 2nd in Suffolk-B, 1st in Peconic
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Ryan Udvadia 11 8 17th in Brown(RI)-1 18:17.6 (48) 159
Evan Purdy 12 18 1st at Peconic 18:41.1 (71) 152
Jack Kelly 11 19 12th in Brown(RI)-1 18:46.0 (78) 150
Keith Steinbrecher 12 21 19th in Brown(RI)-1 18:32.9 (62) 150
Daniel Purschke 12 17 4th in Jim Smith-Jr 19:27.1 (100) 148
Matt Gladysz 10   1st in Section 1-Frosh-Soph   145
Joe Whelan 12   1st in Brown(RI)-JV   145
 
This Year's Outlook
Though the top duo of John Lee and Tyler Keys is gone from last year's 6th place States team, the Wildcats are still favored to win the 11-B crown again. Junior Ryan Udvadia was among the top 50 at States last year, and he will lead a team that is packed in pretty tightly.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Joe Dinan and Nathan Kotch of Tappan Zee drive toward the finish in last year's States B race.
 
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Tappan Zee  

Dutchmen  
 
Section:   1   Class:   B   Colors:  Red, silver and white    
 
XC History
States Teams:   1954 (A-1st), 1957 (B-4th), 1958 (B-4th), 1959 (B-2nd), 1964 (B-6th), 1965 (B-6th), 1987 (B-9th), 2003 (B-1st), 2004 (A-4th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    Eugene Martin (1954, A-1st), Joseph Dinnocenzo (1954, A-6th), Dennis Martin (1956, B-9th) (1957, B-2nd), Jack Dailey (1958, B-5th), Dan Patrick (1979, A-9th), Art Gunther (1987, B-4th), Tony DeRobertis (2004, A- 5th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    3rd in Sectionals B
4th in Rockland County, 3rd in Section 1 Coaches-1, 6th in Manhattan-A, 4th in Queensbury-1, 2nd in Suffern-B
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Joe Dinan 12 4 2nd at Rockland County 18:08.4 (36) 172
Luke Gavigan 10 8 11th at Rockland County   166
Pat Flanagan 11 33 36th at Rockland County   144
Steven Long 12 47 36th at Rockland County   138
Flannan Hehir 11   18th in Suffern-B   137
Liam Burke 10   7th in Rockland County-JV   135
 
This Year's Outlook
After a 3rd place finish at Sectionals last year, Tappan Zee now finds itself the early favorite in a graduation-depleted 1-B. State finalist senior Joe Dinan and sophomore Luke Gavigan provide a strong top duo, and the Dutchmen are hoping that there is enough depth behind them to capture their first title since 2004.  
 
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Queensbury  

Spartans  
 
Section:   2   Class:  B   Colors:   Blue and gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1978 (B-2nd), 1979 (B-8th), 1981 (B-6th), 1982 (B-3rd), 1983 (B-5th), 1984 (B-9th), 1985 (B-6th), 1986 (B-3rd), 1988 (B-6th), 1990 (B-12th), 1992 (B-4th), 1998 (B-7th), 2005 (A-1st), 2006 (A-1st), 2007 (A-1st)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):  Tim Hubert (1982, B-7th), Jeff Dybas (1985, B-1st) (1986, B-3rd), Seton McAndrews (1998, B-8th) (2000, B-1st), Steve Soprano (2004, A-10th), Matt Flint (2005, A-7th) (2006, A-2nd) (2007, A-4th), Tom Williams (2005, A-9th), Sheldon Reaves (2007, A-9th)  
 
Last Year's Summary:    3rd in Sectionals B
1st in Foothills Council, 6th in Burnt Hills-3, 8th in Manhattan-A, 2nd in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-5
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Troy Kelly 12 14 8th in VVS-5   164
Ben Anderson 12 18 6th in Foothills Council   155
Alex Castonguay 12 38 8th in Foothills Council   149
Zane Belden 11 36 4th in Manhattan-JV-D   145
Luc Belikis 12   25th at Shaker   142
Ben Baker 12 42 142nd at NXN-NY   140
           
           
 
This Year's Outlook           .
The fairly deep Spartans could contend for the 2-B crown if they can find a little higher ceiling for their top guys. Seniors Troy Kelly and Ben Anderson lead a team that is running a ways behind Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons and Burnt Hills.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Port Jervis's Kobey Lane leads Andrew Morra of Garden City and John Bell of Marcellus heading toward the stadium finish at States.
 
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Port Jervis  

Raiders 
 
Section:   9   Class:   B   Colors:   Red and black  
 
XC History
States Teams:     1963 (B-6th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    John Kinney (1964, B-6th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    2nd in Sectionals B
4th in OCIAA, 1st in Brewster-2, 7th in Warwick-2, 6th in Suffern-C
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Kobie Lane 10 7 32nd in OCIAA 18:31.4 (59) 154
Hans Zanger 11 11 22nd in OCIAA   152
Austin Trainor 11 10 6th in Brewster-2   149
Steven Branham 11 13 29th in OCIAA   147
Mackenzye Leroy 11 15 46th in OCIAA   145
Nasson Bailey 10 17 15th in Warwick-2   145
 
This Year's Outlook
Port Jervis appears to have a little edge over reigning 9-B champ New Paltz, as the Raiders have a balanced squad and state-finalist Kobie Lane back from last year.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Bayport-Blue Point's Adam Lafemina charged hard to the finish to take 12th in the States B race.
 
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Bayport - Blue Point  

Phantoms  
 
Section:   11   Class:   B   Colors:   Navy and Vegas gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1960 (C-4th), 1961 (C-4th), 1962 (C-6th), 1963 (C-5th), 1965 (C-5th), 1967 (C-6th), 1988 (B-10th), 1990 (B-3rd), 1991 (B-3rd), 1995 (C-6th), 1996 (B-2nd), 1997 (B-3rd), 1998 (B-2nd), 1999 (C-1st), 2000 (C-1st), 2002 (C-7th), 2003 (C-2nd), 2009 (B-2nd), 2010 (B-2nd)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    Gene Lount (1954, B-4th), John White (1955, B-5th), Gene McKenna (1965, C-4th), Chris Ostenberg (1985, B-4th), Rob Black (1997, B-10th), Mike Giola (1999, C-3rd) (2000, C-2nd), Connor Farrell (2001, C-6th), Dan Denis (2009, B-6th), Conor Crowley (2010, B-4th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    3rd in Sectionals B
8th in Manhattan-G, 3rd in Grout-1, 3rd in Suffolk Coaches-A, 3rd in Spiked Shoe(PA)
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Adam Lafemina 12 2 1st in Spike Shoe(PA) 17:35.6 (12) 171
John Antonacci 12 10 31st in Section 11 Div.-Merge   160
Robert Vetri 12 14 8th in Grout-1   158
Dylan McGovern 11   29th in Grout-1   130
John Kaplan 11 37 9th in Suffolk-Frosh-Soph   128
Brian Salaway 12 40 28th in Spike Shoe (PA)   128
 
This Year's Outlook
State medalist Adam Lafemina will team with John Antonacci and Robert Vetri in trying to unseat Shoreham-Wading River for the 11-B crown, but the Phantoms will need a greater presence at the back of the lineup.  
 
  NYS
 
 

Class C Preview

   
Top 5 Teams at 2011 States 
Holland Patent 74 Pawling 76 Fonda-Fultonville 79 Rhinebeck 94 Port Jefferson 116
   
Projected Top 5 Teams for 2012 from Returners' 2011 TR Ratings 
1. Fonda-Fultonville 144.0 2. Solvay 143.0 3. Pawling 142.6 4. Tully 142.0 5. Hannibal 141.8
 
Projected Next 10 Teams for 2012 from Returners' 2011 TR Ratings 
6. Rhinebeck 140.4 7. Beekmantown 139.4 8. Dover 139.0 9. Holland Patent 138.2 10. Addison 136.2
11. North Salem 136.0 12. Wayland-Cohocton 136.0 13. Bronxville 135.4 14.Alden 135.0 15. Schuylerville 131.6
 
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
States C race leaders headed by winner Brendan Smith of CBA at right charge through puddles and muddy sections chewed up by predecessors on course.
 
   
Top 2012 Returning Runners by Last Year's TR Rating
Name                                                                Team Grade Section States Place Season TR
Stephen Shine Briarcliff 12 1 7 180
Tyler Sutherland Trumansburg 11 4 16 168
Matt Jorgensen Pawling 12 1 11 167
Cody McCarthy Solvay 12 3 21 167
Matt Watson Schuylerville 12 2 12 166
Matt Hoffman Fonda-Fultonville 12 2 14 166
John Flannery Bronxville 11 1 15 166
Cullin Burdett North Salem 12 1 19 164
John Vetromile Bronxville 12 1 --- 163
Ryan Perry Hannibal 12 3 --- 163
Eddie Pfeil Royalton-Hartland 12 6 17 163
Nigel Cordulla JFK-Buffalo 12 6 27 163
David Smith Holley 12 5 24 163
Joe Becker Voorheesville 12 2 22 161
Jeriqho Gadway Plattsburgh 10 7 45 159
Todd Stevens Holland Patent 12 3 34 159
Jordan Stevens Newark Valley 12 4 --- 159
Zach Karas Rhinebeck 12 9 32 158
Dante Penepent Rhinebeck 11 9 40 157
Zach Snel James O'Neill 11 9 42 157
Next:   Matt Gill - Watkins Glen 156, James Burke - Port Jefferson 155, Degan Seamus - City Honors 155, Peter Sander - Dover 155, Brandon Rawson - Illion 155
 
2011 Season Summary for Class C
Holland Patent seemed to have pulled off a muddy miracle when it claimed last year's Class C title with no guys among the top 29 finishers at States, but two keys for the Golden Knights were having a trio of Kevin Sidoran, Todd Stevens, and Erran Gates lodged between 30 and 35, and that 20 of the first 22 runners were at-large guys who did not count in team scoring. The winning score was still the highest for a Class C race since 1993, when there were 12 teams competing instead of 11. Holland Patent's second title in three years was a 2-pont decision over Pawling, who had Matt Jorgensen in 11th but not quite enough support. Also falling just short was 2010 champ Fonda-Fultonville, which was led by Matt Hoffman and Mike Scott.

Class C runners made some giant marks in state competitions. CBA-Syracuse's Brendan Smith not only won the States C race with the 4th fastest time at the meet (under more adverse conditions than for the three guys ahead of him), but he also held off the best runners from the big schools at the Federation Meet to win by 0.8 seconds over Monsignor Farrell's Dan Galford. South Lewis's Sam Anderson was 2nd in the States C race and 5th at Feds. Other Class C guys with high States and Feds place combos were Greenwich's Austin Lane who tallied a 4th and 27th, Akron's Jeremy Rushok who got a 5th and 20th, Dobbs Ferry's Brendan Wortner who got a 6th and 9th, and Briarcliff's Stephen Shine who took 7th and 10th, giving Class C four guys in the top 10 at Feds. Lansing's Cameron Bruce also had a great year, finishing 3rd at States.
 
2012 Season Overview for Class C
Trying to get a handle on who will be the top dog in Class C this year is a little difficult since all of the top contenders have some bald patches or a stumpy tail. 2010 champ Fonda-Fultonville has a solid top 3 of Matt Hoffman, Tyler Angioli, and Jimmy Westman, but needs a lot of development at the back. Last year's 2nd place C team Pawling can claim four guys with 140+ TRs composed of Matt Jorgensen, Dylan Smith, Brandon Capo-Roth, and Kevin Langone, but the Tigers also need to pull in the auxiliaries. As always, half of the schools in Section 3 will be battling for the Class C crown, and this year Solvay behind Cody McCarthy, Tully led by Nate Delles, Hannibal behind Ryan Perry, and Holland Patent with Todd Stevens all will be high in the States rankings but also need more speed. Rhinebeck in Section 9 has a top duo of Zach Karas and Dante Penepent to build off of, but the Hawks will likely have some issues with the new guy in town, Dover, which moves over from Section 1.

Some of the runners not on top contenders who need to be watched are Briarcliff's Stephen Shine, the only returning runner from the top 10 at States last year and one who has more than a half minute advantage over the rest of the field, Trumansburg's Tyler Sutherland who finished 16th at States, Schuylerville's Matt Watson who took 12th, and John Flannery of Bronxville who was 15th. Two other returning States medalists include Eddie Pfeil of Royalton Hartland and Cullin Burdett of North Salem.
 
   
Section by Section Class C Overview
Section Top Teams Notes

1

Pawling, North Salem, Bronxville

Pawling looks to win its 3rd straight title with Matt Jorgensen on the lead, but North Salem powered by Cullin Burdett and a Bronxville squad with the top duo of John Flannery and John Vetromile are aiming to develop strong support for an attack on the reigning champ Tigers.  

2

Fonda-Fultonville, Schuylerville, Broadalbin-Perth  

Fonda-Fultonville seems well-prepped to take its 4th straight 2-C title over squads from Schuylervillle and Broadalbin-Perth that will need a fair amount of development to challenge the Braves.  

3

Solvay, Tully, Hannibal, Holland-Patent, Ilion  

Section 3-C as always is way too messy to try to project anything in the group that traditionally has at least 5 teams among the top 10 in NYS-C. Solvay and top runner Cody McCarthy may be a slight favorite over Tully and Hannibal going into the season, but reigning States champ Holland-Patent and the emerging Ilion could leapfrog teams if they can develop the 4-5-6 spots in the lineup.  

4

Trumansburg, Susquehanna Valley, Oneonta, Newark Valley, Watkins Glen  

As many as eight teams could be running fairly evenly in 4-C if some heavy development at the back occurs for reigning champ Watkins Glen and traditional power Newark Valley, but Trumansburg and Susquehanna Valley have the strongest overall group of runners going into the season.  

5

Wayland-Cohocton, Addison  

Reigning champ Wayland-Cohocton could have a bit of a tussle holding off Addison for the 5-C crown after the Knights got a promotion from Class D.  

6

John F. Kennedy, Akron, Alden  

Graduation depletions make this one of those cases where any of five teams could grab the title if they can develop five moderately strong runners. 

7

Beekmantown, Saranac, Plattsburgh  

Beekmantown moves down to Class C and looks to have an edge on Saranac and Plattsburgh.  

8

Friends Academy, Oyster Bay  

Friends Academy should again outdistance Oyster Bay for the 8-C title.  

9

Rhinebeck, Dover, James O'Neill  

Rhinebeck behind Zach Willis and Dante Penepent  will take on new guys Dover headed by Peter Sander and Matt Lee.

10

Gouverneur, Potsdam  

Gouverneur again has the troops to beat Potsdam.  

11

Port Jefferson, Center Moriches, Mattituck  

Complete toss-up here after graduation losses, but Port Jefferson may be able to pull in enough feet behind James Burke to repeat.

 
 
Previews of Top Teams
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Matt Hoffman, Mike Scott, and Tyler Angioli were the top finishers for 3rd place Fonda-Fultonville in the States C race..
 
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Fonda-Fultonville  

Braves  
 
Section:   2   Class:   C   Colors:   Maroon and gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:     1979 (C-8th), 1980 (C-8th), 2003 (C-2nd), 2004 (C-6th), 2005 (C-1st), 2009 (C-9th), 2010 (C-1st), 2011 (C-3rd)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    Rich Wellman (1980, C-7th), John Moore (2004, C-6th) (2005, C-4th), Jeremy McAllister (2005, C-3rd) (2006, C-9th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    3rd in States C, 1st in Sectionals C
1st in Colonial Council, 2nd in Burnt Hills-2, 1st in Grout-C, 3rd in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-3
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Matt Hoffman 12 3 1st in Colonial Council 18:04.6 (14) 166
Tyler Angioli 12 9 13th in Burnt Hills-2 18:47.4 (37) 154
Jimmy Westman 12 17 10th in Colonial Council 19:14.8 (58) 146
Dalton Hunter 11   26th in Colonial Council 20:05.8 (83) 129
Omijah Piening 12 32 21st in Grout-C 21:02.8 (107) 124
 
This Year's Outlook
2010 state champ Fonda-Fultonville looks to take its second States title in three years if it can find some more depth. States medalist Matt Hoffman is back along with fellow seniors Tyler Angioli and Jimmy Westman, and like all of the top Class C teams, the Braves are just looking for a few more guys who can run fast.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Solvay's Cody McCarthy running ahead of Colin Souter (Pawling), Nick Tyler (South Jefferson), and Todd Stevens (Holland Patent) in the States C race..
 
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Solvay  

Bearcats  
 
Section:   3   Class:   C   Colors:   Navy and orange  
 
XC History
States Teams:  
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers): 
 
Last Year's Summary:    7th in Sectionals 3
4th in OHSL Liberty, 1st at Sandy Creek, 10th at Vernon-Verona-Sherril-2
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Cody McCarthy 12 5 1st at Sandy Creek 18:11.6 (21) 167
Matt Cregan 12 20 16th at OSHL Liberty   149
Matt Battaglia 12 70 14th at Sandy Creek   135
Eric Goodrich 11 32 7th in Early Scramble-Frosh-Soph   134
Nate Carr 11 59 43rd at Baldwinsville-Sm   130
Isaiah Lee 10 69 22nd at Sandy Creek   120
 
This Year's Outlook
Solvay has never been to States nor had any top 10 finishers there, but last year Cody McCarthy came within one place of a medal. Along with fellow senior Matt Crogan will lead the Bearcats into the usual messy battle for the the 3-C crown.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Pawling's Matt Jorgensen, Dylan Smith, and Colin Souter were the top runners for the 2nd place Tigers in the States C race..
 
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Pawling  

Tigers  
 
Section:   1   Class:   C   Colors:   Orange and black  
 
XC History
States Teams:   2004 (C-5th), 2005 (C-3rd), 2006 (C-2nd), 2009 (C-2nd), 2010 (C-3rd), 2011 (C-2nd)  
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):    Colby Delbene (2005, C-5th) (2006, C-2nd) (2007, C-1st), Brandon Freyer (2009, C-1st)
 
Last Year's Summary:    2nd in States C, 1st in Sectionals C
6th in Section 1 Coaches-3, 5th in Manhattan-C, 3rd in McQuaid-A, 3rd in Warwick-1
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Matt Jorgensen 12 4 7th in Warwick-1 17:57.7 (11) 167
Dylan Smith 12 21 38th at McQuaid-A 18:52.9 (39) 146
Brandon Capo-Roth 12 19 24th at Northern County 19:17.6 (61) 145
Kevin Langone 11 23 4th in Warwick-JV-2 19:18.1 (62) 140
Mikey Slattery 11   4th in Green Mountain Lake-JV   115
 
This Year's Outlook
Pawling came up a little short at States last year, but with States medalist Matt Jorgensen leading strong lineup that includes Dylan Smith, Brandon Capo-Roth, and Kevin Langone, the Tigers just need some young guys to fill out the back spots to capture a 4th straight 1-C crown and again be a favorite at States.  
 
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Tully  

Black Knights 
 
Section:    Class:   C   Colors:   Red and black  
 
XC History
States Teams:    2000 (D-1st), 2001 (D-2nd), 2006 (C-1st), 2007 (C-2nd)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Sean Reinhardt (2000, D-10th), Lopez Lomong (2001, D-3rd) (2002, C-1st) (2003, D-1st), Dominick Luka (2002, C-2nd) (2003, D-2nd), Mike Heymann (2006, C-4th), Scott VanderMolen (2006, C-5th), Chris Burke (2007, C-3rd)
 
Last Year's Summary:    3rd in Sectionals C
3rd at Tully, 2nd in Adirondack-2, 2nd in Chittenango-1, 3rd at Maine-Endwell
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Nate Delles 12 19 4th in Adirondack-2   153
Evan Knapp 11 34 19th in Chittenago-1   146
Zach Zgardzinski 12 40 18th at Maine-Endwell   136
Noah Paccia 12 41 21st at Central Square   135
Brad Phelps 10 43 27th at Central Square   130
Ed Maskelony 12 71 33rd at Adirondack-2   119
 
This Year's Outlook
Although Tully did not send any runners to States last year, it does have 5 guys back who finished in top 50 of the always explosive 3-C Sectionals. With decent depth on a Black Knight squad headed by Nate Delles and Evan Knapp, Tully will be among the top 4 or 5 teams expected to be among the main players at Sectionals.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Hannibal's Ben Griffin at right outkicked Frankie Pfeil of Royalton-Hartland for 8th place at States.
 
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Hannibal  

Warriors  
 
Section:   3   Class:   C   Colors:   Purple and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1957 (B-2nd), 1958 (B-2nd), 1972 (C-5th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Melvin Wiltsie (1956, B-6th), Dan Griffin (1960, C-5th), Scott Bramer (1991, C-8th), Ben Griffin (2001, C-8th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    2nd in Sectionals
2nd in Chittenango-2, 1st in McQuaid-A2, 3rd in Baldwinsville-Small, 8th in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-4
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Ryan Perry 12 7 8th in Baldwinsville-Sm   163
Ben Slate 11 26 12th in OHSL Liberty   148
James Sullivan 12 44 15th in OHSL Liberty   145
Frank Lackey 12 49 5th in Chittenango-JV-1   128
Erick Febus 12 62 8th in McQuaid-JV-Sm   123
 
This Year's Outlook
Hannibal graduated States medalist Ben Griffin, but Ryan Perry is back after just missing a States berth last year. Ben Slate and James Sullivan give the Warriors a strong top 3 guys, but like most teams, Hannibal needs more quality depth in the battle for the 3-C crown.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Rhinebeck's Johnny Marvin, Zach Karas, and Dante Penepent were the top three for the 4th place Hawks in the States C race.
 
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Rhinebeck  

Hawks  
 
Section:   9   Class:   C   Colors:   Purple and gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1991 (C-12th), 1993 (C-12th), 1994 (C-7th), 1995 (C-11th), 2001 (D-3rd), 2002 (C-3rd), 2003 (D-3rd), 2004 (C-4th), 2007 (C-6th), 2011 (C-4th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Peter Kane (2001, D-6th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    4th in States, 1st in Sectionals
2nd in MHAL Championship, 5th in Burnt Hills-2, 2nd in Grout-C, 4th in Warwick-2, 3rd in Suffern-C
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Zach Karas 12 3 8th in Warwick-2 18:40.4 (32) 158
Dante Penepent 11 5 6th in Grout-C 18:53.3 (40) 157
Otto Neiler 11 17 22nd in Grout-C 20:00.1 (80) 135
Tyler Dezago 11 16 24th in Grout-C 20:13.6 (88) 133
Chris Cassano 10   29th in MHAL Champ   130
           
           
           
 
This Year's Outlook
Rhinebeck looks to continue building on a 4th place finish at States last year despite the loss of top runner Johnny Marvin. Zach Karas and Dante Penepent will lead a team with decent depth but also facing a stiff challenge now that the Dover Dragons have moved to Section 9.  
 
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Beekmantown 

Eagles  
 
Section:   7   Class:   C   Colors:   Red and gray  
 
XC History
States Teams:    2011 (B-11th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers): 
 
Last Year's Summary:    11th in States B, 1st in Sectionals B
1st in CVAC Championship, 12th in Queensbury-1, 3rd in Section 7 Invite
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Colin Quackenbush 11 6 5th in CVAC 19:24.5 (99) 149
Jordan West 11 7 6th in CVAC 19:33.4 (102) 148
Matt Simpson 11 9 7th in CVAC 19:53.2 (112) 148
John Graziane 11 14 11th in CVAC 20:53.1 (120) 135
Brandon Couture 11 28 25th in CVAC 21:43.2 (124) 117
 
This Year's Outlook
Beekmantown was the 7-B champ last year and now looks to unseat Saranac as the 7-C champ after moving down. A quintet of juniors led by Colin Quackenbush, Jordan West and Matt Simpson should make the Eagles fairly competitive. 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Peter Sander and Matt Lee running at the Section 1 Championship were the top runners for the Dover Dragons, who move to Section 9 for 2012.
 
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Dover  

Dragons  
 
Section:   9   Class:   C   Colors:   Orange and black  
 
XC History
States Teams:  
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers): 
 
Last Year's Summary:    4th in Sectionals C
8th in Northern County, 5th in Byram Hills Bobcat, 4th in Grout-C, 10th in Suffern-C
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Peter Sander 12 9 14th at Northern County   155
Matt Lee 12 20 9th in Grout-C   149
James Canzenari 12 31 40th in Northern County   135
Eric London 12 27 66th in Northern County   132
Cosmo Zappoli 12 40 73rd in Northern County   124
 
This Year's Outlook
Dover moves to Section 9 and appears to be on course for a showdown with Rhinebeck for the 9-C title. Peter Sander and Matt Lee lead a senior-only Dragon squad that should match up very evenly with Rhinebeck.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
The top pack for Holland Patent including from left to right Kevin Sidoran, Todd Stevens, and Erran Gates charge home to take the Class C championship.
 
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Holland Patent 

Golden Knights  
 
Section:   3   Class:   C   Colors:   Gold and purple  
 
XC History
States Teams:    2004 (B-3rd), 2008 (C-2nd), 2009 (C-1st), 2010 (C-2nd), 2011 (C-1st)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Dick Jennings (1960, B-7th), Steve Benedict (1973, C-8th), Matt Spring (1998, B-7th), Brent Powers (2003, C-10th) (2004, B-9th), Wes Moseman (2005, B-8th), Dylan Racha (2009, C-3rd) (2010, C-1st), Cody Racha (2009, C-5th) (2010, C-2nd), Robert Baird (2009, C-7th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    1st in States C, 1st in Sectionals C
1st in TVL Championship, 1st at Rome, 1st in EJ Herrmann-1, 4th in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-3
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Todd Stevens 12 9 2nd in TVL 18:41.3 (34) 159
Barrett Celecki 11 24 4th in TVL 18:05.1 (24) 146
Bryce Zayachek 10 22 15th at Rome 19:09.2 (%3) 145
Logan Zayachek 10 61 37th at Rome   126
Brandon Baird 12   4th in EJ Herrmann-JV   115
 
This Year's Outlook
After a strange championship year in which the Golden Knights won their Sectionals without placing a runner in the top 8 and then won States with the lead runner back in 30th, the team will be looking to rebuild after losing two of its top 3 to graduation. Todd Stevens, Barrett Celecki, and Bryce Zayachek are the key runners back as Holland-Patent seeks to pull together a squad for a run at its 3rd States title in 4 years.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Addison's Thomas Abbey ran in the States D race..
 
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Addison 

 Knights  
 
Section:   5   Class:   C   Colors:   Maroon and gray  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1998 (C-6th), 2000 (C-3rd), 2001 (C-3rd), 2002 (C-2nd)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Bryan Morseman (2001, C-7th) (2002, C-5th), Bryan Morseman (2005, D-7th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    4th in Sectionals D
1st at Steuben County, 1st at LeRoy, 1st in Southern Tier-Small, 3rd in McQuaid-A
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Thomas Abbey 12 6 1st at LeRoy, 1st at Southern Tier-Sm 19:05.6 (28) 152
Seth Burton 11 29 4th at Steuben County   137
Omar Bylar 12 34 6th at Steuben County   134
Alec Fleet 12 39 11th at Steuben County   130
Israel Byler 10 51 8th at Steuben County   130
Bill Luce 12 45 13th at Steuben County   128
 
This Year's Outlook
Thomas Abbey is back from his run in the States D race to lead his newly promoted team in the battle for the 5-C title with reigning champ Wayland-Cohocton.  
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
North Salem's Cullin Burdett at center charges home for 19th place in the States C race as Bronxville's Johnny Flannery at left sprints hard and Rhinebeck's Johnny Marvin tries to hold on..
 
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North Salem

Tigers  
 
Section:   1   Class:   C   Colors:   Blue and gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1969 (C-5th), 1972 (C-3rd), 1976 (C-8th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers): 
 
Last Year's Summary:    5th in Sectionals
11th in Section 1 Coaches-1, 19th in Manhattan-G, 4th in Brewster-1, 3rd in JFK Sterling
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Cullin Burdett 12 4 4th in Brewster-1 18:06.6 (19) 164
Mickey Jacobsen 12 26 54th in Section 1 Coaches-1   136
Jake Acito 11 28 53rd in Section 1 Coaches-1   132
Sean Devey 11 36 99th in Manhattan-G   126
Billy Messemer 12 46 82ndin Section 1 Coaches-1   122
 
This Year's Outlook
I received inside information from members of the Tiger team that they were going to be pretty good in 2012, and after watching their track work development in the spring I'm inclined to believe it. State medalist Cullin Burdett will lead North Salem's drive to knock off Pawling and Bronxville in 1-C and win the school's first title in 36 years.  
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Wayland-Cohocton's Brandon Selbig and Aaron Kelly running in the States C race..
 
 
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Wayland-Cohocton 

Eagles  
 
Section:   5   Class:   C   Colors:   Maroon and gold  
 
XC History
States Teams:    2011 (C-9th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Cohen Miles-Rath (2010, C-4th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    9th in States C, 1st in Sectionals C
2nd in McQuaid-A2, 6th in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-7
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Brandon Selbig 12 4 15th in VVS-7 19:20.5 (64) 150
Aaron Kelly 11 8 11th in McQuaid-A2 19:25.4 (69) 141
Charlie Flagg 12 14 9th in McQuaid-A2 20:12.2 (87) 135
Levi Malone 11 13 22nd at GRAA-LCAA 20:39.0 (98) 130
Drew Lord 12 25 30th in McQuaid-A2 20:46.8 (100) 124
 
This Year's Outlook
Much of the Eagles' 9th place States squad is back for a battle with Addison for the 5-C crown. Brandon Selbig and Aaron Kelly should lead the way.  
 
 
 
  NYS
 
 

Class D Preview


 
Top 5 Teams at 2011 States 
Barker 43 Berne-Knox-Westerlo 60 Beaver River 69 Geneseo 91 Seton Plattsburgh 138
   
Projected Top 5 Teams for 2012 from Returners' 2011 TR Ratings 
1. Maple Grove 142.6 2. Beaver River 137.2 3. Campbell-Savona 136.8 4. Barker 136.8 5. Mekeel Christian 134.2
 
Projected Next 10 Teams for 2012 from Returners' 2011 TR Ratings 
6. Weedsport 134.0 7. Sauquoit Valley 131.2 8. Berlin 128.8 9. Onondaga 128.0 10. Caledonia-Mumford 128.0
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Class D lead runners including Alex Campanella and Jeff Antolos in foreground-center taking the usual mud bath at States.
 
   
Top 2012 Returning Runners by Last Year's TR Rating
Name                         Team Grade Section States Place Season TR
Jeff Antolos Notre Dame-Batavia 12 5 1 177
Alex Campanella Eldred 12 9 2 176
Gabe Rodriguez Geneseo 12 5 13 175
Corey Wefing Maple Grove 11 6 4 170
Jeremy Spezio Greenwich 10 2 13 (C) 165
Seth Baker Weedsport 12 3 11 162
Jacob Urys Mekeel Christian 12 2 8 162
Jon Pearl Campbell-Savona 12 5 10 160
Nick Spina Sauquoit Valley 11 3 --- (C) 158
Brett Ryan Cato-Meridian 12 3 16 157
Tom McClellan Mayfield 12 2 22 154
Mitchell Ryan Seton-Plattsburgh 12 7 21 154
Jordan Bender Barker 12 6 19 154
Nelson Fernandez SS Seward 11 9 27 151
Alex Hall Beaver River 12 3 20 150
PJ Ferguson Whitehall 11 2 25 150
Sergio Cruz Barker 10 6 24 149
Hunter Lienhart Randolph 12 6 31 148
Everett Geiger Caledonia-Mumford 10 5 --- 148
Mitch Cicero Perry 10 5 --- 147
           
 
2011 Season Summary for Class D

The battle for the States D title last year came down to four teams. Reigning champ Geneseo fought gamely after losing half of 2010's top group to graduation, but medals from Devon and Gabe Rodriguez were not enough to keep the Blue Devils from sliding back to 4th. Beaver River's loss of 2010 champ Matt Cheney also was too much of void to fill, and both the Beavers and top runner Logan Kempney finished 3rd. Berne-Knox-Westerlo did have a lot of top guys with a senior trio of Derek Struck, Sean Reynolds, and Connor Devine all winning medals, but the Bulldogs still were 17 points short. And that left Barker at the top winning its second States title behind a medal onslaught from Jedediah Platt, Tyler Scheving, Michael Latinen, and Jordan Bender. At the front of all the action was a shoulder-to-shoulder battle down the last straightaway between winner Jeff Antolos of Notre Dame-Batavia and Eldred's Alex Campanella.  

Four other runners who finished high up at States were guys who would be back to lead their teams in 2012. Corey Wefing ran to a 4th place for Maple Grove as a sophomore, and juniors Jacob Urys of Mekeel Christian, Jon Pearl of Campbell-Savona, and Seth Baker of Weedsport finished 8th, 10th, and 11th for teams with an eye to the future.
 
2012 Season Overview for Class D
The battle for the NY Class D title in 2012 begins in Section 6, where reigning champ Barker is trying to overcome the loss of its top three runners from last year's championship. That's a big job, and though Jordan Bender and Sergio Cruz give the Raiders a strong top two, it is a Maple Grove team led by Corey Wefing and stocked with decent depth that is seen as the early favorite in 6-D and maybe for States. But Beaver River is looking for a 15th state title, and the Beavers are hoping to stick together a pack around Alex Hall, Nathan Cobb, and Dustin Neddo that will carry them to a the 3-D title and the States crown. And Jon Pearl and Campbell-Savona may have just enough of support crew to unseat Geneseo for the 5-D title.

Among the runners on other teams, the top two-some of Jeff Antolos of Notre Dame-Batavia and Alex Campanella of Eldred are a ways ahead of the pack and maybe destined for another showdown at States. Jeremy Spezio of Greenwich moves down from Class C and lodges among the top 5 in Class D. And Seth Baker of Weedsport and Jacob Urys of Mekeel Christian will run near the top for teams that will be making a run at a sectional title.
   
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
The essence of XC: Jeff Antolos and Alex Campanella battle to the wire for a States championship. Both runners will be back for 2012 to do it all again.
 
Section by Section Class D Overview
Section Top Teams Notes

1

Haldane, Keio

Haldane should continue its streak of titles in 1-C with four of its top six back.  

2

Mekeel Christian, Berlin  

Mekeel Christian has the top troops back and is a large favorite in 2-D.  

3

Beaver River, Weedsport, Sauquoit Valley, Onondaga  

Beaver River seems set to capture its 28th sectional title.  

4

Groton, Spencer Van Etten  

TA Edison would have been the clear choice in 4-D if it had not been moved to Class C, but now this title is just a work in progress.  

5

Campbell-Savona, Caledonia-Mumford, Notre Dame-Batavia  

Campbell-Savona and Jon Pearl appear to have a little gap on the rest of the field in a class where a little development could go a long way.  

6

Maple Grove, Barker  

Maple Grove will be looking for its first title in 43 years when it tries to unseat perennial power and reigning States champ Barker.  

7

Ticonderoga, Seton Catholic-Plattsburgh  

Ticonderoga will be aiming to end the four-year run of titles for Seton Catholic, which will be looking to fill out the back of the lineup.  

8

No representatives  

 

9

SS Seward, Eldred  

Seward is the only team with enough returning runners to fill out a squad.  

10

Tupper Lake, Norwood-Norfolk, Brushton-Moira  

Tupper Lake probably has just enough of a pack to edge its two rivals.  

11

Stony Brook, Southold  

Stony Brook and Southold will engage in their usual close battle.  

 
   
Previews of Top Teams
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Maple Grove's Corey Wefing and Shawn Thompson running in the States D race.
 
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Maple Grove  

Red Dragons  
 
Section:   6   Class:   D   Colors:   Red and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1969 (C-7th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   R. Johnson (1969, C-7th), Jesse Rappole (2000, D-2nd), Jeff Rozier (2008, D-6th), Corey Wefing (2010, D-7th) (2011, D-4th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    2nd in Sectionals-D
2nd in Chatauqua County AA Championship, 2nd in Southern Tier-Large, 6th in McQuaid A,1st at Long Point
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Corey Wefing 11 1 1st in Southern Tier-Lg 17:49.8 (4) 170
Peter Cala 11 -- 8th in Southern Tier-Lg   146
Matt Nelson 12 15 14th in CCAA   133
Nick Zuroski 12 14 57th in McQuaid-A   130
Colin Green 12 11 15th in CCAA 20:34.3 (67) 128
Frank Zuroski 9 19 34th in CCAA   121
 
This Year's Outlook
Maple Grove last won a Sectional title 43 years ago, but the program is on the rise and the Red Dragons hope to crunch defending States champ Barker in the 6-D showdown and then get the team's first state victory. Corey Wefing finished 4th at States last year, and he will be joined in the campaign by States finalist Colin Green and Peter Cala.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Beaver River's Logan Kempney at right in the first photo runs next to the top two Class D finishers Alex Campanella (left) of Eldred and champ Jeff Antolos of Notre Dame-Batavia. Kempney finished 3rd and led the Beavers to 3rd place along with Alex Hall and Dustin Neddo in right pic
 
 
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Beaver River  

Beavers  
 
Section:   3   Class:  D   Colors:   Orange, green and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1966 (C-5th), 1967 (C-4th), 1968 (C-5th), 1973 (C-5th), 1983 (C-1st), 1984 (C-1st), 1985 (C-1st), 1986 (C-1st), 1987 (C-1st), 1988 (C-1st), 1989 (C-2nd), 1990 (C-4th), 1991 (C-4th), 1992 (C-2nd), 1993 (C-1st), 1994 (C-1st), 1995 (C-2nd), 1996 (C-1st), 1997 (C-1st), 1998 (C-1st), 1999 (C-1st), 2004 (D-4th), 2007 (D-1st), 2008 (D-1st), 2009 (D-2nd), 2010 (D-4th), 2011 (D-3rd)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Barry Austin (1983, C-3rd), James Zehr (1983, C-9th), Brian Nortz (1984, C-5th) (1986, C-6th), Todd Buckingham (1985, C-8th) (1986, C-10th), Matt Wallack (1985, C-10th), Scott Moore (1986, C-7th) (1987, C-3rd), Jeremy Zehr (1988, C-3rd), Don Neddo (1988, C-9th), Jeffrey Lyndaker (1990, C-4th), Jeff Lachausse (1992, C-9th) (1993, C-3rd) (1994, C-7th), Mike Walesman (1994, C-4th) (1996, C-1st), Brian Emery (1996, C-8th (1997, C-2nd) (1998, C-1st) (1999, C-1st), John Flynn (1997, C-10th), Tom Scarpinato (1998, C-4th) (1999, D-7th) (2000, D-7th), Chad Dean (1998, C-10th), Bill Gelling (1999, D-8th), Mike Ardison (1999, D-9th), Justin Munger (2004, D-8th), Matt Cheney (2008, D-4th) (2009, D-2nd) (2010, D-1st), Logan Kempney (2010, D-8th) (2011, D-3rd)
 
Last Year's Summary:    3rd in Dtates D, 1st in Sectionals D
1st in Adirondack-2, 4th in Chittenango-2, 3rd in EJ Herrmann-1, 8th in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-2
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Alex Hall 12 4 20th in Chittenango-2 18:50.3 (20) 150
Nathan Cobb 12 9 25th at Chittenango-2 19:09.8 (33) 145
Dustin Neddo 11 14 7th at Frontier 19:40.3 (40) 140
Andrew Purcell 10 23 13th at Frontier 19:09.7 (65) 129
Troy Purcell 9 20 24th in Adirondack-2 20:25.7 (62) 127
Lucas Schmitt 10 36 23rd at Comet   119
 
This Year's Outlook
Beaver River will be seeking its 6th straight 3-D title and its 17th overall state title with States medalist Alex Hall and Nathan Cobb and Dustin Neddo leading the Beavers.  
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide NY-XC-2012-guide
Barker claims the States D championship as Jedediah Platt, Tyler Scheving, Michael Latinen, and Jordan Bender were the top 4.
 
 
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Barker 

Raiders  
 
Section:   6   Class:   D   Colors:   Maroon and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:    1982 (B-5th), 1987 (C-9th), 2004 (D-6th), 2007 (D-4th), 2008 (D-2nd), 2009 (D-1st), 2010 (D-2nd), 2011 (D-1st)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   William Belein (1994, C-6th) (1995, C-2nd), Tyler Scheving (2010, D-9th), Jedediah Platt (2011, D-9th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    1st in States D, 1st in Sectionals D
2nd in Alden Bulldog-Small, 2nd in McQuaid-A, 2nd in East Aurora-Small, 4th in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-2
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Jordan Bender 12 5 5th in East Aurora-Sm 18:44.7 (19) 154
Sergio Cruz 10 8 9th at Niagara Orleans 18:59.9 (24) 149
Bryce Moeller 11   3rd in Alden-JV   134
Doug Bachman 10   3rd in McQuaid-JV-Sm   125
Nolan Bouchane 11   11th in Alden-JV   122
 
This Year's Outlook
Barker won comfortably at States last year but then lost most of the varsity to graduation. States medalist Jordan Bender and 24th place finisher Sergio Cruz are back as frontrunners for a Raiders squad that is trying to regroup for a battle with Maple Grove.  
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Campbell-Savona's Jon Pearl races home in Class D race..
 
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Campbell-Savona 

Panthers  
 
Section:   5   Class:   D   Colors:   Red, blue and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:  
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Greg Loomis (1992, C-8th), Jon Pearl (2011, D-10th)
 
Last Year's Summary:   6th in Sectionals D
2nd at Steuben County, 4th in Burnt Hills-1, 2nd in McQuaid-A3, 9th in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-6
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Jon Pearl 12 3 1st in Steuben County 18:21.1 (10) 160
Joel Rosko 11 22 7th in Steuben County   133
Corbin Luta 12 62 9th in Steuben County   133
Collin Rexford 12 65 5th in Steuben County   132
Ethan Luta 12 53 10th in Steuben County   131
Anthony Nichols 11 63 15th in Steuben County   123
 
This Year's Outlook
With States medalist Jon Pearl as the Panthers' frontrunner, Campbell-Savona is looking to have a very strong position to win its first sectional title. 
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Mekeel Christian's Jacob Urys charges to the finish 8th in States D race.
 
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Mekeel Christian  

Lions  
 
Section:   2   Class:   D   Colors:   Navy and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:    2007 (D-7th)
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers):   Jacob Urys (2011, D-8th)
 
Last Year's Summary:    4th in Sectionals-D
2nd in Western Athletic Conference Championship, 6th in Burnt Hills-1, 5th in Grout-C, 11th in Vernon-Verona-Sherril-2
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Jacob Urys 12 4 3rd in Grout-C 18:17.0 (8) 157
Christopher Murphy 12 13 7th in WAC   144
Ryun Murphy 11 11 14th in Grout-C   142
Andrew Moore 12 39 17th in WAC   128
Josh Doriski 10 44 22nd in WAC   100
 
This Year's Outlook
States medalist Jacob Urys will be seeking to lead Mekeel Christian to its first title in 5 years in 2-D against main contender Berlin.  
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Weedsport's Seth Baker taking 11th in States D meet.
 
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Weedsport  

Warriors  
 
Section:    Class:   D   Colors:   Green and white  
 
XC History
States Teams:  
 
States Individuals (Top 10 finishers): 
 
Last Year's Summary:    4th in Sectionals-D
5th in OHSL Patriot, 9th in Chittenango-2, 6th at Tully, 14th in Baldwinsville-Small
 
Roster
Name Grade Sect. Place Top Notes States Results Season TR
Seth Baker 12 3 9th in Chittenango-2 18:27.0 (11) 162
Travis Grennell 11 28 35th in Chittenango-2   139
James Ryan 12 18 45th in Chittenango-2   134
Nick Ouderkirk 12 30 58th in Chittenango-2   125
Braden Dietshe 11 46 33rd in OHSL Patriot   110
           
 
This Year's Outlook
Weedsport may have a slight edge over Sauquoit Valley and Onondaga in the battle for the second spot in the 3-D race behind Beaver River.  
 
 
NY-XC-2012-guide
Runners in NXN-NY race sprint hard to catch a ride on the lead vehicle..