Suburban Council Boys

     Should be an interesting season in the Suburban Council. One thing that's certainis that defending champions, Shaker, is the clear favorite to repeat as champion. The rest is up in the air as many teams are in the running from 2nd place to 6th place. Saratoga, Shenendehowa, and Burnt Hills look to be the next three teams in line but Bethlehem and Niskyuna could jump in there with strongs seasons.

     Individually looks to be a close race between a trio of Shaker runners, Christian Delago, Mike Libruk, and Jon Vallecorsa. Fighting out with them should by sophomore Kyle Gronostaj of Columbia, but this depends on his health since he didn't run indoor or outdoor last year. Niskayuna's Niall Williams and Buddy Herkenham of Burnt Hills could also make a move toward the top.

     Shaker Returns four out of their top seven, including their top three, on top of that, gain senior Ethan Hausamann who made the sage-like decision to leave soccer for cross country this season. Returning top five were all under 16 minutes lead by seniors Christian Delago, Mike Libruk, and Jon Vallecorsa, who were all uner 15:30. Big favorites to repeat as league and sectional champions. They are also favorites to repeat as state champions. It will be interesting to see how far they can go. Another birth to Nike Nationals looks very good and they have an excellent chance to move up into the top five for nationals.

     Saratoga Springs looks to have the edge for second place. The Streaks lose three out of their top five including a solid top two of Sam Place and Kyle wegner, but return a very solid team as their entire top seven were in the 16 minute range. Seniors Jonathan Moore and Jonah Williams were both just over 16 minutes and should improve as the team leaders. Sophomore Jay Navin was slowed down by an injury most of cross country season last year and should be expected to improve. They will have a tough tim against Shaker but are a good bet for second and will also be one of the top teams in the state. They don't really have a front runner on the team but their tight pack should make up for it.

     Shenendehowa lost their top three to graduation but like most years in Clifton Park, they just reload. Jumiors Dan Janeczko and Mike Borini should lead the team with senior Will Marois as all three were in the low to mid 16's last year but their fourth and fifth were just under 17 minutes and will need to improve to compete with Saratoga for second. Wouldn't be surprised if someone from last year's frosh team steps up into a varsity spot as they need that fourth and fifth runners to close that gap to their first three. Like Saratoga, they really don't have a front runners so they will need that depth to carry them this season.

     Bethlehem returns five out of seven from last year. They lose last year's top runner, Chis Collier, to graduation but retun a solid bunch with four runners under 17 minutes and their fifth runner just over 17. Senior Matt Crawford and junior Benjamin Fishbein are their top returning runners with the rest of the team not far behind. This is the final year for their seniors to show what they are made of in cross country. They've showed theirability in track but haven't put it all together during cross country. Let see if it all happens this year.

     Niskayuna loses four out of seven including top runner Marshall Pagano. Senior Niall Williams will lead the team as he was under 16 minutes last season and has a solid shot at making states. Junior Greg Thomas is the only other runner that was under 17 last year but the rest of the team was in the low to mid 17's. If their thirs through fifth runners can drop under 17 minutes and possibly the mid 16's then they will have an excellent shot to move up in the league.

     Guilderland is another team that was hit hard by graduation. They lose four out of their top seven, including three out of their top five. Seniors Austin Miller and Hico Turek give the team a nice 1-2 punch up top as they were both in the low 16's and look to drop under 16 minutes this season. Their 3rd through fifth runners were in the low to mid 17's last year and will need to drop down under 17 minutes this year if they hope to move up in the league and go over .500. They did have some good freshmen last year that could break into the varsity lineup this year and give the team a boost.

     Colonie is one of the most interesting team to watch this year. They lost three of their top five from last year and may struggle this year but they have a bunch of younger runners that can make an impact for a few years. Junior Jon Holmes is their top returning runner and was in the mid 16's last year. Sophomore Jordan Johnson has the second best returning time but has been recovering from post concussion syndrome for the last six months. He's back running and looked good ast weekend at the Niskayuna Ediken Invy but may take him most of the season to get back to 100%. 8th grader Jake Johnson was their 3rd returning runner but has been slowed down all summer with a broken ankle and has just been cleared to resume running. He'll probably run the frosh races in most invitationals but, like his brother, will hopefully be back in shape by the end of the season. The rest of the varsity coming back were in the mid to high 17's and will need to improve to help the team out.

     Averill Park brings back their entire top five. Junior Chris Shaw had the best returning time from last year but classmate Andrew Tario looked very impressive in winning his division of the Fonda Invitational last weekend with the fastest time of the day so big things could happen with him. Junior Matt Miller, with Shaw and Tario, was in the low 17's last year. Their fourth and fifth runners were in the mid 18's last year and will need to close that gap to the top three runners if they hope to improve in the league.

     Ballston Spa lose two out of their top four but should return everyone else. Mike Coffey is their top returning runner but they only return two runners in the mid 17's with the rest of the team in the low to mid 18's. Will probably struggle this year in the Suburban Council and will need big improvement if they want to move up in the league.

     Columbia had one of their better seasons in a while last year but lose three out of their top five to graduation. Also there are questions about the top runner. Sophomore Kyle Gronostaj is their top runner and had an incredible freshmen season with a sub 15:30 at Saratoga and a top 10 finish in Class AA States. He took the indoor season off and was M.I.A. during outdoor so his fitness is questionable right now. Hopefully we'll know more at the Shaker Invitational which Columbia traditionally attends. Their second and third runners were in the mid 17's but everyone else was over 20 minutes so they team will need to start rebuilding and look to the future.

     Mohonasen  lost two out of their top three but return everyone else. Senior Kevin Dixon returns as their top runners and was in the mid 17's. Sneior Dave Cifarelli should be the number two and was just under 18 minutes. Rest of the the were in the mid 18's to low 19's last year and will need to improve if they want to pick up a couple of wins in the league.

Last Year's Team Champion: Shaker

Last Year's Individual Champion: Mike Libruk (Shaker)

Averill Park Warriors    

Last year's record: 3-8 Sectional Place:  6th place - Class B

Top Returnees: Andrew Tario-Sr., Matt Miller Sr., Christopher Shaw-Sr., Josh Foust-So., Andrew Glanton-So., Shane Walsh-Jr., Sean Harrington-Fr.

Key Losses: Ben Harper

Ballston Spa Scotties

Last Year's Record: 3-8  Sectional Place: 8th place - Class A

Top Returnees: Tyler Leicht-Jr., Dennis Mooney-Jr., Stephen Wade-Sr., Hans Zimmer-Fr., Jesse Flynt-Sr., Liam Bennett-12, Christian Canham-So.

Key Losses: Mike Coffey, Jilanie Staples

Bethlehem Eagles    

Last year's record: 8-3  Sectional Place:  3rd place - Class A

Top Returnees: Benjamin Fishbein-Sr., Keith Machabee-Jr., Connor Armbruster-Sr., Tom Quackenbush-Jr., Mike Clarke-Sr., Steven Booker-Jr., Alex Carlson-Jr.

Key Losses: Luke Carpinello, Matt Crawford, McKinley Gray, Chris Shaw

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Spartans    

Last year's record: 8-3 Sectional Place:  1st place - Class B, 3rd place-New York State

Top Returnees: John Rabideau-Jr., Joe Girard-Sr., Jared Short-So., Patrick McGuinness-Jr., Brendan Stalker-Sr., Karsten Barbagelata-Jr., Robert Kirsty-Jr.

Key Losses: Buddy Herkenham, Dan Fernandez, Joe Chapman

Colonie Garnet Raiders    

Last year's record: 4-7 Sectional Place:  6th place - Class A

Top Returnees:  Jake Johnson-Fr., Jon Holmes-Sr., Jordan Johnson-Jr., Ryan Mulson-Jr., Drew McAuley-So., Josh Paszkowski-8th, Sean McPadden-Sr.

Key Losses: Brandon Paniccia

Columbia Blue Devils    

Last year's record:  0-11 Sectional Place:  11th place - Class A

Top Returnees: Kyle Gronostaj-Jr., Joe Somerville-Fr., Alex Scaptura-Sr., Shane Thorkildsen-Sr., John Pologa-Jr.,

Key Losses: Marshall Klee, Joe Wantuch, Jared Danaher

Guilderland Dutchmen    

Last year's record: 6-5 Sectional Place:  4th place - Class A

Top Returnees: Knute Armstrong-Jr., Brian Miceli-Sr., Matt Pasquali-Jr., Erick Kopff-Sr., Pranav Mayak-Jr., Jake Hill-Jr., Dan Ritwik-Jr.

Key Losses: Nico Turek, Austin Miller, Alex Campione, Nathan Scott, Matt Pasquini

Mohonasen Mighty Warriors    

Last year's record:  1-10 Sectional Place:  15th place - Class B

Top Returnees: Kyle Sheehan-Jr., Josh Prawdizik-So., Sam Roman-So.

Key Losses: Kevin Dixon, Dave Cifarelli, Tyler Collins, Jon Roman, Robert Esposito

Niskayuna Silver Warriors    

Last year's record: 4-7 Sectional Place:  7th place - Class A

Top Returnees: Dominick Brion-Sr., Greg Thomas-Sr., Nick Jarvis-So., Matt McDermott-So., Robert Kaucic-So., Metin Ozisik-So., Andy Casey-Jr.

Key Losses: Niall Williams, Jamey Wagner, Andrew Steenburgh, Troy Manchester

Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks   

 Last year's record:  10-1 Sectional Place:  2nd place - Class A

Top Returnees: Brent Freestone-Jr., Jay Navin-Jr., Brian Halligan-Sr., Travis Briggs-Sr., Gavin Gaynor-Fr., Evan Quinones-Sr., Joe Verro-Jr.

Key Losses: Spencer Patterson, Jonah Williams, Jonathan Moore

Shaker Blue Bison    

Last year's record: 11-0  Sectional Place:  1st place - Class A, 1st place Federation Meet, 1st place-NXN-New York Regionals

Top Returnees: Adam Schwenzfeier-Sr., Max Morgan-Sr., John O'Connor-Sr., Caelb Mellon-Sr., Brian O'Connor, Nick Morihisa-Sr., Jeff Perez-Sr.

Key Losses: Mike Libruk, Jon Vallecorsa, Christian Delago, Ethan Hausamann, Ryan Recchis

Shenendehowa Plainsmen    

Last year's record:  8-3  Sectional Place:  5th place - Class A

Top Returnees: Dan Janeczko-Sr., Mike Borini-Sr., Matt Monthie-Jr., Henry Hance-Jr., Brian Chrzan-Jr., Austin Huneck-Sr., Jacob Evans-Jr.

Key Losses: Will Marois, Brian Machina, Jon Zeosky, Okan Kaya

Suburban Council Girls

     Saratoga once again looks to be the top team in the Suburban Council. They only lost a couple of runners from last year's National runner-up team and look to bejust as good this season. Burnt Hills has the edge for second with Guilderland not far behind them. Both teams bring back just about their whole team but Burnt Hills has the depth advantage. Next up comes down to what has been proven and what hasn't. Colonie has a strong team returning and look to be next in line. Shenendehowa lost a bunch to graduation but are adding runners that had a successful spring track. How they adapt to cross country will determine where Shenendehowa will place. Niskayuna can also move up in the league with a strong season.

     Saratoga Springs returns five out of their top seven but there is a rumor that another runner in their top five is not on the team this year but for now I'll kepp her in as there has been no confirmation of this.. This would hurt most teams but with the depth that Saratoga has it shouldn't be too much of a loss. Junior Keelin Hollowood has the top returning time as the Streaks return three runners that were under 18 minutes with their fourth and fifth just over 18 minutes last year. Senior Margaret MacDonald and Junior Madi Carr make up the rest of the top three. Freshman Estela Smith and Junior Taylor Driscoll complete their top five but as we've seen in previous years, there always seems to be a surprise or two with the Saratoga team where another runner makes the leap into sub 18 territory. Saratoga looks to be comfortably in first in the Suburban Council and most likely are looking more to the end of the year with battles with Fayette-Manlius and North Shore.

     Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake returns everyone but one runner from last year's team. Sophomore Dani Martino leads the team with a sub 18 from last yeat with junior Meagan Roecker and senior Alyssa Drapeau in the mid 18's (that little tiny 7th grader is a senior now?!?). The rest of their top five were in the mid to high 18's last year and should improve even more this year. Burnt Hills could possibly be one of the top team in the nation but run in the shadow of Saratoga in Section 2 and ont the state level in Class A, North Shore. Personally, I don't think think they are far off of North Shore and have a very good shot at beating them at the state meet. They should also be put in the mix for a birth at NXN Nationals, depending on how many New York team make it, but that's for another time.

     Guilderland returns six out of seven from last year losing only their fifth runner. Junior Michelle Fish and Sophomore Jenna Robinson shouls lead the team as both were in the mid 18's. Robinson was a state qualifier last year and Fish would've had a good shot at making state if she wasn't injured at the end of the season.  Their third and fourth runners Junior Chrissy Herkenham and Senior Anna Pickett were right around 19 minutes and look to improve. Team is a little banged up to start the season but should be very competitive by the end of the season. Could challenge Burnt Hils for second but they would need their third through fifth runners to drop to at least the mid 18's to stay with them.

    Shenendehowa returns their top three runners but graduation took a big hit on their depth. Senior Lizzie Predmore was just over 17 minutes last year and is one of the top runners in the state. Senior Gina Stalica and Junior Caroline Hampton were in the mid 18's and give Shenendehowa a very strong top three which can give them some dual meet wins just based on those three. Their next returning runner was in the mid 19's last year and then there's a big drop off. Fortunately for Shenendehowa (and not fortunate for the rest of the league) they add Junior Bailey Kowalczyk from Ballston Spa who didn't have a very good season last year but has been sub 19, if she's healthy she will be a big add for Shen. On top of that, juniors Kristen Jordan and Rachel Shine join the team for the first time after having strong spring track seasons. If Kowalczyk is back in form and Jordan and Shine can adapt well into cross country then Shenendehowa could be right back up in the arguement for second place in the league.  As of right now they are still a big question mark on what they can achieve.

     Colonie only lose their sixth runner from last year's top seven and look to make a jump this year in the Suburban Council.Theey have great depth as their top six were all under 20 minutes. Sophomore Jackie Malecki was just under 19 minutes and should leas the team. Seniors Rachel Keller and Amy Becker were their next two runners and both were in the low to mid 19's. Frosh Katie Schillachi was in the mid 19's and may have a breakthrough season based on her spring and races she's run already this fall. Like I said, they have great depth but they could use one of their runners to step up and break up some of the top runners in the league. For that, they would need someone go get into the low 18's which is definitely a possibility.

     Niskayuna returns everyone from their sectional team last year. Senior Leigh Ann Labate was in the mid 18's and should lead the team this year. Seniors Maggie Hensel and Shannon Trant were in the low 19's and should be their second and third runners. Junior Felicia Sciortino has joined the team after a successful outdoor track season and, based on her first race this season will make Niskayuna much more strong. Sophomore Danielle Skufca was in the mid 19's should complete their top five. Nisakyuna started off strong last year but were derailed by injuries. They don't seem to have much depth after their top five so, like last year, they need to stay healthy if they want be be competitive with the top teams in the league.

     Shaker lose three out of their top seven but always have great depth. Top runners Christine Coughlin graduated but return 8th grader Marianna Lansing as their top runners and was in the mid 18's. Junior Kayleigh Lavender with in the mid 19's and Sophomore Laura Libruk was just under 20 minutes. They would like to get their top five all under 20 minutes and with their depth and usual strong J,.V. and frosh teams they may have some runners step up into the top five for some needed help.

     Columbia brings back five out of seven, unfortunately they lost their top two. Anna Boughtwood graduates and Kaylee Scott transferred to Holy Names. Sophomore Cali Palumbo and Senior Kailyn Balzano should be their top two runners. Palumbo was in the low 19's and the rest of their returning top five were right around 20 minutes. They definitely take a hit losing Scott bu with their tight pack they should still fair pretty well in the league.

     Bethlehem returns five out of seven returning a solid top three with sophomores, Lindsay Chiu and Megan Davitt, with frosh Shea Foley all in the 19 minute range last year. fourth and fifth runners were in the mid to high 20's. Need improvements from their fourth and fifth spots and some more depth too.

     Averill Park took the biggest hit out of any schools. Not only did they lose three out five from graduation but alos lost their top two as Jackie Willsey transferred to Holy Names and Julia Slyer transferred to Berkshire Prep. The rest of their returning team were all over 22 minutes so they will have to start rebuild. They're a young team that will struggle in Suburbans but hopefully can do better at Sectionals.

     Ballston Spa returns six out of seven but lose Bailey Kowalczyk as she has transferred to Shenendehowa. Had no one under 20 minutes last year so they will need improvements from everyone. Seniors Carleigh Rosenberg and Amber Stevens were both under 21 minutes with their thris through fifth runners in the 21 minute range.

      Mohonasen only had five runners last year but return everyone. Junior Allison Thayer is their top returnee and was in the mid 20's last year. Team will struggle in the Suburbans as the rest of their team are over 24 minutes. Need to start developing some young runners to build on.

Last Year's Team Champion: Saratoga Springs

Last Year's Individual Champion: Lizzie Predmore (Shenendehowa) 

Averill Park Warriors    

Last year's record:  1-10 Sectional Place:  5th place - Class A

Top Returnees: Brittany Mack-So., Allyson Holland-Jr., Sammi Miller-Sr., Megan Armlin-Sr., Marissa Doscher-Sr., Courtney King-Jr., Micheala Omecinsky-Jr.

Key Losses: Elizabeth Robert, Toni Slyer, Elizabeth Holland

Ballston Spa Scotties

Last Year's Record: 3-8  Sectional Place: 9th place - Class A

Projected Varsity: Lydia Freehafer-Jr., Hope Danison-Jr., Francesca Parillo-So., Olivia Matthews-Sr., Rachel LaBarron-Sr., Alyssa Hoose-Sr., Morgan Thorne-Sr.

Key Losses: Carliegh Rosenberg, Sarah Howe,

Bethlehem Eagles    

Last year's record:  6-5 Sectional Place:  6th place - Class A

Top Returnees: Lindsay Cheu-Sr., Danica Jensen-Jr., Natalie Mueller-Jr., Holly Machabee-Fr., Julia Champagne-Jr., Mary DeVries-Jr., Shea Foley-So.

Key Losses: Christy MacFarlane

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Spartans   

Last year's record:  10-1 Sectional Place:  1st place - Class B, 2nd place-New York State Meet, 3rd place-Federation Meet

Top Returnees: Dani Martino-Jr., Schuyler Pruyn-Sr., Meagan Roecker-Sr., Jordan Casey-So., Allison Fernandez-So., Anastasia Monsen-Jr., Emily Dingman-Fr.

Key Losses: Alyssa Drapeau

Colonie Garnet Raiders    

Last year's record:  8-3  Sectional Place:  5th place - Class A

Top Returnees: Kaitie Schillachi-So., Jackie Malecki-Jr., Shannen Kerin-So., Carolyn Pellegrini-So., Bellame Bower-Jr., Kirsten Kaminski-So., Alicia Bousa-Sr.

Key Losses: Amy Becker, Rachel Keller

Columbia Blue Devils    

Last year's record:  2-9  Sectional Place:  8th place - Class A

Top Returnees: Cali Palumbo-Jr., Jessica Hernandez-So., Amanda Jones-Fr., Katherine Guilbo, Evan Keihl-Sr., Angela DeRubertis-Jr., Mackenzie Nichols-Jr.

Key Losses: Kailyn Balzano

Guilderland Dutchmen    

Last year's record: 5-6  Sectional Place:  4th place - Class A

Top Returnees: Jenna Robinson-Jr., Taylor Tommell-Sr., Michelle Fish-Sr., Christina Herkenham-Sr., Alyssa Jourdin-Fr., Shannon Mackesey-Jr., Sarah Bone-Sr.

Key Losses: Anna Pickett, Anya Joynt

Mohonasen Mighty Warriors     

Last year's record:  0-11 Sectional Place: 13th place - Class B

Top Returnees: Cara Sherman-So., Allison Thayer-Sr., Alexis Dean-Fr., Allysia Hunt-Jr., Maria Andrews-Fr., Megan Dunks-Jr., Christina Ziobowski-Jr.

Key Losses: Leanne Egan

Niskayuna Silver Warriors    

Last year's record:  6-5 Sectional Place:  7th place - Class A

Top Returnees: Felicia Sciortino-Sr., Danielle Skufca-Jr., Marissa DiViertro-Fr., Julia Kwiatowski-Sr., Samantha Carach, Malini Balan-Jr., Mary Kate Moran-Sr.

Key Losses: Shannon Trant, Maggie Hensel, Leigh Ann Labate

Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks    

Last year's record:  11-0 Sectional Place:  1st place - Class A, 2nd place-New York State Meet, 1st place-Federation Meet, 2nd place NXN Nationals

Top Returnees: Taylor Driscoll-Sr., Keelin Hollowood-So., Olivia Morrow-Fr., Sarah Morin-Jr., Spencer Hayes-So.

Key Losses: Estela Smith, Katie Treichel, Maggi Szpak, Tara Peck

Shaker Blue Bison    

Last year's record:  7-4 Sectional Place:  3rd place - Class A

Top Returnees: Maryanna Lansing-So., Payton Czupil-So., Audrey Martino-So., Kayleigh Lavender-Sr., Laura Libruk-Jr.., Shannon Fitzpatrick-Fr., Jessica Dzialo-Sr. 

Key Losses: Anne Rehfuss

Shenendehowa Plainsmen    

Last year's record:  9-2 Sectional Place: 2nd place - Class A

Top Returnees: Bailey Kowalczyk-Sr., Caroline Hampton-Sr., Kristen Jordan-Sr., Emily Crounse-Fr., Dominica Bleichert-Jr., Brianna Russo-Sr., Emily Haig-Jr.

Key Losses: Lizzie Predmore, Kerry Caher, Gina Stalica, Erin Hulbert