Section II runs strong
La Salle’s Hayes, Burnt Hills boys, Saratoga girls capture crowns
Editor's note: There was some outdated information in the story about Saturday's Federation Meet in Sunday's paper. We are rerunning the story.
In a season loaded with highs, Gitch Hayes knew when it was appropriate to descend quickly Saturday. That dash downward proved beneficial to the La Salle Institute senior cross country star at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls.
Competing one week after capturing the Class B state title at Chenango Valley State Park with the day’s top time, Hayes knew a win Saturday at the Federation Meet guaranteed he would record another top time as the field for the race – comprised from the top runners from all over the state – all ran together.
Hayes decided to make his move midway through the race at end of a rise and the start of a steep downhill patch that signifies the second half of the race.
He opened up enough of a gap to earn the overall win with a time of 15 minutes, 34.80 seconds.
“The first half of the race is pretty much straight uphill and the second half is downhill and flat,” Hayes said. “I had a few guys with me in the first half, so I decided to surge at the top of the hill. I reached the top earlier, so I surged right at the top and going downhill. I made some space.”
Although he closed some, Myles Hogan from Fordham Prep ended up in second in a time of 15:37.80.
Saratoga Springs senior Ryan Bush came in fifth (16:00.50) and Niskayuna senior Julian Franjieh claimed 10th (16:18.10).
Burnt Hills, one week removed from earning the Class B team title, secured the Federation Meet championship with a score of 101 points. Fayetteville-manlius came in second with 148.
The Spartans were paced by Peter Fuglieri (18th), Nick Grock (25th), Ryan Allison (32nd), Matthew Rounds (34th) and Matt Windecker (54th).
The Saratoga Springs girls’ team proved once again why it is considered the top team in the country as the Blue Streaks breezed to the team title with a score of 28 points.
Sophomore Emily Bush finished third (18:04.30), senior Mackenzie Hart was next in fourth (18.17.20) and senior Ella Kurto crossed the line in sixth (18:25.60). Rounding out the scorers for the Blue Streaks were Sheridan Wheeler (ninth, 18:37.60) and sophomore Anya Belisle (18:43.90).
“We all just want to do good for each other, push each other to do the best we can,” Bush said. “It is amazing, it is a great feeling to get back out here again and prove how much hard work we’ve put in. I love my team so much and I’m glad I get to run with them every day and get to race with them.”
Saratoga Springs will return to Bowdoin Park on Nov. 27 for the Nike Cross Northeast Regionals.
“We are excited for regionals, they love this course, they perform very well on it,” Saratoga Springs assistant coach Linda Kranick said. “We’re excited to see what we can do (at regionals).”