Boys cross-country preview
There was quite a shakeup in cross country as the NYSPHSAA altered its enrollment numbers. Defending overall Nassau champ Calhoun moved up from Class A to Class AA, while reigning Class B champ Manhasset made the jump to Class A. Suffolk also felt the change as perennial power Shoreham-Wading River made the move from Class B to Class A.
The CHSAA should be interesting this season also, as its top three teams -St. Anthony’s, Chamiande, Kellenberg- each return at least two of its top runners five from last season.
NASSAU BOYS Class AA
Tim Campbell, James Panetta and Kenny Woo gives reigning Nassau County overall champ Calhoun three big reasons to think it can repeat.
Port Washington’s run of success should continue with Taylor Titcomb, Sidharth Kakkar and Paolo Bertolotti. Massapequa has enough talent with Andrew Valenski, Ryan Buttigieg, Timmy Callahan and Nick DeLuna to emerge.
Herricks could surprise with Aakaash Pillalamarri, Jack McGuire and Gabe DaSilva. Sophomore Alex Bertrand returns with senior Tyler Moritz and junior Koei Uchida for Syosset.
Class A
Wantagh could emerge in Class A with talented senior Marty Egan, Danny Reilly and Mike Darnell.
Manhasset moved up from Class B to A, but should be just as competitive with Charlie Morris, Stephen Bourguet, Jonathan Thomas. Great Neck South's big three of Daniel Siegel, Nicholas Ross and Jose Madrigal could make this season special.
Mepham's talented three of Nicholas Spear, Brendan Donohue and Nick Gangi will be tough to beat.
Class B/C
Matthew Savino, Scott Selltitz and Sam Peck will make Seaford a threat in Class B . Valley Stream North, led by Visal Mohanan, Zachary Bugge and John Peterson, will be in the mix for the Class B title. Oyster Bay is the team to beat in Class C with Joe LaCorte and Steven Tortora. Carle Place will challenge in Class C with C.J. Madey.
Class AA
Alex Saavedra, Joe DiRienzo and Phil Rascona could lead Sachem East to its second straight Class AA title. Connetquot is expected to make a run to the top with seniors Tyler Murtha, Zach Krause and Dom Costanzo.
Smithtown is loaded with Robert Calamia, Mark Valentino and Patrick Ginty. Northport will be a factor with seniors Tim Odin and Steven Suozzi and sophomores David Hatch and James Dickinson.
Commack's trio of Justin Tampellini, Joshua Gittleman and Conner Gray could be the real deal.
Class A
Defending Class A champ Harborfields has an experienced group with twins Austin and Cameron Coneys and senior Colin Davis. Junior Anthony DeMatteo and senior threesome Kyle Fitzgerald, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Kyle Sammis lead Hills West.
Sayville has a nice mix with sophomore Kieran Harrison and seniors Alex Nolan and Dan Ryder. Shoreham-Wading River's trio of John Lee, Kevin Sanders and Evan Purdy will make things interesting in Class A.
Class B
Bayport-Blue Point will again be strong with Erich Grosse, Joe Ray and Connor Crowley. Mt. Sinai could challenge with seniors Chris Linkletter and Zack Kollmer.
Class C/D
Babylon, led by Tyler McGarvey and James Capie, is the Class C favorite. Carl Johnson, Andrew Keresztes and Sean Swords leads Port Jefferson in Class D.
CHSAA
Defending CHSAA champ St. Anthony's has three of its top seven back, including Thomas Flynn, junior Brian Smith and senior Matthew Fortino. Will Slattery, who took third at the CHSAA Intersectionals last year, is back with Tom Awad and Matt Woop for Chaminade.
Matt Zampariello, Brandon Camenzuli and Christian Rojas lead a St. John the Baptist squad that could make things really tight in the title race. James Gati and David Bransfield are the top two returnees for Kellenberg.
