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Underlined teams mean that I received at least one preview from the team. Information for teams that aren't underlined are mostly based on last year's team results. Times given are from Saratoga State Park unless noted.

Big 10 Boys

     The Big 10 took a step up last year as the league had five individuals qualify for the State Meet last year. Four of those runners return this year which would suggest that it should be a strong year for the league. Team wise, most teams have depth problems that they need to address. Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons has won the last two league titles and have a solid top five and three out of the top four individuals in the league. That makes them a big favorite to take their third straight league title this year. After Gibbons the league gets much more open. Amsterdam has a solid top two and the best depth out of the rest of the teams and that gives them the early edge for second. C.B.A. will be battling it out for second with the addition of some new runners. LaSalle took a big graduation hit, including state qualifier Evan Little, but they still have a solid top two and could challenge for second or third. Albany High brings back state qualifier Philo Germano but need more help and Schenectady, who lost their top two to graduation will be fighting to stay in the middle of the pack. Catholic Central has a solid number one with Steve Curry but need runners to help him, and Troy and Bishop Maginn are fighting for numbers on their team.

     Individually, Matt Lange of Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons is the two time league champion but will be challenged by his brother, Jason, teammate Jordan Pantalone and Albany High's Philo Germano.

     Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons are the two time defending league champions and are big favorites to repeat as they return their top six from last year. Leading the team are seniors Jason Lange, Matt Lange, and Jordan Pantalone. All three were state qualifiers and ran in the mid 15's last year. Senior Nick Przekurat is their fourth runners and was just over 17 minutes in an injury plagued season. Senior Stephen Dixon was their number five last year and was in the mid 17's. Adding to the team is 8th grader Jonah Allard who was the league modified champion last year and ran a 10:10 3200 meters last spring as a 7th grader. With three out of the top four runners in the league, it will be very tough to beat them in a dual meet this year and they should win their third straight league title.

     Amsterdam is back after being shunned by the Foothills Council. They return four out of their top seven from last year. This year they are lead by seniors Nick and Matt Raponi. Nick was just under 17 minutes last year and Matt was in the mid 17's. Brett Flint should be their third runner and was just over 18 minutes last year, with seniors Josh Turo and Ian Alejandro are their fourth and fifth runners. They would like to see their 1-5 spread tighten up as it is over two minutes right now. They had a very large frosh class last year and their modified team won the team title at the league championships last year, so we may see someone in that bunch step up and join their top five. The future looks very good for them

     C.B.A. returns only three out of seven but add some new runners to bring them closer to the top of the league. Junior Justin Van Epps finally leaves soccer for cross country and comes in as their number one runner. Sophomore Kaushik Pilar was just under 17 minutes running for Shaker last year then transferred to C.B.A. in the winter. He battled injuries most of the Winter and Spring but he's healthy now and is a solid number two. Sophomore Michael Crisafulli is their number three and was in the mid 17's last season. He was out all of spring with an injury so his success will depend on his recovery. Junior Aidan Murphy joins the team this year from football and is their number four this year. Senior Kieran Rock is their fifth runner and was just under 18 minutes last year. C.B.A. picked up a bunch of new runners that will step right in and run varsity this year. Great shot at second this year but is probably a year away from challenging for the league title.

     LaSalle was hit hard by graduation, especially losing state qualifier Evan Little to graduation. Still, Senior Alex Isabelle is a solid number one runner in the mid 16's last year. Junior Niall Coughlin was in the mid 17's and should improve, he will be their second runner. Their third runner is Senior Brandon Diaz but was in the high 18's.  They need to see that spread close some if they want to stay near the top of the league. They will get some help with freshmen Dermot Coughlin moving up from the modified team. On paper it's looks like a down year for LaSalle but they always seem to find a way to be near the top of the league.

     Albany High returns four out of their top seven from last year. Senior Philo Germano was in the mid 15's last year and was a state qualifier. He followed that up with a 1:56 800 meters and a 4:17.55 1600 meters in the spring. After Germano is a huge gap as Junior Brendan Bequette comes in as their second runner and was just over 20 minutes last year. Third and fourth are Sophomore Aidan Ryan and Senior Conor Foley respectively. Junior Jacques Chaumont is their fifth and was just over 21 minutes last year. Albany does have a big influx of Freshmen and a couple of new Sophomores and a few of them may move into their top five but they may be a year or two away.

     Schenectady returns four out of their top seven but lost their top two runners to graduation. Junior Julian Canavan should be their number one as he was in the low 18's last year. He'll be closely followed by Junior Devin Fitzgerald and Senior Austin Liebers, who were both in the high 18's. After their first three, the rest of the team drops into the 20-21 minute range and will have to improve or find some help to improve in the league.

     Catholic Central returns five out of their six runners from last year. Senior Steve Curry is a solid number one as he was in the mid 16's and could have a shot at a state meet spot in Class C with a good Summer. Senior Robert Chiasson and Junior Andrew Barnes are the second and third runners and were both in the mid 19's. Their fourth and fifth runners would need to drop under 20 minutes if they want to move up.  

     Troy should return the six runners they had last year. Sophomore Jason Russell is their number one runner and was in the high 19's last year. The rest of the team were all over 22 minutes and they will have to rebuild this season if they want to keep up with the league.

     Bishop Maginn only had two runners last year and they both graduated. With no modified team it will be a tough climb for the team to just be complete.

Last Year's Team Champion: Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons

Last Year's Individual Champion: Matt Lange (Bishop Gibbons)

Albany High Falcons

Last year's record: 3-6 , Sectional Finish: 9th - Class A

Projected Varsity: Philo Germano-Sr., Brendan Bequette-Jr.,Aidan Ryan-So.,  Conor Foley-Sr., Jacques Chaumont-Jr., Perce Dias-Carlson-Jr., Alesio Fasulo-Sr., Livio Fasulo-Jr., John Dimase-So., Andrew Gardner-So.

Key Losses: Matthew Shore, Kevin Ho, Aaron Gialanella (went to soccer)

Amsterdam Rams  

Last year's record: 6-2 , Sectional finish: 8th - Class B

Projected Starters: Nick Raponi-Sr., Matt Raponi-Sr., Brent Flint-So., Pat Purtell-Sr., Teddy Picciiocca-So., Josh Turo-Sr., Ian Alejandro-Sr.

Key Losses: Jon Nelson, Gaddiel Ruiz, Nick Bielawa

Bishop Maginn Golden Griffins

Last year's record: 0-8, Sectional finish: did not run - Class D

Projected Starters: none

Key Losses:  Angel Ayala, Nick Jira

C.B.A. Brothers  

Last year's record: 5-3, Sectional finish: 18th - Class B

Projected Starters: Justin Van Epps-Jr., Kaushik Pilar-So., Mike Crisafulli-So., Aidan Murphy-Jr., Kieran Rock-Sr., Sean Glennon-Jr., Jaxon Smith-So., Pete Reilly-Sr., Kevin LaFleche-Fr., Hunter Shaw-Jr.

Key Losses: Aidan O'Malley, Nick Prestogiacomo, Connor Ferry, Gus McAuliffe,

Catholic Central Crusaders

 Last year's record: 2-6, Sectional finish: 12th - Class C

Projected Starters: Steve Curry-Sr., Robert Chiasson-Sr., Andrew Barnes-Jr., Mike Miller-Jr., Patrick Evans-Jr.

Key Losses: Mike Kruczinski

LaSalle Cadets 

Last year's record: 7-1, Sectional finish: 9th - Class B 

Projected Starters: Alex Isabelle-Sr., Niall Coughlin-Jr., Brandon Diaz-Sr., Dermott Coughlin-Fr., Josh Dellacruz-Jr., Jack Dewey, Jack Karl

Key Losses: Evan Little, Jimmy Kelley, Rob Loomis, Jimmy Lentivech, Quinn Balli, Harry Reid (transferred to Saratoga Catholic)

Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons Golden Knights

Last year's record: 8-0, Sectional finish: 2nd - Class B

Projected Starters: Jason Lange-Sr., Matt Lange-Sr., Jordan Pantalone-Sr., Nick Przekurat-Sr., Jonah Allard-8th, Steve Dixon-Sr., Lucas Chico-Sr., Mike Sinkora-Sr.

Key Losses: none

Schenectady Patriots

Last year's record: 4-4, Sectional finish: 10th - Class A

Projected Starters: Julian Canavan-Jr., Austin Liebers-Sr., Devin Fitzgerald-Jr., Nick Bonacquist-So., Amrit Salhan-Sr., Jon Farkas-Sr.,Lynn West-Jr.

Key Losses: Ben Butryn, Steve Widdis, Joseph Nicholas, Chris Connelly, Jeremy Foster-Sessions

Troy Flying Horses

Last year's record: 0-8, Sectional finish: incomplete - Class A

Projected Starters: Jason Russell-So., Kyle Stewart-Sr., Anmol Marwaha-Sr., Greg Howard-Sr., Marquan Phillips, Noah Vandenburgh-So.

Key Losses: none

Big 10 Girls

     The Big 10 girls is going to look very similar to last year since most of the top runners return this year. Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons is the two-time league champions and return everyone which should make them the favorites for the three-peat. Amsterdam also returns everyone and should be solid for second. Catholic Central losees their top runner but has enough to stay in third place. Schenectady loses one of their top runners but have enough to hold off Albany High for fourth. Troy and Bishop Maginn are looking to improve their numbers.

     Individually, Talya Williams is the two time league champion and has a big league over the rest of the league.

     Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons are the two time defending league champions and return their top six runners. Junior Talya Williams is their top runner and is the two time league champion. Williams had run in the mid 18's last year and has qualified for states the last three years. Sophomore Anne Ryan and Junior Claire Sise were in the mid 20's last year, close behind them is Sophomore Gwyn Sise who was in the high 20's. The biggest addition is 8th grader Lilianna Matala. Matala was the league modified champion last year and ran an 11:04 in the 3000 meters last Spring. She should be their number two which should make them stronger than they were last year, giving them a good chance to repeat as league champions.

     Amsterdam brings back their entire top seven and has a strong chance to win back the league title. Senior Megan Ottati leads the team and was just under 20 minutes last year. She probably would've been faster if she wasn't hurt at the end of the year. Senior Kelly Paris and Freshman Chantel Dopp should be their second and third runners as they were both right around 21 minutes. Junior Caitlynn Adamchick and Senior Deborah Johnson should complete their team but they always have good depth and some other runners could possibly move up into their top five. Amsterdam still needs to see a drop in times if they want to challenge Bishop Gibbons for the league title.

     Catholic Central returns five out of the their seven, but did lose their top runner, Megan Jenney, to graduation. Sophomore Julia Engster, and Juniors Hannah Duncan and Caroline Couser should be their top three and they are all were in the low 21's last year and ran in a tight pack. Junior Regan McFerran should be their fourth runner and was in the mid 22 minute range. They look to be a step behind the top two teams but they'll want to drop into the 20 minute range to hold on for at least third.

     Schenectady lose one runner from last year and is led by Junior Emma Ward who was under 21 minutes last year. Sophomore Megan Dufort should be their second runner as she was in the mid 21's last year. There is a big drop off after their top two as their fourth and fifth were over 23 minutes. Their top two is solid but they will need help from the rest of their team if they want to move up in the league.

     Albany High returns five out of their top seven from last year. Senior Alexa Pettit should lead the team as she was just under 22 minutes last year. Junior Autumn Paul and Freshman Emily Patnaude were in the mid 23's last year and should be their second and third runners.  Their fourth and fifth runners were in the 24 and 27 minute range respectively and will need to drop their times for the team to improve in the league.

     Troy returns three out of the five runners they had last year. Unfortunately, they lost their top runner, Katherine Clemente, to graduation, as she was one of the top runners in the league last year. Junior Caitlin Donovan should be their top runner and was in the mid 24's last year, with their other two runners running over 25 minutes. The team will have to work on their numbers first before they can move up in the league.

     Bishop Maginn only had one runner last year and she graduated. They will have to work on getting enough runners to field a team this season.

Last Year's Team Champion: Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons

Last Year's Individual Champion: Talya Williams (Bishop Gibbons)

Albany High Falcons  

Last year's record: 2-4 Sectional finish: 12th Place - Class A  

Projected Starters: Alexa Pettit-Sr., Autumn Paul-Jr., Emily Patnaude-Fr., Barbara Dillon-So., Grace Thomson-Sr., Morgan Heyward-Jr., Cailin McKenna

Key Losses: Marilyn Valentino, Abby Salinero

Amsterdam Rams  

Last Year's record: 5-1, Sectional finish: 11th Place - Class B

Projected Starters:  Megan Ottati-Sr., Kelly Paris-Sr., Deborah Johnson-Sr., Chantel Dopp-Fr., Mckenna Palczak-So., Illenis Quinones-Jr., Caitlynn Adamchick-Jr.

Key Losses: Emily Hastings

Bishop Maginn Golden Griffins 

Last year's record: 0-6, Sectional finish: Did not run - Class D

Projected Starters: none

Key Losses: none

Catholic Central Crusaders

Last year's record: 4-2, Sectional finish: 9th - Class C

Projected Starters: Julia Engster-So., Hannah Duncan-Sr., Caroline Couser-Jr., Regan McFerran-Jr., Maureen O'Brien-Fr., Meg Doyle-Jr., Abigail Richards-Jr.

Key Losses: Megan Jenney, Audrey Hughes

Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons Golden Knights

 Last year's record: 6-0 Sectional finish: 6th Place - Class B

Projected Starters: Talya Williams-Jr., Lilianna Matala-8th, Anne Ryan-So., Claire Sise-Jr., Gwyn Sise-So., Allison Lemme-Fr., Lia McKenna-Fr.

Key Losses: none

Schenectady Patriots

Last year's record: 3-3, Sectional finish: 10th Place - Class A 

Projected Starters: Emma Ward-Jr., Megan Dufort-So., Sophie Scott-Jr., Emily Agnello-Jr, Leah Ketchen, Lisa Balkisoon, Samantha Mabee

Key Losses: Sarah Nechamen, Katrina Flynn-Robinson, Arianna Allwine, Nicole Rice

Troy Flying Horses

Last year's record: 1-5, Sectional finish: 12th Place - Class A

Projected Starters: Caitlin Donovan-Jr., Kristen Bruno-Jr., Kayla Thorsey-Sr.

Key Losses: Katherine Clemente