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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.

Suburban Council Boys

     After two years, the dominance of Shaker is over after a big graduation class. This puts Saratoga Springs in the driver's seat as the favorite for the league title. With their combination of seniors and young but talented underclassmen they will be a tough team to beat. Shaker will still battle it out for second as last year's J.V. runners now have the chance to step up into varsity positions. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake will challenge Shaker for second. It's one of the youngest teams they've had in awhile but their depth always makes them a top challenger. Bethlehem, Colonie, and Shenendehowa are the next wave of teams that will battle for fourth and possibly move up with some improvements. Colonie has arguably the better top three from these teams but Bethlehem and Shenendehowa have the better depth. Guilderland, Averill Park, and Niskayuna come in next. All three teams are pretty young so it will depend on how they develop during the season.

     Individually, Saratoga's Brett Freestone returns with the top returning time but will be heavily challenged with the return of Columbia's Kyle Gronostaj who's back after taking last year off. Also Averill Park's Andrew Tario ,Colonie's Jake Johnson, Shenendehowa's Dan Janeczko, and Shaker's Adam Schwenfeier can all be in the mix.

      Saratoga Springs returns four out of their top seven from last year. Junior Brent Freestone was a state qualifier last year and should returns as their number one runner. He was in the mid 15's last year. Junior Jay Navin should come in as their second runner and was just under 16 minutes last season. Seniors Brian Halligan and Travis Briggs should return as their third and fourth runners as they were both in the low 16's last year. Freshman Gavin Gaynor should be their fifth as he was in the mid 16's last year. Saratoga has the capability to have five under 16 minutes this year and they have some other talented runners that could step into a top five position. With a 34 second compression they are going to be tough to beat in the league this year.

     Shaker only returns two from a top seven that has had two straight trips to Portland Meadows under their belts, including their top three runners from last year. Taking over as their number one runner should be Senior Adam Schwenzfeier who was in the high 16's last year. Senior Max Morgan was just over 16 minutes last year, about 15 seconds behind Schwenzfeier, and should be their second runner. Seniors John O'Connor  and Ryan Recchia should be their third and fourth runners as both were in the mid 16's last year. After the first four there are a few people that could step in. Right now, all of them were over 17 minutes last year.  It's going to be tough for them to hold on to their title with the gaps that they have but they really need someone to step into their fifth position and run with their third and fourth runners for any chance to  challenge Saratoga.

     Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake returns four of their top seven but lose their top two from last year, including Section 2 Class B champ Buddy Herkenham. They have a tight pack with their first three runners as Senior Joe Girard, Junior John Rabideau, and Sophomore Jared Short were in the low to mid 16's and any three of them could step into the number one position for the team. Junior Patrick McGuinness was about 20 second behind and should be their number four runner. Senior Brendan Stalker was just under 17 minutes last year and should be their fifth runner. Burnt Hills has always had great depth and big numbers but they will want to see someone step in as their number one runner. They'll definitely challenge Shaker for second but will have a much tougher time beating out Saratoga.

     Bethlehem only returns three out of their top seven, including losing their top three runners to graduation, but still return a good core to stay competitive.  Senior Ben Fishbein should be their number one runner this year as he was just over 16 minutes last year. Junior Keith Machabee and Senior Connor Armbruster should be their second and third runners and were in the high 16's last year. Juniors Tom Quackenbush and Steven Booker, and Senior Mike Clarke were all in the low 17's and will battle it out for the next two spots. They want to close that gap between Fishbein and the rest of their top five. If they can do that then they can definitely move up into the top three.

     Colonie returns their top six from last year. Freshmen Jake Johnson is a returning state qualifier as an eighth grader and was in the high 15's last year. He's missed significant time last year due to injuries but if he's healthy he'll be one of the top runners in the league. Senior Jon Holmes and Junior Jordan Johnson should take the next two spots and were both in the mid 16's last year. Junior Ryan Mulson should be their fourth runner and was in the mid 17's last year. Sophomore Drew McAuley should be their fifth runner and was also in the mid 17 minute range. Team could be much better then where I have them if they can all stay healthy. Their top three is as good as most teams but need their fourth and fifth runners to close that gap to them.

     Shenendehowa returns three out of their top seven from last year but do return their top two runners. Senior Dan Janeczko should be their first runner and was in the high 15 minute range last year. Senior Mike Borini should be their second runner and was about 25 seconds behind Janeczko in the mid 16's. After their top two it really is a crapshoot as they have a number of runners that were in the mid 17's last year. Runners like Juniors Matt Monthie, Henry Hance, Brian Chrzan, and Senior Austin Huneck. I think you may see a couple of Sophomores like Colin Rowe and Jack Vite after strong springs by both of those runners. How Shen will do this year will depend on their third through fifth runners that are moving up to varsity this year. Still, I can't see them moving up more than a place or two.

     Guilderland only returns two out of their top seven. Junior Knute Armstrong is their number one this year and was in the mid 16 minute range last year. Junior Matt Pasquali and Senior Brian Miceli are their second and third runners and were in the low 17's last year. Sophomore Jon Feil moves up from the Frosh team and is their fourth runner this year. Senior Erick Kopff finishes their top five and was in the mid 17 minute range last year. The gap needs to close between their first runner and the rest of the team. They will also need their second through fifth runners to drop under 17 minutes if they want to move up in the league.

     Averill Park returns six out of their top seven. Senior Andrew Tario once again leads the team. He was in the mid 15 minute range last year and a state qualifier. He should be one of the top runners in the league this year. Seniors Matt Miller and Christopher Shaw are their second and third runners as both were in the high 16's last year. Sophomore Josh Foust is their fourth runner and was in the mid 17's last year. Fifth is between Jared Austin and Sophomore Andrew Glanton. They are almost two and a half minutes behind their fourth runner which is a big problem in any league but especially the Suburban Council. They need that gap to significantly close if they want to move up.

     Niskayuna loses four out of their top five. Three by graduation and one who moved. Seniors Greg Thomas and Dominick Brion are their top two runners. Both were in the mid 16's last year. Sophomore Matt McDermott is their third runner and was in the mid 17's last year. Sophomores Metin Ozisik and Robert Kaucic are their fourth and fifth runners. They have a solid top two but need the rest of the top five to close the gap if they want to move up in the league.

     Ballston Spa returns five out of their top seven from last year. Junior Tyler Leicht is their number one runner and was just over 17 minutes last year. Junior Dennis Mooney is their second runner and was about 10 second behind Leicht. Taking a break from scoring Christopher Nolan movies, Freshman Hans Zimmer comes in as their number three runner and was in the mid 17's last year with Senior Stephen Wade right behind him with their number four. Sophomore Christian Canham is their fifth runner and was in the mid 18 minute range last year. Team is improved from last year but will need to drop their times to move up in the league.

     Columbia returns three out of their top five from last year, but more importantly, they bring back Junior Kyle Gronostaj after taking last year off. If he's back in form he should be one of the top runners in the league. After Gronostaj there is a huge gap as Freshman Joey Somerville was in the high 19's last year and Senior Alex Scaptura was about 30 seconds behind him. They will need huge improvements to move up.

     Mohonasen only returns three runners from last year but should bring in enough runners to have a complete team. Junior Kyle Sheehan should be their top runner and was in the mid 17 minute range last year. Sophomore Josh Prawdizik should be their second runner and was in the mid 18's. They have a long road ahead of them but they have to start somewhere. 

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., Hans Zimmer-Fr., Stephen Wade-Sr., Christian Canham-So., Liam Bennett-Sr., Matt MacWatters-Sr., Aaron Soden-Sr., Brian Helwig-Jr., Eli Bashant-Fr.

Key Losses: Jesse Flynt, Mike Coffey, Jack Rogers, James Metzger

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:  Jon Holmes-Sr., Jordan Johnson-Jr., Jake Johnson-Fr., Zach Bell-Jr., Ryan Mulson-Jr., Josh Paszkowski-8th, Erick Bower-So., Jon Coogan-So., Mark Lipina-Jr., Collin Cragon-Sr.

Key Losses: Drew McAuley, Sean McPadden, 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., Matt Pasquali-Jr., Brian Miceli-Sr., Jon Feil-So., Erick Kopff-Sr., Ryker Bodo, Ritwik Dan-Jr., Pranav Mayak-Jr., Jake Hill-Jr.

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

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: Greg Thomas-Sr., Dominick Brion-Sr., Matt McDermott-So., Metin Ozisik-So., Robert Kaucic-So., Jack McGill-Jr., Josh Korn-Sr., Patrick Trant-Jr., Joe Nuqui-Sr.

Key Losses: Niall Williams, Jamey Wagner, Andrew Steenburgh, Troy Manchester, Nick Jarvis (moved to Ohio)

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 lost a bunch to graduation but still has the depth to be the favorites to repeat as league champions. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake look like they are the only team with the depth to match Saratoga but are just a little short. The big battle in the league will be for third as Shaker, Colonie, Guilderland, Shenendehowa, and Bethlehem all have the talent to get third.

     Individually, Saratoga's Taylor Driscoll and Keelin Hollowood were the only two runners under 18 minutes last year and were about 30 second ahead of everyone else. Shaker's Maryanna Lansing and Guilderland's Jenna Robinson could be spoilers. 

     Saratoga only returns three out of their top seven from last year but with their impressive depth they're still a big favorite to win the league. Seniors Taylor Driscoll and Keelin Hollowood should be their top two runners as they were both in the mid 17 minute range last year and have the top two returning times in the league by 30 seconds. Freshman Olivia Morrow looks to be their third runner and was in the low 18's last year. Junior Sarah Morin and Sophomore Spencer Hayes should be their fourth and fifth runners based on both of them running in the mid 18's. Their top five is very impressive but they drop off a little after that. Though, knowing Saratoga, they will just reload with some new runners.

     Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake lose their top runner but return everyone else and are probably the only team that could give Saratoga a battle. Their top three, Junior Dani Martino and Seniors Schuyler Pruyn and Meagan Roecker were all in the low 18's. Sophomores Jordan Casey and Allison Fernandez, with Junior Anastasia Monsen were only 10-15 seconds behind their top three. If they can keep that 20 second gap between their first through sixth runner then they will be a very tough team to beat.

     Shaker returns their top six runners from last year. Sophomore Maryanna Lansing should return as their top runner as she was right at 18 minutes last year. Sophomores Payton Czupil and Audrey Martino should be their second and third runners. Both runners were in the high 18 minute range last year. Senior Kayleigh Lavender and Junior Laura Libruk look to be their fourth and fifth runners. They were both in the mid 19's last year, about 30 seconds behind Libruk. Three runners under 19 minutes is a good start. Not enough to crack the top two but very strong. They will still want to see the gap between Lansing and the second and third runners, and the gap between their third and fourth runners to close a bit if they want to hold on for third.

     Colonie returns six out of their top seven from last year. Sophomore Kaitie Schillachi is their top returning runner and was just under 19 minutes last year. Freshman Shennen Kerin is their number two and was only four seconds behind Schillachi. Freshman Bellame Bower was in the mid 19's last year but has improved enough to jump into the third spot. Junior Jackie Malecki, Sophomore Kirsten Kaminski, and Freshman Carolyn Pellegrini are their fourth through sixth runners and were in the low to mid 19 minute range last year. Very small spread between their first and fifth runners but they really need their front end times to improve as a few teams have at least one or two runners ahead of their first which puts them behind at the beginning. Though with their small spread they will be very competitive in invitationals.

     Guilderland returns five out of their top seven from last year plus add Emily Burns from her successful spring track season. Junior Jenna Robinson was a state qualifier last year and is their top runner. She was just over 18 minutes last year. Sophomore Emily Burns is new to cross country and should be right with Robinson. Senior Michelle Fish is their third runner and was in the low 19's. Seniors Chrissy Herkenham and Taylor Tommell come in as their fourth and fifth runners and were right with Fish last year in the low 19 minute range. The addition of Burns can really help the team move up to the top three, especially if they can get their third through fifth runners under 19 minutes this year.

     Shenendehowa returns four out of their top seven from last year with their big loss of Lizzie Predmore, who is now at Boston College. Seniors Bailey Kowalczyk and Caroline Hampton are their top two runners. Both runners were in the mid 18's last year. Senior Kristen Jordan is their third runner and was in the mid 19's last year. Senior Rachael Shine and Junior Dominica Bleichert are their fourth and fifth runners. Like most years with Shen, I wouldn't be surprised to see some new names in their lineup. They look like they're down this year but will probably be much better than what they look like now.

     Bethlehem returns six out of their top seven from last year. Senior Lindsay Cheu and Junior Danika Jensen return as their top two runners as both were in the mid 18 minute range last year. Senior Megan Davitt is their third runner and was in the mid 19's last year. Junior Natalie Muller and Freshman Holly Machabee are their fourth and fifth runners and was in the mid 19's last year. They have a very good team but need their third through fifth runners to close the gap to their second runner if they want to move up in the league.

     Niskayuna returns four out of their top seven from last year. Senior Felicia Sciortino returns as their top runner and was in the low 18's last year. Junior Danielle Skufca and Freshman Marissa DiVietro should be their second and third runners and were both in the low 20 minute range last year. Senior Julia Kwiatowski should be their fourth runner and was in the mid 20's last year. After their top four everyone else was over 21 minutes. They will probably have a couple of runners step into the top five but the almost two minute gap between Sciortino and the rest of their team needs to close considerably.

     Columbia returns six out of seven from last year. Junior Cali Palumbo and Sophomore Jessica Hernandez should be their top two runners. Both runners were in the high 19 minute range last year. Freshman Amanda Jones and Sophomore Katherine Guilbo should be their third and fourth runners and were in the low 20's last year. Senior Eva Keihl should be their fifth runner and was in the mid 20's last year. They have a tight thirty second gap between their first and fifth runners but they need their times to really drop if they want to move up in the league. 

     Ballston Spa returns four out of their top seven from last year. Junior Lydia Freehafer should be their top runner and was in the mid 19's last year. Junior Hope Danison should be their second and was about a minute back in the mid 20's. Sophomore Francesca Parillo and Senior Olivia Matthews should be their third and fourth runners and were both in the mid 21 minute range last year. Too many large gaps in their top five that they need to overcome. If they can close them they may move up a spot or two in the league.

     Averill Park returns four out of their top seven from last year. Sophomore Brittany Mack should be their top runner and was in the mid 21 minute range last year. Junior Allyson Holland should be their second runner and was in the high 22's last year. Senior Sammi Miller should be their third and was right at 23 minutes. Senior Megan Armlin should be their fourth and is in the mid 23's last year. After that the rest of the team were all over 25 minutes. They need to concentrate on improving times before worrying about league standings.

     Mohonasen return six out of their top seven. Sophomore Cara Sherman returns as their top runner and was in the mid 19's last year. Senior Allison Thayer should be their second runner and was about ninety seconds behind Sherman in the high 20's. Freshman Alexis Dean should be their third runner and was in the mid 22's last year and Junior Allysia Hunt should be their fourth runner and was just over 23 minutes. Freshman Maria Andrews should be their fifth runner and was in the mid 24's. Sherman is a solid number one but the rest of the team a little far back and need to improve. 

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., Megan Davitt-Sr., Natalie Mueller-Jr., Holly Machabee-Fr., Julia Champagne-Jr., Mary DeVries-Jr., Kelly Quick-Jr., Margie Kuchinski-Sr., Kassie Kimmey-Sr.

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., Shannen Kerin-So., Bellame Bower-Jr., Jackie Malecki-Jr., Kirsten Kaminski-So., Carolyn Pellegrini-So., Alicia Bousa-Sr., Michelle Dang-8th

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., Rachel Shine-Sr., Dominica Bleichert-Jr., Clarissa Bader-Sr., Emily Haig-Jr., Olivia Sgambellone-Jr., Raquel Rivelo-Jr., Courtney Olenyk-Sr.

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