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Western Athletic Conference Boys

     Mekeel Christian are the two time league champions and with their top three intact should have enough to win their third straight. Mayfield has a solid team but probably not enough to get Mekeel but second looks good. Berne-Knox-Westerlo lost a ton to graduation but should still have enough to to get third in a rebuilding year. Duanesburg, Spa Catholic, and Fort Plain/Canajoharie all have a bunch of new faces in their lineup this year. It will be the team that improves the best that should get fourth. The rest of the league is looking to get enough runners to fill their lineups.

     Individually, Jake Urys returns with the best time and is the favorite, though, Mayfield's Tom McClellan will give him a big challenge after a very good Spring season.

    Mekeel Christian Academy return five out of their top seven from last year's league championship team. The main portion of their team is back as Senior Jake Urys returns as their number one and was in the mid 16's last year. The Murphy brothers, Chris and Ryun are their second and third runners and were in the mid 17 minute range last year. After their top three there is a big gap as their fourth runner, Senior Andrew Moore was just under 19 minutes last year, and their fifth runner, Sophomore Josh Doriski was in the mid 19's. No other team in the league has three runners under 18 minutes which makes them very strong up top, but that 90 second gap has to close to make sure they get their third straight league title.

     Mayfield returns their top six from last year. Senior Tom McClellan is their top runner again this year and was in the mid 16's last year. After a great Spring I expect an even better season from him this year. Junior Jake Smith is their second runner and was in the high 17's last year. Junior Mitch Akowicz and Sophomore Josh Gallup are their third and fourth runners and are about a minute behind Smith. Their fifth runner is Senior Josh Murphy and was in the mid 20's last year, about a minute behind Gallup. Mayfield has two one minute gaps in their top five that they need to close. They are probably the only team that can give Mekeel a shot but definitely need to get the 1-5 man spread lower.

     Berne-Knox-Westerlo were hit the hardest to graduation as they lose their top three from last year and four out of their top five. Senior Adam Forti takes over the mantle as their number one runner this year and was just over 17 minutes last year. Junior Dominic Woodmansee is their second runner and was in the mid 17's last season. Running third, about 80 seconds behind Woodmansee, is Sophomore Lukas Becker, who was just over 19 minutes last year. After their top three, the rest of their returning runners were over 21 minutes. With that kind of gap they are going to have a tough time moving up into the top two teams in the league. Yet, they are probably safe in the third position based on their strong top two runners.

     Duanesburg returns four out of their five runners from last year but also add a few new runners to the team. Junior Steve Gregory returns as their number one runner. Freshman Xavier McKinley moves up from modified to take over the second spot and Sophomore Pat Murphy will be their third runner and not that far behind McKinley. Sophomore Dennis VanVlack and his brother, 8th grader Brendan, are their fourth and fifth runners. Most of their team hasn't proven themselves yet and there are a lot of question marks. They have a bunch of athletes from other sports which gives them all a good athletic base but how that transfers to running is what will determine their success this season.

      Fort Plain/Canajoharie will be in serious rebuilding mode as they lost four out of their top five runners from last year to graduation, but they do bring in a bunch of new runners to help out. Juniors Reuben MacFarland and Travis Herringshaw are new to the team this year and jump right in as their top two runners. Sophomore Lucas Steenburgh is their third runner and was right at 21 minutes last year. Junior Zephran Vosburgh comes in as their fourth runner and was in the high 22 minute range last year. Junior Jordan Aherns is their fifth runner and was in the mid 19's last year. They are going to have to rely on a lot of new runners so their success will depend on how they develop through the year.

     Saratoga Catholic returns everyone back and also pick up a couple of transfers this season that should make them a little stronger. Junior Harry Reid is their number one runner this year and was in the low 19 minute range last year running for LaSalle. Sophomore Park Johnson is their second runner and was in the mid 20's last year.  Sophomore Jake Van Patten and Senior Cameron Coons are their third and fourth runners and are new to the team this year. Fifth runner is Sophomore Josh Pikus who was in the low 22 minute range last year. The addition of Reid is a big plus but they are still a very young and inexperienced team. They May be a year away from a serious move up in the league.

      Schoharie only brings back four runners from last year. Not sure if they'll be complete this year but I will have them the benefit of the doubt. Senior John Hensler should be their number one runner and was in the high 18 minute range last year. Rest of the team was over 22 minutes last year so even if they do have a full team, they will still have a tough time moving up in the league.

     Galway only has three runners on the their team so far. Senior Nick Valente is their top returning runner and was in the mid 19's last year. Sophomore Jeff Kline is their second runner and was in the mid 21 minute range last year. Jonathon Muller completes their three runners and was just over 23 minutes last year. Hopefully they can fill their team up when school starts up but the times will have to improve significantly if they want to move up.

     Middleburgh didn't have a team last year as their community had more on their mind thanks to Hurricane Irene. Not sure what their status is this season. Hopefully they can start it back up. 

Last Year's Team Champion: Mekeel Christian

Last Year's Individual Champion: Sean Reynolds (Berne-Knox-Westerlo)

Berne-Knox-Westerlo Bulldogs

Last year's Sectional place: 1st place - Class D, 3rd place New York State

Top Returnees: Adam Forti-Sr., Dominic Woodmansee-Jr., Lukas Becker-So., Alex Chauvot-Jr., Matt Steadman-So., Nick Bernard-So., James Lounsbury-So., Joey Staubach-So.

Key Losses: Derek Struck, Sean Reynolds, Connor Devine, Logan Flavell, Elijah Murphy

Duanesburg Eagles

Last year's Sectional place: incomplete - Class D

Top Returnees: Steven Gregory-Jr., Xavier McKinley-Fr., Pat Murphy-So., Devin VanVlack-So., Brendan VanVlack-8th, Bryce Schultz-So., Alex Forini-Fr., Tim Rokos-Fr.,

Key Losses: Andy Archameault, Zach Bouck, Colin Barnes, Colin Kenyon

Fort Plain/Canajoharie

Last year's Sectional place: 15th place - Class C

Top Returnees: Ruben MacFarlane-Jr., Travis Herringshaw-Fr., Lucas Steenburg-So., Zephran Vosburgh-Jr., Jordan Ahrens-Jr., Evan Searles-So., Austin VanAvery, Josh Cechnicki-Jr., Andy Hanifin-Fr.

Key Losses: Luke DeBoer, Chris Ward, John Adams, Sam Hoffman, Avery Johnson, Zach Strobel, Isiah Empie (went to golf)

Galway Golden Eagles

Last year's Sectional place: incomplete - Class C

Top Returnees: Nick Valente-Sr., Jeff Kline-So., Jonathan Muller-Jr.

Key Losses: Ron Lewis, Dan Turner

Mayfield Panthers  

Last year's Sectional place: 3rd place - Class D

Top Returnees: Tom McClellan-Sr., Jake Smith-Jr., Josh Gallup-So., Mitch Akowicz-Jr., Ryan Bumpus-Sr.., Josh Murphy-Sr., Joe Ringer-Sr.

Key Losses: Dave Krutz, Lance Frasier, Matt Montgomery

Mekeel Christian Academy Lions 

Last year's Sectional place: 4th place - Class D

Top Returnees: Jake Urys-Sr., Chris Murphy-Sr., Ryun Murphy-Jr., Andrew Moore-Sr.,Josh Doriski-So., Charles Sickler-So., Krister Samuelson-Sr., Luke Moore-So., Joseph Samuelson-Fr., Curtis Galarneau-Fr.

Key Losses: John Reamner (moved), Benjamin Wager (soccer)

Saratoga Catholic

Last year's Sectional place: 11th place - Class D

Top Returnees: Harry Reid-Jr., Parker Johnson-So., Jake VanPatten-So., Cameron Coons-Sr., Josh Pitkus-So., Mark McCoy-So.

Key Losses: Zach Grant, Connor O'Donnell

Schoharie Indians  

Last year's Sectional place: 9th place - Class D

Top Returnees: Jon Henzler-Sr., Adam Hyde-So., Alex Casey-Jr., Matt Sidney

Key Losses: Tyler Schultz, Doug Monsees, Ryan Harrington, Schuyler Vanderwerken

 Western Athletic Conference Girls

    looks to be a two team fight as Berne-Knox-Westerlo and Duanesburg seem to have the runners to challenge for the title. Right now Berne-Knox-Westerlo look to have the edge. Fort Plain/Canajoharie and Saratoga Catholic are they only other teams that are complete right now and will be battling for third. The rest of the teams are looking to fill their teams.

     Individually, Berne-Knox-Westerlo's Courtney Tedeschi is the returning champion and is a huge favorite to repeat. The next fastest returning runner is her sister, Allie.

     Berne-Knox-Westerlo returns five out of their top seven and add a few new runners to their team. Senior Courtney Tedeschi is the defending league champion and was in the high 18's last year. Sophomore Allie Tedeschi is their second runner and was in the mid 20's last year. Sophomore Shannon Quay is their third runner and was about a minute behind in the mid 21 minute range. Junior Sabrina Squires and Freshman Alexis Hergel are new runners and are their fourth and fifth runners. Team should have enough to take the league but it will mostly depend on their new runners in their fourth and fifth positions on how good they will be.

     Duanesburg returns their top five and six out of their top seven. Senior Ciara Fisher should be their top runner and was in the mid 20's last year. Their next three runners, Seniors Abby Schaible, Maddy Kenyon, and Junior Emily Barnes were all in the mid 22 minute range and gives them solid depth. Sophomore Connelly Holmes should be their fifth runner and was about a minute back in the mid 23's last year. They have a good shot at taking the league title but they will want to see a closer gap between their fourth and fifth runners to really make a push.

     Fort Plain/Canajoharie returns four runners from last year and only have five on the team right now. Senior Quinn Li O'Shea is the number one runner and was in the high 23 minute range last year. Senior Cate Corrigan was just over 26 minutes and is their number two runner. Junior Abby Boyer is their third runner and was in the high 23 minute range last year. Sophomore Alexis Kane comes in with their best returning time but is listed as their fourth runner. They'll have a tough time catching the top two teams but should have enough to hold on to third place in the league.

     Saratoga Catholic only returns two runners from last year but bring in a bunch of new runners to give them a full team. Junior Ella Gurney is their number one runner and was in the mid 22 minute range last year. The rest of their top five, Freshmen Cathleen Kelly and Amelia Bielefeld, Sophomore Jocelyn Maher, and Senior Rose Martin are all new to the team this year and are unproven, so the team is pretty much a question mark. How these runner develop during the season will determine how they do in the league.

     Galway only returns three runners from last year and currently only have four runners on the team. Sophomore Lindsey Carlson is their top runner and was in mid 23 minute range last year. Junior Christine Staufenburgh has their top returning time, in the mid 21's last year, but is listed as their second runner. Freshman Laura Gardener is new to varsity this year and their third runner. Junior Michelle Gribben is their fourth runner and was in the mid 24 minute range last year. Galway was the league champions last year but this year they'll have quite the climb to get back to the top. Hopefully they can pick some some new bodies so they can be complete.

     Mayfield only has four runners right but hope to fill up by the time the league starts up. Junior Sarah Montgomery and Senior Lidija Nikollaj are a solid top two as both were in the mid 20 minute range last year.  Sophomore Kelsey Wassen will be their third runner and may not be that far back from the top two. Senior Allie Miller is their fourth runner and was in the mid 22 minute range last year. If they could just get a fifth runner they could really be a tough team to beat with the top three that they have. They only had two runners at Fonda so it doesn't seem like they are there yet.

     Schoharie was incomplete last year and return three. Sophomore Liz DeGroff should be their number one runner and was in the high 23 minute range last year. Freshman Megan Frisbee should be their second runner and was in the mid 24's last year. Their third runner returning from last year, Sophomore Monika Herrick, was into the 30 minute range. They'll have to concentrate on getting complete before worrying about how they'll do in the league.

     Middleburgh, like their boys, didn't have a team last year because of Hurricane Irene. Hopefully they can start up again this year.

Last Year's Team Champion: Galway

Last Year's Individual Champion: Courtney Tedeschi (Berne-Knox-Westerlo) 

Berne-Knox-Westerlo Bulldogs  

Last year's Sectional place: 1st place - Class D

Top Returnees: Courtney Tedeschi-Sr., Allie Tedeschi-So., Shannon Quay-So., Jess Rue-So., Samantha Flavell-So., Angela Cunningham-Sr., Anita Rice-So.

Key Losses: Abby Swint, Kristen Bassler

Duanesburg Eagles 

Last year's Sectional place: 4th Place - Class D

Top Returnees: Ciara Fisher-Sr., Abby Schiabe-Sr., Emily Barnes-Jr., Connelly Holmes-So., Maddy Kenyon-Sr.

Key Losses: Caitlin Gurney

Fort Plain/Canajoharie

Last year's Sectional place: 13th place - Class C

Top Returnees: Alexis Kane-So., Abby Boyer-Jr., Quinn Li O'Shea-Sr., Catie Corrigan-Sr., Alexis Kane-So., Taylor Andrews-Jr.

Key Losses: Brittany Clay, Steph Terwillinger, Samantha Auriemma, Val Hoffman

Galway Golden Eagles 

Last year's Sectional place: 12th place - Class C

Top Returnees: Lindsay Carlson-So., Christine Staufenberg-Jr.,Laura Gardener-Fr., Michelle Gribben-Jr.

Key Losses: Jessica Dorrough, Shannon Cerny

Mayfield  

Last year's Sectional place: 3rd place - Class D

Top Returnees: -Sarah Montgomery-Sr., Lidijia Nikallaj-Sr., Kelsey  Wassen-So., Allie Miller-Sr.

Key Losses: Margo Derby, Jessica Glode

Mekeel Christian Academy  

Last year's Sectional place: incomplete - Class D

Top Returnees: none

Key Losses: none

Saratoga Catholic

Last year's Sectional place: incomplete - Class D

Top Returnees: Ella Gurney-Jr., Jocelyn Maher-So., Amelia Bielefeld-Fr., Cathleen Kelly-Fr., Rose Martin-Sr., Kate Szewczyk-Sr.,  Jolynn DeBois-So.

Key Losses: Misaki Uda

Schoharie Indians   

Last year's Sectional place: incomplete - Class D

Top Returnees: Liz DeGroff-So., Megan Frisbee-Fr., Moniksa Herrick-So.

Key Losses: none