Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010
Boys soccer
Diffley goal sends Clarkstown South to 2-1 win over Suffern
Vikings score twice in the second half, Tran has goal and assist
WEST NYACK -- Kurt Diffley snapped a tie score with a goal in the second half, giving Clarkstown South a 2-1 win over visiting Suffern yesterday in a Conference IV American League game.
Chuong Tran, who evened the score at 1-1 earlier in the second half, assisted on Diffley's goal. Tran's goal was assisted by Kevin Lowenwirth.
Aldair Gonazlez made 15 saves for Clarkstown South and Suffern's Ryan Miller was equally impressive, stopping 12 shots. Christina Dominguez scored in the first half for Suffern.
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Results -- Monday
WEST NYACK -- Dana Kurtii had a hat trick and Alana Kurtii added two assists as Clarkstown South defeated visiting East Ramapo, 4-0 in a Conference IV American League girls' soccer game Monday.
Jill Murawski made two saves to register her sixth shutout of the season as Clarkstown South won for the 10th time in its last 12 games.
"The girls have been working very hard all season," Clarkstown South coach Tom Rolston said. "We have a very talented team all around. The first couple of games we were figuring ourselves out. I knew we had a very good group of players but were struggling to find wins early on.
"We made some changes in the line up and formation which might have been a wake-up call for the team. Since then, the girls have been fighting hard for time on the field and pushing each other harder in practices. We have been working very hard to keep the ball on the turf and play possession."
Nicole Canada made 11 saves for East Ramapo.
East Ramapo 0 0 -- 0
Clarkstown South 2 2 – 4
Goals — CS: Dana Kurtti 3, Laura Castaldo. Assists - CS: Alana Kurtti 2, Chelsea Christonikos, Kaitlyn Montera. Saves — Ram: Nicole Canada 11; CS : Jill Murawski 2.
Record — Clarkstown South 10-4
Field hockey
UPPER NYACK -- Cristina DeVita scored two goals as Nyack erupted for four in the second half Monday in a 5-1 win over visiting Hastings in a non-league game Monday.
DeVita scored Nyack's first goal of the game and then opened the scoring in the second half at the 7:50 mark, assisted by Hannah Enquist.
Taylor O'Sullivan raised the lead to 3-1, then Katie Cummings had a hand in the final two goals. She assisted on Amanda Cano's score and capped the scoring with 2:12 remaining, finishing off an Adriana DeSimone pass.
WEST NYACK -- Deirdre O'Neill scored two goals, leading Clarkstown South to a 4-2 win over visiting Pearl River Monday.
Friday, Sept. 10. 2010
Checking in with: Tom Hanney
Hanney making transition to weak-side linebacker at Wagner
Nanuet graduate picked apart defenses in high school, now stopping offenses
Tony Pinciaro
TonyP@RocklandSportsNews.com
In a span of one year, Tom Hanney went from leading Nanuet to a sectional football title and a berth in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class B championship game to a player trying to make a name for himself on the Wagner football team.
Hanney, a strong-armed starting quarterback and safety, was responsible for numerous wins as a three-year starter for the Golden Knights. Sure, the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder could have chosen another college and continued as a quarterback. Instead, Hanney wanted to play Division I football and, even though he would have to trade in his signal-calling duties, he stuck to his goal.
The affable Hanney is currently a freshman vying for a weak-side-line backing spot with the Seahawks, who open their 2010 season at Assumption (in Worcester, Ma.,) tomorrow, 1 p.m.
It has been a different experience for Hanney, but one he would not trade in. He relishes the challenge of remaking himself into a linebacker, a position he last played in Pop Warner. However, the transition from picking apart defenses to reading offenses is a daily learning experience.
“I have to keep working hard, all the time, hustle all the time and make sure I’m always first in drills,” Hanney said. “It’s the mental aspect of the game, coming from being a quarterback to playing linebacker is a big adjustment. Every day, I’m picking up new things.
“I was down on myself, at first, but I’ve been working hard in practice every day.”
Hanney’s approach and attitude send him to the head of the class. Too many times, incoming freshmen, who had excellent high school careers, don’t embrace a change in position and won’t work hard.
During preseason, Hanney has been quite attentive during film sessions, even though they commence at 7:30 a.m.
“I watch the older guys’ techniques and pick up on everything they’re doing,” Hanney said. “I feel I’ve learned a lot in the couple of weeks I’ve been here."
Hanney’s attention to detail has not gone unnoticed by his position coach, Matt Duppel.
“Tom has worked very hard for me, so far,” Duppel said. “He is very attentive in meetings and always ask questions when watching film. When we get out on the field he is a complete effort guy. Even when is unsure of something he is still going a hard. I love that!”
Hanney understands that a bad day in practice can have a lasting effect. He has seen it with the veterans.
“Practice is intense every day because guys are fighting for spots,” he said. “If you have a bad day, you can lose that spot.”
What hampers Hanney, as well as his freshmen classmates, is the limited number of reps they receive in practice. When Hanney is involved in a play, he goes all out.
While Hanney is his harshest critic, Duppel is a staunch supporter.
“Tom’s transition has gone well,” Duppel said. “He has good size to play the weak side backer for us and as long as he continues to work on his understanding of the position, I think he will continue to transition well. His strength continues to be his size.
“Overall, Tom is doing good and he is a great kid. He does everything I ask and provides a nice dose of fun to meetings. I look forward to watching him develop into a good weak-side, outside backer.”
Hanney had to make another major adjustment, recently. Classes began which meant he would have to hit the books with the same drive and determination he displays on the football field.
“I expected the academics to be hard, but we have study halls during the week which gives us more time to get our work done,” said Hanney, who is undecided with a major, but mentioned Education as a possible pursuit. “They help you and make sure you stay on top of your academics.”
Hanney plans to keep working hard on the field and in the classroom. His goal to get a spot on the travel team and, obviously, play. Even if it does not happen, Hanney has found a home for the next four years.
"I'm happy here because I like the school and I like the coaches," Hanney said.
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Friday, Sept. 10. 2010
Football
Ramapo, Albertus Magnus open the 2010 season tonight
Gryphons to host Lincoln, Falcons welcome Peekskill
Ramapo and Albertus Magnus will open their respective seasons today as the 2010 high school football season officialy begins.
The Gryphons will host Lincoln, 7 p.m. at Torne Valley in Suffern and Peekskill will visit Albertus Magnus at 4:45 p.m. These are the only games scheduled today because of Rosh Hashanah.
There will be a full schedule of games tomorrow and Sunday. Spring Valley, Nyack, Pearl River, Tappan Zee, Suffern, Clarkstown North and Clarkstown South will play tomorrow. Reigning Section 1 Class B champion Nanuet and North Rockland play their opening games Sunday.
Two games tomorrow highlight the Rockland County schedule as Spring Valley and coach Andrew Delva host Nyack and veteran coach John Castellano, 2 p.m. Tappan Zee will welcome Pearl River under the lights, 7 p.m. in Pirates' coach Jeff Michael's debut. Michael replaced Mark Travaglino, who retired from coaching.
Ralph Cordisco Stadium is the place to be Sunday when New Rochelle plays North Rockland. The two premier Class AA teams in the last 20 years played for the Section 1 title last year with New Rochelle winning.
Nanuet travels to Ardsley for a 1:30 game as coach Rich Conklin hands the offense over to senior Kyle Hanney, who replaces older brother, Tom, a three-year starter at quarterback.
Here is the weekend schedule:
Football
Today
4:45 p.m. -- Peekskill at Albertus Magnus
7 p.m. -- Lincoln vs. Ramapo at Torne Valley in Suffern
Tomorrow
1:30 p.m. -- Clarkstown South at Mount Vernon
1:30 p.m. -- Clarkstown North at Gorton
2 p.m. -- Nyack at Spring Valley
7 p.m. -- Pearl River at Tappan Zee
7 p.m. -- White Plains vs. Suffern at Suffern Middle School
Sunday, Sept. 12
1:30 p.m. -- New Rochelle at North Rockland
1:30 p.m. -- Nanuet at Ardsley
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Wednesday, Sept. 8. 2010
Girls volleyball
Preview and capsules
Suffern, North Rockland on collision course for county and sectional title
One year after Suffern and North Rockland took control of volleyball in Rockland County, the teams appear to be on their way to another clash for county supremacy.
Suffern, the Class AA sectional champs in 2008 and sectional finalists last year, return a solid group, led by Christa Baccas and Elizabeth Flaherty.
North Rockland counters with a senior nucleus of eight, highlilghted by Stephanie Facciola, Destiney Jones and Dominique Bucci.
It would not be surprising to see these teams playing for the Section 1 Class AA title.
Pearl River and Tappan Zee welcome new coaches. In fact, the rookie varsity coaches are very familiar with the programs having been the Junior Varsity coach, at their respective schools, last year.
Julie Crowe is the new leader for Pearl River. She will turn to a trio of seniors for leadership and guidance this season. Francesca Grix, Lisa Marie O'Sullivan and Carley Mareno are prepared to at least equal and surpass the Pirates' 12 wins last season.
Tara Nespoli makes the step up at Tappan Zee. Nespoli will have a few of her former players moving up with her. Even with this influx of talent, Nespoli will look to her four seniors -- Shannon Carey, Dana Mingione, Andrea Wedemeier and Winnie Danz to assert themselves.
Tony Pinciaro
NORTH ROCKLAND RED RAIDERS
Coach: Colette Jurman (third year)
2009 record: 17-5
Top returning players: Stephanie Facciola, Sr., Setter; Destiney Jones, Sr., Libero; Dominique Bucci, Sr., Outside Hitter; Brianna Stolz, Jr., Outside Hitter.
Top new players: Fiore Pierre, Jr., Middle Hitter.
PEARL RIVER PIRATES
Coach: Julie Crowe (first year)
2009 record: 12-3
Top returning players: Francesca Grix, Sr., Hitter; Lisa Marie O'Sullivan, Sr., Setter; Carly Mareno, Sr., Libero.
Top new players: Annette Krysievicz, Soph., Hitter; Victoria Grix, Soph., Hitter/Libero.
Coach’s comments: Being a first-year varsity coach I am very excited and hopeful with this upcoming season. We are carrying 14 girls this year on varsity and have a lot of depth within the team.
SUFFERN MOUNTIES
Coach: Sean Barnes (sixth year)
2009 record: 19-2
Top returning players: Christa Baccas, Sr., Middle Hitter; Elizabeth Flaherty, Jr., Outside Hitter/Setter; Laura Cohen, Sr., Defensive Specialist; Taylor Goldstein, Sr.; Stephanie Post, Sr., Defensive Specialist; Rebecca Rourke, Sr., Setter; Jennifer Tarangelo, Sr., Ashley Williams, Sr., Outside Hitter.
Top new players: Anderson Taylor, Jr., Outside Hitter; Paige Bergstol, Soph., Middle Hitter; MaKenna Clavell, Jr.; Yasmin DaSilva, Jr., Outside Hitter; Joanna Lemons, Jr., Defensive Specialist.
Coach’s comments: We want to win our league and be in the section finals. We have a stretch of three consecutive matches when we play Ardsley, Arlington and Hen Hud, so we will be challenged early.
TAPPAN ZEE DUTCHIES
Coach: Tara Nespoli (first year)
2009 record: 4-12
Top returning players: Shannon Carey, Sr., Outside Hitter; Dana Mingione, Sr., Setter; Andrea Wedemeier, Sr., Outside Hitter; Winnie Danz, Sr., Defensive Specialist; Angela Ricci, Jr., Outside Hitter.
Top new players: Kaitlyn Tracey, Jr., Outside Hitter; Rachel Stanford, Jr., Setter; Cassi Coyle, Jr., Setter; Brianna Davis, Jr., Outside Hitter; Devona Paul, Jr., Middle Hitter; Valerie DiMuro, Jr., Middle Hitter; Maggie O’Rourke, Jr., Defensive Specialist; Sandra Chun, Jr., Defensive Specialist; Emily Dries, Jr., Libero.
Coach’s comments: This year the Tappan Zee Volleyball team has a great group of girls who work hard and well together. We have some height at the net and some strong hitters. We also have consistent setters and a strong back row. We look forward to a positive, successful season.
Wednesday, Sept. 8. 2010
Boys volleyball
Preview and capsules
Suffern looking to repeat as sectional champions
When it comes to Section 1 boys' volleyball, the discussion begins and ends with Suffern.
The Mounties won the sectional title last year and are the favorites to repear as they return a talented, veteran squad, highlighted by their ferocious hitter, Oliver Svoboda.
Svoboda and many of his teammates honed their skills this summer, playing for their coach, Kim Cleary, in the Empire State Games as Hudson Valley brought back scholastic mens' volleyball.
Seniors John Brennan and Jon Poli return alongside of Svoboda. The trio will be joined by newcomers Rich Ibsen and Luke Watson, a tandem of junior middle hitters.
Clarkstown North was hard-hit by graduation, as nine players received their diplomas last June, but coach Kerry Sullivan has a deep, versatile nucleus returning. This group is led by senior tricaptains Scotty Silverman, Andrew arietta and Paul Tomeo.
Last year, Sullivan guided the team to 10 wins in her first season. Sullivan followed that up by taking the girls' basketball team to a league title (with an undefeated league record) and a berth in the Rockland County girls' championship game.
Seniors Eddie Oswald and Harry Adler return for Clarkstown South, after the Vikings went 5-5 last year for coach Shelley Harrigan.
Oswald played on the Hudson Valley scholastic mens' volleyball team at the Empire State Games last July.
Tony Pinciaro
CLARKSTOWN NORTH RAMS
Coach: Kerry Sullivan (second year)2009 record: 10-3Top returning players: Scotty Silverman, Sr., Outside Hitter; Andrew Arietta, Sr., Outside Hitter; Paul Tomeo, Sr., Middle Hitter; Adam Flores, Sr., Inside Hitter/Setter; Chris Lew, Jr., Middle Hitter; Adam Dabrowski, Jr., Outside Hitter; Jeremy Chaitin, Junior, Setter; A.J. Hernandez, Sr., Outside Hitter.Top new players: Alex Alosh, Fr., Setter; Adam Babat, Sr., Outside Hitter; Kenny Benestad, Sr., Middle Hitter; Adam Leon, Sr., Setter; Chris Rossi, Sr., Outside Hitter; Joe Solicito, Sr., Libero; C.J. Talamini, Jr., Middle Hitter; Andrew Tilsty, Jr., Middle Hitter; Jason Weinberg, Jr., Libero; Sam Weinberg, Sr., Setter.Coach’s comments: We lost nine seniors to graduation, including most of our starting lineup. Scotty Silverman and Andrew Arietta return with the most experience, this being their third year on varsity. The two of them, as well as Paul Tomeo are captains this year. I've done quite a bit of moving around in terms of the players’ positions, so in addition to getting used to more playing time, they'll have to make adjustments in their new positions and learn to play as a team. We'll look to focus on our defense this year. We have a deep team with versatile players at each position.
CLARKSTOWN SOUTH VIKINGS
Coach: Shelley Harrigan (second year)2009 record: 5-5Top returning players: Eddie Oswald, Sr., Right Side; Eric Cayne, Jr., Outside Hitter; Harry Adler, Sr., Outside Hitter/Middle Blocker. Top new players: Brian Lazaro, Jr., Outside Hitter; Shawn Varghese, Jr., Middle Blocker; Chris Ferrara, Sr., Setter; Jenrik Yabut, Sr., Outside Hitter. Coach’s comments: I'm excited. It's only been four days into preseason and I already see a higher level of play than I saw last year. Some athletes played on the club team with me after last fall and their skills have improved tremendously.
SUFFERN MOUNTIES
Coach: Kim Cleary (third year)2009 record: 8-2 Top returning players: Oliver Svoboda, Sr., Outside Hitter; John Brennan, Sr., Outside Hitter; Jon Poli, Sr., Libero.Top new players: Rich Ibsen, Jr., Middle Hitter; Luke Watson, Jr., Middle Hitter.
Coach’s comments: Although we are coming off of a section championship and a great Empire State Games experience this summer, the team is playing with a heavy heart following the loss of Chris Konkowski, but we are excited to honor him and get back to playing.
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Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010
Field hockey Preview and capsules
Suffern at the moutain top of Rockland County field hockey
Mounties reigning league champs and sectional semifinalists
Tony Pinciaro
TonyP@RocklandSportsNews.com
The past two seasons, Suffern has established itself as a top-flight sectional contender and Rockland County's finest field hockey team.
In 2008, Suffern became the first Rockland County team to play for a sectional title when it face Mamaroneck in the Section 1 Class A final. Last year, Suffern went unbeaten during the regular season and was on its way to play Mamaroneck again, but John Jay-East Fishkill upset tbe Mounties in a semifinal.
Suffern is aiming to duplicate its 2008 season and reach the Class A championship game, but this time with different results.
The Mounties will have to do this, though, without three impact players from last year -- Danielle Conklin (midfield), Micaela DeSimone (defense) and Toni Pjetri (goalie).
Allie Califano will help ease the loss of these three players to graduation. Califano was Rockland County's leading scorer last year. This came one year after she joined varsity as a sophomore and played on the forward line with her sister, Jenny Califano, and Cara Eichenberger. Califano was an alternate on the 2010 Hudson Valley scholastic women's field hockey team and recenlty learned she will be going with the team to the field hockey festival in November.
Califano will be joined on the forward line by classmate Lindsey Cohen and junior Lely DeSimone to form a dangerous trio.
Lindsey Walker will be the orchestrator in the midfield and the defense will be led by Sam Sabo and Danielle Gershon.
Megan Onderdonk headlines a North Rockland team that went 7-4-5 last year. Onderdonk was the Red Raiders' leading scorer and second in Rockland County. Senior Jill Walsh and junior Lauren Moore are back and will be alongside Onderdonk on the forward line. Melissa Carey will lead the midfield unit. Keep an eye on junior Tara Monaghan, who had an excellent offensive spring season for the girls' lacrosse team. Senior Stephanie Nelson is the new goalie, replacing graduated two-year starter Anna Berman.
Clarkstown South has one of the county's finest players in senior Deirdre O'Neill. The center midfielder has been starting since her freshman year and is a fine two-way player. Senior Emily Sansone lines up with O'Neill in the midfield, giving veteran coach Jordan Turner an excellent tandem. Defensively, Clarkstown South is solid with veterans Jessica Masciovecchio and Sarah Sansone in front of returning goalie Laura Blumenfeld. Senior Victoria Benedetto will provide the scoring punch up front.
Nanuet's record last year (4-8-4) was deceiving because the Golden Knights were in every game. Nanuet did qualify for sectionals, the first time since 2000. Coach Karen Leitner did watch three of her finest receive their diplomas last June -- leading scorer Christine Stocks, midfielder Christine Favia and staunch defender Nicole Coglan. Even though these girls graduated, Nanuet returns a solid senior class, led by goalie Katie Bonner. Nanuet knows it will have an opportunity to win every game because of Bonner's presence. Nanuet is strong up the middle with lightning-quick Kerry Young (forward), Kerry Dolan (midfield) and Katie Lynn (sweeper). Juniors Nikki Vormittag and Alyssa Finger will flank Dolan.
Pearl River welcomes a new coach this season as Shane Carlacci moves up from Junior Varsity, replacing Laurie Mayernik, who retired from the sport. If the name sounds familiar, Carlacci is the wife of Pearl River varsity softball coach, Mike Carlacci. Senior Mary Anne Keane and junior Shannon McKiernan are back, giving their new coach a veteran presence in the midfield. Junior Erin Garvey will be the offense's leader on the forward line and junior Gabby Moreno returns and will be instrumental in taking charge of the defense and helping classmate Adrienne Ammirati in goal.
CLARKSTOWN SOUTH VIKINGS
Coach: Jordan Turner (16th year)
2009 record: 5-5-6
Top returning players: Deirdre O'Neill, Sr., Center Midfield; Jessica Masciovecchio, Sr., Defense; Victoria Benedetto, Sr., Forward; Laura Blumenfeld, Sr., Goalie, Emily Sansone, Sr., Midfield; Sarah Sansone Jr., Defense.
Top new players: Christie Kroll, Soph, Forward; Liza Kelly, Jr., Forward.
Coach’s comments: We are optimistic that this will be a strong season. During preseason, the enthusiasm has been high and the veteran players have been working hard to impart their knowledge and experience to the younger players.
NANUET GOLDEN KNIGHTS
Coach: Karen Leitner (fifth year)
2009 record: 4-8-4
Top returning players: Katie Bonner, Sr., Goalie; Kerry Dolan, Sr., Midfield; Katie Lynn, Sr., Sweeper; Kerry Young, Sr., Forward;
Alyssa Finger, Jr., Midfield; Nikki Vormittag, Jr., Midfield.
Top new players: Lea Manitaras, Sr., Forward; Katie Fitzgerald, Jr., Forward; Antoinette Saponaro, Jr., Midfield; Sydney Arena, Jr., Defense; Hannah Mitchell, Jr., Midfield.
Coach’s comments: We have key losses in Christine Stocks, our scorer, Nicole Coghlan on defense and Christine Favia, our heavy hitter in the midfield. We have a returning all-league goalie Katie. Our involvement in off-season winter and summer leagues, as well as camp in August, has proven extremely beneficial as this group has showed vast improvement of skill and game sense. Playing all year has allowed this group to develop a good chemistry on the field. I think they will improve quickly with each game.
NORTH ROCKLAND RED RAIDERS
Coach: Jenn Cohen (eighth year)
2009 record: 7-4-5
Top returning players: Meghan Onderdonk, Sr., Forward; Melissa Carey, Sr., Midfield; Jill Walsh, Sr., Forward; Lauren Moore, Jr., Forward.
Top new players: Tara Monaghan, Jr., Forward; Kaite Lonergan, Jr., Midfield; Stephanie Nelson, Sr., Goalie.
PEARL RIVER PIRATES
Coach: Shane Carlacci (first year)
2009 record: 2-10-5
Top returning players: MaryAnne Keane, Sr., Midfield; Erin Garvey, Jr., Forward; Shannon McKiernan, Jr., Midfield; Gabby Moreno, Jr., Defense.
Top new players: Adrienne Ammirati, Jr., Goalie.
Coach’s comments: The team is small, but determined. They had a taste of success late last season and are looking to build upon that this year. The girls worked hard all summer, participated in the Sound Shore Summer League, working out together at least twice a week, and attending camps. We are a hard working team and our goal is to make sections this year.
SUFFERN MOUNTIES
Coach: Bernadette Gannon (17th year)
2009 record: 15-1-2
Top returning players: Allie Califano, Sr., Forward; Lindsey Cohen, Sr., Forward; Sam Sabo, Sr., Defense; Daniele Gershon, Sr., Defense;
Lindsey Walker, Sr., Midfield; Lely DeSimone, Jr., Forward
Top new players: Sarah Adler, Soph., Forward; Kara Booth, Jr., Forward; Christine Jurgensen, Jr., Forward.
Coach’s comments: We are looking forward to playing this season. We hope to continue with our upward spiral and to continue playing at the top of Section One field hockey. We've been training long and hard for this season, and hope that we achieve everything that we have been working towards.
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Friday, Sept. 2, 2010
Girl's Cross Country Preview and capsules
Pearl River, Tappan Zee to face off for county supremacy
Pearl River and Tappan Zee both had fine seasons last year and will be the top two teams this season.
The Pirates and 33-year coach Dan Doherty were undefeated last year (8-0) in dual meets. They would go on to win their league and finish second in the Rockland County championships. However, Pearl River raised it a level in the postseason, winning the Section 1 Class B title and finishing fourth in the New York State Public High School championships.
Pearl River returns four seniors and four juniors, including Erica and Katie Guerin.
Tappan Zee, like Pearl River, increased the intensity level for the postseason and ran away with the Section 1 Class A championship. The Dutchies would finish third in the state championships and 12th in the federation meet.
Seniors Megan Curran and Kellyanne Bondulich lead the Dutchies into the season.
Clarkstown North is aiming to rebound from a tough 2009 season. Coach Heidi Bernasconi has two veterans to build around in senior Alexandra Yachsyn and junior Shannon Kay. Bernasconi is also encouraged by promising junior, Caityln Ryan.
Tony Pinciaro
CLARKSTOWN NORTH RAMS
Coach: Heidi Bernasconi (sixth year)
Top returnees: Alexandra Yachsyn, Senior; Shannon Kay, Junior.
Top newcomers: Caitlyn Ryan, Junior.
Coach’s comments: Right now, we are small in numbers, but we hope to develop into a strong team.
PEARL RIVER PIRATES
Coach: Dan Doherty (33rd year)
2009 record: 8-0
Top returnees: Erica Guerin, Senior; Kerry Guerin, Senior; Katelyn Garvey, Senior; Chelsea Kushner, Senior; Maria Kohlbrenner, Junior;
Molly Shine, Junior; Caitlin Lardaro, Junior; Kelli VanHouten, Junior.
Top newcomers: Erin Byrnes, Junior; Caitlin Kenny, Junior; Ceili McMorrow, Junior.
Coach’s comments: We hope to work and progress throughout the season. We want to try to defend our league and sectional championships and try to improve on our county and state-meet performances.
TAPPAN ZEE DUTCHIES
Coach: Pat Driscoll (third year)
2009 record: 6-3
Top returnees: Kellyanne Bondulich, Senior; Megan Curran, Senior; Meagan Jaskot, Junior; Taylor Jo Gillen, Junior.
Top newcomers: Caile Kohlbrenner, Senior; Madison Goldrick, Freshman.
Friday, Sept. 2, 2010
Boys' Cross Country
Preview and capsules
North Rockland aiming for repeat of 2009 championship season
It was a clean sweep last year for the North Rockland boys’ cross country team.
The Red Raiders won the league, Rockland County, Section 1 Class AA and New York State Federation titles under the guidance of coach Barry Baloga. North Rockland also went undefeated (9-0) in dual meets. North Rockland will be the team to beat again this season as the Red Raiders return a talented team, led by seniors James Naglieri and Nick Bine-Aime.
Ray Kondracki is in his 26th year at Clarkstown South and the Vikings will be led senior Dan Pragdat, who also excels on the wrestling mat, and junior Bobby Arbuco, who was a third-team all-county selection last year.
Tappan Zee had a fine 2009 season under Pat Driscoll. The Dutchmen finished second in their league and were fourth in the county meet. Tappan Zee is an underclassmen-oriented group with Nick Aleles as the main senior.
Clarkstown North boasts a large team, led by the senior tandem of Sean Ryan and Tom Sullivan.
Tony Pinciaro
CLARKSTOWN NORTH RAMS
Coach: Chris Conti (11th year)
Top returnees: Sean Ryan, Senior; Tom Sullivan, Senior. Coach’s comments: Our top two runners are Sean Ryan and Tom Sullivan. Our goals is the same it is every year, to win the county meet. Our team has a lot of depth and our No. 6 through No. 10 runner are very close to one another.
CLARKSTOWN SOUTH VIKINGS
Coach: Ray Kondracki (26th year)
2009 record: 8-3
Top returnees: Dan Pragdat, Senior; Bobby Arbuco, Junior; Pat Flood, Junior; John Santana, Senior; Mike Guglielmo, Sophmore; Ryan Cranston, Junior; Mike Toscano, Senior.
Top newcomers: Zach Grau, Freshman; Jiang Huyang, Sophomore; Nicholas Morelli, Freshman. Coach’s comments: We will be lead by Bobby Arbuco, who became our number one man toward the tail end of last season and was third-team all-county. Mike Guglielmo, Dan Pragdat, John Santana, and Pat Flood will round out our top five. We are hoping to give Suffern, North Rockland, and Pearl River a run for their money.
NORTH ROCKLAND RED RAIDERS
Coach: Barry Baloga (eighth year)
2009 record: 9-0
Top returnees: James Naglieri, Senior; Nick Bien-Aime, Senior; Brett Bernard, Junior; Alex Andre, Senior; Tim Mendez, Senior; Dylan Landry, Senior.
Top newcomers: Tom Landes, Sophomore; Liam Purdy, Freshman; Asaad Jeffrey, Freshman.
Coach’s comments: We're an experienced team that is has many seniors fighting for spots in our top seven and we have a large incoming freshman group with talent.
TAPPAN ZEE DUTCHMEN
Coach: Pat Driscoll (fourth year)
2009 record: 5-4
Top returnees: Conor Kohlbrenner, Junior; Chris O'Brien, Junior; Joe Dinan, Sophomore; Nathan Kotch, Junior; Nick Aleles, Senior.
Top newcomers: Bryan Wenke, Junior; Flannan Hehir, Freshman; Dylan Kelly, Freshman.