NY 1s: F-M boys and F-M girls

The New York Boys

By Paul Schmitz

Two years ago New York teams pulled off one of the most dominant performance by a state at NXN history when it went No. 1 - Fayetteville-Manlius, No. 4 - Liverpool and No. 8 - St. Anthony's.  (This feat was rivaled last year by California's 1-3 Great Oak/Dana Hills finish).  The Empire State took a step back last year with Liverpool’s No. 10 and Fayetteville-Manlius's 21st-place finishes.  It could be another rebuilding year for the New York region.

F-M is our pick for the top team in the state/region in 2016 and the Hornets should make their 10th straight appearance at NXN.

Defending regional champion Liverpool also has two top 10 returning regional runners in Ty Brownlow (fifth) and Stephen Schultz (sixth).  Depth is a concern, but it could be solved over time.

1. Fayetteville-Manlius.   Led by two top-10 NXN New York returners, Patrick Perry (No. 2) and Joe Walters (No. 10), the Hornets have the team depth to fill out the back of their lineup and are the team to beat.  Probably the only New York team capable of making the national top 20 right now.  

2. Corning.  The Hawks return five of their top seven from the 10th place team at regionals in 2015. They have a potential low stick in senior Kevin Moshier but they will need to close the gaps to have a chance at a regional title.

3. Ithaca.  Led by New York Federation fifth place returner, Jake Avery.  We have Ithaca very close to Corning at this point but the gap between one and two is significant. 

4. Shenendehowa.  Shenendehowa makes this list based upon its youth and impressive track stats.  If those can translate to fall, this team will be very competitive.   

5. Saratoga Springs.  For the first time in a few years Saratoga will not be able to rely on the low number Aidan Tooker, who has graduated and moved to Syracuse.  Even without him, we have the Blue Steaks in a virtual tie for 4th place in the region with a realistic chance for postseason success. 

Teams to watch: 

Pittsford-Mendon

Burnt Hills

Liverpool

Warwick Valley

Mount Academy 

The New York Girls

By Adam Kopet

New York has won every girls NXN title since the meet began as Nike Team Nationals in 2004, with the exception of 2013. At the top end of the state, there is no comparison nationally. Fayetteville-Manlius, Saratoga Springs and North Rockland finished first, fourth and 10th, respectively, in Portland last year. All three return well for another trip to NXN.

Outside the top three, it gets a little murky. The difference between the third and fourth ranked teams is massive. At this point, it appears that no other team will be in position to earn a berth to Portland. Expect the fourth and fifth spots to change throughout the season as teams begin to show their cards.

1. Fayetteville-Manlius: It's hard to bet against the defending champions, especially when their worst finish at NXN, a meet they have made ever year since 2006, is second. The Hornets return only four runners from last year's nationals squad, but they are still formidable, led by freshman Claire Walters, who finished 24th in Portland.

2. Saratoga Springs: The Blue Streaks return the entirety of their fourth place NXN team from last year. They are led by sophomore Kelsey Chmiel. She placed fourth in Portland and ran 4:23 for the 1,500 this spring. If F-M falters at all this fall, Saratoga will be well placed to challenge for the win.

3. North Rockland: The Raiders were 10th at NXN last year after finishing third at the New York Regional and getting an at-large bid to Portland. They return their scoring five from last year's nationals squad, led by freshman Katelyn Tuohy. She had a stellar track campaign that included a 4:24 1,500 and a 10:33 3,200.

4. Shoreham-Wading River: The Wildcats were only ninth at the New York Federations meet, but they return all but one from their varsity squad. It is unlikely they will be able to challenge for a NXN berth, this is a team on the rise, led by junior Katherine Lee.

5. Webster Thomas: The Titans were seventh at the New York Regional last year. They return five of their varsity seven, led by senior Amanda Vestri who finished 15th in the 5,000 at New Balance Nationals Indoor.

Watch list:

Pearl River

Corning

Guilderland

Monroe-Woodbury

Colonie