Saratoga Springs looks to join ranks of all-time greats with third overall title, second in a row; 11-time national champion Fayetteville-Manlius faces potential challengers for second automatic regional berth

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Girls NXR New York Preview

When coach Bill Aris, who has guided Fayetteville-Manlius to more girls cross country team titles than any other program in history with 11 crowns in the 16-year combined history of Nike Team Nationals and Nike Cross Nationals, says this year’s Saratoga Springs group is reminiscent of some of the Hornets’ strongest championship lineups, the praise doesn’t get much higher.

Returning every member of the 2019 team that prevailed by an 82-point margin over 2018 national winner Summit High of Oregon is only part of what makes this Saratoga Springs lineup so formidable for veteran coach Linda Kranick, with Aris establishing the Blue Streaks – competing as Kinetic – as a runaway favorite to capture a third championship in program history, along with the inaugural NTN crown in 2004.

In the absence of NXN last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saratoga Springs showcased its collective improvement on the track, with Ella Kurto, Emily Bush, Alycia Hart and Mackenzie Hart joining forces to set a national record July 2 in the 4xMile Relay at The Outdoor Nationals, presented by Nike, at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Another national title would also help Saratoga Springs join Fayetteville-Manlius as the only girls programs to win multiple championships in a row. Hilton High of New York preceded the seven-year reign of Fayetteville-Manlius from 2006-12, which was halted by Wayzata High of Minnesota, before the Hornets won four more from 2014-17.

Fayetteville-Manlius, which has never finished lower than seventh in its 14 national appearances, is still capable of matching Saratoga Springs with a record 15th trip to Oregon.

But Shenendehowa is seeking its first NXN berth since 2016, with Shaker and Corning-Painted Post both pursuing their first opportunities to compete in Portland, in what could be an exciting battle for the second automatic berth along with an almost guaranteed trip for Saratoga Springs.

If Cicero-North Syracuse can provide enough support for junior Kate Putman, the Northstars could be a potential darkhorse contender in November, along with The Ursuline School, led by senior Daphne Banino. 

1. Saratoga Springs.  The lineup is so deep for the Blue Streaks that following senior All-American Ella Kurto, the order of finish for the Nos. 2-7 competitors could vary at each meet. When Saratoga Springs won the Nike Cross Nationals title in 2019, it was a promising young group positioned to win multiple championships. But for seniors Mackenzie Hart and Kurto, after losing last season to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year has become their last opportunity to establish a legacy as the leaders of one of the elite lineups in prep cross country history. A trio of sophomores in Emily Bush, Alycia Hart and Anya Belisle, in addition to junior Sheridan Wheeler, will continue to make the Blue Streaks legitimate championship contenders in the coming years, but coach Linda Kranick wants to appreciate every step along the journey this season with seniors Catherine Mongan, Sadie McBain, Mackenzie Hart and Kurto, hoping they can add another national title after missing out on an opportunity to repeat last year. Junior McKinley Wheeler, a member of the 2019 championship lineup, remains on the roster, although she didn’t race last year.

2. Fayetteville-Manlius.  The numbers might be down in terms of participation for the Hornets, but there is still enough quality on the roster to prevail in the quest for the second automatic bid behind Saratoga Springs, as both programs are seeking their 15th trips to compete at the national meet in Oregon. Junior Hannah Kaercher is the leader for coach Bill Aris, with seniors Debbie Lucchetti and Amelia Amack providing valuable experience. The future is also bright for Fayetteville-Manlius with freshman Izzie Sullivan and sophomores Ani Sydorowych, Maria Khalifeh and Ava Beecher having the potential to develop into future standouts. Although this isn’t expected to be a group capable of challenging Saratoga Springs this season, the Hornets still have enough experience and tradition behind them to be racing well in December.

3. Shaker.  Both the Bison and Shenendehowa have the potential to challenge for an automatic berth to race at the national meet, although history indicates it will require an exceptional effort from either program to make that a reality. The difference could end up being the desire of Shaker, which is still seeking its first appearance at Nike Team Nationals or NXN. Coach Keith Weiss will rely on sophomore Leonni Griffin and junior Kaleigh Higgins up front, with sophomore Alyssa Kearns and freshman Charlotte Dunkel providing valuable depth. The biggest area of emphasis for the Bison will be the back of the lineup, with juniors Natalie Bennett, Lilla Korniss and Birtu Diefenderfer all needing to make significant strides in order for Shaker to have aspirations of being competitive with Fayetteville-Manlius.

4. Shenendehowa Central.  Unlike Shaker, the Plainsmen have qualified for the national meet on three previous occasions, including in 2016 as an automatic qualifier, finishing second at the regional competition behind Fayetteville-Manlius. Coach Rob Cloutier returns an experienced group, led by seniors Luccabella Hotaling and Carolyn Griffin. Juniors Brenna McLaughlin, Kyla Klingbeil, Kara Sinnott and Skyler Knott helped Shenendehowa place second behind Saratoga Springs at the Suburban Council Championships last year, with senior Emily Berg capable of providing strong leadership along their journey toward earning another trip to Oregon.

5. Corning-Painted Post.  In one of the rare postseason meets last year in New York in the absence of state and regional competitions, it was the Hawks who won the 12th Rock Northeast Club Championships at Twin Ponds on the Farm. Senior Faithe Ketchum and sophomore Sarah Larson both placed in the top 25 at that meet for coach Ray Lawson and will be relied on for even bigger performances this year. The graduation of Lydia Keys, Chloe Freeland and Alicia Lawson has created more significant roles for sophomores Sadie Beres and Ella Grinnell, as well as seniors Brianna Urban and Cristina Gaskievicz. The Hawks finished ahead of Shenendehowa and Cicero-North Syracuse at the Northeast Championships last season, but duplicating that feat this year will be an even greater challenge.

WATCHLIST

Cicero-North Syracuse

North Rockland

Pearl River

Ursuline School

Ward Melville