2007 GIRLS SECTION 2 CLASS AA XC PREVIEW

Projected Team Finish Based on Returning Runners

TEAM LY

1. Saratoga 1

2. Shenendehowa 2

3. Colonie 3

4. Guilderland 6

5. Shaker 5

6. Niskayuna 7

7. Columbia 4

8. Bethlehem 8

9. Ballston Spa 9

10. Albany 10

11. Schenectady 11

12. Troy INC

General Outlook: There will likely be little in the way of change for our top three teams this fall. Saratoga continues to find success despite mounting criticism. There is no reason why they won’t be in the hunt for a NTN bid, although they will have company at the top. Shen and Colonie should easily rebound from graduation losses and be in the hunt for a section patch. The Guilderland girls stand a chance at being the biggest surprise of the season. They’ve only lost one key senior to graduation and they are a young team full of talent. Columbia will perhaps takes the biggest hit by graduating three of their top five runners. Hannah Davidson will likely take individual honors without anyone in sight.

2007 BOYS SECTION 2 CLASS AA XC PREVIEW

Projected Team Finish Based on Returning Runners

TEAM LY

1. Shenedehowa 1

2. Guilderland 2

3. Shaker 4

4. Colonie 6

5. Saratoga 5

6. Niskayuna 3

7. Bethlehem 8

8. Ballston Spa 7

9. Albany 10

10. Schenectady 11

11. LaSalle 9

12. Columbia 12

13. Troy INC

General Outlook: Shenendehowa is a vulnerable team. They lose three of their top five from last season to graduation and perhaps (according to rumors) their Head Coach, Matt Jones. They are an early favorite for a NTN bid but they will have their hands full. Guilderland could be one of the teams to upset, led by early favorite Roland Graves. Shaker is another team that has a chance to turn some heads in NYS this year. The Bison lose two to graduation but return two really strong front- runners (Weiss and Manico) with a strong supporting cast behind them. Niskayuna might slip down the most if they can’t fill their holes, and Colonie is our dark horse choice. Zac Suriano (Shen), Roland Graves and Demetri Goutos (Toga) are among the best runners this season and it will be exciting to watch them battle it out for the title of top dog.

NOTE: This prediction does not reflect the opinion of the Guilderland Cross Country team. It was written merely for entertainment.