Sometimes it’s not the runner who finishes first that determines the winner of a cross country meet. At Tuesday’s Amsterdam varsity boys meet with Glens Falls it wasn’t the first place runner, nor the second, or third that decided the Foothills Council crossover meet. It was fifth place finisher Jared McIntosh of Glens Falls who broke up a pack of AHS runners giving Glens Falls a narrow margin of victory, 26-29 at Bob’s Trees in Galway.
Glens Falls’ Nick Lee was the top finisher with a time of 17 minutes and 11 seconds followed closely by teammate Chad St. John (17:21). Not far behind was the Rams most consistent performer and one of three seniors on the squad, Teddy Picciocca (17:31).
“Teddy’s our number one runner,” said AHS coach Kevin Willary. “He’s worked really hard since the seventh grade to get to this point.”
Amsterdam’s Jon Knack (17:41) was next across the line. Close on his heels came the next four runners who would finish within a fraction of a second of each other. McIntosh sprinted toward the finish with Amsterdam’s Ryan Kamanu and Bill Weinheimer. They were joined by Glens Falls’ Chris Hughes. McIntosh (17:46) crossed the finish just ahead of Kamanu. Weinheimer (17:47) finished a step in front of Hughes. The result was the closest this season for the Rams heading into next Monday’s Foothills Council Championships.
“At Foothills we focus on how we can improve,” said Coach Wilary. “We’ll be at SPAC and look to finish strong and continue to improve.”
AHS senior Alex Stewart (18:20) finished in ninth place. His teammate and fellow senior Ryers Brusoe finished with a time of 23:47. The three seniors have been an important part of the teams season helping lead them and the school’s transition to playing in a new league.
“These kids have been with the team since the ninth grade and Teddy since the seventh grade,” Coach Wilary said. “This group is hard working. They come to practices and meets and do their best. And they are multi- sport athletes. Ryers is a swimmer, and Alex is a three sport athlete running cross country, indoor, and outdoor track. They are an integral part of the team.”
Edgar Maldonando (20:06), Thomas Knack (20:16), and Antonio Spagnola (24:23) rounded out the finishers for the Rams field of nine runners. Cameron Giordano (18:31), Alden Smith (18:37), Sean Ash (19:30), Edward Ryan (20:22), Kyle Frank (21:09), Mohammed Nadhil (21:15), Will Florio (25:41), and Evan Kaye (26:29) completed the course for Glens Falls.
Both teams will send their top runners to Saratoga State Park in Saratoga Springs for the Foothills Council Championships on Monday. Runners will be looking to qualify for the Section 2 meet also held in Saratoga at the end of the month.
(Photos by Scott Mulford)
