2005 Season Outlook
By Amanda Boccio, Tony Martini & WebmasterAugust 14, 2005
Guilderland graduated three of its top seven runners (Megan Lynch, Corinne Salada, and Erin Grosso); all of which were dedicated members of a team, and a family. Finally, the loss of the number one runner, Samantha Dow, puts a damper on the teams� spirits (her family is relocating).
Returning for the �05 season are Brittany Wachtel, and Amanda Boccio (seniors); Jen Madsen, and Emily Cure (they�re finally in the high school!); Shannon Doherty and Lily Rowan (sophomores); and Lauren Aziz (junior).
The estimated varsity line up is as follows: (no particular order)
Jen Madsen
Brittany Wachtel
Amanda Boccio
Shannon Doherty
Lauren Aziz
Emily Cure
Lily Rowan
Exact positions are unknown until the actual performances! These runners have formed a tight pack, and will need to motivate each other to improve in the Sectional Standings. It seems as if many girls have been putting in the mileage over the summer. Others to watch include Allison Grant (sophomore), Katie Rossettini and Gillian Horan (seniors). With a roster filled with promising young runners and a new Head Coach, the Lady Dutch stride into the �05 season with a lot of excitement.
The Webmasters 2 Cents: Losing Dow will certainly hinder this years team but a young group of eager runners await in the wings. Look for Madsen to lead the way for a majority of the season with Wachtel coming on strong in October. Two runners to watch over the season are Aziz and Doherty who could make a huge difference in this teams success. Saratoga is still the team to beat with Columbia and Shaker on the prowl. Bethlehem will still be tough despite losing two of its top five. In the end Madsen could make a run at the State meet but the team may be too young to eye post-season competition.
Brian Rhodes-Devey
Seth Dubois
Justin Wager (after the top three, the next four contenders are very close)
Roland Graves
Tony Martini
Greg Masto
Jared Moriarity
These four guys are most likely going to be alternating their positions on the Varsity squad depending on their performances. There are also a number of returnees who could be impact players such as Dustin Cambell (junior), Kevin Sheehan (sophomore), Eric Dornbush (senior) to name a few. A sophomore that the team has converted from a soccer star to a track runner is Justin Veldhuis, who is a very strong contender for a top JV position or possibly even varsity. With the way that our teams summer training has been, we have a very strong chance to finish in the top 5 this year at sectionals. For the end of the season it would be great to have our team compete in states. If that doesn't happen, then Brian and Seth have a great chance to compete in multiple post-season championships.
The Webmasters 2 Cents: Just when you don't think it could get any better for BRD, he enters his junior year as a favorite for the NYS Federation meet title. BRD needs to stay healthy and run smart, choosing his battles wisely. He will need help from DuBois who had a mediocre spring. The x-factor lies with Wager, Masto and Martini. This could be a big year for Wager who had a strong spring. Watch super soph's Sheehan & Graves move quickly up the ladder as the season progresses. Saratoga Boys will again be one of the top teams in the State. Nisky, Shen and Bethlehem could be venerable after losing several key seniors. If the Dutchmen run to their potential I believe they could land a top three Sectional finish.
