The boys’ varsity cross country team medaled at the Manhattan Invitational. Photo by J. Agnello.

By S.Q. DeJoy and J. Murrer 

Oct. 18, 2023: On yet another rainy Saturday, the Bronxville cross country teams headed to Van Cortlandt Park to compete at the Manhattan Invitational, the largest cross country meet in the U.S. There were over 180 teams at the meet, mostly from the Northeast, but some came from as far away as Florida and California.

“What an awesome weekend for Bronco cross country,” said the boys’ coach, Jim Agnello.  “Despite the rain and poor conditions, the Broncos had a great day.  We demonstrated our commitment to excellence and the human side of our sport by sharing our tent in the rain with New Rochelle and a team from Long Beach California.”

The varsity team placed 5^th in the Varsity E race, which included 150 runners and 22 teams. The Broncos had such a strong performance that they finished first in the merge of all schools in Westchester County, including Briarcliff and Irvington, the Broncos’ main competition in the upcoming Section 1 Championships.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our small school and cross country program,” said Coach Agnello.

The Broncos had five scoring runners: Julian Gonzalez (10^th in 13:30), Kieran McBride (10^th, 13:34.0), Jack Toal (17^th, 3:34.0), Will Hogue (60^th, 14:54.30), and Liam Greenfield (62^nd, 14:57.40).

In the freshman division the Broncos finished 4th in the Freshman D race, which included 113 racers.  Matt Jensen placed 6th in 8:31.0, and Natt Deutsch placed 9^th in 8:41.0.

Coach Agnello also recognized Jack Pasquale (12th grade) for finishing his first varsity Manhattan Invitational race with his dad escorting him to victory.

Jack Pasquale running with his Dad at the Manhattan Invitational. Photo by J. Agnello.

Girls’ Cross Country

The varsity girls’ cross country team after racing at the Manhattan Invitational. Photo by B. Halling.

The girls’ cross country teams also had remarkable performances at the Manhattan Invitational. The Broncos returned from the meet with 14 medalists after racing well in the Freshmen Girls A, JV Girls B, and Varsity Girls C races. 

The varsity team finished 9th in a competitive field with three athletes medaling. The freshmen won their event outright and secured a trophy, and all four of the JV runners medaled. See results below.

Varsity Girls, C

Maddy Williams, 13^th, 16:01.7

Meghan Curran, 25^th, 16:49.4

Charlotte Black, 51^st, 17:36.9

JV Girls, B

Kailee Fino, 29^th, 18:57.4

Isa Washburne, 35^th, 19:15. 9

Sarah Rizzo, 49^th, 19:58.2

Linnea Hentschel, 67^th, 20:51.6

JV medalists at the Manhattan Invitational. Photo by B. Halling.

Freshman Girls, A

Carina Winiecki, 3^rd, 10:15.3

Eva Mihova,4^th, 10:27.6

Ella McCalla, 5^th, 10:27.9

Emerson Dennis, 10^th, 10:44.5

Ee-Ee Sung, 18^th, 11:28.0

Charlotte Dorr, 19^th, 11:35.4

Kendall Valente, 40^th, 12:42.3

Freshman girls with their trophy at the Manhattan Invitational. Photo by B. Halling

Go Broncos.