Bronxville Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Teams Win Sectionals
The Bronxville cross country teams after winning their respective Sectional Championships. Photo submitted by B. Halling.
By J. Murrer and S.Q. DeJoy
Nov. 13, 2024: It has been an outstanding season for the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams. Two weeks ago, they were crowned Westchester County Champions, and this past weekend they added one more accolade, the Class C Section 1 Championships. They will compete at the New York State Championships this coming weekend
The girls’ cross country team, Class C Section 1 Champions. Photo submitted by B. Halling.
The girls’ team won the Sectional Championship with 29 points followed by Pleasantville with 51 and Briarcliff with 108.
The first three Bronxville girls finished within 22 seconds of each other, and the next three finished within 14 seconds of each other.
“The girls who run at similar speeds to their teammates stayed together for as long as possible,” said Coach Alex Barraco. “This helps as it allows our runners to push and encourage each other when they need it.”
In the first pack, eighth-grader Mia Horgan placed 2nd (19:58.20) followed by sophomore Carina Winiecki in 3rd (20:15.30) and senior Maddy Williams in 4th (20:19.20). The second pack of girls included sophomore Ella McCalla (10th, 21:40.10), sophomores Emerson Dennis (12th, 21:47.20), and senior Fiona Keveney (14th, 21:54.30).
“Our seniors did a great job leading the team and setting examples for the younger runners,” said Coach Barraco. “They really stepped up when they were needed and worked hard during workouts and races, despite having to work on college applications, AP classes, and many other commitments throughout the season.”
“The mental toughness of the runners paid off,” added Barraco. “Every athlete on the team ran their heart out and it showed in the results.”
The team will compete at the New York State Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Section 2’s Queensbury High School.
“The race on Saturday at Queensbury is a new course that we haven’t run on before. I think it should be fun,” said Williams. “At the beginning of the race, we need to get out fast. After that, everyone knows another person on the team with similar times and will run with that person.”
The girls’ cross country team is headed to States for the third time in four years. They won the Class C Championship in 2021 but lost to East Aurora last year. East Aurora is the favorite again this year.
The boys’ cross country team, Class C Section 1 Champions. Photo submitted by B. Halling.
Senior Kieran McBride has been leading the Broncos all season and capped off last weekend as the Class C Section 1 Champion. Running the course at Bowdoin Park with over 100 Class C racers, McBride won the race in 17:13.30 and closely followed by teammate, freshman Matthew Jensen (2nd, 17.17.40). Also scoring for the Broncos were sophomore Nate Deutsch (8th, 17:43.60), junior Julian Gonzalez (10th, 17:55.60), and senior Jack Toal (12th, 18:10.80). Junior Will Hogue placed 28th (18:55.70) and freshman James Conlon placed 30th (19:04.90).
“We are lucky to have incredible young talent along with incredibly talented upperclassmen who are also great leaders,” said Coach Brian Halling.
The Bronxville boys, won the meet with 33 points followed by Irvington with 51 and Pleasantville with 106.
The boys’ team will also compete at the State Championships at Queensbury High School on Saturday. The Broncos won the Class C State Championship in 2022 and were the runner-up to East Aurora last year.
Class C Section 1 race at Bowdoin Park on Saturday. Photo submitted by B. Halling.
McBride, who will continue his track career at Middlebury College next fall, has enjoyed his time with this exceptional team.
“I think we all just get along really well,” said McBride. Everyone comes to practice and works hard. They are really great teammates who are there for you and support you no matter what.”
Go Broncos.
