Wantagh races to success

The Wantagh boys' and girls' cross country teams raced to successful 2016 seasons that featured several runners earning postseason accolades.

The boys team went undefeated claiming the Conference III title while the girls went 12-1. Both teams proceeded to have strong showings at the Nassau County Championship Meet.

“This team came on stronger as the season came to an end,” coach Kristen Ford said.

At the county championships held at Bethpage State Park on Oct. 28, James McVeigh led the Wantagh boys team to a fifth place overall finish and earned All-County honors. Megan Gordon placed seventh individually and led the Lady Warriors to a fourth place team finish. Gordon and Tess Duignan received all-county accolades.

Fourteen Warrior runners qualified for the state qualifier tournament on Nov. 5. Qualifying from he boys team were Mannie Putrino, Bryan Murphy, Vincent Sullivan, Wyatt Yustat, Liam Ryder, Matt Seaman and McVeigh. The girls qualifiers were Sandra Re, Kyleigh Watson, Caitlin Jaeggli, Roxana Cardoza, Athena Yao, Gordon and Duignan.

Gordon said her runners performed some impressive 5K times during the regular season including McVeigh (17:25), Murphy (17:51) and Manny Putrino (17:55). Girls runner who shined at the 3.1 mile distance included Gordon (20:17), Duignan (20:48) and Re (20:44).

Ten Wantagh runners received all-conference honors for successful times in the 5K. The Wantagh boys cross county all-conference honorees included Rocco Piccirillo, Putrino, Sullivan, Murphy and McVeigh. The girls honorees were Re, Duignan, Gordon, Watson and Jaeggli.

Ford took over for Kristin Frazer leading the Wantagh program after previously coaching at East Rockaway the last three years. Ford said the team bonded right away after she took over in the spring.

“These cross country kids gave me the warmest welcome,” said Ford, who also coaches track at Wantagh Middle School. “We began in the summertime, meeting for open runs at Bethpage [State Park].”

Ford was joined by third-year assistant coach Jordan Ashley, who like her also ran cross country and track in college.

“We’re both extremely passionate about the sport and coaching these athletes,” Ford said. “We made a great team as coaches.”

Ford said the season was rewarding not just because of the success on the trails but the work ethic and attitude of the runners.

“These are the most amazing, talented, well-rounded, kind, hardworking, student-athletes ever,” Ford said. “It’s been our most enjoyable season as coaches.”