Both of Baldwinsville’s cross country teams had a clear approach to last Wednesday’s meet at West Genesee, which translated into a sweep of the Wildcats.
A strong start to the season has the boys Bees up to no. 4 in the state Class A rankings, ahead of defending state champion Fayetteville-Manlius, who sits at no. 6.
Against West Genesee, B’ville showed that strength in a 20-43 victory, allowing the Wildcats’ Nick Garty to win the race in 18 minutes, 17.1 seconds, but filling up the next eight spots in the order.
Casey McAllister led that group, claiming second place in 18:26 flat, just ahead of Andy Fleming (18:26.4) in second place. Jack Martin closely followed, in fourth place in 18:27 flat, while Alec Peinkofer was fifth in 18:27.3.
Steve Petrelli made his way to sixth place in 18:32.6, with Josh Perez fitting into seventh place in 18:33.1. Chris Twichell earned eighth place in 18:36.1 and Antonio Martinez (18:44.8) claimed ninth place.
For the girls race, the Bees, no. 14 in the latest state Class A rankings, had to face WG’s star junior, Laura Leff, but countered by having a bit more depth to pull off a 26-31 victory.
It was Rachael Miller leading B’ville, as she posted a time of 21 minutes, 40.9 seconds on the Camillus Middle School course, second only to Leff, who pulled away to win in 20:07.9. Right behind Miller, Annie Peterson finished third in 21:44.8.
Though the Wildcats claimed the next two spots, the Bees sealed the victory when three runners followed, starting with Mackenzie Ross, who finished sixth in 22:15.6. Mia Bolton was seventh, in 22:24.9, with Marissa Lathrop eighth in 22:28.4 and Julia Johnson (22:42:1) in 10th.
