NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - With the end of the season in sight, North Salem's cross country team was in fine form at Bowdoin Park on Nov. 7.
The boys team finished the day with 43 points, just three behind Keio Academy, which captured the Class D title with 40 points.
Coach Chris Gould said his team entered the competition knowing that the championship would likely come down to a close battle among the area's top programs.
“We knew it was going to be a tight race between Keio Academy, Haldane and us for the boys title," Gould said. "It's a fickle sport when it comes to close contests. Sometimes one spot can make the difference.”
Despite falling just short of the team championship, the Tigers turned in several impressive individual performances in the 5-kilometer race.
Junior Drew Karam led the way with a second-place finish, qualifying for the New York State championships for the third consecutive year.
Senior Skyler Smith also secured a trip to the state meet, finishing fifth overall. It will be his second appearance at the state championships.
Freshman Miles Ulrich delivered another strong performance for North Salem, placing 10th, while freshman Nicholas Petronzi finished just behind him in 11th place.
Sophomore Everett Fryer rounded out the Tigers' top five with a 15th-place finish.
Junior Paul Connelly placed 19th, followed by sophomore Andrew Barnett in 21st. Sophomore Chase Conterelli finished 29th, junior Andrew Karam took 32nd and sophomore Mateo Mergeche placed 37th.
On the girls' side, North Salem also had reason to celebrate as senior Freyja Smith and sophomore Shannon Moravick both delivered strong performances.
Smith finished eighth in the Class D girls 5K race, earning another trip to the state meet. It will be her fourth consecutive appearance at the state championships.
Gould praised the efforts of his runners throughout the fall.
“Coach Posch and I are extremely proud of the team's accomplishments this season,” he added.
Karam, Skyler Smith, and Freyja Smith will travel to Queensbury for the state championships on Saturday, Nov. 14.
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