SOMERS, N.Y. - With the season set to kick off on Sept. 10, the Tuskers are hoping for a fast start and a long run.
Girls Team
Coach John Vegliante comes into every season with hopes of winning the league, placing high in the county and sectional meets, and getting a few kids to the state meet. But he also keeps those aspirations focused on the moment.
“The goal is to get better every week,” said the Cross Country Girls Coach.
On the same page are Kaya Duzynski, Carolina Morocho and Parker Page. “That will be a very strong top three,” he assured.
Up first, Duzynski wants to do more than simply follow up on her state-qualifying performance. “She’s got big goals,” said Vegliante.
Morocho and Page intend to be not far behind. “They both put in a great summer, so we’ll see what they can do,” he said.
The trio also takes the lead in rallying the troops. “They organized group runs three times a week this summer,” boasted Vegliante.
Ashima Ojha was part of the effort, and Vegliante hopes she goes out with a bang as a senior captain. “She had a great summer so we are hoping for her,” said the coach.
Either way, they all lead the cheers. “They’re a really close group, and they are really bringing everyone together,” said Vegliante.
The first meet is the Bear Mountain Invitational on Sept. 10, but the coach knows he must lead with an even keel. “I have to be patient, don’t try to push anybody and stick to the program,” Vegliante concluded.
Boys Team
When it comes to track, one season just seems to roll into the next. That said, the Tuskers have a spring foundation to build on.
“We got three kids with state experience coming back,” said Brian Lacko, referring to Aidan See, Lenny Novichenko and Gabriel Cacsire.
Part of the 4x800 team, the runners still have to adjust to the distance. “I’m not worried about the longer race,” he said. “They can handle it.”
The Somers course will lend a hand, too. “They say it’s harder than Bowdoin Park. So we got the trails and mindset,” he said. “This course prepares them for anything that’s thrown at them throughout the year.”
Of course, the grind extends to the underclassmen. “Michael Naber, EJ Vasquez, and Nolan Frankie are rising juniors,” he said.
The depth goes even lower. “Aiden Silk, Chad Simone and Lucas Ruck,” said Lacko. “I’m excited to put together a freshman team when we have freshman races.”
No doubt, the youngsters will have direction from above, and not just from the coaches. Referring to his big three, Lacko said the boys organize runs, keep things cohesive and get the team motivated. “They’re like coaches,” said Lacko.
In tandem, the Somers goals remain in place. “We want to win the leagues, place well in the counties and be one of the top three teams in Section One,” he concluded. “And hopefully get two or three kids to the states.”
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