The Albany Academy Cross Country team embarked on its 2010 season with high hopes for success under the leadership of the three-year veteran, captain Tom Alston. Although the team lost several seniors to graduation, including two-time state qualifier and contender, Zach Nelson, there have been many new additions to the team. New-coming sophomores such as sophomores Greg Finin, Anthony Stefanelli, and Kevin Rico look to complement the efforts of seasoned veterans Tom Alston, Peter Schmitz-Morfe, Safouane Lachgar, and Nick DiCaprio. This formidable top seven hopes to relinquish dismal memories of a disappointing finish to the 2009 campaign.
With all negative mindsets set aside, the Cadets have hit the ground running. The team’s promise has been showcased in each of its first three meets. Besides a respectable fourth-place finish at the Blackbird Invitational and an exceptional third-place finish at the Galway Invitational, the team proved its tremendous ability at its home course of Holy Names. The team matched up against its Colonial Council rivals Lansingburgh and Schalmont, who posed no threat as the team cruised to victory. When asked to comment on the team’s early success, captain Alston responded, “The depth that we have is key. There are several other runners not in the top seven that can contend. If they can stay healthy they will be of much importance to us down the stretch.”
Despite this early success there are unavoidable obstacles that confront the team. Colonial Council newcomers such as Fonda-Fultonville and Ichabod Crane have strong teams and pose a serious threat. But a potential long-awaited victory against a Voorheesville team is in sight for the Cadets and could provide momentum when facing these powerhouses.
This promising Albany Academy Cross Country team awaits a challenging season and so far they have shown no fear. They are determined to capture a Colonial Council Championship and possibly even a Sectional Championship. The amount of hard work and the team’s perseverance will end up determining the outcome of the season.