Who Will be King/Queen in Section V Class D?

The smallest schools in Section V rarely get any attention in the sporting columns of regional newspapers; instead, players at AAA schools become household names. And where football and soccer get the most print ink every year, cross country is most likely to be confused with skiing for New Yorkers. All of this combines to make Class D runners in Section V "New York's Forgotten Athletes."

Well, no longer. Here's what to look for in a cross country season that is one of the most highly competitive in the state:

Section V Class D Boys

1. Geneseo
In class DDD, Geneseo returns an unbelievable quartet of runners from one year ago, making them the odds-on favorites to win the sectional title and serious contendors for the state crown. Senior Ryan Moynihan, reigning DDD champ, leads Gabe Rodriguez (freshman), Evan Magnussen (senior) and Devon Rodriguez (junior) in an effort to repeat as sectional champs.

2. Arkport
Sectional third-place runner Casey Wellington (junior) returns for this squad, and brings back with him seniors Alex Pollinger and Lucas Halbert. With much to run for, this may be Arkport's best shot at sectional notoriety.

3. Pavilion
Sectional runner-ups last year, Pavilion has a lot to prove in the new season. If their young runners have trained hard enough in the off-season, Pavilion has a chance to give the powerhouse Geneseo team a run for their money. Senior Tylor Richardson will lead the way, along with teammates Ethan Richardson (junior) and sophomore Arron Carlson.

4. Notre Dame-Batavia
Junior warrior Andrew Fischer will lead a Notre Dame squad that has lost considerable firepower after a third-place sectional finish last year. He will be joined by senior Nick Flumerfeldt and junior Matt Sausner.

5. Kendall
The biggest DDD wildcard this year is Kendall. A youthful squad last year earned a ninth-place finish; this year's squad has the potential to rise if their heart and training effort is committed. Senior Marty Christensen will be joined by teammates Dan Price (sophomore), Zech Deuel (junior) and Colton Bisbo (sophomore). Kendall is this year's DDD "darkhorse."



Section V Class D Girls

1. Byron-Bergen
This might shock the small-school running world: a team other than Geneseo is the sectional preseason favorite on the girls' side. Last year's youngest team--and third-place sectional finishers--will likely remain this year's most youthful squad--and return some serious firepower. Freshman Kim Lovett will lead the way, finishing third in the section last season. She will be aided by fellow freshman Charlene Clay and sophomores Kara Hall, Nicole Fore and Sarah Donovan. If everyone in Byron-Bergen knew how good these girls are capable of becoming--well, tickets to cross country meets might become a pretty hot commodity.

2. Geneseo
Sectional champs a year ago, Geneseo always turns out a solid girls squad. They return some youth--freshman Lindsay Ryan and juniors Kristen Wiezel and Casey Emerson--but will have to fill their line-up with other quality ladies to compete with a very competitive sectional field this year. Leah Moreland will lace up for her senior year, and her contribution to the team may prove pivotal if the title is to remain in Geneseo.

3. Oakfield-Alabama
Youth seems to be the rule this year in Class D, and the girls at Oakfield-Alabama look to improve on a solid sixth-place showing at last year's sectionals. Sophomores Kerry Mills and Paige Chatt are back, as well as junior Ashley Covel, freshman Eliza Pinnessa and graduating senior Nicole Woodard. If these ladies have improved since last season, they are certainly in the conversation for a sectional title.

4. Red Creek
Parity is the word this year: the Red Creek girl's cross country team has their best shot at a sectional title in school history. Led by seniors Morgan Mayo, Kim Dauphin and Stephanie Grant, Red Creek also sports a younger side with a freshman trio consisting of the speedy Raylene Wade, Ali Bristol and Rachel Lyons. The sky is the limit for a squad that finished a solid seventh-place at sectionals one year ago.

5. Arkport
After losing two key seniors from last year's squad, Arkport will look to rally behind freshman Mary Frances Aini, who placed second at sectionals last season. She will lead juniors Natalie Bossard, Rachel Bossard, Hannah Smith and sophomore Nicole Smith against a wide-open Class D field.

Keep your eyes on these runners and all of Section V Class D this year! One thing is for sure, sectionals will be a treat--especially on the ladies' side, where five schools have a legitimate shot at being crowned Sectional Champions.