Lindsay Dodenhoff (25th place-19:30) and Rachel Ruggiero (37th place-19:45) were each named All New York State Federation by finishing in the top 40 in the New York State Federation Cross Country Championships held this past weekend at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls.
In doing so, they led Sachem East to a 13th place team finish in what is recognized as the most competitive Cross Country State Championship Meet in the United States. Mel Merone, Lauren Harris, Kaitlyn Famiglietti, Chelsea Benedict, and Shayna Arrigo rounded out the Arrow finishers.
Coach Dan Schaub tempered his happiness for Dodenhoff and Ruggiero with a tinge of disappointment.
“I felt that as a team we left a few points on the table today,” said Schaub, “but considering only 2 of this year’s 7 girls ran in this race last year, we have to appreciate the perspective of our Finish here at Feds. With Lauren Harris being the only senior on this year’s squad, we will be a much more experienced group next year. NYS should be on the look out!”
Also of note was the 24th place finish of Sacred Heart Academy, coached by Sachem North Alum Ali Waka. The 27 top teams in New York State plus an additional 80 of the top individuals competed in the race.
Sachem East will finish its season by returning to Bowdoin park for the Nike Regional Cross Country Championship this Saturday.
The top three teams all earn all expense paid trips to the Nike Cross Nationals held in Portland Oregon.