SARATOGA SPRINGS — The last time Queensbury hosted the New York NYSPHSAA Cross Country State Championships was in 2005—a year that fared well for the Blue Streaks.
That year, both the boys and girls won the state meet.
In the last two weeks, the boys and girls claimed two more Suburban Council titles and Section II championships. Now the favorites are aiming to add yet another state title to this season’s accolades—a season that had a lot of expectations just a year after both teams won the State Federation Championships for the first time since 2001.
“We don’t worry about what anyone else expects from us,” said Blue Streaks head coach Linda Kranick. “We just approach every meet the same and it takes the pressure off.”
Last week’s Section II meet was also at Queensbury.
“They really do a good job putting on a meet,” Kranick said. “Queensbury is always organized and well run and a great experience.”
The Streaks placed three boys in the top nine to win the title, 52-84, over Shenendehowa, while the girls finished in first, 50-64 over Guilderland for the Section II crown.
“We’re very pleased with the performances,” said Blue Streaks head coach Linda Kranick. “The kids are progressing very well and we’re looking forward to the exciting meet at the end of the season.”
Sophomore Aidan Tooker claimed the individual title at states by 12 seconds with a time of 15:43.12, as senior teammates Brent Freestone (16:22.48) and Jay Navin (16:29.63) finished in eighth and ninth place, respectively. Senior Joe Verro placed 11th (16:35.29).
Eighth grader Samantha Vetter led the way for the Blue Streaks girls, finishing in second place after Shaker’s Maryanna Lansing with a time of 19:00.46.
Vetter’s performance at the Suburban Council meet earned her a first-place individual title just a week before when she finished 11 seconds ahead of Lansing. Her twin sister, Carly Vetter, finished in 10th place (19:32.57) at sectionals.
“The Vetter twins are really doing a good job,” Kranick said. “They push each other and they’re very competitive young ladies.”
For what is a fairly young girls team, Kranick said the lack of experience is made up for with maturity and the fact that they “love to run.”
The group leadership of senior Sarah Morin and juniors Spencer Hayes, who has been on the team since seventh grade, and Estella Smith has contributed to the dominant season, as the mentors have helped pass the program’s torch of tradition down to the younger runners.
Eighth graders Peyton Engborg and Keellyn Cummings have also been a consistent force for Saratoga Springs. Engborg ran to a 12th place finish (19:38.66) last week, while Cummings finished in 38th (20:34.87).
“They all get along very well,” Kranick said. “They’re a very close-knit team and good natured kids, so it’s been an enjoyable season.”
The state meet begins Saturday at 8:45 a.m. in Queensbury.
