Putnam Valley Takes Fifth at Cross Country Sectionals

PUTNAM VALLEY—The Putnam Valley High boys and girls cross country teams competed in the class C sectional championship race on Friday in Bowdoin Park.

The boys placed fifth out of 12 teams. “This was the first time we are ran in the class C,” said coach Jerry Zupan. ”I was very pleased with how they ran against some great teams.”

Jim Hertzel led the way for his team and finished sixth overall in the race with a time of 17:24. Hertzel qualified for the state meet in Plattsburgh this Saturday, this is the second consecutive year he will compete in the state meet.

As for the rest of the team Richie Cianelli finished 20th with a time of 18:37, Logan Bagarozy finished 27th in 18:40, Tom Faraone finished 47th at 19:48, Austin Levesque finished 69th at 20:48, Adam Karabinos finished 75th in of 21:11 and Robert Tendy finished 78th with a time of 21:18.

The girls team had two runners sitting out with injuries. Audrey Malek finished 53rd with a time of 26:07, Siobhan Divernieri finished 55th with a time of 26:33 and Shelley Sperling finished 64th with a time of 29:36.

“One of the great things about this team is that we are not graduating anyone,” said Zupan. He added, “Hertzel had a very strong season, I hope he does well at states. I’m excited to see if Cianelli can get his time down under 18 minutes next year. Bagarozy, a captain, is returning and Karabinos is only a freshman. I am looking forward to seeing how we can build as a team and be even stronger for next year.”