Section 1 Championship

5 Hamilton Runners Qualify for States
Boys’ race: lead pack goes astray,
Girls’ race: Kirstine Section 1 Champion

It was the best of days; it was the worst of days.

It was the worst of days… The Red Raiders headed to Bowdoin Park with high hopes for the Section1 Championship meet. Coming off a fine perfomance at the counties and being ranked #2 in the section, the boys were poised to make some noise and maybe put a scare into a heavily favored Keio team. Having never seen the challenging course the Hamilton plan was to lay back, keep Keio in sight for the first half of the race and then make a challenge on the way down the hill. The first mile went exactly to plan and then disaster struck.
The Keio runners led the lead pack off the course. In the blink of an eye runners that were in 18th,19th and 20th place emerged from the woods the unlikely leaders. After what seemed like an eternity, the lead pack got back on the course, but by then they had a tremendous amount of ground to make up. A Herculean effort by Arnold allowed him to get back into the race. Try as he might he couldn’t catch Haldane’s #6 runner who wound up winning the race in a slow 22:41. Arnold finished hard and fortunately was able to secure a spot on the Section 1 team heading for the State Meet. The extra half mile of running on the difficult course proved to be too much for the other Hamilton Harriers. Despite a valiant effort Hashem just couldn’t make up the disadvantage. The team results were equally shocking. Haldane, which was expected to finish in 4th place, wound up winning the meet, and Keio bested the Red Raiders for second place by just two points.

It was the best of days…The Lady Raiders, helped by the absence of Blind Brook’s team, capped off their season by all qualifying for next week’s State Championship Meet at Sunken Meadows Park on Long Island. No PRs were set on the difficult Bowdoin Park course, but Hamilton now has its first girls’ cross country sectional champion as Kirstine was able to cruise to an easy victory. The Haldane team claimed the girls’ crown by default, but we plan for them to have a much harder time next year when we return with a full girls’ squad.

Westchester County Championship

Hamilton Beats 10 Teams at
County Championship Meet

Harriers have best performance yet

Van Cortlandt Park, Thursday October 23, 2008

In what was without doubt their best running of the season, the Hamilton XC team finished a respectable 29th of 39 teams at the Westchester County Championship this past Thursday at VCP. The air was crisp and the shadows creeping up to the starting line made the 270 runners feel even colder, but Hamilton was ready to run. The Harriers were eager to put the disappointment of last week’s League Meet fiasco behind them, and they did so in a big way. The boys’ varsity team rose up to the level of competition with all seven setting PRs on the tough Van Cortlandt course. Coach Aiello remarked, “I can’t ask anymore of my runners than that they give me their best effort, and today they all did. At the start of the season our goal was to let people know that Hamilton Cross Country is back. Today there are at least ten teams in Westchester that know we ARE back.”
Now the focus switches to preparation for next week’s Section 1 Championship at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls. The race will be a full 3.1 miles. Can we qualify any runners for the State Championship?

notes:
- Arnold finished 51st out of 270
- Allen and Joji are knocking on the 17:00 door
- John Varkey debuts as a freshman runner with 11:15 for 1.5 miles
- Kirstine, Sydney and Kathleen set new PRs in the girls’ varsity race

Pictures soon to come!

League Meet

Hamilton Stumbles at League Meet
Harriers hampered by injury,illness and inelligiblity

VCP, Tuesday October 14, 2008

Hamilton had planned to cruise to an easy second place finish in the South League IV Championship Meet on Tuesday at Van Cortlandt Park. Instead the Red Shirts finished a disappointing third and were lucky to beat a Children’s Village team that they had dominated all season. The top seven were not anywhere near full strength with the absences of Jamar, Allen and Anish. Despite fine performances by Arnold, a fourth place finish that stopped a Dobbs Ferry sweep, and Russell , who ran a gutsy race and shaved 45 seconds off his PR, the team could not keep up today.
All was not dark however, Arnold and Hashem were named to the All League Team and Russell received Honorarble Mention honors. Also on the girls’ side, Kirstine was honored with an honorable mention to the All League team. Let’s hope the team pick itself up for the Westchester County Championships next week.

The Bobcat Run

Hamilton Brings Home Medals
Harriers set PRs at Bobcat Run,
Byram Hills , Saturday October 11, 2008

Hamilton was one of twenty teams that decided to bypass the crowds at the Manhattan Invitational in favor of running at the Bobcat Run in Byram Hills, and they are glad they did. PRs fell faster than the autumn leaves on this sunny, early October day. The day’s biggest improvements were seen in the boys’ JV race where Soe bested his 5K mark by almost five minutes. Not to be outdone freshman phenom, John Varkey, covered the distance an amazing eight minutes faster than his previous best.
Our boys’ varsity squad was hindered by the absence of Arnold and Jamar. Too bad, it would have been interesting to see what we could have done against a lineup of teams our size had we been at full strength. Nevertheless, the team stepped up with everyone running a strong race. Hashem and Allen brought home their first cross country medals. Kirstine led our finishers in the girls’ race. She also set a 5K PR and was awarded Hamilton’s first girls’ cross country medal ever. The team looks tuned up and ready to compete at Tuesday’s League Championship meet. Run Red Raiders run!

men
Arnold Lane DNR
Hashem Nasarat 20:25
Allen Thomas 21:28
Joji Jacob 22:38
Jamar Powell DNR
Anish Thomas 23:04
Russell Tobias 23:02
Bryant Villa DNR
Steve Samuel 23:51
John Varkey 25:23
Soe Latt-Naing 28:46
women
Kirstine Jessamy 23:00
Bridges, Sydney DNR 2:35
Rosas, Dulce 29:22 29:10
Gonzalez, Kathleen 27:49 31:29

Octoberfest!

The Great Pumpkin Relay
aka Octoberfest

Some times you just have to relax a little. After yesterday's race it seemed like the perfect time for a little fun. The rematch of Red vs. White never materialized, but that didn't stop everyone from running as hard as they could, holding a pumpkin that is. After the race we broke for some hotdogs, chips and soda. It was the perfect autumn afternoon with the sun shining and the colors just starting to change on the trees. Nice little break, just keep in mind the most important part of the season is still in front of us.

Hamilton vs Bronxville and Children's Village

Bronxville Runs By Hamilton
Harriers crushed by Bronxville, but salvage victory against Children’s Village



Crystal clear skies, a dry, fast course and temperatures in the 60s should have made for some fast times, but not today. The Hamilton Harriers were overwhelmed by a superior Bronxville team. The Broncos took the 1,3,4,5, and 6 spots. Only another fine performance by Arnold, who captured the 2 spot, prevented Bronxville from sweeping us away. The final score was a 24-52 rout.
Luckily for the Red Shirts Children’s Village was back again this week and despite our lack luster performances we were able to notch another dual meet victory.
One bright spot today was Kirstine who broke her Hamilton girls’ VCP course record with a 19:11 run. For the boys with the exception of Jamar, who set a PR of 17:23, and Bryant and Russell, who matched their times from last week, our performances were flat. There are no excuses, but the course was very crowded with at least four races being contested simultaneously. The heavy traffic clogged the trails and made passing difficult and at times impossible. The team was not particularly focused for this meet so we will put this one behind us.
This closes the dual meet part of our season. We finished with a very respectable 4-2 record. Not bad for the maiden season of our program. Now the focus turns to the upcoming Bobcat Run this Saturday at Byram Hills and next Tuesday’s League Championship Meet at VCP where we face the full force of Dobbs Ferry’s team.

place runner time
2 Arnold Lane 15:13
8 Jamar Powell 17:23
15 Russell Tobias 17:56
16 Joji Jacob 17:56
17 Anish Thomas 18:00
18 Allen Thomas 18:00
20 Bryant Villa 19:15
28 Soe Latt-Naing 23:41

8 Kirstine Jessamy 19:11
* Sydney Bridges 21:33
* Dulce Rosas 23:34

yeah, I like to race too

The results are in from the first annual Paine to Pain Classic Half Marathon: a trail run over Southern Westchester on the Colonial Greenway Trail. It sure was a lot of fun. My goal was to break two hours. I ran a 1:51:08. I came in 11th out of 50 runners. I missed the 10th spot by a second. I'll have to start working on my kick. I was the first New Rochelle finisher, but another 48 year old ran a 1:35:14. I guess there's still room for a lot of improvement. I couldn't have done it without my team to train with. The results for the first 20 are below

Paine to Pain Classic Half Marathon 9/
Place time bib no. name age residence

1 1:24:27 31 Gerry Sullivan, Age 33, White Plains, NY
2 1:29:19 11 Zackary Katz, Age 23, Bronx, New York
3 1:35:14 70 Jim Sonneborn Age 48, Morristown, NJ
4. 1:37:46 67 Joseph Cistulli Age 43, Sandy Hook, Ct
5. 1:38:20 33 Matt Patrick Age 37, Larchmont, NY
6. 1:42:20 3 Mark Thompson Age 45, Mamaroneck, NY
7. 1:43:21 74 Bobby Hutton, Age 44, New York, NY
8. 1:47:38 12 Daniel Vowinkel Age 25 Bronx, NY
9. 1:49:41 35 Salvatore Doto Age 38, Pleasantville, NY
10.1:51:07 65 Daniel Pollner Age 48, White Plains, NY
11. 1:51:08 60 Jim Aiello Age 48 New Rochelle, NY
12. 1:51:55 1 Eric Turkewitz Age 48, New Rochelle NY
13. 1:52:56 75 Sheldon Smith Age 48
14. 1:54:42 37 Patrick Convery Age 35 Chappaqua, NY
15. 1:54:47 4 Patrick Kaufer Age 42, Larchmont, NY
16: 1:55:18 2 Tom O’Brien Age 38, Mamaroneck, NY
17. 1:56:06 66 Steven King Age 48 Rye, NY
18. 1:57:52 Deirdre Hopkins Age 46, Greenwich, Ct
19. 1:58:05 143 Barbara Roque Age 47, Larchmont, NY
20. 1:58:24 90 John Scherf, Age 60, Scarsdale, NY

Hamilton vs Valhalla and Children's Village

Hamilton Harriers Race to Two Victories Thurs, Oct. 3
a team victory

Hamilton 22 Valhalla 32 Hamilton 22 Children’s Vill. 37

We had a set strategy to beat Valhalla. Arnold and Hashem would have to match Valhalla’s two top runners after that it would be up to the scoops and company to out run the rest of the Valhalla team. This time it worked perfectly. Arnold won the race, Hashem took the third spot. Valhalla got 2 and 4. After that it was the red shirts of Hamilton crossing the line. We took the 5,6 and 7 spots to notch up another victory 22 to 32. Great job, Allen, Jamar and Joji.
We were also running against Children’s Village today. They brought a full team, who were better than we anticipated, but Hamilton was able to run past them as well today. The red shirts took places 1,2,5,6 and 8 to rack up their third victory 22 to 37.
The overcast skies and cool temperatures at Van Cortlandt Park seemed to help everyone run faster today. Arnold turned in a 15:03 for the fastest Hamilton time at VCP this year. Kristine set a school girls’ record of 20:01. The footsteps she heard behind her were from Sydney who came home in 20:12. PRs were set by almost everyone with Russell, Dulce and Joji cutting over a minute off their personal bests.
PLACE RUNNER TIME
1 Arnold Lane 15:03
3 Hashem Nasarat 16:04
5 Allen Thomas 17:32
6 Jamar Powell 17:36
7 Joji Jacob 17:39
Anish Thomas 17:42
Russell Tobias 17:56
Steve Samuel 18:59
Bryant Villa 19:14
John Varkey 22:59
Soe Latt-Naing 23:07

Kirstine Jessamy 20:01
Sydney Bridges 20:12
Dulce Rosas 22:02
Kathleen Gonzales 22:26


Today was a true team victory. Hamilton’s harriers left the park with a 3-1 record in dual meets this season. When we started this year we said that “tradition begins now” and that’s just what we’re doing, establishing a tradition of winning. It’s time to get back to work though, we’ll be back at VCP next week against the Bronxville powerhouse.

The Fred Gressler Invitational

Sat. Sept. 27 The Fred Gressler Meet, White Plains
Our First Invitational Meet
Cloudy skies and wet feet for sure, but luckily the forecast showers never appeared. Today the team had it’s first taste of a real cross country meet, complete with crowds, flags, and a slew of competitors on the starting line.
The 3.1 mile course was three slippery loops around the WPHS campus. A far cry from the dry flat course we just ran at Rye Neck. Dulce thought the hills were harder than VCP. They certainly looked steep. Our hill work must be paying off, because our times were good.
Arnold led the boys with a 12th place finish that earned him the first XC trophy for a Hamilton harrier in many a year. He was followed closely by Hashem. Joji and Allen finished in a virtual tie. I have them both with the same unofficial time. Apparently they were having a great time out there passing opponents together from both sides. Ok for learning purposes and for teamwork, but how about starting out a little faster so you don’t have to pass so many of them? Jamar who showed up unexpectedly was in next. Imagine what he could run if he showed up for more practices. Russell and Bryant rounded out the varsity. Bryant, how about tying those laces with a double knot?
Our ladies’ team was without Kristine who was out sick. Sydney was ready to step in to lead our girls. She looked great out there. Dulce followed her. She couldn’t have been having that hard of a time as she was able to run by and once again flash the “V” of victory. Kathleen as usual blazed to the finish, though she almost took a wrong turn before starting her kick.
As if the day wasn’t nice enough we even ran into an old familiar face. Much to our surprise Dr. Hendrickson was one of the spectators. Only personal victories today, the boys team finished 12th of 13 teams in the varsity race. Keio, the best in class D, out ran us today, but on the bright side we did beat Children’s Village. Now let’s keyed up for Valhalla!

Hamilton vs. Rye Neck

For the first time in over thirty years Alexander Hamilton High won a cross country meet. It was beautiful sunny September afternoon, the course was dry, flat and fast and even better it was short, just two miles. It was the kind of day when you had no excuses for not running well. So that’s just what everyone did. Led by Arnold, Hashem and Allen, who finished in the top five, the Hamilton Harriers were able to speed to a 23-32 victory over the home team Rye Neck Panthers. Anish and Joji rounded out the scoring for the boys’ team. Bryant and Russell earned top seven spots and will represent Hamilton on the varsity squad this Saturday at our first invitational meet.

The girls’ team saw the cross country debut of Kristine who ran a blistering 13:55, better than the any Hamilton 3000 meter performance last Spring. Sydney, Dulce and Kathleen also ran hard. Take comfort ladies. Last year Rye Neck only had 3 girls running XC now they’re up to 7. We just have to work at recruiting this year. John, aka. the new kid, was our top freshman finisher and Robert and Soe continue to improve.

**other notes:
* don’t look now but Arnold is undefeated in two straight meets
*Maybe it was the finishing on the track that did it, but Hashem began the last 60 meters of the race in third. He had quite the finish to get that second place.
*Kristine won the girls’ race easily. Watch out Bronxville!
*only 19 seconds separates our 3,4 and 5 spots. It’s time for a little friendly competition.


Results dual meet vs. Rye Neck
September 23, 2008
2.0 miles
Sunny, dry temp in the 70s

Hamilton 23 Rye Neck 32



place runner time
1 Arnold Lane 11:41
2 Hashem Nasarat 12:28
5 Allen Thomas 13:17
7 Anish Thomas 13:31
8 Joji Jacob 13:36
11 Russell Tobias 14:08
12 Bryant Villa 14:17
16 John Varkey 16:00
17 Robert Muller 16:38
20 Soe Latt-Naing 23:21

1 Kirstine Jessamy 13:55
* Sydney Bridges 14:58
* Dulce Rosas 16:26
* Kathleen Gonzalez 17:05

Hamilton vs. Dobbs Ferry

Sept. 16, meet vs. Dobbs Ferry at VCP. Overcast in the 70s.

Set…Go! and with those words, as the runners took off, history was made. For the first time since the 1970s Hamilton runners were competing in a cross country race. After about three weeks of training the Hamilton Harriers found themselves toeing the line at the storied Van Cortland Park.
It took us a while to get our bearings straight. We had to figure out where the starting and finish lines were not to mention the bathrooms. No one had even run the course before. Nonetheless, we managed to have a pretty good performance. The boys were led by Arnold who won the race in 15:59. Hashem followed in fourth with a 10:03. Allen seemed to be staking out his spot at #3 on the varsity squad with a seventh place finish of 18:02. Joji and Russell brought home the eighth and ninth places a meer two seconds apart. Steve and Bryant rounded out the varsity finishers for the first meet.
It seemed somehow fitting that we should run the varsity, JV and girl races together. We’ve been training as one team and on this opening day we all ran together. Robert and Soe rounded out our JV performance and Sydney was our first female finisher at 20:14. Kathleen and Dulce finished strong to finish our women’s line up for the first meet. John, our freshman, didn’t have enough practices to race today, but that didn’t stop him from coming to the meet and recording the day in photos.
Everyone learned something today. Some said the hills weren’t as bad as they had expected. Others said we needed more hill work. Dobbs Ferry didn’t run their best runners. They may want to reconsider that next time as they won by only three points 26-29. It’s only the first meet and we still have a lot of the season ahead of us. This was our first look at Van Cortlandt. We’ll be back again.
2.5 mile course

place runner time
1 Arnold Lane 15:29
4 Hashem Nasarat 16:03
7 Allen Thomas 18:02
8 Joji Jacob 18:59
9 Russell Tobias 19:01
18 Steve Samuel 19:32
19 Bryant Villa 19:39
22 Sydney Bridges 20:14
24 Robert Muller 20:24
26 Kathleen Gonzales 22:52
27 Dulce Rosas 23:12
28 Soe Latt-Naing 23:21

PICNIC INFO:PICNIC INFO:

Hey, for those of you who were members of the 2007-2008 Winter and/or
Spring Track Teams don't forget the team picnic is scheduled for
Friday June 27. The price is $10 in advance. Please get the money to
me or Coach Mac ASAP. Don't forget you have to try and arrange your
own transportation to the site. See Mac concerning those details.

Summer Running

The Spring track season has just wrapped up, and now it's time for our distance runners to rest. So no one should do any running for the next two weeks. This would be a good time to do some bicycling on the trail, to go for a swim or to  play some basketball. Your body needs some time to heal up, and a little time away from running is good for your mind as well.