2021 Season Begins

2021 Kickoff at Rockwood Hall Park

Miguel and Jackie lead the way

September 9, 2021

by Miles Stryder

The Hamilton XC team started its season on a damp Thursday afternoon under cloudy skies but the dreary atmosphere did not darken the spirits of this team. The Raiders opening meet was a positive experience for all involved.

   Today's meet was hosted by Valhalla, but rather than running at their campus the Vikings chose Rockwood Hall park as the site for the meet. Hamilton and Valhalla were also joined by the squads from Westlake and Croton as well. Rockwood Hall, located right on the shores of the Hudson river is a beautiful place to run. It's very scenic and also very challenging. Hamilton has run against Briarcliff many times at this locale, but today's course was completely different. For the first time the team had to run an out and back course: down the big hill, out along the river, back, and up the BIG hill. A tough course for the first time out, but the Hamilton harriers proved ready for the challenge.

Kyra

Matteo

Freshman Matteo Di Berto and newcomer Kyra Ward ran the novice 1.5 mile course for their first XC races. Both turned in solid performances. Our other female rookies Olivia Garvey and Guadalupe Larios on the other hand had to tackle the full course as their introduction to XC racing. They were more than up to the challenge, and with the help of veteran Gabriella Pellegrino, both ladies finished well. The ladies' squad was led today by sophomore Jacqueline Dutan who was first to finish.

Jackie D. leads the Lady Raiders

  The boys' team also started the season well. Rookie Miguel Gonzalez led the way for the red shirts with a solid 19:19 run that had Coach Aiello do a double take on his watch. This kid could be heading for big things. Close on Miguel's heels was second year Eric Lopez who finished like a champ charging up the hill. The "new and improved" Yuriy Kryvoruchko kicked off his second year of running with an impressive performance as the 3rd Hamilton boy across the line. Yuriy was followed by senior Jair Villa who turned in another steady reliable performance. Steven Barrera was the final Hamilton runner across the line turning in a solid run after only one week of running with the team.

   

 Coach Aiello was more than pleased with his team's performance, after the race he commented: " We graduated a lot of talent last year, but I really like what I saw out there today. This team works hard in practice everyday. They did not come into the season in the kind of shape that I would have hoped for, but they have a lot of heart. They display a solid work ethic at practice. They're willing to work hard at the drills and all of the little things that will make them better. I think they will see great improvement over the course of the season."

   

Things look bright for this season. It's only week three and with the start of school we may see a few new faces added to the roster. Should be an interesting season.

Next race, next week, against powerhouse Bronxville.