WARWICK – On Saturday, October 25, the Sullivan West Bulldogs Boys and Girls XC teams competed in the OCIAA Championships at the Sanfordville Elementary School in Warwick, NY. In this race, all runners in the OCIAA compete in a single race to determine the best overall individual runners and teams. The weather was cool, but the sun was shining as the runners prepared for their races.

The gun sounded for the boys’ race at 10:00 AM, with runners from some larger schools taking the front positions. 

The Sullivan West coaches watched their runners as they vied for position in the race. At the end of 3.09 miles, Bryce Bressler had placed 26th overall in 16:58.70 minutes. He was the first Class D runner across the line and first from Sullivan County. Behind Bryce were Giuseppe Gardner 82nd in 18:44.0 minutes, Braedan Picard 116th in 20:42.40, Charlie Berner 117th in 21:08.10, and Esteban Ramos 13th in 23:22.70. The Bulldogs as a team were 17th overall and 3rd in Class D.

When the boys’ race was complete, it was time for the girls to run their race. With spectators looking on, the gun sounded, and the runners were off. Several outstanding runners immediately went to the front of the race with their sights on a championship.

 At the end of the race, Senior Gracyn Halloran was in 19th place overall in 19:47.50 minutes. She was the second Class D runner and second Sullivan County runner. Rounding out the team were Layla Wilkin 70th in  23:00.60 minutes, Nancy Lin 100th in  25:48.00 minutes, Rosa Bella Orrell 115th in 28:45.00 minutes, and Lily Urie 122nd in 30:02.80 minutes. As a team, the Bulldogs placed 13th overall and 2nd in Class D.

The teams returned to the Sanfordville course on Tuesday, November 4, to run in the Section IX championships. These races are divided into classes A to D. The top team and the top five individuals qualify for the state championship. That meet will be held on November 15 at Queensbury High School.