***parentheses number is average of “Tully Runners” speed ratings; odds to win also in parentheses
1. St. Anthony’s...(169)(1-5)...odds-on choice and prohibitive favorite; Dearie’s charges have too much depth and too much balance over seven men; can afford a mistake or two
2. Monsignor Farrell...(169)(5-1)...if I were a betting man (hmm), I’d risk a wager on the Lions at these odds; Dan Galford is a contender for individual honors; team has had a great season and may be primed for the upset; speed ratings put them right there
3. Chaminade...(167)(7-1)...imagine getting 7-1 on any Bill Carriero team; Tom Awad a slight favorite to capture crown (or laurel wreath); with Ferencik, went one-two in NSCHSAA Champs; need others to have race of their life
4. St. John the Baptist...(160)(25-1)...Dave Wood’s Cougars may split top three, but needs one of the latter to falter; can’t see them challenging for top spot
5. Xavier...(154)(30-1..the field)...steady improvement; Zuccarello finally rolling; had Freshmen Champ in John Rice (will he be added to the mix this week)
6. Kellenberg Memorial (152)(30-1...the field)...Firebirds want a State berth; can their half-milers break through on a course suited for half-milers???; could use Agati from Alumni Race
7. Regis (154)(30-1...the field)...speed figure skewed by NY Section winner Ryan Phillips fast number; can Phillips create a coattail effect for rest of team?
8. Iona Prep...(30-1...the field)...Mitchell’s Gaels would have to improve considerably to score higher
9. Bishop Ford... (30-1...the field)...BQ Champs fail to match up against this competition
10. Fordham Prep...(30-1...the field)...tough campaign; seeking redemption at their course and distance
(week of Oct. 2)
1. St. Anthony's..."Black Wave" attack, as Friars place 6 in top 10, at their own invite in A-2 race; good Port Washington team a distant 2nd; Diliberto leads the attack
2. Monsignor Farrell...Mayor's Cup winner; team recovers from Idaho sojourn to demonstrate they are by far the best team in NYC; Galford as race winner; 5th man at 13:37
3. Chaminade...on basis of 5 point dual meet win over Baptist; Flyers were kidnapped at St. Anthony's Invite, as only provided 4 finishers for incomplete score; one DNF, while two failed to arrive in time following SAT's; my first thought was that these two were sitting in for other students to take the test, but found out that increased security at Syosset HS forced test to a very late start
4. St. John the Baptist...MIA this weekend
5. Kellenberg Memorial...MIA for "Open House;" venture to Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake this upcoming Sat.; does Buckley (speaking in 3rd person) want to race at Saratoga for some ulterior motive
6. Regis...3rd in Small School Division at St. Anthony's to Haddam-Killingworth (Ct.); winner sounds like an Hamas affiliate (maybe that explains what happened to Chaminade and Baptist runners)
7. Xavier...better at McQuade; 4th to aforementioned Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake and Cathedral Prep in "medium" division; I certainly hope that wasn't the same Cathedral Prep that Coach Dormer graduated from; the ghost of Sal Marino lives
8. Bishop Ford...weak 8th against Regis
9. St. Peter's...race winner in Varsity Division at Mayor's Cup; Eagles on the improve, but victory is akin to being smartest girl in Tottenville (not politically correct); average time of 14:44
10. St. Joseph by the Sea...tested the waters vs. Farrell in Champ Race; 8th place in 14:48 average
11. Iona Prep...MIA