Jazwinski and Nakrin in

 the Top 20 at the States

By Kevin Cotter

Photos by Christine Drexler and Alison Collins

Joe Jazwinski and Justin Nakrin had something to prove at the New York State Cross Country Championships November 8th at Sunken Meadow. Although both finished at the top of the county in class C on November 1st, and led the Baymen to its second consecutive County Championship, they hadn't run their best times of the season in the County race. In fact, Jazwinski's time was over a minute slower than his time of 16:21.2 at the Brown Invitational. Nakrin's time of 17:09 was far slower than his 16:52 run at Bethpage just two weeks ago (He is only the 3rd Baymen runner to record a 5k time under 17 minutes at Bethpage).  

            The two seniors did indeed prove something.  They are among the elite in New York State. Fittingly, the tandem finished within moments of each other, Jazwinski finished 16th with a time of 17:33 and Nakrin 17th with a time of 17:34. While Nakrin ran in the top 20 the entire race, Jazwinski was in approximately 50th place after the first mile, and caught up wit his teammate by the time they reached the peak of the infamously treacherous Cardiac Hill. After a sprint to the finish line, the two were unaware that they had each earned a medal for finishing in the top 20.

            The boys’ team was helped by returning runners Brian Dillman and Joe LaCorte. Dillman, who ran in spite of a fever was the 3rd Bayman, and recorded a time of 19:34.8 (94th place). LaCorte was 98th place, barely two seconds behind Junior teammate Nick Gismondi (96th place, 19:40.8). Senior, and first year Cross Country runner Tyler Collins placed 112th with a time of 20:42.7.  Steven Tortora, who had consistently been the team's 3rd runner, was unable to run due to an ankle injury.

            Jazwinski and Nakrin have led the Baymen through two outstanding seasons, including a two year unbeaten streak within the division, and two consecutive county championships. Their leadership will be missed more than their success on the course.  Although the team loses three seniors in Nakrin, Jazwinski and Collins, the future looks bright. Expect Peter Finn, Jack Leguelaff, and Daniel Eng to help out in 2009.

Katelyn Collins leads

Girls Cross Country

to State Meet

Senior Katelyn Collins can now add a Girls Cross Country County Championship to her list of accomplishments. Although she has qualified for the New York State meet every season since she was a freshman, a team title seemed to be avoiding her as well as her teammates. In 2006 an injury to former Lady Baymen Jackie Henderson prevented the team from earning the title, and in 2007 Fiona Brunner suffered a severe ankle sprain, which prevented the team from even competing in the County meet, as it didn't have enough runners to participate.

            This year however, the Lady Baymen would not be denied. After earning a County Championship Collins, as well as All-Division runner Brunner, sophomore Leeanne Dillman and Freshmen Brooke Mahoski and Christine Drexler headed to the states. This was the first trip for the Lady Baymen in several years.

            Katelyn finished 40th at the New York State Championships at Sunken meadow, with a time of 21:28. Fiona's time of 21:48 was good enough for 49th place, and helped secure a 9th place finish for the Lady Baymen in Class  C. Brooke Mahoski (116th, 26:14), Christine Drexler (117th, 26:15) and LeeAnne Dillman (118th, 26:22) stayed together throughout the race, pushing each other through the rain-dampened course.  After learning that they had placed higher than Suffolk’s Hampton Bays, Drexler declared "We're Long Island Champs!!" While that distinction is not given in Cross Country, the team was very excited to be the top Long Island team in Class C. 

            The team will have a tough time filling the gap that will be left when Katelyn graduates. She has been the top runner for the Baymen since her freshman year, and is one of the most decorated runners in Oyster Bay history. Still the team should be strong with Brunner, Dillman, Mahoki and Drexler leading returnees Julie Tortora, Katie Bradley, Anastasia Calcasola and Nicole Matarese to success in 2009. 

            Both the Boys and Girls team and their coach wish to extend their gratitude to the many parents that supported them throughout the season. Thanks.