Preview: Kennedy Boys Cross Country

The Kennedy boys cross country team knows the tall task it is heading into as their 2010 season kicks off.

Competing in Conference 2B, coach Phil Costello and his squad will run against some tough competition this year.

"We have Calhoun who is one of the best, Great Neck South is always tough, Long Beach is usually a real solid team," Costello said. "Garden City is a young, up and coming team. The challenges are there for us this year. Our conference is probably the toughest overall conference and it usually is."

Kennedy finished the 2009 season at 8-6 and placed seventh out of 14 schools in the conference. The key advantage for this upcoming season is the returning experience Costello has been fortunate to welcome back.

The top three runners from 2009 are all returning as seniors. Zach Liftman, Jon Abramson, and Andrew Wood will look to lead the team into a strong year, amongst other potential contributors.

"Team wise, we have our top three runners back," Costello said. "They're all seniors and they will be tri-captains this year. There is also Brian Schwartz, a junior, and one of our freshman, John Mahan, looks to be doing a good job, so we will see what he can do."

Liftman was the lone runner to make it to the counties in 2009. He ran a personal best of 17:29 at the county race, 21 seconds faster than his previous high mark, to finish in 58th place overall.

"If I can get to be all-conference, that's a goal of mine," Liftman said. "Hopefully we can get the whole team into counties this year, if not then maybe one or two individuals can make it. I'd like to go top-30 in the counties.'

Also leading the experienced team into the 2010 campaign is Jon Abramson. Abramson is well aware of the team's inconsistent finish last year, but has the ability, leadership, and confidence to help finish up strong and make some noise in the county tournament.

"I'm looking to go sub-18 minutes followed up by a sub-17:45 time, so I can get to where I have to be for college and also to get our whole team into counties," Abramson said.

For coach Costello, the key for his squad to be able to compete with the best out there will be to always keep focus and proper techniques while on the course.

"For me, the biggest key in distance running is being relaxed. I try and give them difference cues on doing that," Costello said. "I am big on doing body checks while you run such as making sure your shoulders aren't coming up."

Costello has a strong belief that technique is half of the battle, if not more, in order for his team to be successful. Previously having worked with Kennedy's legendary cross country coach Al Berkowsky, who remains as New York State's all-time winningest coach, Costello has been able to transfer valuable knowledge to his current runners.

"The more you hold your form the more efficient you'll be. That's really what will carry you in the end," Costello said. "A combination of guts and technique is what makes the difference. Hopefully we are all tough both mentally and physically when the time comes."