Season Preview: Edgemont Cross Country

Panther coach JC Periac comes into this season very enthusiastic about his Edgemont cross country teams.

"Our goal with the boys is to try and win our league," Periac said. "Last year we lost by just a few points. This year we are going to try to win it if we can."

One reason why Periac feels so good about the boys' chances for success is returning junior Ben Eisenkraft.

"He's probably the fastest boy on the team; although he didn't do last year winter and spring track, he has come into the season in really excellent shape," Periac said.

Another top returning runner is junior Matthew Buonaguro.

"Matthew is a hard worker, he's has been with us since he was a ninth-grader so he has been through the program," Periac said. "He's going to be our No. 2 or 3 guy on the team."

Senior Saaket Mehta provides solid leadership as one of three Edgemont captains.

"Saaket is a good leader," Periac said. "He knows the sport. He may not be the most talented athlete on the team but he is a good runner that will help us out."

Edgemont's other captains are returning seniors Thomas Rosenblatt and Erik Weinberg.

"Thomas has been on the team all four years," Periac said. "He is a great runner.

As for Weinberg, he has great potential for this season, according to Periac.

"Like Thomas, Erik has been on the team since his freshman year," Periac said. "We're looking forward to seeing what he and Thomas will do this season."

Another key returnee is sophomore Daniel Borkenstein.

"He's young, he has a lot of potential," Periac said. "He's a good runner and I think is going to do well this year."

On the girls' side, Periac has a talented trio in senior co-captains Emma Levin, Amalba Kola and Hannah Mellor

"The three of them have plenty of experience," Periac said. "They have been on the team since ninth grade, they know what's going on. Hannah and Amalba do track and cross country. They are mostly middle-distance runners. They are not expected to do their best in cross country, they are doing this for training in preparation for winter and spring track."

As for Levin, it's a different story.

"Emma is really a true distance runner," Periac said. "She was injured before but when she is healthy like she is now she is a great runner."

Another key person for the Edgemont girls' squad is sophomore Jacqueline Herrero.

"She is a first-year runner and she is really, really good," he said.  "I can't wait to see her start in competition and see what she does."

Periac also feels good about the girls' chances for success—but knows going up against Class C power Bronxville, which has won back-to-back state titles and eight overall, will be a challenge.

I just hope that we can be a competitive team," Periac said. "You have to remember that we are competing against Bronxville, the defending state champions."