Cross Country Preview: Bears Use Preseason to Plan for Key Wins

's cross country squads have their sights set on big things — mainly a potential state championship for the boys and a league crown for the girls.

Both rosters include experienced veterans and dedicated athletes, according to coach Joe Scelia. On top of that, Scelia expects the hard work he's seen so far in summer workouts to continue into the season.

Ultimately, seniors Charlie Carr, Justin Maguire and Adam McIe are looking to lead the boys — despite the latter's recent foot injury —to a state crown.

“It’s still our goal,” Scelia said. “He’s been out for a few weeks but our goal is still the states. Preseason, we were ranked fourth in the state in Class B. We are in it, we are definitely in it.”

Carr is one reason why the Bears are in it.

“He’s an incredible athlete all-around,” Scelia said. “He is an established swimmer. He was a sectional champ in the mile, the sprint and a runner-up in the section in cross country."

Carr’s teammate Maguire is coming off a sectional championship he won last fall.

“He puts in a ton of miles,” Scelia said. “He’s our all-out warrior. He loves the sport, he loves the distance. He is willing to push his body more than other kids will. That’s why he has achieved so much.”

McIe, who should be back training in a week or two, has also achieved plenty in his time at Brewster.

“The last few years he has been one of our top distance runners all-around and one of our best milers,” Scelia said. “He finished the season last year all-state, along with the other two [Carr and Maguire]. We need him back to get the job done.”

Providing the Bears with a solid No. 4 guy is senior Nick Cortina.

“He’s going to be with those top three guys," Scelia said. "His workouts so far have been great. I’m excited to see how he develops this season.”

Junior Ariana Bottalico will lead the girls. She was a section champion last year, all-state the last two seasons and an all-state honorable mention selection as an eighth-grader.

Scelia said that what makes Bottalico stand out is that she is willing to push her body. She’s mentally and physically ready to run all the time, according to the Brewster coach. He also said she is in position to repeat as section champion, and make the state meet for the fourth straight year, something he called "unprecedented."

“She always rises up when we need her too,” Scelia said. “She is ready for an unbelievable junior year. She has been the best distance runner in Brewster history for girls. The sky is the limit for her. She really put in extra effort this summer to achieve her goals."

Freshman Jamie Maguire, Justin’s sister, qualified for the states last year as an eighth-grader.

“Jamie is really tough,” Scelia said. “She has been on the team since seventh grade. She seems like such an experienced veteran already and she is just entering high school.”

Another key girls performer is senior Michelle Zazzero, whose hard work at summer training should pay off during the season, according to her coach.

“The girls are the wild card this year,” Scelia said. “We do have four or five freshmen that could potentially be on the varsity team. I think our girls can contend for a league title if they stay healthy and bond as a unit.”