Your NewsMag

2021 | Vol.8 No.2

Your NewsMag

Calhoun Boys Cross-Country Capture County Championship

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

After shuttering ahead of their spring 2020 season, the Sanford H. Calhoun High School boys cross-country team in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District made it their goal to capture the Class II Nassau County championships this year — and they achieved just that on April 17.

After many months of training, the Colt team - with no apparent races in the future just yet - adopted a quote to train by, “hold the vision and trust the process."

“This quote brought to the team by one of the team captains, Lucas Ahrens, helped to remind us not to lose focus even during the toughest times,” explained coach David Hendler.

From the first race, the team was ready. John Schwab led the way with a 16:25 5K. The team continued on to defeat Jericho, Elmont and Long Beach.

“Sophomores Matt Belmonte and Gavin Giordano stepped it up anytime a higher place was needed,” added Hendler.

With the return of players Alex Rosario and Joe Bilardello, the team really

started to come together.

“Completing the regular season undefeated and capturing the division and conference championships made Calhoun the team to beat in the counties,” Hendler explained.

Captain Logan Bader dropped close to 20 seconds and placed sixth, nearly what the team needed to clinch the win.

“Others who greatly contributed to the team’s success included Aidan “Thor” Kopelman who placed 16th and freshman Logan Schaeffler, who placed third in the county race with a time of 16:32.55,” noted Hendler.

The final score was Calhoun 34, Manhasset 76, Roslyn 85, Valley Stream North 108, Jericho 108 and Bethpage 119; with the lowest score winning.

Their vision had come true.

Awards included All-Conference titles for Lucas Ahrens, Dan Isals, Joe Bilardello, Jonathan Sferratore and Will Hughes. All-County titles for Gavin Giordano, Matthew Belmonte, Aidan Kopelman, Alexander Rosario, John Schwab, Logan Bader and Logan Schaeffler.

21