East's Saavedra and DiRienzo Run Away with Top Spots at Suffolk XC Finals

Sachem East's Alex Saavedra and teammate Joe DiRienzo did it again this week.

They finished first and second in the Suffolk County boys cross country Class AA finals with times of 16:01.40 and 16:22.40, respectively, at Sunken Meadow State Park.

Saavedra finished second in 2008 and 2009, so this year he aimed higher.

Friday's time was slightly slower than his 16:00.30 in the Division I championship Oct. 26, but a win's a win for the senior, who has not yet committed to a college.

Ryan Scarpelli had a huge day and ran a 16:54 placing 10th overall, 50 seconds faster than a week earlier at Divisions.

"It's incredible and shows he went after it," said East head coach Joe Orenzo.

Zach Patsy stepped up and placed 23rd with a 17:36.

"We're definitely glad he's a junior and will be returning to us," Orenzo said.

Freshman Tom Rascona rounded out East's top five with an 18:02, the third fastest freshman time of the day.

Runners who clear 17:40 in the 5K are automatic All-County selections, so Saavedra, DiRienzo, Scarpelli and Patsy were all honored in that fashion.

Sachem East also broke the average time record for Sachem with an average (top 5) time of 16:59.20. They broke the record last year with a 17:14 - it was 17:16 held by the 1996 Sachem County Championship team. This year they shattered that by 15 seconds.

Saavedra, DiRienzo and Scarpelli also earned All-League and All-Division honors. Phil Rascona is All-County Academic (top 50 in the Division Race and top 10 percent in his class), All-League and All-Division.

Saavedra took the county's highest honor, earning Runner of the Year honors and will be accepting the award Monday at the Windwatch.

Connetquot won the team title.

Saavedra, ranked No. 1 in the state, and DiRienzo will compete in the New York State Championship at Lakeside Park Nov. 13.

"I am really proud of these guys," Orenzo said. "They worked hard all year and truly dug deep to try and win us another county title. We came close. They know what it takes to win and they'll work and I know they'll keep that fire burning all the way to next season."