Sports
East's Saavedra Places Eighth at State Meet
Runs fastest Sachem time ever in state cross country competition.
Sachem East senior Alex Saavedra placed eighth in the New York State Class AA cross country championships last weekend at Lakeside Park in Pawling, N.Y.
There was very strong competition from Shaker, Faytelleville-Manlius, and Saratoga-Springs, but Saavedra held on to run a 16:14 and made All-State. He also received the Section 11 Sportsmanship Award later that day.
The lead pack went out real quick (4:50 mile pace) and Saavedra lost a step but hung in there.
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"Just a mistake I can learn from but it's all good," he said.
He was hoping for a top five finish but his place is still the best Sachem state finish and time on a 5K course in Sachem history.
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He will compete at the Foot Locker regional meet at Sunken Meadow on Nov. 27.
Joe DiRienzo had an off day placing 72nd and running a 17:24.
He chalked it up to, "peaking too early."
"It's just one of those races," said Sachem East cross country coach Joe Orenzo. "You're allowed to have some. He will rest and run winter track."
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