Wallkill Valley cross-county has standout runners
HAMBURG — The Wallkill Valley High School cross country program (girls and boys squads) proved this season that it not only has standout runners that can achieve individual accolades, but a group of student-athletes who were able to earn considerable team goals.
The Rangers’ boys’ team finished with an undefeated dual meet record and the girls’ team went 6-3 in dual meet competition.
“Some highlights (for the boys team include), remaining undefeated as a team over Craig Corti’s career,’’ Wallkill Valley coach Sabrina Lucas said. “The team winning the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) after losing two grandmothers in two days of our top runners – Craig and Gabrielle Corti and Jimmy Perez, whose grandmother was employed at Wallkill Valley (were memorable moments). Having the boys take five of the top 15 spots at (NJSIAA North Group I) sectionals for the title and qualifying for the Meet of Champions as a team for the fourth straight year.
“(The girls’ team) kept getting better. Ally Lame's and Casey Murphy's championship seasons were great in the NJAC, Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex and sectionals, which propelled the girls to great finishing. We qualified for the State Group I Championship for the second time in a row. Ally was 12th in the group meet and just missed the Meet of Champions by two spots. Going into sectionals we ran without our No. 3/No. 4 runner Ashlyn Gec because she was recovering from pneumonia. She bounced back and ran in the group championship.’’
Wallkill Valley was fortunate to have strong leadership on the roster this year.
“Craig is a quiet leader who knows when humor is required and a sense of seriousness is needed,” Lucas said. “He led by example. His actions speak louder than any words. Luke Vanderhoff is of the same mold and I have no reservations of him leading these boys again next year.”
NOTES: Craig Corti placed first and Luke Vanderhoff placed second at the North I Group I sectional meet … Lame placed second and Murphy placed fifth at the North I Group I sectional meet…The girls team placed fourth at the North I Group I sectional …Craig Corti placed first and Vanderhoff placed eighth at the state Group I Meet…Craig Corti placed fourth at the Meet of Champions.