Finley Cross Country Boasts Several of Suffolk’s Top Young Runners
There’s no sure thing in the world of sports and it’s hard to predict how young athletes will turn out, who will be champions and who might fall just a bit short. Yet, by all accounts, Brent Filippini and Ryan Ackerman have bright futures ahead of them in the sport of cross country after the pair of J. Taylor Finley Middle School runners turned in a fabulous fall season.
Filippini, a seventh grader won three of eight races, finished second three times and third twice. Most impressive of all was a third place finish in the Sunken Meadow Invitational, which drew 185 runners. “He proved to be a stellar athlete and leader of this team,” coach Krista Kozlosky said.
Ackerman, a talented eighth grader, also won three of eight meets and finished fourth in four other races. He crossed the finish line fifth in the Sunken Meadow Invitational to lay claim to being one of Suffolk’s top young runners. “He brought his experience and knowledge from last year to prove his outstanding athletic abilities this year,” Kozlosky said.
Another exceptional eighth grader was David Kitzen, who finished third three times and was fourth in two other races. “He was eager to learn and grow as a long distance runner,” Kozlosky said.
The co-ed Finley team included 22 runners in all, including 15 that were in seventh grade. “The boys remained undefeated for their first five meets by consistently taking the top places for each race,” Kozlosky said. “They ended their season with a win.”
While the boys looked especially strong, the girls’ squad endured growing pains. “They remained determined to improve and reach their personal best,” Kozlosky said. “All girls made improvements.” Seventh grader Jontae Smith turned in the best time among all the Finley girls.
“It was a pleasure coaching such a fine group of student athletes this year,” Kozlosky said. “Both the boys and girls have been consistent and productive during practices and all have improved their performance during meets. It was a job well done.”
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