For the third year in a row the Oyster Bay High School Cross Country team was dominant both in dual meet competition and in invitationals. The Division IV title and the team’s three-year undefeated streak was in jeopardy. Going into the last meet Oyster Bay faced East Rockaway for the Division Championship. Both teams were undefeated in the division and had identical 10-2 records in the conference.
With Steven Tortora injured, it took an extra effort from several teammates to pull off the victory. Led by Brian Dillmann who ran a season best 17:45 and Joe LaCorte (17:51), Oyster Bay won the meet by a score of 27-38. Chris Kulis (19:41), Jack Leguelaff (19:59) and Joe Cogliandro (20:07) also ran outstanding races.
The team placed 2nd in the Conference Championship meet to Seaford High School while defeating nine other teams, including Valley Stream North who narrowly defeated the Baymen in a meet earlier in the season. This meet served as a qualifier for the County Championships which took place on Nov. 7. The Baymen placed 13th overall, competing against large and small schools, and was the first place team in County Class ‘C.’
The victory was sweetest for Brian Dillman, the only senior who was a member of the 2007 team that began the Baymen’s three-year streak. He was instrumental throughout the season as a number 1 runner in the final division meet and the number 2 and 3 runner for several other meets. He trailed teammates Joe LaCorte (2nd place 17:30) and Steven Tortora (4th place 17:50) in his final race at Bethpage and was able to finish strong placing third in County Class ‘C’ with a time of 17:48.
Nick Gismondi (18:42), Chris Kulis (20:14), Jack Leguelaff (20:29) and Eric Horowitz (20:33) also ran well, and will complete with the team that was scheduled to run in the NYS Championships on Nov. 14 in Plattsburg.
