The James I. O’Neill boys’ indoor track and field team lost four athletes from last year’s team but still have their eyes on winning divisional and sectional championships this winter.

The Raiders have lost Chris Evans, Jackson Smith, Noa Young and Cayden Cannon from last year’s team.

Returning to the team this year are Dan Bluman, Mathias Williams, and Peter Dacunto, who recently finished second at the Section 9 cross country championships and earned a berth at the state championship meet.

Joining the team are Bryce Kenny, Asher Dabkowski and Azro Rogers, who joined Dacunto at the state cross country meet back in the fall.

“We are working hard in the early season,” coach John Flynn said. “The kids are really putting in the work.”

Girls
The girls’ team is growing despite having lost Sammie Starling and Tessa Hendrickson from last year’s team.
Returning to the team will be Jael Guy, Ava Nowicki, Avery Schnack and Erin Smith, who qualified with three other runners for the New York State cross country meet.

Joining the team will be Sophie Catudal, Haley Mitroka and Claire VanPelt.

Flynn said the Raiders will field a young team this year but will look to compete for an Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association divisional title.

“The girls’ numbers have increased over the years, and we hope to put in some great times at the meets,” Flynn said.