Sachem Runners Keep 43-Year Tradition Alive

Middle school runners from Seneca, Sagamore and Samoset gathered at Sachem High School East on Sept. 28 for the 43rd Annual Jeff Stone Memorial Run, continuing a Sachem cross country tradition that has been going strong for more than four decades.

The runners competed on East’s 1.5-mile course, with Sagamore capturing the girls team title. Katherine Desinone and Audrey Foraci led the way for the Sagamore girls, while Seneca claimed the boys team championship.

Samoset’s James Flammer and Sagamore’s Kevin Minozzi earned the top individual spots, adding another exciting chapter to the annual event.

Parents, families and friends packed the area surrounding the Sachem East baseball field, cheering on runners from all three schools. While the competition was intense, the afternoon also showcased the sportsmanship and encouragement that have become such an important part of the event.

Sachem’s high school cross country athletes played an important role throughout the afternoon, helping guide the younger runners through the experience. They led warmups, introduced the middle school teams to the course and lined the route to provide directions and encouragement.

Their involvement helped strengthen the connection between Sachem’s middle school and high school programs while giving the younger athletes an opportunity to meet runners they may eventually join as teammates.

The annual event honors Jeff Stone, a Sachem teacher and track and cross country coach who played an important role in developing the district’s running programs. More than 40 years later, the memorial run continues to bring together Sachem runners, coaches and families in his memory.

Seneca coach Heidi Michta, Sagamore coach Laura Onorato and Samoset coach Jim Byrne led their respective teams. Michta also worked with Sachem East girls coach Dan Schaub to coordinate the event and prepare the course.

Additional support came from East girls coach Matt Juarez, East boys coaches Joe Orenzo and Greg Wrightson, and North girls coaches Joe Azzato and Carlos Santos.

With support from the Sachem Athletics Office, the Tom Toscano Foundation, school administrators, coaches, families, volunteers and student-athletes, the 43rd annual run celebrated both the next generation of Sachem runners and the community that continues to support them.