NYSPHSAA BOYS' CROSS COUNTRY: CORNING TAKES 3RD AT STATES, HORSEHEADS, CORNING HAVE STATE MEDALISTS (13 PHOTOS) (November 16, 2025)

Southern Tier Sports Report
QUEENSBURY — Two locals earned state medals, while the Corning boys’ cross country team posted a third-place finish at the Class A State Championships at Queensbury on Saturday.

Corning had a team score of 99, with North Rockland winning at 53, followed by Ward Melville at 77. 

Corning’s Bryce Hammond and Nicholas Kowal of Horseheads each earned state medals.

“I was really pleased with how I ran,” Hammond said. “After not being fully healthy at sectionals, I just wanted to compete hard and put myself in the race. I felt controlled early and was able to move well late. Finishing that high at states was really special. It’s one of the biggest races of the season, and being able to deliver for my team and help us take third means a lot.”

Hammond finished 18th in 15:42.70 and Kowal was 20th in 15:46.30. For Horseheads it’s the first state medalist in at least a decade. 

“It felt great to finish that high, especially with how rough the start of my season was,” Kowal said. “I was ranked 26th going into it and I wanted to medal, which was top 20, so that’s what I went for. When I finished I knew I was either 20th or 21st, and when I found out I was 20th I was very happy. Even though I felt somewhat sick, I still felt that I ran well and I was very happy with my performances.”

Horseheads coach Kim Balliet was happy with how Kowal, and Makenzie Baker in the girls’ race, ran on the day.

“We are incredibly proud of both Mackenzie and Nick for their outstanding achievements throughout the cross country season,” she said. “Their dedication, perseverance and strong work ethic were evident in every race, culminating in remarkable personal and team successes. Their passion is inspiring to everyone who supports them.”

“Very proud of the boys,” Corning coach Ray Lawson said. “Six of the seven had personal bests in the 5K at the meet. As a team, Milesplit NY had us seeded fifth entering the meet and we were in fifth place as a team at the first mile, but the boys moved up very well over the next two miles to finish third.

“I’m very proud of their effort and execution of the race plan. Bryce Hammond battled well for his team finishing 18th and earning a state championship medal. When all the races of the day were merged, Corning was third in all classes where we were ranked seventh going in. So a very good day.”

Corning’s Nicholas Ferratella was 23rd in 15:47.90 and teammate Christopher Lawson was 42nd in 16:08. Sebastian Boutwell was 51st in 16:22.20 and Ashtyn Stark was 75th in 16:43.60. 

Graham Wightman was 85th in 16:56 and Elijah Sonner was 100th in 17:36. 

Corning’s runners are at the New York State Federation Championships/Nike Regional next weekend. 

Notre Dame’s Gavin Meier was 57th in the Class D race in 17:43.30. 

“I knew it would be a tough race, but it meant a lot to just be there,” Meier said. “A lot of people doubed me this season, some thought they were pouring water on y fire, but they were really just pouring gasoline. It pushed me to stay locked in and give everything I had. Every stride at Queensbury had a purpose. I was focused on making smart moves, staying patient, and fighting for every spot. Coach Joe kept me believing in myself the entire way, and I’m grateful for that. And, above all, I kept thanking God for the strength and clarity to compete the way I did.

“Finishing my season at states was incredibly special. People sometimes think moments like that come from luck, but states felt like the proof of the work, the commitment and the faith behind it. I’m grateful for everyone who supported me this year.”
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PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR. . . FIRST PHOTO PROVIDED. 

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