Newburgh Free Academy sophomore Devin Batelic became the school’s first Boys Cross Country athlete to compete in a state championship in about two years.
Batelic finished in 81st place during the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A championships held at Vernon-Vernon-Sherrill High School last week. Batelic competed as part of the Section 9 team with four other runners from Kingston, Minisink Valley, Valley Central, and Washingtonville.
“The entire team is so proud of Devin and what he accomplished this year,” declared NFA Boys Cross Country Head Coach Chris Marino. “It is a result of the effort he and his entire team has put forth this season – really for the last few years with this group. They work hard, they have fun, and they compete. They are a tight group and still so young. We’re all pretty excited for the future.”
Marino added, “He’s an example to our younger guys as to how to go about your business and what hard work can bring.”
Batelic finished the course in 17:53.3, about 1:48 off the pace set by state champion winning time.
