Sachem Runners Carry On Tradition at 43rd Annual Jeff Stone Memorial Run

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

Competing on East’s 1.5-mile course, Sagamore captured the girls team title, led by top finishers Katherine Desinone and Audrey Foraci. Seneca earned the boys team title, while Samoset’s James Flammer and Sagamore’s Kevin Minozzi claimed the top individual spots.

Parents, families and friends filled the area surrounding the Sachem East baseball field, cheering on runners from all three schools. Throughout the afternoon, student-athletes paired their competitive efforts with sportsmanship and encouragement.

Sachem’s high school cross country athletes helped 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 participation strengthened connections between the district’s middle school and high school programs, giving younger athletes an opportunity to meet runners they may one day join as teammates.
The annual event honors Jeff Stone, a Sachem teacher and track and cross country coach who helped develop the district’s running programs. More than four decades later, the race continues to bring together Sachem runners, coaches and families in his memory.

Coaches Heidi Michta of Seneca, Laura Onorato of Sagamore and Jim Byrne of Samoset 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 contributions 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 supports them.