By Neal Levy

In an epic battle between two great runners, eighth-grader Brianna Welch won the Nassau County County Class B Cross-Country Championship at Bethpage State Park on Saturday. Battling the entire way with Senior Megan Krifchin from Bellmore JFK High School, the runners put on an exciting show for the hundreds in attendance. Even though Welch got out-kicked for the overall Nassau County Title, she placed second out of the 160-runner field earning her the County B championship. What's more, she ran one of the fastest times in course history. As a result of her performance, she automatically qualified for the State Championship this weekend in Queensbury, and the Federation Championship in Wappingers Falls on November 19th.

Not to be outdone, Captain Kirsten Oertle, running her fastest time of the season, eclipsed the 23:00 barrier. Other qualifiers for the county competition were Debbie Gilbert, Marisa Dussel, and Ilana Rotberg. A great team season overall with freshman Marisa Dussel earning All-Division honors, as voted by the coaches of Nassau County.

By Ian Kamen

The varsity volleyball team finished the regular season last Monday with an overpowering match against Mineola. The win ended the season for the Vikings as they posted a 10-6 record, good for third place in their upper ability league, and also a third place seed in the county Class B playoffs.

In the opening round on Thursday, the Vikings hosted sixth seed Clarke. The Vikings coasted through the match with scores of 25-3, 25-12 and 25-12. Everyone on the team played well and offered what they do best, team defense and a wonderful transition game into offense. Setters Liz Muscarella and Melanie Guardino combined for 20 assists and 29 service points, including 10 aces. Attackers Lauren Ko and Cassandra Knox combined for 18 kills. Carly Langer had her best match of the season with 9 service points, while defensive specialist Kristin McCormack added 10 points and great passing. Also helping were defensive specialist Amanda Magnuson, hitter Allison O'Connell, and just up from the JV for the playoffs, Danielle Dweck.

The Vikings next take on number two seed Seaford is on Monday at Roslyn High School.

By Audra Marcantonio

The North Shore Cheer Team would like to say congratulations to the Viking varsity football team. The team, though they did not win, entered the playoffs for the first time in years. The players gave it their all at every game this season and the cheer team is proud to cheer for them. The cheer team will be cheering on the athletes this weekend for a crossover game with a Suffolk County team. More details will be announced. Go get 'em Vikings!

The team bios this week acknowledge the incredible, hardworking captains of the NS cheer team.

Emily B: (senior) This captain truly knows how to lead her team by example. Emily constantly listens to her teammates, positively provides constructive criticism to those learning new stunts, and continuously performs with a smile in front of a crowd. This quiet leader goes above and beyond to help the team in any way possibleAs a recipient of the Most Spirited Plaque last winter, Emily exemplifies enthusiasm and school pride. At Hofstra University Cheer Camp, Em took home several ribbons as well: Best Dynamic Stunting Duo, Early Bird Riser, and Most SpiritedHer focus this year is to give her heart to her teammates as she bases with incredible strength and synchronization!

Megan P: (Senior) As captain, Meg can, at any given moment, be seen leading her teammates to success and improvementFrom a crowd catching cheer or dazzling dance, to a challenging stunt, her ability to correct and redirect is to be admiredAt Universal Cheerleading Overnight Camp, Meg impressed the judges, earning the coveted All Star Recognition and Medal. There, she also received the Most Motivated Ribbon. In addition, during recent years here at North Shore, Megan took home the Most Improved Player and Most Valuable Player AwardsWhat an overall amazing performer and asset to this team! Meg looks forward to competing through the Long Island Cheer Association and raising school spirit!

Katie O: (senior) Our "Lucky Charm" KTO comes to us as a fabulous leader and captainKatie has been cheering since her freshman year, competing yearly! She even participated in a stunting group competition consisting of 5 amazing athletesKatie is the proud recipient of The North Shore Most Spirited Award for two years in a row. In addition, at UCA Summer Camp, Katie received the Most Courageous Captain Ribbon, leading her team to two 1st Place Trophies in both dance and cheer. Katie constantly works hard; her dedication has resulted in being a member of one of our strongest stunting groups year after year. Presently, one of her goals is to both base and fly! KTO can do it all; her spirit is contagious!

The Vikings defeated Manhasset to move to the Long Island Championships which will be held Sunday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m. at Stony Brook University. Head coach for the team is Kellie Moritz; assistant coach is Christine Hickey