On Saturday, Nov. 16, the New York State Cross Country Championship Competition was held in Wappinger Falls. Levittown resident, 14-year-old Marielle Segarra, represented Kellenberg HS. It is the first time Kellenberg has had a girls team make it to the state competitions, according to Coach Brown. A former student of Wisdom Lane Middle School and member of the Levittown Track Team, she decided to try out for the Cross Country team in early September.

As a freshman member of Kellenberg's XC team, she never thought she would be going to states this year. "We have had many pleasant surprises on our freshman team this year," said Coach Brown. "They are probably the best freshman team we've ever had!"

According to her father, Anthony Segarra, Coach of the Levittown Unit of the PAL, Marielle wasn't even sure she would make the team. "I knew she had the potential to do well if she tried, but I couldn't get her to workout this past summer." "I never thought she would move up this fast!"

Two weeks ago Marielle ran with her freshman team and did so well that her coach put her in the Junior Varsity Race. When she came out of the last turn of the 2.5 mile course at Van Courtland Park, she was in twelfth position, leading her team to a second place finish in a field of 152 girls. "She totally surprised me," said her dad, "I was going to video tape her, suddenly I saw the blue uniform and I thought, I better get ready, there is one of them. As I looked into the viewfinder, I realized it was Marielle!"

Kellenberg's J. V. team took second place due to the outstanding effort of this freshman. According to Coach Brown, her time in the race would have put their varsity team in second place as well. He turned around and said to her, "Guess, who's going to states!" "When she came home and told us the news, we were speechless!" said her mom. "I told her to call her dad at work." Upon hearing the news dad said, "Whatever happens, remember you ran with the best and that is an accomplishment in itself!" "I'll be proud of you if you come in last!"