Senior Katelyn Collins can now add a Girls Cross Country County Championship to her list of accomplishments. Although she has qualified for the New York State meet every season since she was a freshman, a team title seemed to be avoiding her as well as her teammates. In 2006 an injury to former Lady Baymen Jackie Henderson prevented the team from earning the title, and in 2007 Fiona Brunner suffered a severe ankle sprain, which prevented the team from even competing in the County meet, as it didn't have enough runners to participate.

This year, however, the Lady Baymen would not be denied. After earning a County Championship Collins, as well as All-Division runner Brunner, sophomore Leeanne Dillman and freshmen Brooke Mahoski and Christine Drexler headed to the states. This was the first trip for the Lady Baymen in several years.

Katelyn finished 40th at the New York State Championships at Sunken Meadow, with a time of 21:28. Fiona's time of 21:48 was good enough for 49th place, and helped secure a 9th place finish for the Lady Baymen in Class C. Brooke Mahoski (116th, 26:14), Christine Drexler (117th, 26:15) and LeeAnne Dillman (118th, 26:22) stayed together throughout the race, pushing each other through the rain-dampened course. After learning that they had placed higher than Suffolk's Hampton Bays, Drexler declared "We're Long Island Champs!!" While that distinction is not given in Cross Country, the team was very excited to be the top Long Island team in Class C.

The team will have a tough time filling the gap that will be left when Katelyn graduates. She has been the top runner for the Baymen since her freshman year, and is one of the most decorated runners in Oyster Bay history. Still, the team should be strong with Brunner, Dillman, Mahoski and Drexler leading returnees Julie Tortora, Katie Bradley, Anastasia Calcasola and Nicole Matarese to success in 2009.

The Girls Cross Country team and its coach wish to extend its gratitude to the many parents who supported them throughout the season. Thanks.