The Xs And Os Behind Fayetteville-Manlius' Dominating Run At Van Cortlandt


Over the last decade, the Fayetteville-Manlius (NY) High girls cross country program has built a tradition of success on a number of levels. 

Local. Regional. State. National. 

It's a testament to the Hornets program, which has won 10 out of the last 11 Nike Cross Nationals titles, but also to its head coach, Bill Aris, and his assistant coaches, who have helped cultivate a loaded squad that continues to reload year over year. The Hornets operate like a dynasty, one that's prepared no matter graduation or transfer. 

Need proof? 

This weekend's Eastern States Championship race at the Manhattan Invitational was a perfect example of pack running. Fayetteville-Manlius did so in rather remarkable fashion, crossing its top five runners in the top nine places and averaging 14:25.28 over its scorers -- 11 seconds faster than its best finish in 2015. 

But where did it all start?