ECC Small Division includes Lyman Memorial, Griswold, Tourtellotte, Putnam, Wheeler, St. Bernard

While the small schools have difficulty competing on a dual meet basis with the likes of NFA, Fitch, East Lyme and Ledyard, the competition at the annual ECC Championships is an open affair and it provides some very talented individuals a taste of top-end competition. The divisional nature of the conference setup is crucial in terms of goal setting and the benefits of running against some of the state’s very best runners pays off during the Post Season competitions.

GIRLS:

Griswold drops down a division in the ECC and will not skip a beat as it continues its winning ways in the ECC. While NFA is clearly the powerhouse of the conference, Griswold wins year in and year out in whatever division it belongs.  This year will be no different as the team returns most of its harriers from last season. Stephanie Messier, Alexa Palasky, Courtney Kinney, and Margaret McFalls will take the Wolverines far as they form a tight pack.  When one looks at the competition, only St. Bernard has the potential to challenge the Wolverines. Kyra Coughlin and Juli Bassett will lead the Uncasville-based Saints during this year’s campaign.  Lyman Memorial returns Molly Frankinburger, but there is a lot of distance between Molly and the rest of the Bulldogs.  Tourtellotte will boast its largest team of late, but they will have to show they can race hard and consistently to be a factor. Tamara LaFountain will lead the Tigers. Wheeler and Putnam are overmatched and will struggle to be competitive led by Shannon McBride for the Lions of North Stonington and Brianna King of the Clippers.

BOYS:

Even with the addition of Griswold to the division, St. Bernard returns a really strong core of athletes this fall and will be favored to repeat as 7-time ECC Small Champions. The Saints Justin Missey-Higgins, defending Class S state champ, leads a group of youngsters into the season for Coach Steve Moon.  Higgins will also be in the running for top 5 in the conference. Lyman Memorial returns standout Dan Fields and they will not go quietly in the night, but the competitive level drops off significantly after #1.  Griswold will be led by Jon Choiniere and Tourtellotte will counter with Ryan King and John Brown. Wheeler and Putnam, two of the smallest schools in the conference, will struggle with numbers and shouldn’t influence the rest of the division. Trevor Stefanski leads the Lions and Bill Walsh is the key returnee for Putnam’s Clippers.