NFA Sophomore Competes in State Championships

Newburgh Free Academy sophomore Devin Batelic finished 81st on Saturday, November 12th, 2022 at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A cross country championships at Vernon-Vernon-Sherrill High School. Devin Batelic is the first NFA athlete to compete in a Boys Cross Country state championship in about two decades.

Batelic competed as part of the Section 9 team with four other runners from Kingston, Minisink Valley, Valley Central, and Washingtonville and finished 81st in the state of competitive athletes. 

"The entire team is so proud of Devin and what he accomplished this year.  It is a result of the effort he and his entire team has put forth this season - really for the last few years with this group. They work hard, they have fun, and they compete. They are a tight group and still so young. We're all pretty excited for the future," said NFA Boys Cross Country Head Coach Chris Marino, who added “He's an example to our younger guys as to how to go about your business and what hard work can bring.”  

Batelic finished the course in 17:53.3, about 1:48 off the pace set by state champion winning time.

Media coverage of Batelic’s efforts can be found here. 

Mid Hudson Times - November 9, 2022 - Newburgh’s Batelic earns final spot on Section 9 team

Mid Hudson Times - November 16, 2022 - Newburgh’s Batelic 81st in state

Photos provided by: Cross Country Head Coach Chris Marino, NFA Cross Country Dad Scott Rausenberger, and Mid-Hudson Times reporter Mike Zummo.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!