William Floyd's Zariel Macchia named among top cross-country runners by Newsday


Jennifer Heitman Board Member | William Floyd School District

Zariel Macchia, a senior on the William Floyd High School cross-country team, has been recognized as one of the top 25 girls’ cross-country runners by Newsday. The publication noted her impressive achievements: “She won the Federation title in 17:59.4 and finished second in Class A, and in the merge, in 17:44.3 at the public-school state championships. The BYU commit, who already has a Class A title to her name, is the fastest runner in the state…and one of the fastest girls in the country.”

Throughout her career at William Floyd High School, Macchia has consistently excelled. She was named Newsday’s Long Island Runner of the Year three times and has broken numerous school records. Additionally, she earned Gatorade New York Girls’ Cross-Country Player of the Year honors for 2023-24. Last year, she achieved First Team All-American honors and won her first state championship.

In her senior season, Macchia aims to further her accomplishments and lead the Colonials to their fifth consecutive League I championship under head coach John Ryan.

The Colonials (1-0) have started their season strongly with a win over Middle Country in a dual meet where Macchia took first place. She also secured first place in both the Jim Smith Invitational (senior division) and Community Library’s Smith Point Bridge 5K Run for Literacy (second overall). The team looks forward to another successful season.

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