Last season, Santino D’Amelio often was either the second man sandwiched between a pair of seniors or the third guy right behind them, all depending on what the Southern Regional boys cross-country team needed from him on a particular day within a particular race.

This season, the Rams’ senior likely will be tasked to be the lead man – all day, every day. But that’s mainly because coach Scott Baker knows D’Amelio can handle it.

“Santino knows he’s going to be that guy leading from the front,” Baker said following last fall’s NJSIAA Meet of…