Girls NJ Team Rankings

Rank Team Last Result Comments
1
106.5 Points - 9 First Place / Silver medalists at MOC last year, the defending Gr. 4 champion Lady Raiders bring back a powerful 1-2 punch and a very solid supporting cast. Seniors Stephanie Mauer and Paige Novak will make a lot of noise up front and coach Rich Refi has a lot of depth to draw on if things get sticky. Can the Holmdel record for Single Race average be in jeopardy?
2
99 Points - 2 First Place/ The Fab Four of last year's MOC winning team have moved on, but the Caseys return a formidable group. Led by rising soph Caitlin O'Hare and veteren senior Megan Cronk, RBC can be right there in the right spot.
3
76 Points / It's not easy to replace someone like Eve Glasergreen, but the Lady Lions of North Hunterdon will take an honest shot at a podium finish in 2015. With junior Anna DiMarcello and senior Kelsey Farbanish leading the way, North's depth will boost the 3-5 slots. The addition of a very promising Frosh can't hurt.
4
60 Points / With 3 runners bringing back sub 20 min Holmdel marks, the Red Devils will be a presence in the MOC derby. Despite losing their top scorer from last year, Tim Mooney's charges are solid. Ridge will be tested often as they will square off with Hillsborough and North Hunterdon on numerous occasions throughout the season.
5
59 Points / With a potential MOC winner in junior Briana Gess leading the way, the 'Dawgs of Haddonfield pose a threat to the top of the field. Despite a less that positive end of the 2014 campaign,Gess rebounded nicely during the track seasons and looks to return to form. junior Meg Schroeter and soph Lilly Minor will contribute in the 2-3 roles.
6
48 Points / Despite the news that soph Hope Tiboni will not be on the team this year, Mendam will still be a solid program. With Elizabeth Timoney leading the way, the "Minutewomen" of Mendham boast a strong line up that will battle for the Gr. 3 title and a podium spot at MOC.
7
41 Points / The Golden Eagles are one of two ranked teams that did not race at MOC last year (4th@ Gr.3). Led by senior Joey Webb, Seneca has possibly the tightest pack in the group. Four of their five returning runners show up in the top 100 Holmdel returners. The 5th runner is Outdoor 800m MOC third placer Kayla Martin. If she can adapt to the XC distance, watch out.
8
33 Points / The Maroon of Ridgewood lost their HOF coach Jacob Brown to retirement and one half of last years dynamic duo, Carleen Jeffers to graduation. Some teams rebuild, Ridgewood will reload. Led by senior Sam Halvorsen and supported up front by junior Olympia Martin, the Bergen Co. powerhouse should continue the grand Ridgewood XC tradition.
9
21 Points / 13th at the Gr. 4 race LY, The Pioneers of Clearview are a relative unknown in the mix. Their credentials are solid with soph Julia Rothstein a the head of a pack that averaged 20:49 at Holmdel.
10
20 Points / Losing 2 key members from the '14 Lady Pirate squad hurts. But with the return of a legitimate MOC individual contender in Christina Rancan, WW-P South may end up in the right place by season's end. Kurt Wayton can coach and always brings out the best in his athletes.

Editor's Comments

Also Receiving Votes:

Rumson-Fair Haven (19.5) Randolph (10) Toms River No. (7) Union Catholic (2) Shawnee, Middletown No., No. Highlands (1)


The 2015 New Jersey Girls XC season has the potential to be as, if not more, exciting than last year. Hillsborough looks very tough tough to beat, but the championships are won out on the course. There is always a team lurking out there that did the work during the off season or the addition of a breakout runner who can make all the difference for a team on the fringe.

The most predictable thing about about following Girls XC in NJ is that it is totally unpredictable! Enjoy the rankings and let us know your take on who the top teams are in your books.


As we start our 10th year of the New Jersy HS Cross Country Rankings Poll, I'd like to thank all the people who have participated over this first decade. Your time and efforts are most appreciated. It's a long season and these guys do not just pull their analysis out of their hats. Thanks Gentlemen!

-Pat Montferrat