Acasio Pinheiro Back With Princeton, Key Part of 2016 MOC Title


Acasio Pinheiro, who helped Princeton capture its first boys cross-country Meet of Champions title last fall, has rejoined the cross-country team, Princeton coach Jim Smirk confirmed on Wednesday.

Pinheiro, a junior, didn't come out for the cross-country team at Princeton at the start of this season, but Smirk said he's back with the team now and is in the process of meeting the NJSIAA rule that requires six practices before being eligible to compete.    

As a sophomore last year, Pinheiro was a big reason why the Tigers captured the Mercer County, Central Jersey, Group 4, state Group 4, and M of C titles.  

Pinheiro was third at the Mercer County meet in 16:18, seventh at the Central Jersey, Group 4 meet in 16:04, 10th at the state Group 4 meet with a  Holmdel PR of 16:23, and 24th at the Meet of Champions in 16:30. At the M of C, Princeton pulled off a stunning 104-106 victory over Colts Neck with Christian Brothers Academy third with 109. You can watch that race here

This past spring, Pinheiro ran a personal best 9:17.32 in the 3,200, and he owns a 1,600 PR  of 4:28.73

With Pinheiro back in a very strong Princeton pack that includes William Hare, Alex Ackerman, Jackson Donahue, and Nick Delaney, the Tigers look like the favorite to repeat as Group 4 state champs this fall, and they could make another run at winning the M of C title.