Weehawken has approved their first ever cross country program and will have an outdoor track and field team for the first time in decades.
The young program will be molded by Kyle Mahoney, a new coach hired right out of college. Mahoney just finished his studies at Ramapo College this past spring and is a Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School 2011 graduate. He ran cross country and track at both levels and continues to run with the Garden State Track Club.
"We just had our first meeting on Tuesday and had 6 kids show up, but we've had eighteen express interest, which I'm ecstatic about," Mahoney stated about his initial turnout.
"Weehawken is a very small school, so to have that many kids interested is very cool."
Mahoney has family history in coaching and his father's roots are in Weehawken.
"I think this is the perfect opportunity for me in a lot of ways. My dad, Jay Mahoney, has been the XC and basketball coach at Bogota High School for 30+ years, and he grew up in Weehawken."
When asked what he felt about taking over a startup athletic program:
"I think that it being a brand new program is the perfect fit for me as a new coach. I'll be able to build the program from scratch as I build my own coaching career.."
"I love the sport, it's been my life for eight years, and I'm really excited that I have the opportunity to give back."
The team is looking to start their season on the September 12th weekend but haven't settled on a meet as of yet.
<p> Check out our other preview articles for the New Jersey Cross Country Season!</p>