NJ #4 Haddonfield was without its No. 1 runner when it defended its title at Saturday's Regis Invitational at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.
But as has been the case many times in the past, coach Nick Baker's squad overcame the absence of the leader of its pack and flexed its depth to roll to a second straight title in dominating fashion, outscoring Chaminade of NY, 38-87 in the boys A Division.
With front-runner Martin Riddell on a college visit to Yale, Haddonfield's pack stepped up and met the challenge as Stephen Kasko (13:19.6) and Andrew Gostovich (13:20.0) finished 1-2 to trigger a sensational performance by the Dawgs. Haddonfield packed its first five runners in the top 17, averaged 13:48, and had a 1-5 compression of 53 seconds over the legendary 2.5-mile layout.
John Hurly was 10th for Haddonfield in 14:03, Seth Clevenger was 13th in 14:07, and Grayson Fasolo was 17th in 14:12.
Imagine how strong Haddonfield, the defending state Group 2 state champion and one of the best programs in state history, will be when Riddell returns to the lineup!! Could it win another State Group 2 title?? I wouldn't bet against them!!