Most freshman aren't able to crack the top five or even the top seven on the cross-country team at Christian Brothers Academy, the greatest distance running program in state history,
But Joe Barrett isn't like most freshman.
Barrett made an immediate impact on the state level this past fall when he burst on the scene with one the best rookie seasons in state history, highlighted by a 40th place finish (first among freshman) at the Meet of Champions in 16:24, which is a CBA freshman course record at Holmdel Park. The former CBA Holmdel Park freshman record of 16:37 was set in 2012 by the legendary Blaise Ferro.
Barrett, the subject of this week's NJ MileSplit "Future Stars'' spotlight series, also placed seventh at the Monmouth County XC Championships, ninth at the Shore Conference Championships, and 21st at the Team Northeast Regional Championships.
After such a big debut season on the trails, big things were expected of Barrett this indoor season.
Barrett has delivered by running times of 4:33.48 for 1,600, and 9:43.57 3,200, as he's helped lead CBA to the State Non-Public A Relay title, and a a sweep the Monmouth County and Shore Conference Championships.
