Group 4 Girls
By: Matt Shatkus
Hunterdon Central in Nail Biter / Kellner Repeats
Girls Teams
Last year, after losing the Group 4 race by 7 points to Randolph, Hillborough came back to grab a one point MOC win from the Rams. This year’s team battle will almost certainly be another thriller. With the pre-season #’s 1-3-5-6-8-T10 according to the NJRunners XC Poll pitted against each other this one will be close. Hunterdon Central, Hillsborough and Randolph all bring back very tough squads with Hunterdon Central showing an ever so slight edge. Hillsborough and Randolph are regrouping after losing some big guns, but Rich Refi's Raider girls have a solid 1-5, and randolph which adds Samantha Jones, a junior out for her 1st cross season. Jones ran 10:47.50 for 3200m in the spring. Ridge, Toms River North and Howell will all be in the mix, as the MOC wild cards may all come from Group 4.
Top Teams
Hunterdon Central
1. Allison Payenski ’11 (18:59)
2. Katherine Vodopia ’12 (20:01)
3. Carlie Skellington ’12 (20:11)
4. Sara Kebede ’13 (20:25)
5. Jessica Krystek ’11 (20:40)
Hillsborough
1. Julianna Miller ’11 (19:11)
2. Kelly Janokowicz ’13 (19:37)
3. Alexandra Cady ’12 (19:58)
4. Stephanie Nunes ’11 (20:07)
5. Sarah Skrabal ’11 (20:15)
Randolph
1. Joelle Amaral ’11 (18:29)
2. Samantha Jones ’12 (10:47.50) -3200m
3. Jennifer Zackowski ’12 (19:42)
4. Rebecca Snelson ’11 (19:50)
5. Amelia Whiting ’12 (22:10)
Ridge
1. Sabina Bains ’12 (19:45)
2. Caelainn Carney ’12 (19:54)
3. Simran Bains ’11 (20:14)
4. Meredith Bozzi ’12 (20:47)
5. Allison Hodges ’12 (20:48)
Toms River North
1. Karah O’Halloran ’13 (19:24)
2. Ashley Kotran ’11 (19:43)
3. Johanna Petruski ’11 (19:46)
4. Andrea Mathis ’11 (19:58)
5. Brianna Sanzone ’12 (20:09)
Howell
1. Jamie Hand ’12 (19:42)
2. Laura Kochensash ’11 (19:56)
3. Anne Werkley ’13 (20:08)
4. Aileen Rivell ’12 (20:15)
5. Tara Nealon ‘111 (20:33)
Lenape
1. Natalia Ocasio ’13 (18:24)
2. Amanda Restivo ’13 (19:36)
3. Meghan Henry ’12 (20:32)
4. Kiersten Cambell ’13 (20:43)
5. Brooke Stanley ’13 (20:45)
Cherokee
1. Megan Lacy ’12 (18:43)
2. Megan Charbeneau ’13 (19:51)
3. Jamie Kehoe ’12 (19:57)
4. Erin O’Leary ’12 (20:08)
5. Ally Masoero ’11 (20:23)
Bridgewater-Raritan
1. Sophia Banafato ’13 (20:33)
2. Graziella Ruffa ’12 (21:02)
3. Lydia Carra ’11 (20:46)
4. Meredith Steinmetz ’12 (21:09)
5. Eric Bohden ’13 (21:37)
Girls Individuals
As my friend Ryan Grote might say, Caroline Kellner is getting pretty good at running. in 2009 she won the Grp. 4 race with a 19 sec margin on runnerup Ashley Smolinka. She comes back this year as a junior to face challenges by Randolph's Joelle Amarall and Megan Lacy of Cherokee. The X factor could end up being Samantha Jones of Randolph who is uot for her 1st XC campaign. Jones has had some success on the track and if she can translate it over to Cross it will make things interesting. Last year's frosh sensation Natalia Ocasio is back with a year of experience under her belt.
Top Returners (times are from the 2009 Group races)
1. Caroline Kellner, WW-Plainsboro So. ’12 (18:42)
2. Joelle Amara, Randolph ’11 (19:10)
3. Samantha Jones , Randolph ’12 no time (predicted finish for this year)
4. Megan Lacy, Cherokee ’12 (19:13)
5. Natalia Ocasio, Lenape ’13 (19:28)
6. Julianna Miller, Hillsborough ’11 (19:30)
7. Allison Payenski Hunterdon Central ’11 (19:41)
8. Kelly Janokowicz Hillsborough ’13 (19:47)
9. Dina Iacone Washington Twp ’12 (19:54)
10. Eloissa Cusi Livingston ’12 (20:01)
Group 4 Boys
By: Pat Montferrat
Westfield in Loaded Group / Elkaim Hits the Trails
Boys Teams
Group 4 is usually a wild affair, with all kinds of twists. Most, if not all of the Wildcards often come from here and the same could hold true in 2010. Despite some seeming uncertainty in the back of the pack (3 runners w/ no Holmdel mark) Jack Martin's Westfield team has enough up front to don the mantle of pre-season favorite. The Blue Devils are led by Jack Leahy. Ridgewood, under the guidance of the legendary Mike Glynn made them selves an instant contender with addition of Anthony Andrews, a transfer from the closed Paterson Catholic. Andrews had a spotty junior year, but is training very well in his new environment. Ridgewood. Along with Pat Rynkowski and Levi Jennings, Ridgewood will be tough if things fall into place. Ridge and Southern Regional, a school more renowned for its Girls programs will also be in the hunt.
Top 10
1. Westfield
2. Ridgewood
3. Ridge
4. Southern regional
5. East Brunswick
6. West Windsor-Plainsboro So.
7. Cherry Hill East
8. Lenape
9. Freehold Twp.
10. Randolph
Boy Individuals
An 8:46 gets you a lot of cred in the running world, and When you add a win over Joe Rosa to that stat you get an instant target on your back. Elkaim, who has a Holmdel best of 16:03 will carry that target all season as he attempts to replicate his Outdoor MOC feat. If he has the same success on the trails, he will be unstoppable and will duke it out with you know who at MOC. Eric Dragonetti of Southern regional and Paul Szulewski are in runnings version of witness protection, but will emerge to be in the Grp. 4 elite.
Top Returners (times are 2009 5k season bests)
1. Jeramy Elkaim, Livinston '11 ( 15:54)
2. Eric Dragonetti, Southern Reg. '12 ( 15:51)
3.Paul Szulewski, Williamstown '11 (15:53)
4. Connor Herr, Shawnee '11 (15:55)
5. Jarred Mason West Orange ' 12 (15:58)
6. Kyle Davis North Brunswick '11 (16:00)
7. Brian Shoepfer WW-P So. '11 (16:02)
8. CJ DeFabio Watchung Hills '11 (16:03)
9. Collin Frost Randolph '11 (16:04)
10. Robert Rawls Triton '11 (16:05)
Editor's Note: The NJSIAA has decided to re-classify the Non-Public schools after the Oct. 30 entry deadline for the state meet. The classifications of some of these schools may change based on those numbers. The following previews are based on the 2009 NJSIAA classifications.
Non Public "B" Girls
By: Matt Shatkus
The team race in Non Public B looks like it could come down to 4 teams with Eastern Christian having an edge over the other 3 by virtue of not graduating anyone in their top 5 in fact they were all freshman and sophomores last year so they could be together for a couple more years contending in Non Public B. Looking to chase them down in no particular pecking order will be Villa Walsh, Mater Dei, and Wildwood Catholic and Gill – St. Bernards each of which lost at least 1 in their top 5 to graduation.
Top 10
Eastern Christian
1. Kristen Traub, Jr (18:14)
2. Jessica Wisse, Jr (20:49)
3. Sarah Post, So (22:56)
4. Bethany Van Eck, So (23:15)
5. Taylor Mincey, Jr (23:54)
Gill St. Bernards
1. Sarah Quinn, Jr (19:15)
2. Ariel Quintana, Sr (21:44)
3. Katie Galli, Sr (22:04)
4. Emily Quinn, So (22:11)
5. Maggie Bedrosian, Sr (22:35)
Villa Walsh
1. Caroline O’Connor, Sr (20:26)
2. Katie Kaneko, Jr (20:45)
3. Kinlin O’Brien, So (22:04)
4. Camill Petersen, So (23:20)
Wildwood Catholic
1. Grace Lederer, So (20:36)
2. Rachel Wuko, Jr (21:06)
3. Grace Phillips, Jr (22:10)
4. Shannon McGann, Sr (23:05)
5. Maggie Chase, So (23:49)
Mater Dei
1. Julia Koch, Sr (21:43)
2. Mary Skribner, So (23:06)
3. Jenn Poss, Jr (23:15)
4. Caitlin Boyle, So (23:46)
5. Kara Teehan, Sr (23:57)
Oak Knoll
1. Allie Eckert, Sr (22:27)
2. Lauren Cagnassola, Sr (24:04)
3. Shannon Galvin, Jr (22:27)
4. Meredith Haley, Jr (23:11)
5. Elizabeth Shea, So (23:27)
Montclair Kimberly
1. Sarah Finn, So (21:51)
2. Leah O’Breire, So (23:00)
3. Emma Randall, So (24:08)
Newark Academy
1. Nicole Andrzejewski, So (23:12)
2. Sravya Vallapureddy, Jr (23:38)
3. Timarie Diehl, Sr (23:54)
Moorestown Friends
1. Carolyn Chellius, Jr (23:00)
Top Returners (times are from the 2009 Group races)
1 Kristen Traub, '12 Eastern Christian (19:43)
2 Sarah Quinn, '12 Gill-St. Bernard's (20:10)
3 Caroline O'Connor, '11 Villa Walsh (21:23)
4 Jessica Wisse, '12 Eastern Christian (21:46)
5 Kate Kaneko, '12 Villa Walsh (21:52)
6 Ariel Quintana, '11 Gill-St. BEernard's (21:59)
7 Julia Koch, '11 Mater Dei (22:26)
8 Kinlin O'Brien, '13 Villa Walsh (22:37)
9 Grace Lederer,'13 Wildwood Catholic (22:54)
10 Rachel Wuko, '12 Wildwood Catholic (22:54)
Non Public "A" Girls
By: Matt Shatkus
Girls Teams
The Academy of the Holy Angels (Demarest) and Red Bank Catholic look to be the cream of the crop in the Non Public A group this season. They are also ranked #’s 2 and 4 respectively in the state. Returning three of their top 4 and led by Emily Dunn a senior this year, Holy Angels looks to have a slight edge over Red Bank Catholic. Red Bank Catholic lost their #1 runner (Michelle Capozzi) to graduation but return their next 4, including a big #1 in Molly McNamara. I give the preseason edge to Holy Angels, altough this race could be a nail biter all the way. Holy Angels only beat RBC by 15 pts at MOC last year .
Top 10
Holy Angels
1. Emily Dunne ,’11 (18:38)
2. Jen Molke, ’11 (18:43)
3. Maureen Crimmins, ’11 (19:29)
4. Shannon Glynn, ’12 (21:03)
5. Kelly Hayes, ’11 (21:30)
Red Bank Catholic
1. Molly McNamara, ’11 (18:42)
2. Liana Marzano, ’12 (19:55)
3. Mary Kate Byrne, ’12 (19:58)
4. Lindsey Bellaran, ’12 (20:24)
5. Heather Rochford, ’11 (21:20)
Holy Spirit
1. Emily Casey ’11 (18:32)
2. Catherine Nolan ’11 (19:26)
3. Breanna Leithman ’11 (19:56)
4. Angie Bongiovanni Angie ’11 (21:03)
5. Emily Giegrich ’13 (20:51)
Immaculate Heart Academy
1. Erin Thompson ’11 (18:23)
2. Rachel Lotterman ’11 (20:18)
3. Dominique Spataro ’13 (20:39)
4. Lauren Masur ’11 (20:47)
5. Nicole Orzetti ’11 (20:50)
Monsignor Donovan
1. Pauline Dabrowski ’11 (19:48)
2. Nicole Shannon ’12 (20:49)
3. Maggie Hanlon ’13 (20:59)
4. Jess Maguire ’11 (21:13)
5. Sarah McGowan ’11 (21:35)
Pope John XXIII
1. Tess Keller ’12 (19:58)
2. Nina Pocci ’12 (20:22)
3. Kaela Erruso ’13 (21:00)
4. Abby Grieco ’11 (21:09)
5. Taylor McCourt ’11 (22:24)
Bishop Eustace
1. Holly Bishof ’12 (18:43)
2. Montana DiPietrantonio ’11 (21:35)
3. Courtney Kelly ’12 (20:05)
4. Emily Stelmaski ’11 (21:46)
5. Mikaela Gekas-Robinson ’13 (22:59)
Mount Saint Mary Academy
1. Sarah Glockenmeier ’11 (19:54)
2. Janelle Kranz ’13 (21:06)
3. Sarah Regnault ’13 (21:20)
4. Amanda Williams ’13 (21:57)
5. Katie Griefeld ’11 (22:28)
St. John Vianney
1. Maria Pesce ’12 (21:45)
2. Victoria Bowers ’12 (21:45)
3. Megan Connelly ’11 (21:50)
4. Kat Egan ’13 (21:50)
5. Frances Massari '12 (21:55)
Bishop AHR
1. Erica Guketlov ’13 (21:13)
2. Christina Butrico ’12 (21:26)
3. Kelly Furino ’13 (22:53)
4. Samantha Raba ’11 (22:59)
5. Bridget Burns ’11 (23:07)
Girls Individuals
With 7 out of last year's top 9 finisheras returning in 2010, The NP "A" group will be strong and competitive on the individual side. RBC's Molly McNamara (2nd) and Emily Dunne of Holy Angels (4th) will lead their respective temas as well as vie for the titile. Alyssa LaGuardia (DePaul) and Jen Molke (Holy Angels) will also be in the hunt for the win. LaGuardia, took 5th place LY, only 2 sec. behind Dunne. Molke was next through the chute, although another 9 sec. back.
Top Returners (times are from the 2009 Group races)
1. Molly McNamara, RBC '11 (19:20)
2. Emily Dunne Holy, Angles '11 (19:23)
3. Alyssa LaGuardia, Depaul Catholic '11 (19:25)
4. Jen Molke, Holy Angels '11 (19:34)
5. Erin Thompson, IHA '11 (19:38)
6. Holly Bischof, Bishop Eustace '12 (19:49)
7. Olivia Tarantino, Pingry '11 (19:50)
8. Kate Leib, Pingry '12 (20:03)
9. Emily Casey, Holy Spirit '11 (20:12)
10. Maureen Crimmins, Holy Angles '11 (20:19)
Non Public "A" Boys
By: Pat Montferrat
CBA Back on Top / Mazz Leads Way
Boys Teams
The NP "A" race at Groups could be a preview of the following week's MOC, as CBA (Lincroft) and Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey) will battle tooth and nail over the Holmdel layout. The Colts have been bridesmaids for the last 4 years as the Bergen Co. powerhouse has won every year since 2006. This will be CBA's return to the top and their 22nd state championship. The Colts just have too much talent and balance not to take the title. Led by returning individual champ, senior Mike Mazzaccaro, CBA has a stable of experienced runners who have had very good distance running results on the track as well. Mazz is backed up by Dan Mykityshyn, who ran 16:24 at Holmdel last fall and had a strong spring on the track. Do not expect Don Bosco to concede anything. the Ironmen have won 3 straight Group championships and bring big numbers of talented kids year after year, just as CBA does. Erik Lapinski will be DBP's #1 guy. He has a Holmdel PR of 16:42. Most likely snagging the 3rd MOC spot will be Red bank Catholic. Led by Kevin Byrne, the Caseys, on the Holmdel course have a remarkable 18 second spread betwee #'s 2 & 5.
Top 10
1. Christian Brothers Academy (Lincroft)
2. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey)
3. Red Bank Catholic (Red Bank)
4. Paul IV (Haddonfield)
5. Seton Hall Prep (West Orange)
6. St. Augustine Prep (Richland)
7. Roselle Catholic (Roselle)
8. Pope John XXIII (Sparta)
9. St. Joseph (Metuchen)
10. Delbarton (Morristown)
Boys Individuals
Mike Mazzaccaro (CBA '11) ran 15:59 to take the "A" Title last year and a week later ran 15:41 @ MOC. This race could and should be a repeat for Mazz. His steller Outdoor campaign showed a lot about his growth as a runner (4:09.53 / 9:02.46) and he a tough as nails competitor. Delbarton senior Morgan Pearson finished 13 sec. behind Mazzaccaro at the Group meet and a week later closed the gap by half with a 15:47 and is the 2nd ranked returner in this Group.
Top Returners (times are 2009 5k season bests)
1. Mike Mazzaccaro CBA '11 (15:41.0)
2. Morgan Pearson Delbarton '11 ( 15:47.0)
3. Dan Mykityshyn CBA '11 (16:24.0)
4. Ryan Mathews St. Augustine Prep '11 (16:26.0)
5. Conrad Lippert CBA '12 (16:29.2)
6. Erik Lapinski Don Bosco '11 (16:30.0)
7. Justin Hill Seton hall Prep '11 (16:31.0)
8.Michael Fernandes St. Joseph -Metuchen (16:32.0)
9. Scott Zapcic CBA '12 (16:33.4)
10. Kevin Byrne Red Bank Catholic '11 (16:33.9)
Group 3 Girls
By: Matt Shatkus
Venables Too Much? / Delsea, HoVal Duel
Girls Teams
The 2010 Group 3 Championship race could end up be a shootout between last year's Grp. 2 winner, Delsea and Hopewell Valley, the runnerup to Voorhees in the G3 contest. With Delsea and Voorhee moving up and down respectively, HoVal stil has a challenge on it's hands. Delsea gets the pre-season nod with a strong 1-3, but they may struggle on the back end. There is a big gap from 3-5. Coach Aaron Oldfield, who is one of the best, will need to solve a similar problem as the Bulldogs go 1:32 from 1-5. Seneca and Princeton look to battle it out for the #3 spot and a MOC berth.
Top 10
Delsea
1. Felicia O’Donnell, Sr (18:54)
2. Dominque Hassinger, Jr (19:54)
3. Paige Senatore, Jr (19:57)
4. Brenda Mendez, Sr (20:49)
5. Kaitlyn DiJoseph, So (21:24)
Hopewell Valley
1. Casey Quinto, So (19:33)
2. Katie Caulfield, Sr (19:42)
3. Cassie Whitebread, Sr (20:28)
4. Meg Clemm, So (20:55)
5. Hana Kita, Jr (21:05)
Seneca
1. Abby Saiia, So (20:07)
2. Christiner Hecker, Sr (20:08)
3. Cate Wobbe, Jr (20:43)
4. Tori Saiia, Sr (21:08)
5. Monica Paulson, Jr (21:08)
Princeton
1. Jenna Cody, Jr (19:09)
2. Chrissy Glover, Sr (20:29)
3. Amelia Whaley, So (20:46)
4. Louise Eisenach, Jr (21:01)
5. Victoria Barquin, Jr (21:28)
Northern Highlands
1. Ariana North, So (19:39)
2. Catherine Hinchen, Sr (19:48)
3. Laura White, Sr (21:07)
4. Alexandra Abitante, Jr (21:36)
5. Kristen Carter, Jr (21:56)
Morris Hills
1. Erin Gaven, Jr (20:02)
2. Allis Clyne, So (20:30)
3. Stephanie Churchman, Sr (21:05)
4. Jacquelyn Mosca, Sr (21:06)
5. Jana Sedlacek, Sr (21:31)
Middletown South
1. Leah Wernsing, Sr (20:49)
2. Grace Watters, Sr (20:50)
3. Taylor Landis, Jr (21:00)
4. Carissa Melillo, Sr (21:28)
5. Shannon Cotterell, Sr (21:29)
High Point
1. Carly Zinner, Jr (19:58)
2. Stephanie Peterson, Jr (21:34)
3. Jessica Norman, Jr (21:41)
4. Erin Miller, Sr (21:50)
5. Katie Fairchild,So (21:52)
Kingsway
1. Jasmine Childress, Jr (21:03)
2. Kaitlin Clark, So (21:32)
3. Sarah Gabler, So (21:38)
4. Kyra Evans, Sr (22:02)
5. Jen Balliet, Sr (22:09)
Girls Individuals
Could be that this year’s Group 3 race is all but over. If Highland Regional’s Megan Venables toes the line, she should take the crown. Venables is coming into her senior year, coming out of the shadow of the graduated Chelsea Ley (now at Virginia), and will be the top rated runner in New Jersey. Megan has a personal best XC time over 5000m of 17:43 and a Holmdel Park PR of 18:01 (2009 Group 3 race), where she placed 2nd to Ley. The only other person who might be able to give Venables any kind of run will be Roxbury senior Mary Migton. Migton who along with Roxbury HS drops down from G4 this season ran 18:59 for 3rd in her Group race last year.
Top Returners (times are from the 2009 Group races)
1. Megan Venables, Highland Reg., ’11 (18:14)
2. Mary Migton. Roxbury, '11 (18:59) *Grp 4
3. Jenna Cody, Princeton, ’12 (19:47)
4. Reagan Kolakowsk,i Mendham ’13 (19:51)
5. Felicia ODonnell, Delsea ’11 (19:53) *Grp 2
6. Brittany Day, Demarest ’13 (20:01)
7. Christa Strycharz, Hamilton East ’11 (20:02)
8. Tracy Campbell, Wall ’12 (20:02)
9. Kathleen Leeper, Scotch Plains ’11 (20:03)
10. Casey Quinto, Hopewell Valley ’13 (20:14)
Photos By: MaroonNews
Group 3 Boys
By: Pat Montferrat
Rosa..Rosa / North Repeats
Thanks in a large part to these 2 guys, this may be a historic season for NJ Cross Country
(r) Joe and (l) Jim Rosa will light it up this year.
Boys Teams
The Knights of WW-P No. should repeat as the champs here. The potential to be at 3 points before your 3rd runner comes in cannot be written off. There is no doubt that they will develop in the supporting slots. Brian Gould is a great coach and North will be there at Groups and beyond. Ocean City will be very close., They return some front end talent in Miles Schoedler and Erik Johnson. Andw DeMaria is a sokid #3 but the red Raiders lack depth beyond there. Additionally, they historicall do not run their best at Holmdel. The coaching combo of Matt Perdue and Bill Moreland should get them there, though, Mendam comes next with a squad that averaged 16:52 (5k SB's) with a 55.xx 1-5 gap. Peter Ehrmann (jr) leads them.
The tale of the tape for the Group 3 Boys, including to a certain extent West Windsor-Plainsboro No. will be how the 4-7 spots develp as the season goes on. All of the top teams in this group are suffering from a lack of depth / experience at the back of the pack. There may be a talented freshman who will flash or a transfer that has not be publicized, but this group will be interesting to watch to see how it grows.
Top 10
1. West Windsor-Plainsboro North
2. Ocean City
3. Mendham
4. Princeton
5. Millburn
6. Hopewell Valley
7. Indian Hills
8. Kingsway
9. Colts Neck
10. Moorestown
Boys Individuals
Jim and Joe Rosa return for their farewell tour of the Northeast and beyond and it will beinteresting to see what they will do to the CR's of some famous venues. Be genle boys. 'nuff said about that for now. Jim and Joe are the gold standard for NJ Cross, period.
Following in the Rosa's wake will be some very talented guys, among them Mike O'Dowd (Sr., Colts Neck) who is having a good pre-season and has run 16 flat on Holmdel. O'Dowd also has some pretty good distance cred on the track. Speaking of track credentials, Miles Schoedler, who had a breakout year on the oval, will try to sharpen his XC chops. He has run 16:18 at Holmdel. Blake , the 3rd of Millburn Udlands, will be looking to improve upon his 16:33 SB on Holmdel and challenge for the #3 spot in the group.
The Individual Top Ten (times are 2009 5k season bests)
1. Joe Rosa WW-P No. '11 (14:56.0)
2. James Rosa WW-P No. '11 (15:15.0)
3. Mike O'Dowd Colts Neck '11 (15:32.0)
4. Miles Schoedler Ocean City '11 (15:49.4)
5. Blake Udland Millburn '12 (15:40.0)
6. Nick Ward Indian Hills '11 (16:03)
7. Charlie Yu Hopewell Valley '11 (16:10.4)
8. John Murphy Millburn '11 (16:11.0)
9. Erik Johnson Ocean City '12 (16:12.6)
10. Andrew DeMaria Ocean City '11 (16:15.1)
Photo by: Good Doggie Photo
Group 2 Girls
By: Matt Shatkus
Haddonfield Top Team / Honrath Cops 1st Crown
Girls Teams
The team battle in Group 2 will be interesting as the top 4 teams all boast some real front end talent, and with the exception of Haddonfield are in search of help to close fairly big 1-5 gaps. Voorhees, who drops down from Grp. 3 is extremely young (1 returning senior) but will pose a serious threat to the lady Bulldawg's title hopes. With Justina Cassavell at the helm and a very talented freshman with the same last name coming aboard, watch out for the Vikings. Bernards must shore up the gap between 3 and 5 to make serious noise, and Manasquan, with the Honraths up front and an all underclass lineup, will press for a MOC spot.
Top 10
Haddonfield
1. Maddie McAdams, Sr (19:57)
2. Mia Spinelli, Sr (20:02)
3. Colleen Shea, Sr (20:20)
4. Sohpie Martin, So (20:37)
5. Haley Manochi, Sr (20:48)
Voorhees
1. Kathryn Hahn Sr 19:57
2. Nisa Cicitta So 20:03
3. Brigid McGill So 20:22
4. Shannon Carney So 20:48
5. Lauren Lynn So 21:17
Bernards
1. Dana Giordano , Jr (19:01)
2. Elizabeth Sharkey, Sr (19:56)
3. Isabel Henderson, Sr (20:14)
4. Audrey Clayton, Sr (22:14)
5. Aarti Patel, Sr (23:04)
Manasquan
1. Georgianna Honrath, Jr (19:36)
2. Rebecca Honrath, Jr (19:54)
3. Kate Ferraro, Jr (20:30)
4. Morgan Harnkess, So (21:09)
5. Grace Nielsen, So (21:19)
Raritan
1. Erin Byrne, Sr (20:01)
2. Miranda Marques, Jr (20:43)
3. Stephanie Sparacino, So (20:59)
4. Kayla Cullari, Jr (21:06)
5. Amanda Stabile, Jr (21:28)
Summit
1. Katie Watson, Sr (20:21)
2. Emily Richards, Jr (20:50)
3. Isabella Yozzi, Jr (21:02)
4. Kristy Garguilo, So (21:06)
5. Jen Stabler, So (21:06)
Ramsey
1. Lisa Anderson, Sr (20:36)
2. Jacqueline Clinton, So (20:56)
3. Katie Hall, Sr (21:36)
4. Darian Clark, Jr (22:13)
5. Dana Lynch, Jr (22:15)
Shore Reg
1. Andrea Adams, Sr (21:37)
2. Chelsea Amoroso, Sr (20:44)
3. Erika Friend, Jr (20:57)
4. Erin Largey, Jr (21:14)
5. Caitlin Chapski, Jr (22:03)
Chatham
1. Tara Hanley, Jr (20:03)
2. Tara Malanga, Jr (21:16)
3. Stacey Angelbeck, Jr (22:08)
4. Lauren Hagens, Sr (22:41)
5. Kayla Michell, Jr (23:14)
Cranford
1. Bridget Miller, Sr (19:49)
2. Megan Byrnes, Jr (20:59)
3. Katia Oltmann, So (21:37)
4. Veronica Miller, Sr (21:53)
5. Rebecca Hanke, Jr (22:05)
Rumson-Fair Haven
1. Isabella Maita, So (20:01)
2. Molly Hellman, Jr (20:23)
3. Emily Gaffner, Sr (20:54)
4. Michaella Irvine, So (21:22)
5. Carley Bissett, Sr (21:34)
Holmdel
1. Shannon Nelson, Sr (19:59)
2. Lennon Cooper, So (20:35)
3. Katie Little, Jr (20:44)
4. Sara Mansuri, Jr (22:22)
Photo: Haddonfield (Coleen Shea / Maddie McAdams) at 2009 Grp 3 Race: MaroonNews
Girls Individuals
With 6 of the top 8 girls from the 2009 version of Group 2 lost to graduation, this year will see a definate reload of talent. The big question is, who will win their 1st Group 2 crown? The top returner from the Group 2 championship race is Manasquan’s Georgianna Honrath who finished 3rd a year ago with a time of 19:43.0 two places behind Honrath was Bernards sophomore leader Dana Giordano, both are juniors this year and will wage some duel out there. Other top returners include sophomore Meghan Malloy from Cinnaminson who finished 6th in 2009 with a time of 19:52 , Tara Hanley of Chatham (11th) and Melissa Iskander from Madison (12th)
Top Returners (times are from the 2009 Group races)
1. Georgianna Honrath (Jr, Manasquan) 19:43
2. Dana Giordano (Jr, Bernards) 19:50
3. Meghan Malloy (So, Cinnaminson) 19:52
4. Tara Hanley (jr, Chatham) 20:17
5. Melissa Iskandar (Sr, Madison) 20:22
6. Nisa Cicitta (So, Voorhees) 20:28 - Grp 3
7. Kathryn hahn (Sr, Voorhees) 20:30) - Grp 3
8. Molly Hellman, (Jr, Rumson-Fair Haven) 20:34
9. Mia Spinelli (Sr, Haddonfield) 20:34
10. Bridget Miller (Sr, Cranford) 20:35
Photo: Georgianna Honrath (l) at 2009 MOC - Good Doggie Photo
Group 2 Boys
Bulldog Juggernaut / Nelson Leads
By: Pat Montferrat
Boys Teams
A lot of teams often find themselves in rebuilding mode after a great season or string of seasons. That seems not to be the case with the Bulldawgs of Haddonfield. Under the steady hand of coach Nick Baker, Haddonfield seems to reload vs rebuild. Despite losing Jon "Boo" Vitez and Colin Baker to the college ranks, the Camden Co. school looks to be an overwhelming favorite to take the win in Grp. 2 this year. With their top 5 returning runners all in the G2 top 20, it is very hard to pick against them. Look for a duel between Ramsey and a resurgent Morris Hills for the #2 spot in Nov.
The rest of the group should shake out like this;
Top 10
1. Haddnfield
2. Ramsey
3. Morris Hills
4. Holmdel
5. Delaware Valley
6. Cliffside Park
7. Bernards
8. Barnegat
9. Red Bank Regional
10. Summit
Boys Individuals
Only a soph., HS, Matt Nelson is already a force to be reckoned with in NJ., he ran 16:19 over Holmdel in his 1st year. He will, however, need a solid year to take the G2 crown from the Haddonfield duo of Matt Nussbaum and Ben Potts. With identical 16:22 Holmdel season bests (16:22) and impressive track creds, thety will be hard to shake. The gap begins to widen from there , but John Dugan of Ramsey and Matt Bearden (Ewing) should be a the front of the next pack.
The Individual Top Ten (times are 2009 5k season bests)
1. Matthew Nelson, Barnegat '13 (15:55)
2. Matthew Nussbaum, Haddonfield '11 (16:08)
3. Ben Potts, Haddonfield '11 (16:10)
4. John Dugan, Ramsey '11 (16:16)
5. Matthew Bearden, Ewing '12 (16:22)
6. Sherif Ali, Cliffside Pk. '11 (16:13)
7. Thomas Chin, Summit '11 (16:24)
8. Dylan Tooher, Cinnaminson '11 (16:27)
9. Mohamed Merdan, Hudson Co. Prep '11 (16:35)
T10. Greg Halla, Haddonfield '13 (16:41)
T10 Patrick Dyer, West Essex '11 (16:32)
Photo: Matt Nussbaum (r) & Ben Potts (r) lead a potent Haddonfield attack - Good Doggie Photo
Photo: Matt Nelson at 2009 Grp. 2 Championships - Good Doggie Photo
Group 1 Girls
Mountains Lakes Tough / Can Feerst Repeat?
By: Matt Shatkus
Girls Teams
Returning their entire front 5 Mountain Lakes looks like they could take the Group 1 championship again in 2010. Last season the Group 1 race was a tight one with Mountain Lakes topping Robbinsville 50-58. However, this year Robbinsville is without their #1 runner from that race (Megan Flynn), as she graduated. With a mostly underclass squad, Westwood could find itself in the fight. Only a soph, Kim Oppenheim will be the top gun as Westwwod will need to close an almost 2 minute 1-5 gap. Robbinsville looks to senior leadership from Meagan Lesniak and some help on the back end if they’re going to dethrone Mountain Lakes.
Here is a quick look at the preseason top 10 for Group 1. Times in parenthesis are personal bests over 5000m (XC only)
1. Mountain Lakes
Kristen Landry, Sr (19:30)
Jenny Picot, Jr (19:57)
Colette Richter, So (20:01)
Nicole Allison, So (21:04)
Kristen Bravante, Sr (21:06)
2. Westwood
Kim Oppenheim, So (19:37)
Meghan Kocher, Sr (20:37)
Dana Bianchi, Jr (20:50)
Jennifer Foster, Jr (21:11)
Victoria Hanna, So (21:34)
3. Robbinsville
Meagan Lesniak, Sr (20:06)
Katherine Killeen, Jr (20:28)
Juliann Swift, Jr (20:56)
Jaclyn Lazzaro, Jr (21:27)
Lisa Leszcynski, Jr (21:41)
4. North Warren
Maddy Bronstein, So (21:30)
Robyn O’Hern, Sr (21:24)
Ambre Baccaro-Nicholls Sr (22:33)
Laura Straub, So (22:33)
Shelby Burdge, Sr (23:54)
5. Metuchen
Emma Johnson, So (21:33)
Amber Michaliszyn, Sr (21:55)
Nina Firgau, Jr (22:13)
Lindsey Michaliszyn, Sr (22:59)
Jennifer, Lasko, So (22:50)
6. New Providence
Caitlin Toner, Sr (20:34)
Courtney Connolly, Jr (22:06)
Brittany Peterson, Sr (22:30)
Laura Lopez, So (22:53)
Jennifer Meagher, Jr (23:12)
7. Whippany Park
Kiera Keller, Sr (21:18)
Alexa Gattie, Jr (21:22)
Emily DeCaro, Sr (21:50)
Christine Yen, So (22:59)
8. Point Plesant Beach
Brianna Feerst, Jr (19:13)
Amy Piccicacco, Jr (22:34)
Erin O’Connell, Jr (22:44)
Megan Staub, So (23:04)
9. Hasbrouck Heights
Rebecca Fortoul, Jr (20:17)
Jenn Nass, Sr (22:13)
Samantha Bunone, Sr (22:43)
Nicole Callen, Jr (22:47)
10. Pitman
Rachel Greenberg, Jr (21:06)
Jordan Daminger, Jr (23:18)
Emily Greenberg, Jr (23:25)
Emily Vendetta, Jr (23:29)
Kristen Landry (l #686) and Brianna Feerst (c #859) will duke it out once again for the G1 Championship.
Girls Individuals
For the third consecutive year, Group I should see Brianna Feerst (Jr., Pt Pleasant Beach) and Kristen Landry (Sr., Mountain Lakes) square off for the crown. Last year, Feerst took the title by more than 30 sec. with Landry in 2nd. In 2008 Megan Flynn (Robbinsville ‘10) won the group 1 race, with with Feerst and Landry taking 2nd and 3rd respectively. Will the third time be the Charm for Kristen Landry?
Feerst has a personal best 5k of 18:21 at Ocean County Park and has run 19:30 at Holmdel while Landry has personal best’s of 19:25 at Garrett Mtn. and 19:35 at Holmdel. Feerst has the top end strength and has dominated Landry in the last two group level races. Robbinsville's Megan Lesniak (4th LY) will be in the mix along with Westwood soph Kim Oppenheim.
This Group will also see 8 out of the top 10 finishers from last year’s race shoot for a chance to run in the Meet of Champions.
Top Returners (times are from the 2009 Group 1 race)
1. Brianna Feerst, Pt Beach (19:46.2)
2. Kristen Landry Mt Lakes (20:07.4)
3 Megan Lesniak Robbinsville (20:23.4)
4. Kim Oppenheim, Westwood (20:32.8)
5. Allison Kriskewic Kinnelon (20:43.4)
6. Jenny Picot, Mt. Lakes (20:47.1)
7. Colette Richter Mt Lakes (20:49.7)
8. Rebecca Fortoul Hasbrouck Hgts (20:59.7)
9. Katie Killeen Robbinsville (21:01.7)
10. Juliann Swift, Robbinsville (21:17.3)
Photos:
Front Page: Jim & Joe Rosa at 2009 MOC - MaroonNews
This Page: 2009 Group 1 Championship - Maroon News
Group 1 Boys
A Mountain Lakes Double? / Rono In Elite Class
By: Pat Montferrat
Boys Teams
Last year 25 points seperated 1st and 3rd place at the Group 1 Championships. Robbinsville, led by Brian O'Toole's 3rd place finish, took the title with all 5 scorers in the top 30. Mountain Lakes looks to have the horses this year with junior Stephen Lewamdowski and senior Rutger Admirand (5th & 6th LY) as the lead dogs. Lewandowski had some impressive track times last spring and may be poised for a big jump. North Warren may emerge as a contender for a MOC berth with a 18:35 returning Holmdel average. Haddon Twp. is always a tough team. They are well coached and return an experienced squad this year. Robbinsville lost standout Nick Lachman to graduation and even with O'Toole as the #2 returner from the Group race they must close a pretty big gap after #3.
A quick look at the Top 10 in the Group
1,) Mountain Lakes
2.) North Warren
3.) Haddon Twp.
4.) Robbinsville
5.) Maple Shade
6.) Whippany Park
7.) Hopatcong
8.) Pompton Lakes
9.) Metuchen
10.) McNair Academic
Boys Individuals
Patrick Rono ran 15:55 on the Holmdel layout at MOC last year and was only the #2 Group 1 finisher (Dave Oster went 15:30). Oster is gone to Syracuse and Patrick should assume the mantle of Group favorite. Rono had a breakout spring with PRs of 1:52.60 / 4:14.35 / 9:32.65y and looks ready to emerge as a force at the state level.
Group 1 will not lack for talent with a very strong group of runnners in pursuit of the top spots. In addition to leading their squads in the team hunt, Stephen Lewandowski and Brian O'Toole shouldl be among the top 5 along with Everett Price (New Providence '12) and fellow junior Nick Lukas of Verona.
The Individual Top 10 (Times 2009 5k Season Best)
1.) Patrick Rono, Lyndhurst '12 (15:30)
2,) Brian O'Toole, Robbinsville '11 (16:27)
3,) Stephen Lewandowski, Mountain Lakes '12 (16:27)
4.) Everett Price, New Providence '12 (16:37)
5.) Nick Lukas, Verona '12 (16:53)
6,) Joey Prestifillippo, Hopatcong '11 (16:56)
7.) Elton Clotter, No, Warren '11 (17:02)
8.) Tyler Cummings, Pennsville '11 (17:04)
9.) Grant Grothusen, Haddon Twp. '12 (17:08)
10.) Joe Agan, Haddon Twp. '11 (17:08)
Photo: Patrick Rono at 2009 MOC - Good Doggie Photo
Group 4 Girls
By: Matt Shatkus