The 2026 Cherokee Challenge may have taken place on an out-of-the-norm Friday afternoon, but the meet brought the usual early season fire while showcasing some up-and-coming freshmen talent and allowing distance stars from around the state, and out of state, to kick off their season in a big way.
Top boys time came from Trevor Szilier of Washington Twp, winning the junior race at 9:51.46. Szilier was one of only two athletes to dip under 10 minutes, including the senior division winner Gavin Oliver of Donovan Catholic, who ran 9:58.85. His third victory at the Cherokee Challenge.
Cinnaminson earned the overall merge lead with 163 points. Averaging 10:37.59. Individually, they were led by Edward Abu-Adas, who was fifth in the senior race and the 13th quickest overall, clocked at 10:22.10.
A notable freshman performance also helped power this team's strong run; Jimmy McKeon was second in the frosh race and the top NJ freshman with 10:40.29. McKeon ended up Cinnaminson's third man in the merge scoring.
The freshmen race winner was PA's Noah Smith of Council Rock South, who ran a 10:16.65 which was the eighth fastest of the meet as a whole. Braden Bernardini of St. Augustine Prep won the sophomore race with a 10:29.05.
Charlie Berk of Germantown Friends School had the third fastest time of 10:06.73 placing second in the senior race. Aron Zola of West Windsor Plainsboro South was fourth fastest overall and second in the junior race at 10:06.81.
The Paul VI girls scored 61 points to dominate the meet merge, averaging 12:23.05 and splitting 58.24 through their top five runners.
They were led by freshman Peyton Barger who was second in the frosh race at 11:55.34, and second fastest in the meet overall. Paul VI's top four scorers all ran within the top 15 fastest on the day at Cherokee. Barger, Morgan Kuzma, Isabella Suarez, Grace Gutowski, and Peyton Blake all made up this stellar top five for Paul VI on Friday.
Suarez was also the sophomore race winner with a 12:22.70, the 13th fastest time of the meet.
Individually, another freshman also showcased their pace: Addison Sheehy of Toms River East clocked the quickest time of the meet at 11:40.67. Freshmen Sheehy and Barger were the only two to run under 12 minutes, including all grade levels!
Siena Rivera of Hightstown clocked the third fastest time of the meet when she won the junior race at 12:00.43. Sophee Estrems of NV Demarest won the senior division at 12:01.40, the fourth fastest of the meet.
In the middle school division, the boys race was won by Eli Wald of Southern Regional MS at 7:47.26 while the girls race was won by Nora Tully of Haddonfield MS.
The 2026 Cherokee Challenge may have taken place on an out-of-the-norm Friday afternoon, but the meet brought the usual early season fire while showcasing some up-and-coming freshmen talent and allowing distance stars from around the state, and out of state, to kick off their season in a big way.
Top boys time came from Trevor Szilier of Washington Twp, winning the junior race at 9:51.46. Szilier was one of only two athletes to dip under 10 minutes, including the senior division winner Gavin Oliver of Donovan Catholic, who ran 9:58.85. His third victory at the Cherokee Challenge.
