Tolson, Pattwell Win, Munn, Schmitt Star At Manhattan

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Riley Tolson of Ocean City and Amelia Pattwell of Middletown South, who finished first to spark their teams to big victories, and Owen Munn and Gavin Schmitt all threw down eye-popping times, and Christian Brothers Academy finished third in the Eastern States race to highlight a great showing by New Jersey at Saturday's 54th Manhattan Invitational presented by Hoka at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, N.Y.

TOLSON AND PATWELL LEAVE LOTS OF SMOKE

Tolson and Pattwell, both juniors, ran two of the fastest times in recent years by N.J. girls on the iconic 2.5-mile layout, which has hosted championship meets since 1957.

Tolson won the A Division race in 14:29.4, the 13th fastest time ever by a NJ girl on the course and the third fastest time of the day in the 6 varsity races. Pattwell stopped the clock at 14:31.2, No. 15 on NJ's all-time list and the fourth fastest time of the meet, to finish first in the C Division race.

With Tolson leading the charge, NJ No. 4 Ocean City averaged 15:46.6 and ran away with a big victory by using a 1-5-8-15-18 scoring combination to finish first with 47 points. Ocean City finished fourth overall and first among NJ squads in the team merge with 393.

In the C race, Pattwell's performance ignited NJ No. 3 Middletown South to a 15:48.1 average and 1-5-14-18-27 finish for a winning total of 65 points. Middletown South finished sixth in the team merge with 426 points, just 33 points behind Ocean City.

Ocean City, the defending State Group 3 champions, and Middletown South are on a collision course for what is shaping up to be an absolute instant classic for the state title next month at Holmdel Park.    

NJ's updated all-time girls list at Van Cortandt.

CBA GETS THIRD IN EASTERN RACE 

There were some epic clashes in the boys' Eastern States Championship race!

In the team battle, three nationally ranked powerhouses squared off. 

When the dust settled, No. 9 ranked Broughton of North Carolina averaged 12:44.3 and finished on top with 64 points. No. 14 ranked Bishop Hendricken of Rhode Island averaged 12:54.4 and placed second with 115, and NJ No. 1/US No. 20 Christian Brothers Academy, who won the last four titles, ran 12:55.2 and finished third with 123. LaSalle College of Pa. was fourth with 134. West Windsor-Plainsboro North, ranked No. 4 in NJ, finished fifth with 233, NJ No. 5 Ridge placed seventh with 274, and NJ No. 15 ranked Bergen Catholic was 13th with 386. 

Broughton, Bishop Hendricken, and CBA also went 1-2-3 in the overall team merge as Broughton scored 92, Bishop Hendricken finished with 198, and CBA had 207. 

There was also a great individual boys showdown in the Eastern Stats race between NJ's top 2 runners, seniors Owen Munn of Wilberforce and Gavin Schmitt of CBA, who burned two of the fastest times in NJ history on this course.  

Munn edged Schmitt in the first clash between the two studs, placing third in 12:16.4, 12th all-time by a NJ runner at Vanny. Schmitt was a few strides behind in fourth in 12:18.9, No. 15 on NJ's all-time list on the historic layout. 

Munn and Schmitt's showdown indicates that they should be headed for a memorable duel for the Meet of Champions title next month.   

NJ's updated all-time boys list at Van Cortlandt