By: Matt Ciociola
Haddon Twp’s Return to Indoor Track!
It has been 20 years since the storied program of Haddon Township High School had an official indoor track team. The school has had a long tradition of success both on the tracks and cross country courses of New Jersey. Most recent successes were highlighted by the boys team winning the 2011 NJSIAA State Group 1 Cross Country Championship and the girls team winning the 2011 NJSIAA South Sectional Group 1 Cross Country Championship. It was apparent to both current and former members that the program needed an indoor track program as the support was there from both parties.
Through the efforts of many Haddon Township High School alumni, most notably Dave Welsh and Roger Houghkirk, the indoor track program returned for the 2011-2012 season. Roger Houghkirk also served as Head Coach of the program. Many of the alumni also came together on two occasions with a Thanksgiving Day “Fun Run” and a local fundraising night to help raise money for entry fees and busing to the meets.
This was a feel good story even before discussing the accomplishments as it gave hardworking guys and girls the chance to compete for a third season during the school year. Adding in the accomplishments of the boys and girls on the team made all involved extremely proud and grateful that the team was able to be an official program this season. The boys team finished second in the Distance Medley and 4x800 relays at the NJSIAA Group One State Relay Championships. They then had five boys qualify for the NJSIAA Group One State Individual Championships along with one female athlete in the 3200m. One of the boys also qualified for the Meet of Champions in the 3200m. Finally, the indoor season culminated with four of the boys: seniors Grant Grothusen and Tim Kenna, junior John MacMinn, and sophomore Andrew Shaw running as the Westmont Winter Track Club in the Emerging Elite 4x800m Relay at the New Balance Indoor National Meet at the 168th Street Armory in New York City. The foursome finished with a time of 8:16.77
I had the opportunity to speak with the members of the 4x800 after their race and they were very thankful to have had the opportunity to compete this indoor season. They spoke of their second place finishes at the state relay championships, having five boys and one girl qualify for the individual state meet, and competing at nationals as highlights of their first indoor season. They were very grateful to the Haddon Township High School alumni and their coaches as being huge supporters and for all they accomplished this season.
After a 20 year hiatus, it truly was a great indoor season as I could clearly tell from speaking with the boys Friday after their race. They were already looking forward to spring track as they feel that this season will lead them to even more success in the spring and aid in their attempt to qualify for the Penn Relays in the 4x800.
This article marks the debut of Matt Ciociola as NJRunners' South Jersey contributing editor. Currently a coach at Bishop Eustace Prep in Pennsauken, Matt graduated from that school in 2002. He attended and ran for Rider University, earning his degree in Cemistry and Secondary Education in 2006. Matt also holds a Masters Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision. Still an active runner, Matt ran 2:40:05 at 2011 Chicago Marathon placing 165th.