Winslow beats 65 years of history to capture Bridgeton record

(Published April 13)
BRIDGETON – Slap a pair of spikes on the four Winslow Township sprinters, line them up and watch them spin to wins.

This winning formula, comprised of roughly 99 percent skill and a dash of remembering the baton, has worked in the past for speedsters Barry Cephas, Darin Washington, Reuben Johnson and Keith Robinson, but has never altered it.

But Saturday at the 65th annual Bridgeton Relays the 4x200 foursome took to the line a bit of knowledge, a goal that neither rain nor 65 years worth of competition could delay: setting a meet record at the state's oldest relay meet.

"Individually, we speak for ourselves," said coach Larry Hickman, speaking mainly of seniors Cephas and Washington, "but when we put the team together, they all win, they all elevate. That's what we stand for. This is something they can talk about for years to come."

In what Hickman calls "the godfather of relays," with he and his father having had competed in it, the Eagles ran a 1:27.9 to win the Group 4 race, snapping the Eagles' 2004 mark of 1:28.0 in which neither the seniors nor the second-year coach had a hand in.

Although given a 20 meter lead when receiving the handoff, Cephas needed to run a 20.4 split – the fastest of the meet and of his career – to seize the record.

"We knew what we had to do, we knew what the competition was so we ran against the clock," said Cephas, who also anchored his relay to a 42.9 victory in the 4x100 and was named the "Athlete of the Meet" by members of the press. "When I'm running, I always run against the clock."

They also ran against the rain. Rain pestered most of the meet, combining with lightning twice to halt the meet. After the second and last 30-minute stoppage, officials resumed action on the sleek track, but canceled all remaining field events, including the high jump, pole vault and shot put for the latter groups, and the 110 hurdles while counting all previous field scoring.

With the jumping pits soggy and pocked with puddles, scratching the events was the safe, if not sage, decision, but one that certainly left the end results in question.

Bridgeton defended home field for the second straight year, scoring 60 points mainly off of one win – a combined triple jump of 42-8.25 meters by Charles Allen and Michael Cisrow – and four silvers to hold off both Glassboro (57 points) and Holy Cross (51) to capture the Group 2 championship.

Also in Group 2, the Holy Cross relay of Rich Fisher, Matt Cusack, Terrance Osborne and Mike Sheehan, set the meet's other group record, winning the distance medley in a meet-best 10:43.8 – but that's not what it was shooting for.

The relay needed a time of 10:40 or faster to qualify for the Penn Relays but, knowing it could've ran faster if not for a slick track, will send it in for review anyway.

With the skies opening before the race, Sheehan, who split a 4:26 in the 1,600 leg, was just glad to get the race in.

"I was really happy," he said. "We could've had to wait and had to stay loose for another half hour."

Winslow may've gotten its glory in after a couple races, but Absegami left Bridgeton with the Group 4 championship after rallying back from third, thanks to clutch performances by Geoff Navarro, Ford Palmer, Kambui Little and Rasheed Grandy in the sprint medley and 4x400, to leapfrog Millville (43) and Washington Township (40) and starve off Vineland (45) and Egg Harbor Township (43).

A balanced effort by Highland (74 points) more than cancelled out the contributions by Kingsway senior RJ Page in Group 3, in which he nibbled at the Tartans' lead by bringing the Dragons (64) back to win the 4x100 and the sprint medley.

Highland's relay of Jamal Davis, Steve Tiss, Anthony Brown and Zaker Brown prevented Page from a third gold by taking the 4x400 in a meet-best 3:29.7.

Coach Bill Collins credits Jason Howitt, who joined Brown to win the 2x400 intermediate hurdles by nearly nine seconds in a meet-best 1:52.7, Brown and Davis for the win.

"They are the backbone of our all team. They do all the events," Collins said. "They were good last year and this year they got better yet. And Jamal is really starting to come into his own right now. He's probably the runner in South Jersey that nobody knows about."

Penns Grove led Metuchen in Group 1 before the last rain delay, but could breathe easier when Metuchen decided to start its two-hour commute early and left.

Before scoring a meet-high 86 points, thanks in part to Aaron Haywood's anchorage in the 4x100, 4x400 and the sprint medley, Penns Grove was reminded of its job by coach Tom Mason.

"There's no need to look over our shoulders, but we're just going to try to take care of business," he said.

What: The 65th annual Bridgeton Relays, the oldest in the state.

Group Champs: Bridgeton defended its Group 2 championship with 60 points, Highland won Group 3 with 74, Penns Grove took Group 1 with a meet-high 86 and Absegami rallied back to claim Group 4 with 53.

MVP: Winslow Township senior Barry Cephas was named the "Athlete of the Meet" for propelling the Eagles to a meet record in the 4x200.

By a Fraction: Given a small lead by teammates Alex Clemson, Ryan Tiernan and Greg Krause in the 4x400, Washington Township junior Xavier Fraction fended off Absegami closer Ford Palmer to narrowly win in a meet-best 8:07.

Quote: "You're put in that mode where you wonder 'Is he behind me? How far? How hard do I have to run? Did I lose him?'" Fraction said. "It's better to sit and kick and wait for him to make his move."

NB: Neither young or old relay will outrun rain

(Notebook published April 12)
Time may be on the historic Bridgeton Relays' side and numbers may favor the Moorestown Relays, but both of today's relays may be a wash if the weather forecasts hold true.
The Friday forecast from Weather.com said there's a 40 percent chance of rain today, along with the possibility of thunderstorms that could last into the afternoon.
Come rain or shine, Moorestown coach and meet organizer Troy Pappas said the 2nd annual Moorestown Relays will proceed until lightning tells him otherwise.
Thirty-three high school teams, including Cherokee, Delsea, Oakcrest, Eastern, Bishop Eustace and Camden Catholic, have entered the meet, up from the 24 last year.
Pappas said the meet's big draw is its rare running of the open 1,500 and the 5,000, coupled with its fully automatic timing, to allow kids to qualify for the Penn Relays and, maybe if the rain holds off, Olympics.
"It gives them a chance to say, 'Compared to the college guys and the Olympic times, this is where I stand,'" said Moorestown coach and meet organizer Troy Pappas.
The 5,000 will kick off the meet at 8:30 a.m. and the field is stacked including such winners as Camden Catholic senior Kevin McDonnell, Haddonfield sophomore Boo Vitez, Northern Burlington junior Mike Bowden , Cherokee senior Alex Yersak and Brick Memorial senior Andrew Broduer.
The 65th annual Bridgeton Relays, the state's oldest relay meet, will draw more teams and should post the better relay times.
If not for running his own meet, Pappas said he would wish to be there.
"They run an excellent meet and it's going to be great this year too," Pappas said.

Surprise, Surprise
Many teams have surprised this season, for better or worse, but no team has exceeded the expectations of this reporter quite like Cherokee and Oakcrest have.

***** Track records means a lot in track, so, in that respect, many people might not be shocked by Cherokee's early success. After all, the Chiefs are the defending American Division champions.
But both Washington Township, falling five points shy of winning the Group 4 sectionals and clearly on the upswing, and Eastern appeared to pass them during the indoor season.
Only two weeks into the season, Cherokee has already squashed that idea, decapitating the division's two heads in consecutive weeks by defeating Washington Township last week and Eastern on Wednesday, 95-36.
Senior sprinter Kevin Merrigan has been key in the Chiefs' early success. On Wednesday he won the 100 (11.1), the 200 (22.6) and was part of the Chiefs' winning 4x400 relay (3:31.7). Switching over from baseball his junior year, Merrigan helped recruit fellow sprinter, junior Will Rapp, off the diamond this spring to give the Chiefs' a quality 1,2.
When it comes to duos, jumpers senior Chris Steliga and junior Major Mobley have given the Chiefs one of South Jersey's best as proven by their Hall of Fame Liberty Division meet record of 81-5 in the triple jump Saturday, breaking the old mark of 81-1 set in 1978.
As always, somewhere between death and taxes is the certainty of Cherokee sporting a nice distance platoon. Although normally led by Alex Yersak, the Chiefs received two sub 10:00 performances from senior Sean Hartnett and junior Marc Saccomanno in the 3,200 Wednesday.

***** Oakcrest's single-point effort at the indoor Group 4 sectionals this winter didn't scare anyone beside indoor spectator-outdoor coach Les Petty.
The coach of the South Jersey Group 4 champs had graduated the bulk of their scoring, jumpers Raimundo Leach, Ramon Lewis and Leonard Okoth, and appeared more set on rebuilding than defending.
"Our boys didn't make a name for ourselves in the winter," Petty said. "We were really concerned. And plus you knew Absegami had a really nice indoor season."
Ninth-ranked Absegami looked like the team to beat in the Cape-Atlantic League during the winter, having placed third at indoor Group 4 sectionals with 40 points. Unranked Oakcrest had scored 1.
But none of that mattered when Oakcrest, led by senior jumper Keenan Bell and junior thrower Kevin Miller, opened its season on April 3 with an 84-58 shocker over the Braves, winning every field event and the 400 and 3,200.
"We liked it that way," Petty said. "We liked it a little stealthy."
At the Buena Relays last Saturday, the Rams then placed second in the field portion of Division 2, scoring 48 to Southern High's 50, and third in the track portion with 28 points, losing only to Egg Harbor Township (46) and Winslow Township (44).
With its depth in the field, Petty thinks Oakcrest is safely back on other teams' radar screens.
"At this point of time, I think we have a very strong team," Petty said. "We don't have one of those individual kids at the moment, but we'll be good in the relays."
Oakcrest and Cherokee will compete today at the Moorestown Relays.

Super Tuesday
Unlike the National League East, certain divisions can be decided a couple weeks into the season without going too far out on a limb. Two showdowns will go down Tuesday:
Egg Harbor Township (2-0) and Vineland (2-0) at Oakcrest (1-0), 4 p.m. -- The last time these three teams squared off in a tri-meet, they each were squared away with one win, one loss: Vineland beat Oakcrest, Oakcrest beat Egg Harbor and Egg Harbor beat Vineland.
As a result, the three teams shared the Cape-Atlantic League American Conference title last title. Barring lightning from striking this tri-meet twice, someone should leave Oakcrest as the division winner Tuesday.

Winslow Township (1-0) at Timber Creek (2-0), 3:45 p.m. – Winslow Township has had its way in the Olympic Conference's Patriot Division the last three years, but Timber Creek can end that Tuesday and it has the studs to do it.
Jumpers Montez Blair, Dorian Evans and Eric Smith, sprinters Geoff Mock and Damiere Byrd and thrower Mike Huckabee will all need big days if that happen.

Flying Eagles
Several relays were held last Saturday, and many relay teams put up some impressive times, but no team ran as well as Winslow Township.
The 2nd-ranked Eagles, led by seniors Barry Cephas, Darin Washington, Gerald Stephens-Holland and Davis McNeil, had the day's best time in the 4x100 (42.9), the 4x200 (1:30.2) and the 4x400 (3:22.6). Their 4x400 and 4x200 was unbeaten during the winter.
The Eagles will take flight at the Bridgeton Relays at 10 a.m. today.

"Pre-season" Boys' Top 25 Teams

(Published March 28)
PRESEASON BOYS' TOP 25 TEAMS
1.CAMDEN
Long on the prowl, the Panthers appear ready to pounce this season. While team hopes lay at the feet of top hurdler Matt Marshall's, sprinter Terry Alston's and jumper Wayne Walls', the maturation of senior shot putters Aaron Menoken and Je'Eric Pritchett could set them apart. Mid-distance runner Jose Santiago and multi-event sophomore Syteek Farrington also are key to the Panthers' success.

2.WINSLOW TOWNSHIP
Time after winning time this winter, the Eagles showed on the biggest of stages a 4x400 relay team (3:23.24) that could not be touched, indicative of their collective toughness and depth. Leaders on a seasoned cast of 12 seniors, sprinter Barry Cephas and multi-event athlete Darin Washington have to remain dominant for the Eagles to weather a dearth in good distance runners and throwers.

3.HIGHLAND
The most balanced team in South Jersey, the Tartans come equipped with South Jersey's fourth fastest 4x400 (3:25.62), second best pole vaulter in Eddie Zubrycki and great multi-event athlete in senior Jason Howitt. Kyle Gorycinski, a junior, also leads one of the better distance teams in the area. Although deep, the team needs to somehow hide its two Achilles' heels: no top sprinter or shot putter.

4.PLEASANTVILLE
Kenny Davis can't do it all, but his all still might be enough to thrust the Greyhounds ahead of the rest. The multi-event athlete anchored the South Jersey's fastest 4x400 (3:21.49) relay this winter, high jumped 6-2 and bobbed over five hurdles pretty quickly too. But he needs backup. The team lost a lot of key guys last year, but jumper Raymond Wilson is back and joins shot putter Davin Drinkard who is inches away from entering the 50-foot club.

5.WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
Once month-long keepers of the nation's fastest 4x800 relay time this winter, the Minutemen, led by Xavier Fraction, sport the top mid-distance platoon in South Jersey and a good distance crew. Shot putter Kwabena Keene arms the best weights department in the area. But where they're not strong, they're weak. Addressing his lack of sprinters and high jumpers, coach Rich Bostwick has recruited four basketball players.

6.EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP
Stevenson Cajuste is an elite utility athlete and a difference maker, able to score points in where many top teams can't, like in hurdling and jumping events. Cajuste also mans one of the better 4x400 relay teams (3:27.89), along with fellow senior Jared Pagano. Having run a 4:40 mile indoors, long-distance freshman Dustin Roadside may give the Eagles another vital dimension.

7.KINGSWAY
It's not like Kingsway was struggling in its sprints during the indoor season, not with junior Demurri Gaines taking third at the sectional championships' 55 dash (6.67), but the return of RJ Page – who plays basketball in the winter -- will give the Dragons one of the best 1,2 punches in the state and an excellent jumper. With a solid distance team, the Dragons are dangerous.

8.DELSEA
Only until after last spring did then-No.1 ranked Delsea suffer its greatest loss. Yes, graduation was certainly cruel on the Crusaders, turning the tassel on three-fourths of their 4x400, but that remainder, senior Panteleon Okoro, can be counted on for a lot. Terrance Burns can sprint, Joe Gregory can jump and coach Ron Flaim can score in score in various ways, as can Joe Gregory is among the top high jumpers in South Jersey.

9.ABSEGAMI
Geoff Navarro is a sprinter and Ford Palmer is a mid-distance runner. They're both better than good and together can cover seven events. That translates into a lot of scoring for the Braves and, with some added bulk in the weights department, can amount to trouble for other schools.

10.EASTERN
The Vikings made a late surge last season, rising from the unranked to the seven spot in about two weeks. The catalyst was sprinter Cedric Gonnett, who has since graduated. Although still looking for his replacement, coach John Shea is confident that 400 runner Steven Greer, jumper Joe Eggers and his distance runners can carry on.

11.CHEROKEE
You can always count on good long-distance runners to show up under coach Steve Shaklee's watch. But it doesn't end there. Along with their deep distance team led by seniors Alex Yersak and Kevin Schlicking, the Chiefs have ace sprinter Steve Merrigan and South Jersey's top returning long jumper, Chris Steliga.

12.TIMBER CREEK
Thought of as a dark horse since they're not traditionally among the best in track, the Chargers have improved immensely. Then again, landing a blue-chip freshman will do that. Freshman sprinter Damiere Byrd finished with South Jersey's third fastest time in the dash indoors (6.56). He joins elite jumper Montez Blair, runner Saliym Starkey and thrower Xavier Brown to form a team that could swing drastically in either direction.

13.VINELAND
Another team that lost a lot, the Fighting Clan enter their 12th season under coach Elliot DeShields. If it proves anything like the first 11, the Clan will be moving up. Newcomer Jamal Boozer, a sprinter, should help as he did during the winter. Mid-distance runner Anthony Rivera and thrower Travis Douglas will be counted on.

14.MILLVILLE
The Thunderbolts may be heard of in some big meets with sprinters Chris Church and Khalid Cherry and pole vaulters Kevin Dever and Josh Parr, two of the best duos in South Jersey.

15.HADDONFIELD
The Bulldawgs will go as far as their dominant distance team takes them. Led by sophomores Boo Vitez and Colin Baker, the distance crew may need some help in order to succesfully defend the Bulldawgs' conference title.

16.BRIDGETON
The Bulldogs are led by senior throwers Dominique Williams (also a hurdler) and Steven Lane.

17.PENNS GROVE
Sprinter Aaron Haywood, jumper Steven Brown and thrower Ken Jefferson lead the
Red Devils.

18.BISHOP EUSTACE
Mid-distance runner Brian Laskowski shares the track with cross country teammate Andy Arnold.

19.OCEAN CITY
The Red Raiders have a depth in distance led by senior Ryan Birchmeier and Brett Johnson.

20.LENAPE
Don Carfello is back to give the Indians some added depth. Thrower Ray Stinsman should also make an impact.

Olympic Conference "Previews"

(All Previews Published March 28)
Olympic Conference
AMERICAN DIVISION
Cherokee
Twenty-two lettermen return to defend the Chiefs' division title, namely senior Chris Steliga, a standout state long jumper who jumped 22-7“ at Eastern States Championships for second this winter.
Able to run the 100 (10.84) and the 200 (22.24), senior Kevin Merrigan gives Cherokee (5-0 last year) a rare sprinting threat, an area they're been lacking for years.
Coach Steve Shaklee feels their depth in distance, led by seniors Alex Yersak and weights and jumps is solid enough to win many dual meets, but may fail them on the next level without improvement.[
Cherry Hill East
Hurdles, by way of seniors Chantz Powell and George Chuckweezer, are the Cougars' strongest area, but coach Michael Surrency said their young throwers need to develop before they can contend for a title.
Sprints are led by Ryan Mason, and Surrency sees senior Mike Williams as a possible All-Conference vaulter.
Eastern
Losing All-South Jersey sprinter Cedric Gonnett, South Jersey Group 4 400 hurdles champion Brian Smith and thrower Michael Del Rossi to graduation … and varsity throwers Kenny Fawlkes and Carlton Young to football injuries … certainly bruises the Vikings' state-championship aspirations, but coach John Shea says the team's depth eases the blows.
Winter emergences from Steven Greer in the 400 and James Eggers in the high jump keep Eastern tough.
A solid distance duo of Joe Steffney and Mike Ali will be tough to beat in dual meets and Shea promises a faster 4x400 than the one wheeled out this winter.
Lenape
Ryan Garvin emerged from this winter as one of track's bigger surprises, giving the Indians a real jolt in the distance events after senior Dom Carfello fell to season-ending injury.
Well Carfello is back, joining Garvin and talented newcomer Hayes Rainier to form a solid distance core, but with distance looking strong across the division, the question becomes whether Lenape can find an edge elsewhere.
Shot putter Ray Stinsman should top 50 feet and Rahmel Brooks is jumper, but trouble in sprints and hurdles could be the Indians' undoing.
Washington Twp.
The fact that the Minutemen can count on shot putter Kwabena Keene to throw them 10 points at every local meet is enough to make Washington Township a divisional force.
And in a division that's studded with distance runners, the Minutemen's crew, led by mid-distance runner Xavier Fraction, shines the brightest.
The Minutemen are weak in sprints, hurdles and jumps, but if the addition of four basketball players can help patch some of these holes like coach Rich Bostwick hopes, Washington Township is the team to beat in the division.

PATRIOT DIVISION
Seneca
Even after graduating their top two athletes in Josh Clark and Kevin Carullo, Seneca is not starting with a blank slate; coach Bill Fisher knows what to expect
from seniors like hurdler Nick Gossack, sprinter Matt Horner and thrower Thacher DeStefanos … consistent hard work.
Throw in some punchy newcomers and this might be a surprising rebuilding year.
Shawnee
Unlike the American Division, the Patriot Division is mainly weak in distance events; all the better for sophomore David Forward, the top 3,200 runner in South Jersey this winter, and senior Ian Boyle, a sub 2:00 runner in the 800.
With the team lacking in most other events, coach Stephen Suriano hopes its penchant in distance converts to a winning record.
Timber Creek
Last year coach Chris Grottini said he fielded his best team (4-1) during his six years at Timber Creek. With the addition of bluechip freshman Damiere Byrd, a sprinter and the maturation of his young team, his answer has probably changed.[PARA]
Byrd and senior Geoff Mock form one of South Jersey's best sprinting duos. Having cleared a SJ best 6-7 in the high jump last spring, Montez Blair, if healthy,
is also an automatic lock for points.
Throw is some capable throwers in seniors Rob Huckabee and Xavier Brown and the Chargers are legitimate contenders to break Winslow Township's divisional stronghold.
Triton
First-year coach Andrew Siganula, meet freshman Rob Rawls, South Jersey's distance
wunderkind.
Equipped with equal speed and endurance, Rawls has the potential to dip under 4:30 in the 1,600 and to challenge Shawnee's Forward in any mid-distance event.
Throwers Chris Johnston in the javelin and Steve Johnson in the discus should also score.
Winslow Twp.
Owners of the division title for the past six years, the Eagles are ready to make it seven.
Boasting the indoor Meet of Champs' winning 4x400 relay in senior sprinter Barry Cephas, Darin Washington, Davis McNeil and Gerald Stephens-Holland, the Eagles have the depth and experience to clean up sprinting points at any level.
Senior hurdlers Eric Butler, Robert Banks and Washington, and senior jumper Doug Wiggins give Winslow Township a complete team capable of winning more than its division.

NATIONAL DIVISION
Bishop Eustace
Sporting two indoor state champions in Brian Laskowski (400 and 800) and Joe Gianndrea (shot put), the Crusaders already looked good.[PARA]
With the arrival of Andy Arnold, who ran a divisional-best 4:28 in the 1,600, and the team showing strength where Camden is weak, the team is rightfully eyeing the division title.
Camden
A share of the Indoor State Group 3 championship should give one a glimpse of Camden's awesomeness.
Senior Matt Marshall, the All-South Jersey 55-meter hurdler, leads a team that exudes quickness, namely Kadeer Lone, Zachery Clarke and State Group 3 400 champion Terry Alston.
But besides fielding two shot putters who threw farther than 44 feet this winter, last year's division champions are lacking in the weight department.
But for all the team's star power, the growth of junior Jose Santiago … who ran 2:04 in the 800 last year … may be what it takes to win an outdoor state championship.
Paul VI
The Eagles return 14 letterwinners including Renaissance seniors Jon Grimes and Greg Smith. Both adept at hurdling, jumping and sprinting, Grimes and Smith give the Eagles a strong 1,2 in most dual meets.
Coach Keith Walters hopes that such leadership results in a winning record.
Woodrow Wilson
After losing jumper Rhodnei Spence and sprinter Fransico Jimenez to graduation, senior sprinter Lamar Goffney becomes the leader of a team coach Greg Arnett thinks can contend.
Arnett looks to junior Emmanuel Rivera and senior Daniel Perez to replace Jimenez's scoring in the 400 and thinks senior high hurdler Sergio Rivera could place at states.

FIVE TO WATCH
Kwabena Keene, Washington Township, Senior – The big man from South Jersey, this senior shot putter is unrivaled in South Jersey, having left the indoor season unbeaten and with a personal-best hurl of 57-11 – more than five feet farther than South Jersey's next longest -- at Eastern States Championships. With the school record in hand last spring, Keene has set his sights on joining the elusive 60-foot club this spring.

Damiere Byrd, Timber Creek, Fr. – Proving himself as no ordinary freshman this winter, Byrd gives the Chargers another formidable sprinter to line up alongside senior Geoff Mock. The youngster won the SJ Group 3 Championship's 55-meter dash in 6.60 and then later at the state meet improved upon it by placing second in 6.56, third fastest in South Jersey.

David Forward, Shawnee, So. – From the downhill finish of Holmdel Park and on, Forward has kept rolling this year, winning the Indoor South Jersey Group 3's 3,200 this winter and twice breaking 9:30, including a fifth spot at the Meet of Champions in a South Jersey-best 9:28.34. At this distance, only a handful of South Jersey runners can challenge him this spring – if that.

Matt Marshall, Camden, Sr. -- South Jersey's top high hurdler in the 55 last winter, having placed third at the Indoor Meet of Champions in a personal-best 7.53, the Panther's co-captain looks to improve upon his 10th place showing in the Meet of Champs' 110 high hurdles last spring (14.59).

Barry Cephas, Winslow Township, Sr. – A top contender in any race 400 meters or shorter, Cephas is also the backbone of the 4x400, a race the Eagles remained unbeaten through the Meet of Champions last winter, topping off at 3:23.23 during the State Group 4 win. He showcased his speed while winning the 200, his premier event, at last spring's South Jersey Group 4 Championship in a personal-best 21.64.

Tri-Country Conference "Preview"

(Published weeks ago)
Tri-County Conference
Royal Division
Clearview
Along with a bevy of new faces, Clearview brings back 13 lettermen and none with bigger expectations -- or size – than seniors shot putter Nick Carpo or discus thrower Erik Laskoski.
Coach Dennis Weaver feels such leadership – also provided by distance runner Zachariah Rocco -- should help groom the newcomers. Despite being excited about the team’s dynamic, Weaver feels this is a rebuilding year.
Cumberland
Lose their seniors from last year was expected by coach Greg McGraw. A season-ending football injury to senior hurdler and jumper Tydell Garrison, however, was not.
But after sidelining one, football – or specifically the prodding of senior Andrew Pierce -- brings another to the track in running back Malik Jones, who should help Pierce in the sprints.,
Senior Anthony Figueroa, a state qualifier in the shot put, and Pierce, South Jersey’s top returning javelin thrower, figure to lead this young, rebuilding team in points along with senior vaulters Brad Loatman (cleared 12-6) and Kevin Kuff (11-6).
Delsea
After winning the division title in 2005 and 2006, Delsea shared it with Kingsway and Highland last spring during the same year it beat both teams – and Camden – to win the Group 3 sectional championship and ultimately the Courier-Post Cup.
The Crusaders are hoping for déjà vu, but after graduating a huge trio in All-Groupers Aaron Younger, Melton Diggs and Fred Lavan, it will be difficult for Delsea to win the division again.
While coach Ron Flaim said they might lose some more dual meets, he thinks the team’s strong enough in sprints, jumps, and hurdles to form some formidable relays and possibly defend its sectional championship.
Sprinters Panteleon Okoro, Terrance Burns, Sean McPherson and jumper Joe Gregory will be counted on for scoring, as will many freshman. Flaim said his most improved athlete, hurdler Jay Colon, could surprise others.
Deptford
While the Highlands, Kingsways and Delseas duke it out, Deptford coach Atiba Rose is looking to just improve her team that went 2-4 last year.
Returning 14 lettermen, Rose needs the team to play to its strengths – sprints and weights – to be able to play the spoiler.
Javelin thrower Thomas Wright and Chris Whitley, who placed sixth in the indoor Group 2 sectionals’ 55-meter dash in 6.89, should help toward that goal.
Kingsway
Balanced in all areas save the pole vault, the Dragons look dangerous this year and with senior sprinter RJ Page revved and running, coach Melvin Carter can rightfully consider them bonafide contenders in the division – which they tied for last year -- and beyond.
Proven to be a top sprinter in the state, as well as 42-feet-clearing triple jumper, Page can practically contend at the bigger meets by his lonesome
But ‘practically’ wins nothing, but good thing for the Dragons he’s joined by sprinter Demurri Gaines, who whizzed 6.67 in the 55-meter dash.
If distance runner Ryan Culbreath runs well and Tivo Rivera finds the same outdoor success as he did while running sub 4:40 miles in middle school, the Dragons could dominate. If not, the title is Highland’s.
Williamstown
Returning nine letterman and losing six, the Brave bring more depth to the track this season and consequently higher goals.
While his team is solid in distance and sprints, 19-year coach Mark Suk expects senior all-around athlete Glen Williams, junior shot putter Tyrone Conley and junior javelin thrower Lawrence Johnson to help improve upon their 2-4 season in 2007.

Diamond Division
Glassboro
Even though a soul legend already did so 40 years ago, junior sprinter James Brown made a name for himself this winter, ultimately finishing fifth in the Indoor Meet of Champs’ 55-meter dash in 6.53, second fastest in South Jersey.
Although his times outdoor have yet to be seen, his presence, coupled with that of speedy juniors Lamere Buchanan, Tariq Gaines and Ryan Chance, improves the Bulldogs (5-1) greatly. If the team can weather a weak weight team, it can contend with Penns Grove for the title.
Penns Grove
Fifteen lettermen return to this division defending squad that has what no other team in the division has – a contender in sprints, throws, jumps and vaults.
Junior sprinter Aaron Hayward was the Group 1 sectional championship in the 100 (10.88) and 200 (21.90) last spring, but with new legs at Glassboro, the Red Devils' chief rival, Hayward will probably need to run faster times in order to repeat.
After graduating shot putters Wayne Scott and Dymier Sharper, senior Tyree Rudolph stepped in, placing second at Group 1 sectionals with a toss of 46-0.75. Junior Steven Brown also placed second at sectionals with a long jump of 21-01.
Also a hurdler, pole vaulting junior Shawill Green can clear 12-0. Add this balance together and you get the favorites in the division and the group.
Schalick
Coach Steve Pierangeli hopes a large turnout can help fill some new glaring holes created by a costly graduation.
Losing eight key athletes to graduation, including All-Group hurdler Jeremy Simkins, has Schalick hurting in every area besides distance running, jumps and shot put.
The Cougars' four seniors, jumper Matt Kates, distance runner Eric DuBois and shot putters Kyle Jemp (45 feet) and Andrew Johnson (43), are sure to score points but even still, it may be hard for Schalick to shake its lack of depth or to match its 3-2 record last year.
Woodstown
A large return of lettermen, 13, compared to those lost, 2, is the first of hopefully many signs of improvement for coach Ryn Tencza’s Woodies (2-3).
A large number of sprinters and throwers should produce some solid relays and tandems, none more valuable than senior javelin thrower Brian Owens, a national qualifier who threw 180-11 last year.

Classic Division
Gloucester
First-year coach Jennifer Tomkow is counting on some first-year jumpers along with 11 lettermen.
After graduating seven lettermen, four-year sprinter Shehab Uddin is one of only several upperclassmen to lead a young inexperienced team.
Still Tomkow said jumping newcomers, Ryan Harter and Steven Kumpf, and transfer pole vaulter Frank Heitman should give the Lions (1-4) a lift.
Pennsville
Two-time division champs, the Eagles (5-0) return 10 this season and part with 8.
Holes caused by graduations, particularly in speed events, have 29-year coach John Maniglia depending on several young replacements.
Until they pan out, Maniglia is relying on strong distance runners Mark Kearney, TJ Mowers and Matt Powers, All-Group pole vaulter Neco Nociti and shot putter Joe Ecret, among others, to score points. It shouldn’t take many to win this division.

FIVE TO WATCH
Robert Page, Kingsway, Sr. – A guard in the winter, Page will try to reestablish himself as one of the state's top sprinters this spring. Placing in the top three in the 100, 400 (49.71) and triple jump (42-2.25) at the South Jersey Group 3 Championships last spring, including a victory in the 200, Page can take a better Kingsway's team farther this spring.

Panteleon Okoro, Delsea, Sr. – Call him Panteleon or by his middle name, Udochi, just don't call Okoro slow. The senior -- left to build on the Crusaders' 2007 championship season in the rubble left over by the graduations of Aaron Younger, Melton Diggs and Fred Lavan -- has just fine this winter, placing second in the State Group 2 Championships' 55-meter dash (6.64), the 400 (51.27) and the 4x400 (3:31.11). A fearless competitor, Okoro has the goods to make this another special season.

James Brown, Glassboro, Sr. – Another elite sprinter from Tri-County, Brown came onto the scene this winter as one of South Jersey's biggest surprises. After placing second in the 55-meter dash at both SJ Group 1 Championships and State Group 1 Championships, the senior ran a personal-best 6.53 for fifth at the Meet of Champs. The time was the second fastest in South Jersey last winter and, yes, he feels good!

Andrew Pierce, Cumberland, Jr. – Even as a sophomore last year, Pierce was among the best javelin throwers in the state. Now, a year later, it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that Pierce, the seventh-place finisher at the Outdoor Meet of Champions, is South Jersey's best returning thrower, having speared 181-07 twice last spring. Pierce should keep Cumberland on the scoreboard for most of the spring.

Eddie Zubrzycki, Highland, Jr. – Gearing up for that next size pole is always a challenge and one that got the best of the junior vaulter during the indoor championship season. Still, people know what he's capable of – like a 14-0 clearance at an Olympic Conference meet to beat two-time Meet of Champs winner West Deptford's Dan Batdorf – and, more importantly, he knows. Expect him to regain form, sky new personal heights and give the Tartans an edge over other contenders.

Colonial Conference Track "Preview"

Colonial Conference
Audubon
Eight lettermen are back for another year with long-time coach Dan Rowan, who has a positive outlook for the season but is first focused on rebuilding.
Although the Green Wave will miss the contributions of graduated thrower Elisio DiPrinzio, Rowan has high hopes for senior thrower Steve Gea and sophomore distance-runner JP McCarvill.
Haddonfield
Perennially long in distance talent, Haddonfield may be dangerous elsewhere too.
That elsewhere may come from sprinter senior Andrew Tsafos, a team leader who pulled his hamstring last year to abruptly end his season.
Tsafos is capable of competing in any distance not beyond 400. Senior Kevin McBeth may be the Bulldawgs’ top 400 runner, having had qualified for the Meet of the Champions this winter.
Fielding a pole vaulter already capable of clearing 12 feet in senior Zach Barber, and another who cleared 11-6 in his first season in sophomore Michael Rivard, Haddonfield should score some points in its field events in at least dual meets, but might struggle in the jumping and throwing departments, said coach Kyle Williams.
The brunt of its points, however, will come from the usual suspects, distance runners Boo Vitez, Colin Baker and Dan Carreon, the latter two superb in mid-distance events and Vitez elite in the 3,200. Although pursued by strong legs at Haddon Heights and some dominant figures at West Deptford, Haddonfield (10-0) should run away with the conference title again.
Haddon Heights
Twenty-five lettermen return for Haddon Heights this season and one from injury.
After missing the winter season due to back problems that surfaced toward the end of cross country, junior Josh Black is back, and, if healthy, should give the Tartans (7-2-1) a great 1,2 alongside senior Mickey Borsellino and a great 1,2,3,4,5 with Andrew Whitman, Colin Lynch and Colin Cole.
With the team lacking in discus and javelin throwers, coach Matt Martin is counting on Shawn Harper, a shot putter named to the All Colonial team last year, and fellow thrower Tom Miggliachio, for some field points.
Senior AJ Toliver possesses value in sprints and jumps, and junior Chris Roundtree should also jump well, being the Camden County Triple Jump Champ.
Haddon Township
In his first year coaching Haddon Township, David Donohue was able to squeeze a 7-2 season, and although losing four All-Conference athletes to graduation – Ken Wise, Nick Papinovnaov, Jason Kendall and Mike Dunn -- Donohue considers his young team a potential spoiler.
Senior Kevin Moore will try to fill Wise’s shoes in the high jump and the triple jump, senior Anthony Higuden will handle the hurdles and junior Tyler Cunningham will lead in the javelin.
And with Kendall gone, junior Chris Hubler, Mike Dinerman and Matt Whitmann will assume long-distance duties. While solid runners, this cast will likely be overmatched when pitted against the elites of Haddonfield and Haddon Heights.
Lindenwold
Lindenwold is concentrating on rebuilding from a losing record last year and, to most likely do so, will need strong seasons from their field performers, all of whom are back, including seniors Tom Mallon and Tavion Carter.
Coach Byron Brown feels junior jumper/sprinter Sheeron Rendall, a Second Team All Conference selection for jumps, will be a good source for points.
West Deptford
It might be a lot to ask Dan Batdorf to vault West Deptford to the top of the conference, but the pole vaulter will certainly try.
Batdorf, the “Boys Indoor Athlete of the Year,” was good for 10 points for every big meet during the winter and things shouldn’t change in the spring.
Long-time coach Mark Dixon also expects a lot out of fellow senior Steve Mitchell, the Group 2 sectional champ in the 55 hurdles.
Although a sophomore, sophomore Jimmy Owens – one of the area’s surprise freshman last year – will lead the Eagles (8-2) in the sprints.
Depth among throwers is in demand, but as long as the aforementioned athletes fill the voids of the Colonial Conference -- pole vault, hurdles and sprints -- the Eagles should be place no lower than top three in the conference, and possibly contend.

FIVE TO WATCH
Dan Batdorf, West Deptford, Sr. – While the "Boys' Indoor Track Athlete of the Year" has set the bar high for state vaulters this season, Batdorf's standards sit even higher. After going unbeaten after the second week of winter, including two 15-6 clearances at the Indoor Meet of Champions and the Eastern States Championships, Batdorf will sky for the South Jersey record of 16-0, set in 1992 by Bob Green, then of Haddon Heights, all while defending his Outdoor MoC title from last spring.

Colin Baker, Haddonfield, So. – With teammate Boo Vitez holding down the 3,200 for the Bulldawgs, Baker took care of the other distance events, winning the 1,600 at the Indoor State Group 1 Championship in 4:28.71 and previously the 800 at the SJ Group 1 Championships in 2:03.9. If Baker stays healthy, both he and Vitez should give Haddonfield a distance duo only rivaled by that of Ocean City.

Shawney Kersey, Woodbury, Jr. – Kersey needs to find three new relay teammates, but with or without them, the sprinter should still find a way to strike gold. In his two State Outdoor Group 1 Championships thus far, Kersey has amassed five individual wins and two relay wins. His performances in the 400 (47.88), the 200 (21.72) and the 100 ( 10.76) at last year's group meet showed others that he's no Group 1 lightweight.

Josh Black, Haddon Heights, Jr. – Before hurting his back and missing the last few races of cross country and all of winter track, Black was enjoying one of the finest, most-improved cross-country seasons in South Jersey, culminating in a SJ Group 1 Championship win by running a then-SJ best 16:21 on Holmdel Park's state course. If healthy and fit, there's no reason to think Black – an admitted mileage junkie -- won't be among SJ's long-distance elites.

Robert Friedman, Sterling, Jr. – It's not easy to run a 400 in 50 seconds – or to live with the fact that you were a second away from breaking the milestone. Friedman approached that threshold four times last spring as a sophomore, coming as close as 50.28 at the Meet of Champions. Still straddling 50 tocks, the junior doesn't need to tweak much to dip under.

Burlco Track "Previews"

Burlington County League
Liberty Division
Moorestown
Twenty freshman have joined the team and 24 sophomores have returned, but the key to the Quakers -- as young as they are – for coach Troy Pappas is production from its upperclassmen, namely sprinter Bryan Burnham and his veteran distance core.
Led by seniors James Mulski and Kevin Healey, along with juniors Ben Friedman, Alex Matteson and David Ringwood, the distance team is as formidable as it is deep, but for the Quakers to find success in the bigger meets, someone needs to step up and out of the pack.
Moorestown also runs deep in javelin throwers with Connor Tuck, Dan Sargent and Anthony Sullivan.
Northern Burlington
After finishing 3-3 overall and 3-2 in the division in 2007, the Greyhounds are hoping to be above average this season. Coach Tim Tedesco is counting on many, but none more so than juniors Chris Tomori and Michael Bowden.
For a winning season to happen, Bowden, among the elite South Jersey runners in the 1,600 and the 3,200, will need to be just as successful as he was last spring when he won the Central Jersey Group 3 Championship’s 3,200 shortly after placing second in the 1,600.
With Delsea’s Aaron Younger graduated, Tomori should find greater success as he is South Jersey’s best incoming intermediate hurdler.
Rancocas Valley
Coming off a 1-4 year, coach Joseph Holland feels his current cast of athletes, nine of whom are returning letterman, can contend for the division this season.
Along with the progression of senior throwers Larry Awoysana and Mike Osterhage, Holland hopes the addition of junior sprinter/hurdler O’Shane Rennie, a transfer from Freehold Township, can make an impact this spring. Rennie was part of a Red Devils 4x400 that advanced to the State Group 3 Championship (3:35.08).
That time might not be fast enough to keep up with divisional relays like Burlington Twp or Willingboro – the defending Liberty Division champs – but it’ll win their share of dual meets.

Patriot Division
BordentownThough the Scotties are rebuilding, first-year coach Casey McAleer said they still could be competitive.
Clocking in at 6.70 in the Meet of Champion’s 55-meter dash, junior Daequan “Prince” Kim is possibly the team’s best weapon, with seniors hurdler Tom Saddler and runner Gregg Pontious also looked upon as scoring threats.
McAleer feels the steady progression of distance runner Connon Degnon could impact future outcomes.
Cinnaminson
Two distance stars shined brighter than any in South Jersey during the tail end of last spring. Matt Poskus and Brian Tetreault just happened to be teammates and their exits – by graduation – happen to raises the question of whether these Pirates can defend their Patriot Division.
Coach Dan Fourney hopes so, although he thinks Holy Cross -- the State Non-Parochial B Champions led by senior Mike Sheehan -- currently are the team to beat. But given the coachable nature and the potential of his athletes, Fourney will have his squad ready to compete.
Among the 18 returning lettermen, senior throwers Dan Ennis (javelin) and Justin Embler (discus/javelin), both runners-up at sectionals and qualifiers at the Meet of Champion last spring, stack the field this spring.
But the Pirates possess fight on the track too, by way of All-Group 2 distance runners, Todd Campbell and Kenny Hoff, and that balance should keep them in the divisional running.
Delran
After his team graduated 10 letterwinners, Michael Guzik is treating his seventh year as coach of the Bears as a rebuilding one.
The team is loaded with youth and question marks, but Guzik knows inexperience can be erased quickly though strong work ethic, something he prides his team in possessing.
Guzik particularly expects thrower Kyle Littig to lead by example and have his diligence translate into team points.
Maple Shade
A .500 record is within reach for the Wildcats, according to 34-year coach John Mitchell. With eight lettermen returning from a 2-4 record, including seven seniors, the Wildcats' experience should pay off in a winning record.
While the distance is led by two seniors, Brian Abate and Sean Timmons, each capable of competing in the 800 through the 3,200, the sprints is one of the team’s soft spots, says Mitchell.
A fan of the technical, senior Mike Caruso will be part hurdler, part pole vaulter, and possibly All Group this season.

Freedom Division
New Egypt
New Egypt has had at least a stake of the division title the last three years, winning the last two outright.
And although it goes against the math of graduating only three lettermen while maintaining 12, coach Sam Palumbo said his team now needs to catch up to the talent of Florence to think about a fourth title.
New Egypt(6-1) is strongest in distance, led by mid-distance seniors Sean Vazquez and Matt Smith and 3,200 sophomore runner Andrew Lopresti, who was All-Division last year.
New Egypt has a solid shot putter in senior Kevin Stiles, who placed fourth in the Group 1 sectionals last spring, but a crop of younger throwers who still need to develop, Palumbo said.
Palmyra
Coach Kevin Peter says his team is rebuilding with the project’s completion timetable waiting on the young team gaining experience. Peter thinks this spring could be bright for juniors javelin thrower Warren Oliver and high jumper Jimmy Childs, who tied for fourth at the State Group 1 Championships by clearing 6-0.

FIVE TO WATCH
Chris Barnes, Burlington City, Sr. – A unique double threat, Barnes can beat you on the straightaway or in the air. In the Meet of Champions high jump, the senior tied for seventh by clearing 6-4, tying the top height jumped by a South Jersey athlete this season. Barnes also topped out sprinting 6.83 in the 55-meter dash at the State Group 1 Championship to place eighth.

Mike Sheehan, Holy Cross, Sr. – If he doesn't run the fastest, the long-distance senior may just have South Jersey's biggest battery. Rarely leaving a meet without circling the track 6,000 meters – including the 3,200, the 1,600, the 800, and a leg of the 4x400 – Sheehan has the motor to produce in each. His nice kick favors mid-distance events, like the 800 (1:57.3, clocked handheld) and the 1,600 (4:20.14), but, then again, he did finish second in the Non-Parochial A's 3,200(9:35.22) last spring and as the second SJ finisher at the Cross-Country Meet of Champs (16:09) this fall.

Chris Tomori, Northern Burlington, Sr. -- The state's top 400 hurdling returnee, who ran a 54.47 at the State Group 3 Championship for fourth, Tomori fills more than one niche for the Greyhoundsby being an able high jumper; he cleared 5-8 at last spring's Central Jersey Group 3 Championships to qualify himself for the state meet.

Sean Vazquez, New Egypt, Sr. – A regular visitor of sub 2:00 two-lappers, Vazquez hopes to revisit the Meet of Champs, in which he placed 19th in the 800 (1:58.11). Of the 18 that placed ahead of him, 15 have graduated, leaving Vazquez among a small group of state contenders. And his cross-country base can only help him.

Tyrone McRae, Willingboro, -- McRae came on strong toward the end of this winter, notching two personal records at the Group 2 Championships by placing fifth in the 400 (51.47) and seventh in the 55-meter dash (6.73). With track studs Antonio Abney and Julian Boyd graduated, McRae may find himself as the new anchor of a typically fierce Chimeras 4x400.

Cape Atlantic League "Previews"

(Published in Late March ...)
2008 Cape Atlantic League
American Conference
Absegami
When you’re in one of the toughest conferences in South Jersey, it helps to have two superior athletes.
Between the two of them, senior sprinter Geoff Navarro and junior Ford Palmer cover seven events just about as well as a duo can.
Navarro, the indoor Group 4 sectional champion in the 55-meter dash, reigns in any event less than or equal to 400 meters and All-Group junior Ford Palmer rules any event equal to or greater than 400 meters. Perfect, except for the being thin in depth and lacking big-meet throwers, triple jumpers and pole vaulters.
Sprinters senior Douglas Irwin and sophomore Rasheed Grandy, a transfer student from Atlantic City, should help shadow Navarro, possibly finishing in a fringe placing, but definitely solidifying one of the state’s best sprint relays.
For all their faults, the Brave remain strong conference contenders and, with a couple surprises, maybe even more.
Atlantic City
There’s no shame in admitting being overmatched, not in this conference anyway.
We’re going to struggle, said 15-year coach Tim Donnell, but that doesn’t mean the season can’t be without success. Juniors Danny O’Donnell and Matt Ardelean, along with several at Mainland, are a couple of the best distance runners in the league and should keep the Vikings (3-6) on the scoreboard.
Egg Harbor Township
Based on his record, senior Stevenson Cajuste may be the preseason favorite to win South Jersey MVP, if there was such an award.
In niche events most teams lack in, Cajuste flourishes like no other, able to dominate the 110 hurdles, the 400 hurdles, the long jump and the triple jump.
Coach George Wilikinson’s team, as a whole, excels in hard sought events. Tre Lathan is also a top hurdler, seniors Jared Pagano and Cyrus Manahan are strong 200 and 400 runners, and all together with Cajuste form a superb 4x400 relay, one that beat Absegami’s to win the Group 4 sectionals in 3:27.89. The Eagles (7-1) are soft in weights, pole vault and, for now, distance events. But besides having a cool name, freshman Dustin Roadside proved himself as a tough distance runner this winter. Without any cross-country experience -- or at least not any to be found by this reporter -- Roadside ran a 4:40 in an indoor 1,600. If he drops time and starts scoring in some big meets, the Eagles have to be the favorites.
Hammonton
Coming off a 1-8 year, the Blue Devils may need some time before they can compete. Coach Pete Lancetta knows this. But the season isn’t without loss nor goals.
Strongest in sprinting events, Hammonton could make some noise, especially with senior Chris Helm taking aim at the school’s record in the 100.
Millville
There’s a lot to like about Millville.
After three years of being among the elite, senior Chris Church narrowly enters this spring as the quickest sprinter in South Jersey.
The loss of All-South Jersey sprinter Marquis Bonds to graduation hurts the Thunderbolts, but, as shown this winter, junior Khalid Cherry is no slouch. Without knowing the other half, just the combo of Cherry and Church gives Millville (0-8) an edge in most sprint medleys, 4x100s and 4x200s.
And while not yet spectacular, juniors Kevin Dever and Josh Parr form the best pole vaulting platoon in South Jersey. And lastly, in 1:58.13, Elijah Jones ran the fourth fastest 800 in South Jersey this season.
But Millville has its share of gaping hole: short on throwers (Marvin Logan can throw a shot 43-plus, a discus about 140), and no serious hurdlers, high jumpers or long-distance runners.
While the Thunderbolts are dominant at times, all their deficiencies – until proven otherwise -- keep them from being considered legitimate conference contenders.
Vineland
The Fighting Clan(7-1) lost a lot of pieces that helped them tie Oakcrest and Egg Harbor Township for the division title last year. Of the fifteen who graduated, the contributions made by sprinter Yadid Chaniz-Rico, multi-event athlete Davon Goldsborough and distance runner Joshua Arocho will be hard to replace.
But coach Elliot DeShields – and many other coaches -- sees them as contenders nonetheless, and with his career record 108-18 in a perennial hard conference, it’s hard to disagree.
Junior novice Jamal Boozer was a major pickup, dashing 6.67 FAT. He joins a 4x400 of Stanley Lewis, Chris Tarpley and Anthony Rivera that placed third in the Group 4 sectionals in 3:30.45.
Being a Group 4 qualifier last spring, senior Travis Douglas should led throwers in the discus (146-08) and javelin.

National Conference
Buena
The division title has belonged to Bridgeton ever since 2005 and coach Mike Gillespie is not saying his Chiefs will break the three-year streak, but he’s also not saying they can’t.
Strong on leadership and unity, the Chiefs(5-3) have too many newcomers and question marks to be among the favorites – Pleasantville and Bridgeton – but if tradition means anything, they should contend, he said.
Three-event seniors Darius Melton and Martin Craig are looked to as leaders, as are senior throwers Len Smith and Darion Henderson who hope to diminish the loss of graduated Group 2 discus champ Steve Hague.
Holy Spirit
Long in leadership, short in numbers, Holy Spirit hopes (7-2) to be competitive this season.
With distance buff Mike Keebler now racing at Boston College, one of five Spartans lost to graduation, coach David Pfeifer is relying on scoring from senior thrower Pat Shell and senior sprinters Nick Hall and Bob DeMarco.
Middle Township
A small turnout has dashed any thoughts of the Panthers being a world contender, but coach Ed Letts has his goals.
With only 12 athletes, repeating even last year’s modest 1-8 record may be tough but Letts said his strong bunch welcomes the challenge. Throwers senior Dan Newcomb and sophomore Kevin Hebron, a Group 2 state qualifier in the discus, should score regularly and Letts also believes sophomore Charles Cooper has a 21-foot long jump in him.
St. Augustine
It has taken 10 years, but the Hermits finally have their track program back. But unlike the normal excitement that comes with a start-up program, this kind is also tinged with optimism. Thirty kids have signed up for it.
And of the young cross-country team that went 8-1 this fall, eight runners are partaking in track including freshman Ryan Mathews and sophomore Philip Fanz, both figured to switch off on or double the 1,600 and 3,200.
First-year coach Ed Fanz, who also coached the cross-country team, said senior Josh Maldorado will probably assume the sprinting duties, but other athletes still need to be evaluated before assigning other roles.

FIVE TO WATCH
Chris Church, Millville, Sr. -- Church proved himself as the fastest man in the whole wide South Jersey this winter, having won the Group 4 state title in the 55-meter dash, followed by an area-best 6.45 at the Indoor Meet of Champs for fourth. And last spring in the Group 4 meet's 100, Church dashed a personal-best 10.79 for third. Now, with the two gone and graduated, Church -- who has been among the best since his freshman year -- needs to step up before he can take over.

Kenny Davis, Pleasantville, Sr. – A class drop to Group 1 meant utter domination for Davis. Like a meandering Godzilla, Davis plowed through the small schools, earning wins in the high jump (6-2), the 55 hurdles, the 400 and the 4x400 at both the SJ Group 1 Championship and the State Group 1 Championship. For those with calculators, that's 80 combined points by one individual in two meets. Wow. Davis, the lone remnant of last year's great 4x400, now anchors another speedy cast, one of which finished second at the Eastern States Championships in a state-best 3:21.49.

Brett Johnson, Ocean City, Jr. – The "Boy's Cross-Country Athlete of the Year" crossed over to play basketball last winter; let's just hope his ankles remain unbroken this spring. Days after winning the 1,600 (4:22.22) and the 3,200 (9:51.00) at the SJ Group 2 Championships last spring, Johnson was shut down after finding a stress fracture in his left foot. Johnson looked fine this fall, placing fifth at the Cross-County Meet of Champions in a SJ-best 16:03. With the State Indoor Group 3 Champion in the 1,600, senior Ryan Birchmeier (4:20.51) running aside Johnson as a teammate, neither should slow down.

Dominique Williams, Bridgeton, Sr. – Not many shot putters can be formidable in the hurdle events, but Williams is able to pull off the odd couple. Although not being able to showcase his skills after being disqualified for forgetting to remove his spikes at indoor sectionals, thereby ending his season immediately, Williams showed he can throw a shot 52-9 and ran the 55 hurdles in 8.38 this winter. His farthest throw last spring traveled 54-2.

Ford Palmer, Absegami, Jr. – Football and long-distance running usually don't mix, but Palmer has the right blend of tenacity, speed and endurance to make it all work. Having had ran 1:54.41 for seventh at the Meet of Champions last spring, Palmer finished with South Jersey's fastest 800 this winter in 1:56.04, good for third at the State Group 4 Championships. In his lesser ran race, the 1,600, Palmer ran a 4:33.6 for bronze at the SJ Group 4 Championships.

NB: Montez Blair can (almost) jump over Samuel Dalembert .

(Notebook published April 4)
Suffice it to say, that whole matter of getting disqualified at last spring's sectionals for a misplaced earring – meaning it was placed in his ear – is all water under the bar for high jumper Montez Blair.
Like the sign of any great high jumper, the Timber Creek junior just got over it.
"We can laugh about it now," coach Chris Grottini said. "It wasn't funny then."
And in a 101-38 win over Seneca Wednesday, in his first competition since the Great Earring Faux Paus of 2007, this stud shined brighter than ever, clearing an incredible 6-10 to win by about a foot.
Clearing all heights up to 6-6 cleanly, Blair set a new personal best by clearing 6-8, and finally, on his third attempt, lifted himself over 6-10. Mainland's Paul Klemic set the state record of 7-4.5 in 2000.
"He has big plans for himself," the six-year coach said. "And he wanted to start this season off right."
To put Blair's launch in perspective, it's two inches higher than the winning height of both the most recent indoor and outdoor Meet of Champions, six inches more than that cleared by South Jersey's best jumpers this winter and one inch from Sixers center Samuel Dalembert's fro.
And while a handheld time at a dual meet may be subject to skepticism, there is no mistiming 6-10. But Blair is aiming higher, and with the junior still learning his steps, coupled with a confidence that's rolled over from a banner basketball season that saw his team play in the State Group 3 game, Grottini certainly thinks 7-0 is within his reach.
"That was one of his goals outdoor," Grottini said. "Every event has a barrier. For milers it may be 4:20, for 800 runners it might be to break 2:00 and for Montez it's seven feet. But, you know, 2:00 isn't seven feet."
The Chargers, ranked No.12 in the Courier-Post's Top 20, will compete at the Camden-Gloucester Relays at Pennsauken today at 10 a.m.

The Comebacks
The indoor season sure had its stars, but due to an injury or to a conflicting winter sport, the presences of some athletes' were missed. Here are some notables that could make a big impact:
Brett Johnson – The last time the Boys' 2007 Cross-Country Athlete of the Year took the track, Johnson was leaving the Group 3 sectionals with two wins – in the 1,600 (4:22.22) and in the 3,200 (9:51.00) – and a pronounced limp.
After inspection, the limp was determined to be caused by a stress fracture in his left foot, effectively ending his season. Johnson shook off whatever rust during the fall, joining senior teammate Ryan Birchmeier to form South Jersey's toughest duo.
The Ocean City junior took off the indoor season to play basketball for the Red Raiders, another passion of his and one that he credits in helping to build his formidable kick.
Kevin McDonnell -- No runner started the cross-country season as impressively as McDonnell.
The senior remained undefeated against South Jersey opposition, racing at full throttle while breaking meet records and team winning streaks, like the 244 consecutive dual meets won by Paul VI.
But his approach of stepping to each race as if it was his last ultimately proved prophetic as he developed a stress fracture in his left ankle that cut his season tragically short only weeks before the cross-country sectionals. McDonnell is ready to roll in the spring.
RJ Page -- A guard in the winter, the Kingsway senior will try to reestablish himself as one of the state's top sprinters this spring.
Placing in the top three in the 100, 400 (49.71) and triple jump (42-2.25) at the South Jersey Group 3 Championships last spring, including a victory in the 200, Page can lead a better Kingsway's team farther this spring.
Page joins junior sprinter Demurri Gaines, who took third in the indoor Group 3 sectionals' 55 dash (6.67), to give the Dragons one of the best 1, 2 punches in the state and an excellent jumper.
Josh Black -- Heavy mileage during the summer helped Haddon Heights junior Josh Black become South Jersey's most improved cross-country runner of 2007, but it also may've contributed to a sacral stress fracture that's sidelined the junior from the cross country's Group 1 state meet and to today.
The lower back injury usually takes five to nine months to heal and since Black is only entering his fifth month of recovery, coach Mark Martin isn't sure whether Black will return to action this year.
Senior teammate Mickey Borsellino has also been inactive the last two weeks as he suffers from mononucleosis.
Even without the team's two long-distance studs, the Garnets opened the season with two wins, beating Woodstown (88-41) and Audubon (107-33) thanks in part to sprinter/jumper AJ Toliver and runner Colin Lynch, who each had hands in winning two events.

Olympic clash EDITED
Washington Township looked like one of the best teams in the Olympic Conference this past winter, and looked primed to win the American Division this spring, but Cherokee, the defending champs, had other plans.
Led with five victories between seniors sprinter Kevin Merrigan and jumper Chris Steliga, the 11-ranked Chiefs downed the 5th-ranked Minutemen 78-62 Wednesday.
Steliga won the triple jump (43-1) and the long jump (21-2.5) and Merrigan captured the 100 (11.5), 200 (23.5) and the 400 (51.4).
Junior runner Xavier Fraction and senior thrower Kwabena Keene led the Minutemen with two wins apiece.
With both teams heavy in distance, Cherokee senior Alex Yersak gave the Chiefs a huge boost by winning the 3,200 (10:01).

Richardson is so the Girls' IT COY right naw

The Lenape girls' track team sure had numbers to start the season -- just not all positive ones.

Twelve seniors took turns leading the team during stretches, each counting down the seconds until it was time to switch over. Hanging over their heads from the gym rafters were zero championship banners. Zero also marks the team's scoring output at the indoor state championship last year.

However, coach Gerald Richardson and his staff spoke of different numbers to start the season, as in 53, as in the days until the Indians would march into the Bennett Center in Toms River and capture the Group 4 state relays championship.

Go figure.

"To be honest I didn't know whether we were a state championship team, but I knew we were very competitive," said Richardson, a six-year coach.

For being among the first to believe, and matching his level of optimism with an equal amount of dedication -- the kind tested by 6 a.m. high-jump practices -- Richardson is the Courier-Post Girls' Indoor Track Coach of the Year. Richardson, a special education teacher at Lenape, had his reasons to dream. Last winter before the shutout, Lenape played runner-up to Southern Regional at the relay championships.

That spring at the Group 4 sectional meet his team took second again.

A week later at the Group 4 state championships the Indians showed what a difference a season makes, scoring 13 points -- 13 more than it had in the winter meet -- to place 17th overall.

Southern Regional won all of the above last year and remained formidable despite graduating Danielle Tauro; they had a spare All-American, Jillian Smith, to carry it.

Richardson still believed a silver lining was there, somewhere, but with the team's seasoned talent not getting any younger and its futility streak not getting any shorter, he and the team sought only championship gold.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go out and have so many good athletes on one team," senior Lindsey Walsh said. "We wanted to set some records that will be here for a while."

Relay wins against the likes of Camden and Woodrow Wilson instilled some confidence into the team and at a good time; Richardson's countdown rolled to zero, when it would face Southern Regional at the state Group 4 relays.

Richardson knew his team was up for the challenge.

"He knows if somebody ran a good race or a disappointing race, if somebody ran or threw a personal best," said Erika Griffith, a senior co-captain. "He knows this team too well."

Flexing its depth, Lenape scored 54 points to stun Southern, beating its nemesis by 23 points en route to claiming the relay championship. History was surely made; however, the date remains in question for Richardson.

"I tell the girls that championships are won Monday through Friday, not on Saturday," he said. "I think that's when they won the championship."

When titles are lost is another matter. Lenape fell to Southern Regional by 2.5 points at the Group 4 sectional championship.

But the heart of this team -- composed of Walsh, Erika Griffith, Miya Johnson, Moira Cunningham, Brianna Beddall, Jennifer Houghton, Caitlin Orr and others -- knows how to beat back.

Everyone bettered her performance a week later at the Group 4 state championship, enough so to score 48 points -- again, a 48-point improvement over 2007 -- and defeat Southern by five.

At that moment, the hopeful message etched on preseason T-shirts given out by Richardson faded obsolete.

It read: "One Team, One Mission."

Mission accomplished.

What's domination sound like? Walshhhh, the Girls' Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.

If you spend nights contemplating life's great mysteries, like why Lindsey Walsh runs faster, jumps farther and throws longer than you can, that might be your first problem.

First to bed, first to rise and first in just about anything she tries this season, the senior arrives at the gym of Lenape High School with her teammates and coaches at 6 a.m.

Twice a week for the last four winters Walsh has worked on becoming the best high jumper in the state at a time when others watch sheep jump fences.

Mystery solved, Sherlock.

"They come in dragging a little bit, but once the bar goes up, they kind of perk up and get going," coach Gerald Richardson said.

Not only does morning practice set the right tone for the team, but it's necessary for two reasons, Richardson said: One, the basketball players don't like being outjumped by female track athletes after school and two, Walsh has other events to work on.

This winter alone Walsh has competed in the 55-meter hurdles, the 200, the 400, the 800, the long jump, the shot put and, oh yeah, the high jump.

"We're not just talking about a high jumper," Richardson said of Walsh, an All-South Jersey soccer player this fall. "We're talking about a pretty good athlete."

For being a full participant of both track and field, and the most versatile -- as well as valuable -- member on her championship team, Walsh is the 2008 Courier-Post Girls' Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.

During the team's breakthrough performance at the Group 4 state relays, Walsh had four of her own, clearing a state-best 5-7 in the high jump, anchoring her 4x55 shuttle hurdles team to a second-place finish and helping both the 4x200 and 4x400 place to ultimately contribute 28 of the winning team's 54 points.

"I love competition," Walsh said. "I love to be in the middle of a fast race."

Walsh qualified for the Group 4 state championships in three events and scored in each, winning the high jump (5-6), placing second in the 55 hurdles (8.45) and anchoring the 4x400 (3:58.8) with a personal-best split of 57.4 for third.

Although adding 24 of the team's 48 points, Walsh knows her teammates' contributions were just as crucial in capturing the narrow five-point victory over Southern Regional -- and a piece of school history: Lenape's first state track championship.

"I think all of the seniors could say they took the initiative and gave it everything they had," said Walsh, one of the team's 12 seniors. "That attitude causes everybody to want to get better. When we're working so hard, it causes the other girls to work just as hard."

Unbeaten statewide in the high jump, Walsh completed her Garden State dominance by coolly jumping 5-6 to break a three-way "jump off" at the Indoor Meet of Champions. She doesn't see the point of getting too worked.

"I enjoy winning, but it's not everything. I just love the sport," Walsh said. "My coach says if it's not fun then why are you doing it? You winning doesn't really mean anything for anybody else, so why worry yourself over it?"

Her dream season would continue at the Eastern States Championships where she bettered her personal-best long jump by nearly two feet, leaping a victorious 18-5.75, the longest by a South Jersey athlete in six years.

Moments later on tired legs, Walsh would suffer her only defeat in the high jump, tying for second with two others.

"That's an incredible performance at Eastern States," Richardson said. "To get first and second, that's pretty darn good."ÊHer success this year shines even brighter when contrasted with her previous winter when she had to convince her dad and distance coach, Jack Walsh, to allow her to compete occasionally with a season-long bout of mononucleosis.

How'd she fare?

"Not so hot," the Monmouth University-bound senior said. "It just motivated me to have a much better spring season. To watch everybody have such great seasons -- you're just dying to get out there."

Supreme Laws is a BIT COY (Boys' Indoor Track Coach of the Year, duh)

As soon as the 4x400 ended at the Meet of Champions last spring, closing the curtain on another track season, Pleasantville coach Alan Laws Sr. still had to make one final exchange.

"You're the guy," Laws told then-junior Kenny Davis, still huffing from running the second leg. "Get the guys together over the summer. You're the man now."This was the typical passing-of-the-torch moment right out of the movies, minus the torch. Davis provided the fire. Laws knighted him captain and in that cinematic moment, Davis became the leader. But leading whom?

Davis was the only remaining piece of the 2007 All-Group 4x400 that included Duke Mack, Alex Best and last year's Courier-Post Boys' Athlete of the Year Alan Laws Jr.

He took cues from his coach and prodded his new relay mates into joining a summer track club.

Along with Davis, senior Jamal Roberts, sophomore Larry Ramirez and Raymond Wilson, a senior who persuaded Davis to choose track over basketball last winter, comprised the relay and, as they would learn, much more.

In fact, with the exception of senior throwers Davin Drinkard and Jamal Thomas and senior jumper Matthew Newsome, the four athletes comprised Laws' entire varsity squad.

A drop from Group 2 to Group 1, as part of a realignment of state enrollments, raised Laws' season expectations and it didn't take long before one heard whispers of the winter of 1999, the last time the Greyhounds won a group state championship. (And even then they had only a share of the Group 2 championship after tying Bridgeton.)

A tall order? Sure. High hopes? Definitely. But, hey, why not? Right? Not according to Metuchen.

Metuchen edged Pleasantville by two points at the Group 1 state relays, a good measure of a team's depth. But already aware that his team's depth was shallower than some inflatable pools, Laws remained upbeat about the Greyhounds' chances come time for the individual-based state meets.

"They (Metuchen) gave us such great competition," he said.

"I knew they were the team to beat -- not the favorites, but the team to beat."

For keeping a sound, unwavering confidence in his team, Laws Sr. is the Courier-Post Boys' Indoor Track Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year.

On the same day Pleasantville crashed its new group at the South Jersey Group 1 championships, Davis had his own coming-out party, winning all four of his events -- the high jump, the 55 hurdles, the 400 and the 4x400 -- to lift the Greyhounds over runner-up Haddonfield by 34.5 points.

That sectional championship gave Pleasantville something tangible for it to springboard off of and into states.

"We talked about it and I said `Well, guys, we can pull it off again,'â" Laws said. "And the way everything fell in place, that's what happened."

Thanks again to another 40-point, four-win effort by Davis, and individual contributions from Wilson, Rameriz and Roberts, the Greyhounds partied like it was 1999, winning the Group 1 state meet with 58 points, 11 more than Metuchen.

"It's like a miracle," Laws said. "We have a praying team and we do everything as a family."

In a season of the unexpected that culminated with a state championship, what was the biggest unexpected contribution?

"Jamal scoring, Kenny winning the 55 hurdles and the high jump and Jamal actually scoring, but Larry Rameriz getting second place in the 800, and Jamal scoring," Laws said before pausing. "Yeah, it was like a team effort."

He is Batdorf, the Boys' Indoor Track Athlete of the Year

When opportunity knocked on the baseball helmet of a freshman three springs ago, it came as a question posed by West Deptford gym instructor Mark Dixon to his freshmen class, and the answer reverberates to this day.

Who wants to take this here pole, run down that there path and flick over that bar?

Only Dan Batdorf stepped forward, and then he stepped up, way up, clearing nine feet -- a height unreached by many varsity vaulters -- in 20 minutes of practice.

Class dismissed.

"Dan, um, you're playing baseball now, but if you don't want to play baseball, if that doesn't work out for you, you might want to try pole vaulting," suggested Dixon, the 15-year boys' track coach.

Although a decent outfielder, Batdorf put down his glove the following spring, a move that's materialized into two back-to-back pole vault state titles.

Lifting himself head and shoulders over the other state vaulters in his senior year -- not one was within a foot of his 15-6 clearance at the state Indoor Meet of Champions -- Batdorf is the 2008 Courier-Post Boys' Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.

Not bad for someone who entered this winter limping.

A sprained right ankle after a block in the Eagles' football championship game last fall sidelined the tight end for the remainder of the game and confined his early winter workouts to the weight room or the hot tub.

"After the game I was worried about what impact it would have (on vaulting)," Batdorf said.

Batdorf found out on Dec. 23 when Dixon cleared him for takeoff at a throwaway Olympic Conference meet. But for fear of reaggravating the injury, Dixon limited Batdorf's usual running start of 14 steps to about five.

Even on his restricted runway, Batdorf managed to vault 13-0 for second. It would be the only time he would lose this season.

Five times this season Batdorf has cleared at least 15-0, including two 15-6 performances to win on track's biggest stages, the Meet of Champions and the Eastern States Championships.

Soon after winning the state Meet of Champions last spring with a jump of 14-6, Batdorf took Dixon's advice and checked into Fiber Benders, a Pennsylvania pole vault camp, three times. He funded his last couple stays by cooking, cleaning and coaching as part of an agreement with camp owner Lance Atkins.

Combining the technical with the physical -- "He benches close to 300 pounds and runs the 200 in 21.1 seconds," Dixon said -- Batdorf is the total package."Dan has all of that," Dixon said of the 6-foot, 174-pound athlete. "When he comes running down there you're talking momentum. That's a lot of speed and a lot of mass."ÊFor some poles, even too much momentum.

En route to finding his perfect match last year, Batdorf outgrew and consequently broke four poles, none bigger than the one used by former Haddon Heights vaulter Bob Green when he set the outdoor South Jersey record of 16-0 in 1992.

"I had a good jump on it, and it couldn't hold my weight," said Batdorf, who is still looking at colleges. "It sounded like a gunshot."Batdorf, who holds the indoor South Jersey record, hopes to break more than just Green's pole, but Dixon is hesitant of him using bigger poles -- and not just because they cost $400 to $500 apiece.

"My first priority is his safety," said Dixon, who acknowledges both the benefits and dangers of suddenly using a bigger pole by likening it to suddenly racing a faster car. "This is an event a kid could really get hurt on."

At Eastern States Championships, with the blessing of Dixon, Batdorf went from using a 15-7 pole made to support 185 pounds pole to a thicker 15-7 pole built to withstand up to 205 pounds, the resistant difference allowing Batdorf to spring off farther, like a pea catapulting off a bigger spoon.

"I'm looking forward to coming out, and jumping 16-6 (outdoor)," Batdorf said. "That's what I want to do."