Stockton freshman James Clauson from Haddon Township opened his collegiate career with a 2nd-place finish at the Georgian Court Pine Barrens Challenge.
Clauson, a state Group 1 medalist in the 3,200 last spring, ran 20:40 over 6,000 meters at Ocean County Park in Lakewood and finished 2nd to sophomore teammate Sam Szczepanski from Mendham, who ran 20:35.
Four of Stockton’s top seven are from South Jersey. Stockton opened the season with a 30-56 win over Felician University of Rutherford.
Junior Patrick Storti of Cinnaminson ran 8th in 21:12 and was Stockton’s 3rd finisher, sophomore Zachary Hutchinson of Ocean City placed 14th in 21:54 and was Stockton’s 6th runner and sophomore Lewis Ianucci of Haddon Heights was 15th in 21:56 and the Ospreys’ seventh across the line.
Also in the top 20 was Felician freshman Vincent Perri of Winslow Township, who ran 22:21 and was the Golden Falcons’ 5th runner.
Stockton, ranked 7th in the NCAA Division 3 Metro Region, races Friday at the Herb Lorenz Invitational at TCNJ’s Green Lane Fields in Ewing.
From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank 