From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank

Ocean City senior Maeve Smith edged Mainland Regional senior Sofia Day for the 2nd straight year, and the Ocean City girls placed four runners in the top five to win their 13th sectional title at the Group 3 sectionals at DREAM Park in Logan Township.

Smith ran 18:16 and Day 18:22 in the latest showdown between two of New Jersey’s top runners.

Smith becomes Ocean City’s first repeat champion since Brittany Sedberry won three straight from 2002 through 2004.

Ocean City – ranked 2nd in New Jersey and 1st among public schools – had four runners under 18:40 and averaged 18:41.83, 2nd-fastest in course history behind Haddonfield’s 18:19.90 at 2022 Group 2 sectionals. Haddonfield has yet to race Saturday.

Senior Chloe Care placed 3rd in 18:26, sophomore Carly Godfrey 4th in 18:37, freshman Riley Tolson 5th in 18:38 and senior Zoe Zammit 14th in 19:28 for the Red Raiders.

Care, Godfrey, Tolson and Zammit all ran lifetime 5K all-course bests.

Ocean City scored 27 points, and Moorestown packed five in 34 seconds and took 2nd with 50 points.

Senior Gabrielle DeJoseph and junior Lilliana Stack Maya placed 6th and 7th for the Quakers in 18:52 and 19:12.

Also in the top 15 and advancing to states (if their teams don’t qualify) are Delsea senior Juliana Sieminski [8th in 19:13], senior Hammonton Natalie Clauhs [9th in 19:14], Moorestown senior Noelia Reyes [10th in 19:20], Moorestown freshman Hope Edwards [11th in 19:21], Mainland sophomore Ceclia Foreman [12th in 19:23], Winslow senior Ava Millner [13th in 19:27] and Shawnee senior Paige Cline [15th in 19:32].

Others under 20 minutes: Moorestown freshman Makayla Zell [16th in 19:34], Highland senior Audrey Musmeci [17th in 19:37], Ocean City sophomore Lillian Flora [18th in 19:37], Clearview senior Lilla Porter [19th in 19:39], Highland junior Lyana Gutierrez [20th in 19:47], Moorestown junior Celia Frederico [21st in 19:50] and Delsea senior Laney Vecchio [22nd in 19:55].

Ocean City also won South Jersey Group 3 titles in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1993, 2003, 2004, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2023.

The only New Jersey schools with more sectional championships are Ridgewood [28], Northern Highlands [16], Haddonfield [23] and Shawnee [15].

Previous Ocean City individual winners include Melody Sye in 1982, Mary Jo Dougherty in 1986 and 1987, Kelly Dougherty in 1988, Megan Hartman in 1992 and 1993, Abbey Hartman in 1995, Sedberry from 2002 through 2004, Bridget Flynn in 2013, Devin Grisbaum in 2014 and Alexa Palmieri in 2018.

Macie McCracken became Wildwood’s first-ever sectional champion, and the Audubon girls, led by freshman Sophia Brassill, won their first South Jersey title in 43 years Saturday morning in Logan Township.

McCracken, a senior, ran 18:38 at DREAM Park and finished 70 meters ahead of defending state Group 1 champion Jordan Hadfield, who took 2nd in 18:54.

McCracken placed 2nd to Haddon Township’s Megan Lex at 2022 Group 1 sectionals and was 2nd to Hadfield last year and went to place 5th at the state Group 1 meet. Her 18:38 is 2nd-fastest ever at DREAM Park by a Group 1 runner behind Hadfield’s 18:33 at sectionals last year.

Audubon didn’t have a runner in the top six but won a wide-open team race by putting five between 7th and 17th in a 65-second gap.

Brassill ran 20:58 and placed 7th, and senior Josephine Albanese, sophmore Lydia Gravante, freshman Romina Macko and sophomore Sophia Rizzo took 11th, 13th, 16th and 17th in 21:24, 21:30, 22:02 and 22:03.

Audubon’s tight pack put the Green Wave atop a close three-way battle with 53 points to 66 for Haddon Township and 69 for Woodstown. Maple Shade was also in double figures with 94 points.

Audubon, led by Terri Endt in 2nd place and Shirley Tsonis in 7th, won on a 6th-runner tiebreaker with Manchester Township at Pennsauken in 1981 after they were tied at 55 through five runners. Karen Jackson placed 32nd for Audubon to beat Manchester’s sixth runner.

Haddon Township junior Blake Kemery and sophomore Tanner Lajoie placed 9th and 10th in 21:04 and 21:13, and Woodstown had sophomore Lilian Norman and freshman Abby Marino 5th and 6th in 20:26 and 20:43.

Also in the top 15 and advancing to the state meet: Maple Shade senior Crystal Benito [3rd in 19:44], Maple Shade sophomore Juliana Catalani [4th in 20:20], Wildwood senior Leiah Pawlus [8th in 21:01], Woodstown sophomore Anabel Schaal [12th in 21:29], Cape May County Tech junior Kirstyn McHale [21:36] and New Egypt junior Alana Burnett [15th in 21:47].

Senior Ty Blackman won the Group 1 race by over a minute and led Glassboro to its first sectional cross country title in 43 years Saturday morning at DREAM Park in Logan Township.

Blackman ran 15:42 – 2nd-fastest ever by a Group 1 runner at DREAM Park – and Glassboro edged Haddon Township by two points.

Last time Glassboro won a South Jersey title was 1981, when Brian Kirkpatrick and Jim Davis both placed in the top 10 and the Bulldogs defeated Maple Shade 70-88 at Pennsauken.

Blackman finished about 250 meters ahead of 2nd-place junior Shaun Maloney of Haddon Township, who ran 16:47.

His 65-second margin of victory is the largest in the 59-year history of the South Jersey Group 1 meet. In 2005, James Buinicky of Maple Shade won by 63 seconds over teammate Dave Delisi in the Group 1 sectional at Delsea.

Blackman is Glassboro’s 3rd straight individual winner. Former teammate Elijah Whittaker won in 2022 and 2023

Junior Jaeden Wesley, freshman Joseph Saicic and junior Jason Martin also placed in the top 10 for Glassboro, Wesley 5th in 16:53, Saicic 9th in 16:57 and Martin 10th in 17:00.

Freshman Aaron Johnson clinched the team title with his 17th-place finish in 17:28.

For Haddon Township, senior Manolo Foote placed 4th in 16:53, junior Luke Wolfram 11th in 17:09, freshman James Strimel 12th in 17:11 and junior Aidan Curran 15th in 17:25. Sixth man junior James Clausen gave Township six in the top 16 in 17:27.

Glassboro’s two-point is closest in Group 1 since 2009, when Haddon Township edged Pennsville on a 6th-runner tiebreaker. Haddon Township had won SJ-1 12 of the previous 16 years

Woodstown was a close 3rd with 63 points.

Also in the top 10 were Woodstown Karson Chew [3rd in 16:53], Woodstown Jacob Marino [6th in 16:55], Woodstown Cole Lucas [7th in 16:56] and Audubon Logan Camm [8th in 16:57].

Others under 18 minutes: Schalick Salvatore Longo [13th in 17:19], Pitman Rhys Blackman [14th in 17:20], Maple Shade Jack Wessner [18th in 17:38], Maple Shade Ries Fox [19th in 17:46], Audubon Brayden Ervin [20th in 17:54] and Paulsboro Stephen Lane [12st in 17:57].

Junior Macy Huber and sophomore Grace Gutowski finished 1-2, both well under 18:30, and Paul VI had seven of the top 12 placers Saturday morning in the Bob Kiessling South Jersey parochial championships in Logan Township.

Huber won the race in 18:10.38, 9th-fastest in course history and fastest on the DREAM Park 5K layout in the Bob Kiessling event. Anna McDonald of Germantown Friends won the 2021 race in 18:11.40.

Gutowski ran 18:21.46 and Paul VI placed five runners between 6th and 12th – freshman Peyton Blake [6th in 19:06], freshman Morgan Kuzma [8th in 19:29], sophomore Kara Salamone [10th in 20:13], freshman Johanna Trampe [11th in 20:15] and senior Verina Belmonte [12th in 20:44].

The results don’t show any team scoring but unofficially it looks like Paul VI scored 24 points since Holy Cross didn’t field a full team.

Paul VI, ranked 5th in the state, won its 2nd straight Kiessling title and 18th overall. The meet started in 1982 as the Knights of Columbus Invitational but there was no team scoring from 1987 through 1995 (and no meet some of those years).

Paul VI also won in 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.

Laura Sallade of the Wilberforce School in Princeton placed 3rd. Sallade’s father Chris was the 1990 state Group 4 champion at 1,600 meters for Shawnee.

Holy Cross junior Julia Flanagan placed 4th in 18:39 and Camden Catholic senior Nilaa Ponnappan 5th in 18:42.

Other South Jersey runners under 22 minutes were Bishop Eustace freshman Grace Marsden [13th in 21:02], Paul VI freshman MaKayla McHutchison [14th in 21:08], Holy Cross senior Anna Fonseca [15th in 21:13], Bishop Eustace freshman Haylee Marakovits [16th in 21:42], Paul VI sophomore Lucy Crothers [17th in 21:44] and Camden Catholic junior Brynn Deiwert [18th in 21:51].

Earlier today, we posted the fastest all-time DREAM Park boys composite averages, and now we have the girls list

The Logan Township 5K course is flat and fast and a handful of schools have averages below 19 minutes per person, including Haddonfield’s ridiculous 18:19.56 average.

These lists will definitely be shuffled Saturday with sectionals as well as the parochial races going off starting at 10 a.m.

Haddonfield A 18:19.56
18:06.37 … *Ava Thomas, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
18:15.42 … *Riley Slootsky, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:23.24 … ***Riley Austin, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:26.09 … **Anna Earp, 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
18:26.70 … Helene Usher, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals

Cherokee A 18:22.90
18:15.37 … *Madeline Meder, 2024 Olympic Conference
18:22.64 … *Kate Rathman, 2018 Olympic Conference
18:24.22 … Nicole Clifford, 2021 Olympic Conference
18:24.36 … Megan Niglio, 2024 Olympic Conference
18:27.92 … Kerry O’Day, 2023 Olympic Conference

Haddonfield B 18:44.73
18:27.67 … *Audrey Naticchia, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:37.00 … Sarah Naticchia, 2020 Group 2 Sectionals
18:46.01 … Jess Goode, 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
18:53.29 … *Sabrina Miller, 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
18:59.70 … Allison Colflesh, 2020 Group 2 Sectionals

Paul VI 18:44.96
18:09.58 … Shaelan McNally, 2023 Olympic Conference
18:20.06 … *Macy Huber, 2024 Olympic Conference
18:52.15 … Grace Gutowski, 2024 Olympic Conference
19:01.30 … **Giovanna Mantuano, 2023 Bob Kiessling Invitational
19:21.72 … *Katie Sparks, 2019 Olympic Conference

Clearview 18:53.19
18:01.50 … Abbigail Waddington, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:35.03 … Abigail Kotran, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:45.55 … *Margaret Wisniewski, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
19:16.29 … *Allison Roes, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
19:47.60 … Aubrey Donahue, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals

Bishop Eustace 18:57.13
18:49.13 … Katy Storti, 2018 Olympic Conference
18:53.20 … Arianna Cane, 2022 Bob Kiessling
18:53.24 … Elena Cicchini, 2022 Olympic Conference
19:02.88 … Anya Kazemi, 2023 Bob Kiessling Invitational
19:07.19 … Clare Morelli, 2018 Olympic Conference

Shawnee 19:01.83
17:52.89 … Isabella Turner, 2018 South Jersey Shootout
18:29.10 … Kate Ruona, 2020 Olympic Conference Batch
18:59.36 … Claire Hauser, 2019 Olympic Conference
19:45.35 … Paige Cline, 2023 South Jersey Open
20:02.46 … Grace Kearns, 2018 Olympic Conference

Cherry Hill East A 19:01.84
18:15.54 … Alexis Tepper, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
19:04.88 … MaryKathleen McCurdy, 2019 Olympic Conference
19:11.31 … **Ryleigh Budsock, 2024 South Jersey Open
19:14.60 … Madison McNiff, 2021 S.J. Open
19:22.89 … **Shaelea Conway, 2023 South Jersey Shootout

Cherokee B 19:22.71
18:48.81 … **Olivia Parkinson, 2021 Olympic Conference
19:17.93 …… *Kelsey Niglio, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
19:25.97 … ***Erin Healy, 2024 Olympic Conference
19:28.34 … Maya Kumar, 2024 Olympic Conference
19:52.52 … Grace Wojciechowski, 2024 Olympic Conference

Highland 19:26.19
18:05.24 … *Grace Wassell, 2021 Group 3 Sectionals
19:14.34 … Princess Nwoga, 2021 Group 3 Sectionals
20:16.87 … Vanessa Marinero, 2021 Group 3 Sectionals
20:21.21 … Audrey Musmeci, 2024 South Jersey Open
20:53.30 … **Lyana Gutierrez, 2023 South Jersey Open

Kingsway 19:27.93
18:24.57 … *Aubrey Pierontoni, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
18:42.83 … Nicole Lipieta, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
19:50.07 … **Allison Helkowski, 2019 South Jersey Shootout
20:04.36 … *Sydney Watts, 2019 South Jersey Shootout
20:17.83 … **Allison McFarland, 2019 South Jersey Shootout

Eastern 19:28.51
19:00.81 … Sophia Staiger, 2021 Olympic Conference
19:08.42 … Theresa Albertson, 2024 Olympic Conference
19:11.84 … *Natalie Dumas, 2024 Olympic Conference
20:00.61 … Kiersten Clem, 2019 South Jersey Shootout
20:00.87 … **Lauren Kenselaar, 2019 South Jersey Shootout

Ocean City 19:34.68
18:08.09 … **Maeve Smith, 2023 Group 3 Sectionals
19:34.09 … ***Alexa Palmieri, 2018 South Jersey Shootout
19:37.85 … Chloe Care, 2023 Group 3 Sectionals
20:15.78 … Casey McLees , 2018 South Jersey Shootout
20:17.59 … *Frankie Ritzel, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals

Cherry Hill East B 19:36.26
19:23.74 … *Cate Feudtner, 2023 South Jersey Shootout
19:23.83 … Sarah Pierce, 2018 Olympic Conference
19:31.69 … Kiley Walsh, 2022 Olympic Conference
19:47.32 … Gabriella Pizzo, 2024 Olympic Conference
19:54.74 … ***Emmie Wang, 2004 Olympic Conference

Mainland Regional 19:40.40
18:12.02 … **Sofia Day, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:26.66 … Gillian Lovett, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
19:59.47 … ***Ella Mokienko, 2024 South Jersey Open
19:59.86 … ***Alyssa Turner, 2018 South Jersey Shootout
20:04.0h … ***Claudia Booth, 2020 South Jersey Open

Williamstown 19:41.03
18:54.72 … Alyssa Boucher, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals
18:59.75 … Alexa Fisher, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
19:09.29 … **Sophia Aldridge, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals
20:38.35 … Delaney Harbison, 2024 South Jersey Shootout
20:43.0h … Anna Sasse, 2020 South Jersey Open

Sterling 19:45.50
18:36.15 … Kaysie Luna, 2024 South Jersey Open
19:08.16 … Jonalee Adames, 2024 South Jersey Open
19:42.26 … Cara Coppolino, 2023 Group 2 Sectionals
20:13.68 … *Isabella Patruno, 2023 South Jersey Open
21:07.28 … Amber Wilsey, 2024 South Jersey Open

Delsea 19:46.65
18:34.10 … Lilllie Widmer, 2022 South Jersey Shootout
19:27.44 … Juliana Sieminski, 2024 South Jersey Open
19:31.7h … Carly Nicholson, 2020 Group 3 Sectionals
20:28.71 … Laney Vecchio, 2024 South Jersey Open
20:51.32 … *Olivia Mashburn, 2024 South Jersey Open

Haddonfield C 19:49.62
19:19.20 … Payton Weiner, 2020 Group 2 Sectionals
19:46.18 … Dylan Melcher, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
19:57.22 … **Sarah Fetter, 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
20:00.97 … Harper Benjamin, 2023 Group 2 Sectionals
20:04.55 … Anna Stolarick, 2023 Group 2 Sectionals

Paul VI B 20:02.06
19:21.87 … ***Peyton Blake, 2024 Olympic Conference
19:51.96 … Morgan Kuzma, 2024 Olympic Conference
20:06.23 … *Bridget Lyons, 2018 Olympic Conference
20:24.33 … **Kara Salamone, 2024 Olympic Conference
20:25.89 … ***Johaanna Trampe, 2024 Olympic Conference

Egg Harbor Township 20:09.85
18:26.75 … *Michaela Schlemo, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
19:38.65 … **Paige Pacquing, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals
20:08.79 … **Bithania Andemariam, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
21:17.40 … Michaela Pomatto, 2020 Group 4 Sectionals
21:17.68 … Raghd Mahmoud, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals

With sectionals coming up this weekend and DREAM Park now in its 7th year hosting cross country meets, I thought it would be fun to try and put together a DREAM Park all-time team performance lists.

We posted our best attempt at DREAM Park single-race lists on Thursday – boys list here, girls list here – and today we’ll take a stab at all-time lists.

The lists are Olympic Conference top-heavy simply because those schools race more at DREAM Park. But everybody has a shot at the flat, fast 5,000-meter course this weekend, and the weather looks good for Saturday so there should be a lot of additions to these lists.

Here’s the boys list. We’ll take a shot at a girls list this afternoon. These lists are tricky to put together so let me know what schools are  missing or what runners I’m missing!

Cherokee A 15:25.20
15:12.65 … Ethan Wechsler, 2019 Olympic Conference
15:22.72 … *Nick Kuenkel, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
15:22.80 … Patrick Ditmars, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
15:32.50 … ***Jack Tindall, 2024 Olympic Conference
15:35.32 … Robert Poplau, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals

Haddonfield A 15:33.50
14:58.79 … George Andrus, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
15:19.24 … Seth Clevenger, 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
15:34.16 … Tobias Janssen, 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
15:48.20 … Robert DiMedeo, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
16:07.13 … *Matthew Sullivan, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals

Southern Regional A 15:43.81
15:30.14 … Fabian Ramales, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
15:36.30 … Andrew Bowker, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
15:37.58 … Santino D’Amelio, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals
15:56.73 … **Levi Tofino Miller, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
15:58.30 … *Kyle Robert Skiendzielewski, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals

Cherokee B 15:45.55
15:38.92 … *Liam Tindall, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals
15:40.79 … **Benjamin Realley, 2024 Olympic Conference
15:41.71 … Conor Jacob, 2022 Olympic Conference
15:52.10 … *Logan Bromley, 2024 Olympic Conference
15:54.21 … **Sean Sooy, 2024 Olympic Conference

Cherry Hill East A 15:55.84
15:47.43 … Brandon Lyons, 2024 Olympic Conference
15:54.68 … Oliver Adler, 2019 Olympic Conference
15:57.35 … Raine Guidarelli, 2023 Olympic Conference
15:58.35 … Alvin Lin, 2024 Olympic Conference
16:01.40 … Brody Bogos, 2024 Olympic Conference

Highland 15:58.27
15:46.62 … *Aziz Muhammad-Kane, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
15:55.10 … Cole Wassell, 2020 South Jersey Open
15:59.21 … Mason Wassell, 2024 South Jersey Shootout
16:04.55 … Gavin Gallo, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
16:05.85 … Cole Knoedler, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals

Cherokee C 16:02.48
15:57.09 … Enzo Corona, 2024 Olympic Conference
16:01.20 … Nico Grilli, 2020 Olympic Conference Batch
16:01.93 … Chris Spisak, 2018 Olympic Conference
16:04.83 … Chase Miller, 2019 Olympic Conference
16:07.36 … Benjamin Weiner, 2024 Olympic Conference

Kingsway 16:02.95
15:15.64 … Kyle Rakitis, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
15:46.21 … ***Ryan Duffy, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals
16:06.75 … Cesar Pedro, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
16:17.95 … Ryan Allen, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
16:48.19 … Stephen Wilkins III, 2018 South Jersey Shootout

Ocean City 16:03.98
15:48.82 … Nick Scarangelli, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
16:00.73 … *Matt Hoffman, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
16:08.67 … Owen Ritti, 2021 Group 3 Sectionals
16:10.99 … **Ethan Buck, 2023 Group 3 Sectionals
16:30.59 … *Erik Preisner, 2003 Group 3 Sectionals

Lenape 16:06.52
15:28.83 … Colin Hermack, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
16:00.57 … **Noah Manwaring, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
16:01.84 … Jake Buniva, 2021 Olympic Conference
16:29.29 … Justin Penny, 2021 Olympic Conference
16:32.09 … Sean Brennan, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals

Washington Township A 16:06.89
15:54.07 … Chris Colavita, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
15:59.24 … Colin Keane, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
16:11.3h … Julian Lawson, 2020 Olympic Conference
16:12.72 … **Hunter Bostwick, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
16:18.34 … Aaron Kolosowsky, 2023 South Jersey Open

Cherry Hill B 16:08.93
16:05.3h … Aidan Groff, 2020 Olympic Conference
16:05.74 … *Will Nelson, 2024 Olympic Conference
16:07.93 … Jack Gaffin, 2021 S.J. Open
16:09.70 … *Nikihl Raman, 2023 South Jersey Open
16:16.30 … **Cian Sherlock, 2024 Olympic Conference

Williamstown 16:11.38
15:47.44 … Nicholas Krol, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
15:48.68 … *Dylan Saber, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals
16:08.85 … **Dominic Burgio, 2023 Groip 4 Sectionals
16:34.82 … *David Kershner, 2003 South Jersey Open
16:37.12 … Walter Cristinziani, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals

Cinnaminson 16:14.48
15:43.99 … Alex Boyko, 2022 S.J. Open
15:48.21 … Matt McCarron, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
16:23.56 … Derek Coceano, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
16:29.25 … *Tyler Schill, 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
16:47.37 … Patrick Storti, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals

Haddonfield B 16:16.48
16:08.59 … Ian Romea, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
16:10.61 … Liam Dougherty, 2023 Group 2 Sectionals
16:20.79 … Donald Jellig, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
16:21.09 … *Bennett Wright, 2023 Group 2 Sectionals
16:21.34 … **Ryan Gibson, 2023 Group 2 Sectionals

Cherokee D 16:17.01
16:07.63 … *Nico Grilli, 2019 Olympic Conference
16:07.88 … Tyler Jackson, 2019 Olympic Conference
16:21.78 … Bradley Popler, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
16:23.50 … Anthony DiBattista, 2024 Olympic Conference
16:24.22 … Joseph Natoli, 2021 Olympic Conference

Southern Regional B 16:17.70
16:03h … Jackson Braddock, 2020 Group 4 Sectionals
16:13.31 …… *Bowker, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
16:18.38 … Christian Schiattarella, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
16:24.60 …… **Santino D’Amelio, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
16:29.20 … Timothy Sincavage, 2020 Group 4 Sectionals

Paul B 16:19.20
15:55.57 … Will Mrozinski, 2023 Bob Kiessling
16:04.97 … Sean Alemi], 2024 Olympic Conference
16:31.35 … Joseph Wigginton], 2022 Bob Kiessling Invitational
16:31.73 … **Caden Briggs], 2024 Olympic Conference
16:32.36 … **Max Long], 2024 Olympic Conference

Cherry Hill East B 16:20.96
16:19.27 … **Colin Moore, 2023 South Jersey Open
16:20.4h … Gabe Rodriguez, 2020 Olympic Conference Batch
16:20.46 … *Aidan Eyre, 2019 Olympic Conference
16:21.25 … **Alvin Lin, 2023 South Jersey Open
16:23.42 … Milo Poerner, 2024 Olympic Conference

Shawnee 16:22.35
16:14.1h … John Ruona, 2020 Olympic Conference
16:14.04 … Noah Stapleton, 2024 Olympic Conference
16:22.44 … Simon Bernhardt, 2024 Olympic Conference
16:25.39 … **Yanni Ekatomatis, 2023 Olympic Conference
16:35.86 … Alex Campagna, 2021 South Jersey Group 3

Cherokee E 16:32.27
16:24.5h … Brett Shea, 2020 Olympic Conference
16:27.32 … Michael Gavio, 2019 [Olympic Conference
16:29.04 … Tate Midora, 2024 Olympic Conference
16:37.51 … **Dominic Pileri, 2023 Olympic Conference
16:42.97 … *Thomas Bromley, 2021 Olympic Conference

Washington Township B 16:33.85
16:23.17 … Austin Milou, 2018 Olympic Conference
16:28.90 … Cole Kolodziej, 2020 Olympic Conference Batch
16:34.36 … Evan Chu, 2018 Olympic Conference
16:35.23 … Sean Hice, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
16:47.58 … Nate Kidwell, 2021 Olympic Conference

Who has the course records? Where can I find live results? What South Jersey schools will race in Central Jersey?

All the answers and much more are here, in our annual sectional link hub!

Live results:
Group 1 boys [10:30]: Click here
Group 2 boys [noon]: Click here
Group 3 boys [10:30 a.m.]: Click here
Group 4 boys [12:30 p.m.]: Click here
Group 1 girls [11 a.m.]: Click here
Group 2 girls [1 p.m.]: Click here
Group 3 girls [11:30 a.m.]: Click here
Group 4 girls [1:30 p.m.]: Click here
Parochial boys [9:30 a.m.]: Click here.
Parochial girls [9 a.m.]: Click here.

2024 XC times, dates, sites, rules of advancement, etc.: Click here
2024 XC classifications: Click here
Official NJSIAA 2024 sectional program [with all ads removed]: Click here.
All-time sectional boys winners: Click here.
All-time sectional girls winners: Click here.
All-time boys performance list: Click here.
All-time boys fastest single-race team averages: Click here.
All-time boys fastest composite team averages: Click here.
All-time girls performance list: Click here.
All-time girls fastest single-race team averages: Click here.
All-time girls fastest composite team averages: Click here.
2023 results: Click here.

An average time of 18:19.90 is insane on any course, but that’s what the Haddonfield girls averaged at the 2022 South Jersey Group 2 sectionals at DREAM Park.

It was one of the greatest performances in sectional history, with Ava Thomas, Riley Slootsky, Riley Austin, Helene Usher and Audrey Naticchia all running between 18:06 and 18:27 and scoring a perfect 15 points

They broke the course single-race record held by the 2021 Haddonfield team by nearly 32 seconds. Clearview at 2022 Group 3 sectionals is the only other team under a 19-minute average, but Cherokee averaged 19:05.31 earlier this month in the Olympic Conference meet so they are definitely in range and Haddonfield is always going to be a thread to average sub-19. Paul VI could get there too Saturday.

Here’s our top-25 team averages at DREAM Park, which has been in use since 2018 and has been used for sectionals since 2020.

Errors? Omissions? Let me know!

18:19.90 … Haddonfield, 2022 South Jersey Group 2
18:51.74 … Haddonfield, 2021 South Jersey Group 2
18:53.19 … Clearview, 2022 South Jersey Group 3
19:05.31. … Cherokee, 2024 Olympic Conference
19:19.92 … Cherokee, 2021 Olympic Conference
19:22.22 … Cherokee, 2021 South Jersey Group 4
19:22.26 … Paul VI, 2024 Olympic Conference
19:29.2h … Haddonfield, 2020 South Jersey Group 2
19:34.31 … Haddonfield, 2023 South Jersey Group 2
19:45.20 … Cherry Hill East, 2024 Olympic Conference
19:46.76 … Cherry Hill East, 2019 Olympic Conference
19:46.78 … Cherokee, 2023 Olympic Conference
19:48.07 … Cherokee, 2019 Olympic Conference
19:48.15 … Cherry Hill East, 2021 South Jersey Group 4
19:49.00 … Toms River North, 2022 South Jersey Group 4
19:50.09 … Cherry Hill East, 2024 South Jersey Open
19:52.11 … Shawnee, 2019 Olympic Conference Championships
19:52.84 … Moorestown, 2024 South Jersey Open
19:53.36 … Paul VI, 2023 Olympic Conference
19:53.89 … Paul VI, 2023 Bob Kiessling
19:57.25 … Cherry Hill East, 2021 Olympic Conference
19:57.56 … Southern Regional, 2022 South Jersey Group 4
19:58.38 … Cherokee, 2023 South Jersey Group 4
20:03.12 … Mainland Regional, 2022 South Jersey Group 3
20:06.44 … Mainland Regional, 2023 South Jersey Group 3

The Cherokee boys shattered the course record for fastest average time just two weeks ago when their top five finishers averaged 15:44.60 at DREAM Park in Logan Township.

That broke the course record of 15:48.06 set by Cherokee two years ago at South Jersey Group 4 sectionals.

In all, Cherokee owns seven of the 12-fastest times since the course first went into use in 2018, and that record-setting 15:44 included a 15:32 from a freshman, 15:40 and 15:52 from sophomores and 15:52 from a junior, so you know that record might not last too long.

Cherokee gets a shot at lowering that course record Saturday at the South Jersey Group 4 race. The Chiefs will be shooting for their sixth straight title and 13th overall.

Here’s our best attempt at a top-25 course average list. Am I missing anybody? Lemme know! Girls list to follow tonight.

15:44.60 … Cherokee, 2024 Olympic Conference
15:48.06 … Cherokee, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
15:52.43 … Haddonfield, 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
15:52.70 … Haddonfield, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
15:54.96 … Cherokee, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals
16:00.07 … Cherokee, 2019 Olympic Conference
16:01.06 … Southern Regional, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
16:01.84 … Cherry Hill East, 2024 Olympic Conference
16:04.91 … Cherokee, 2023, Olympic Conference Championships
16:13.12 … Cherokee, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
16:14.05 … Cherry Hill East, 2023 South Jersey Open
16:14.98 … Cherokee, 2018 Olympic Conference
16:15.65 … Highland, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
16:19.75 … Cherry Hill East, 2023 Olympic Conference
16:23.59 … Cherry Hill East, 2019 Olympic Conference
16:23.65 … Cinnaminson, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
16:25.73 … Lenape, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
16:29.83 … Cherry Hill East, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals
16:30.16 … Ocean City, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
16:30.96 … Cherry Hill East, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
16:31.91 … Cherry Hill East, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
16:33.54 … Ocean City, 2023 Group 3 Sectionals
16:34.11 … Shawnee, 2024 Olympic Conference
16:34.22 … Haddonfield, 2020 Group 2 Sectionals
16:34.46 … Paul VI, 2024 Olympic Conference
16:34.51 … Triton, 2021 Group 3 Sectionals

The boys course record at DREAM Park has changed hands four times since the course first opened back in 2018.

The girls record has never changed.

Shawnee’s Isabella Turner ran 17:52.89 at the 2018 South Jersey Shootout – the first race ever held at DREAM Park – and that’s remaining the course record ever since. In fact, nobody else has gone under 18 minutes.

The closest anybody has gotten to Turner’s record is Clearview’s Abigail Waddington, who ran 18:01.50 at 2022 Group 3 sectionals.

Jessica Abbott of Toms River North ran 18:04.02 as a freshman in 2022 and Maeve Smith of Ocean City ran 18:08.09 as a sophomore last fall. Abbot is now at Manalapan so won’t be returning to Logan Township, but Smith was less than 10 seconds off Turner’s record last year. Liliah Gordon is always a threat to go after any course record, but Northern Burlington is in Central Jersey Group 3, so she’ll be racing at Thompson Park in Monroe Township.

With sectionals coming up Saturday, here’s a look at our DREAM Park all-time girls performance list! Let us know if you see any errors!

Dream Park All-Time Performance List
17:52.89 … Isabella Turner [Shawnee], 2018 South Jersey Shootout
18:01.50 … Abigail Waddington [Clearview], 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:04.02 … ***Jessica Abbott [Toms River North], 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
18:05.24 … *Grace Wassell [Highland], 2021 Group 3 Sectionals
18:06.37 … *Ava Thomas [Haddonfield], 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
18:08.09 … **Maeve Smith [Ocean City], 2023 Group 3 Sectionals
18:08.19 …… *Waddington, 2021 Group 3 Sectionals
18:09.58 … Shaelan McNally [Paul VI], 2023 Olympic Conference
18:11.40 … Anna Macdonald [Germantown Friends], 2021 Bob Kiessling Invite
18:12.02 … **Sofia Day [Mainland Regional], 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:13.17 …… *McNally, 2022 Olympic Conference
18:15.37 … *Madeline Meder [Cherokee], 2024 Olympic Conference
18:15.42 … *Riley Slootsky [Haddonfield], 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:15.54 … Alexis Tepper [Cherry Hill East], 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
18:16.87 … *Lily Oliver [Toms River South], 2021 Group 3 Sectionals
18:20.06 … *Macy Huber [Paul VI], 2024 Olympic Conference
18:22.64 … *Kate Rathman [Cherokee], 2018 Olympic Conference
18:22.66 … Madeline Dischert [Atlantic City], 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
18:23.24 … ***Riley Austin [Haddonfield], 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:24.22 … Nicole Clifford [Cherokee], 2021 Olympic Conference
18:24.36 … Megan Niglio [Cherokee], 2024 Olympic Conference
18:24.57 … *Aubrey Pierontoni [Kingsway], 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
18:26.09 … **Anna Earp [Haddonfield], 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
18:26.44 … *Gillian Lovett [Mainland Regional], 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:26.70 … Helene Usher [Haddonfield], 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:26.75 … *Michaela Schlemo [Egg Harbor Twp.], 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
18:27.67 … *Audrey Naticchia [Haddonfield], 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:27.92 … Kerry O’Day [Cherokee], 2023 Olympic Conference
18:28.69 …….. Day, 2024 South Jersey Open
18:29.10 … Kate Ruona [Shawnee], 2020 Olympic Conference Batch
18:32.33 …… ***Day, 2021 S.J. Open
18:33.39 … *Jordan Hadfield [Schalick], 2023 Group 1 Sectionals
18:34.10 … Lillie Widmer [Delsea], 2022 S.J. Shootout
18:35.89 …… Day, 2021 Group 3 Sectionals
18:35.03 … Abigail Kotran [Clearview], 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:36.41 …… Waddington, 2022 S.J. Open
18:36.15 … Kaysie Luna [Sterling], 2024 South Jersey Open
18:37.00 … Sarah Naticchia [Haddonfield], 2020 Group 2 Sectionals
18:38.08 …..… * Waddington, 2021 S.J. Shootout
18:39.39 …… *O’Day, 2022 Olympic Conference
18:40.80 … Lily Oliver [Toms River South], 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:42.83 … Nicole Lipieta [Kingsway], 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
18:45.55 … *Margaret Wisniewski [Clearview], 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:46.01 … Jess Goode [Haddonfield], 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
18:47.44 …….. **Maeve Smith, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:48.81 … **Olivia Parkinson [Cherokee], 2021 Olympic Conference
18:49.13 … Katy Storti [Bishop Eustace], 2018 Olympic Conference
18:49.60 …… Waddington, 2022 S.J. Shootout
18:49.17 …… Widmer, 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:49.24 … *Jordan Hadfield [Schalick], 2023 South Jersey Shootout
18:50.57 …… *McNally, 2022 Bob Kiessling
18:52.15 … Grace Gutowski [Paul VI], 2024 Olympic Conference
18:53.15 …..… *Waddington, 2021 S.J. Open
18:53.20 … Arianna Cane [Bishop Eustace], 2022 Bob Kiessling
18:53.24 … Elena Cicchini [Bishop Eustace], 2022 Olympic Conference
18:53.29 … *Sabrina Miller [Haddonfield], 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
18:53.82 …… **Parkinson, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
18:54.87 … Alexis Tepper [Cherry Hill East], 2022 S.J. Open
18:56.49 … Stephanie Renouf [Cinnaminson], 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
18:57.12 …… *O’Day, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
18:59.36 … Claire Hauser [Shawnee], 2019 Olympic Conference
18:59.70 … Allison Colflesh [Haddonfield], 2020 Group 2 Sectionals
18:59.75 … Alexa Fisher [Williamstown], 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
18:59.94 …..… * Tepper, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
19:00.81 … Sophia Staiger [Eastern], 2021 Olympic Conference
19:00.85 … Mia Mastrogiovanni [Southern Regional], 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
19:00.71 …..… ***Huber, 2022 Bob Kiessling
19:00.63 … *Lexie Mizzone [Voorhees], 2024 South Jersey Shootout
19:01.30 … **Giovanna Mantuano [Paul VI], 2023 Bob Kiessling Invitational
19:02.80 … * Usher, 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
19:02.88 … Anya Kazemi [Bishop Eustace], 2023 Bob Kiessling Invitational
19:03.92 …… Thomas, 2023 South Jersey Shootout
19:04.22 …… K. Niglio, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
19:04.88 … MaryKathleen McCurdy [Cherry Hill East], 2019 Olympic Conference
19:05.04 … ***Jessica Abbott [Toms River North], 2022 S.J. Open
19:06.00 … Julia Flanagan [Holy Cross], 2024 South Jersey Open
19:07.19 … Clare Morelli [Bishop Eustace], 2018 Olympic Conference
19:07.39 … **Giovanna Mantuano [Paul VI], 2023 Olympic Conference
19:07.10 … Nilaa Ponnappan [Camden Catholic], 2024 Olympic Conference
19:08.20 …… Kotran, 2022 S.J. Shootout
19:08.16 … Jonalee Adames [Sterling], 2024 South Jersey Open
19:08.42 … Theresa Albertson [Eastern], 2024 Olympic Conference
19:09.79 … Nicole Clifford [Cherokee], 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
19:09.14 …….. Kazemi, 2023 Olympic Conference
19:10.50 …… **A. Naticchia, 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
19:10.62 … Meghan Lex [Haddon Township], 2022 Group 1 Sectionals
19:11.09 … Sophia Staiger [Eastern], 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
19:11.15 … *Megan Niglio [Cherokee], 2023 Olympic Conference
19:11.31 … **Ryleigh Budsock [Cherry Hill East], 2024 South Jersey Open
19:11.84 … *Natalie Dumas [Eastern], 2024 Olympic Conference
19:12.90 …… Arianna Cane, 2022 Olympic Conference
19:12.14 … **Macie McCracken [Wildwood], 2022 Group 1 Sectionals
19:13.10 … Sophie Steidle [Collingswood], 2020 Group 2 Sectionals
19:13.55 … *Nilaa Ponnappan [Camden Catholic], 2023 South Jersey Shootout
19:14.34 … Princess Nwoga [Highland], 2021 Group 3 Sectionals
19:14.60 … Madison McNiff [Cherry Hill East], 2021 S.J. Open
19:14.69 …… McNiff, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
19:16.29 … *Allison Roes [Clearview], 2022 Group 3 Sectionals
19:17.55 …… Madison McNiff, 2021 Olympic Conference
19:17.93 …… *Kelsey Niglio, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
19:17.99 ……. Stephanie Renouf [Cinnaminson], 2022 S.J. Open
19:18.28 …… *Alexis Tepper, 2021 Olympic Conference
19:18.75 … Alyssa Boucher [Williamstown], 2023 South Jersey Shootout
19:19.08 … **Audrey McCorkle [Lenape], 2024 Olympic Conference
19:19.20 … Payton Weiner [Haddonfield], 2020 Group 2 Sectionals
19:19.20 …… Alyssa Boucher, 2023 South Jersey Shootout
19:19.30 …… Grace Wassell, 2022 S.J. Shootout
19:20.03 …… **Gillian Lovett, 2021 S.J. Open
19:20.26 …… Anya Kazemi, 2023 South Jersey Shootout
19:20.69 … Gabrielle DeJoseph [Moorestown], 2024 South Jersey Open
19:21.16 …… *Nilaa Ponnappan, 2023 Olympic Conference
19:21.18 … Elena Cicchini [Bishop Eustace], 2022 Bob Kiessling
19:21.60 … *Jonalee Adames [Sterling], 2023 South Jersey Shootout
19:21.72 … *Katie Sparks [Paul VI], 2019 Olympic Conference
19:22.00 …….. Nilaa Ponnappan, 2024 South Jersey Open
19:22.10 …… *Nilaa Ponnappan, 2023 South Jersey Shootout
19:22.32 …..… **Gillian Lovett, 2021 Group 3 Sectionals
19:22.87 … Peyton Blake [Paul VI], 2024 Olympic Conference
19:22.89 … **Shaelea Conway [Cherry Hill East], 2023 South Jersey Shootout
19:23.83 … Sarah Pierce [Cherry Hill East], 2018 Olympic Conference
19:23.25 …….. Allison Roes, 2023 South Jersey Shootout
19:23.74 … *Cate Feudtner [Cherry Hill East], 2023 South Jersey Shootout
19:24.30 …..… **Grace Wassell, 2020 Group 2 Sectionals
19:24.35 …… **Kerry O’Day, 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
19:25.29 … Ryleigh Budsock [Cherry Hill East], 2024 Olympic Conference
19:25.66 … Samantha Apanovitch [Hunterdon Central], 2019 S.J. Shootout
19:25.88 … ***Adriana Escaleira [Toms River North], 2021 Group 4 Sectionals
19:25.97 … ***Erin Healy [Cherokee], 2024 Olympic Conference
19:26.04 … **Adeline Edwards [The Wilberforce School], 2022 Bob Kiessling
19:27.92 …… **Megan Niglio, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
19:27.40 …… *Jordan Hadfield, 2023 South Jersey Shootout
19:27.44 … Juliana Sieminski [Delsea], 2024 South Jersey Open
19:28.23 … Ava Millner [Winslow Twp.], 2024 South Jersey Open
19:28.34 … Maya Kumar [Cherokee], 2024 Olympic Conference
19:29.14 … Maura Keane [Washington Twp.], 2019 Olympic Conference
19:29.40 … **Lily Oliver [Toms River South], 2020 Group 3 Sectionals
19:29.35 … ***Theresa Albertson [Eastern], 2023 Olympic Conference