From the Backstretch by Reuben Frank

Seniors Keenan Neuman and Nathan Aschmann and junior Nevin Millstein swept the top three spots and the Ocean City boys won their 11 sectional title and 4^th in a row with the fastest composite time in DREAM Park history.

Neuman ran 15:10.33 officially, the 5^th-fastest time in course history, to win the South Jersey Group 3 race over 5,000 meters in Logan Township. Aschmann was 2^nd in 15:23, Millstein 3^rd in 15:24, Benjamin McCarthy 5^th in 15:55 and Michael Romano 9^th in 16:05 for the Red Raiders.

Ocean City, ranked No. 2 in New Jersey and No. 1 among public schools, averaged 15:35.71 on the 5,000-meter DREAM Park course in Logan Township, breaking the course record of 15:42.15 set by Cherokee at 2024 Group 4 Sectionals.

Ocean City’s 20-point total is the lowest ever in Group 3 and tied for 4^th-lowest in any group. The previous Group 3 low was Highland’s 23 points at the 1989 meet.

The Red Raiders’ 6^th and 7^th runners also ran sub-16:30, junior Hayden Tarves in 15^th in 16:26 and junior Ryan Jefferson in 16^th in 16:27.

Highland was 2^nd with 82 points and Moorestown [107], Shawnee [156] and Toms River East [168] will also advance to states Saturday at Holmdel County Park with top-5 team finishes.

Also advancing as top-15 individuals are Moorestown junior Zander Kane [4^th in 15:39], Shawnee Deven Lloyd [6^th in 16:00], Highland junior Oluwanifemi Fadulu [7^th in 16:03], Mainland Jack Preissman [8^th in 16:04], Highland sophomore Richard Lorenz [11^th in 16:15], senior Highland Liam Murphy [12^th in 16:20] and Medford Tech senior Chris Davis [14^th in 16:24].

Others who ran sub-17: Timber Creek senior Michael Zechman [17^th in 16:28], Woodbury junior Elijah Smith [18^th in 16:31], Seneca junior Jonah Schmitz [19^th in 16:32], Highland senior Tyler Boice [21^st in 16:39], Moorestown senior Finley Smith [22^nd in 16:41], Triton Aiden White [23^rd in 16:41], Shawnee senior Benjamin Boyer [24^th in 16:43], Moorestown senior Ethan Taylor [25^th in 16:44], Moorestown sophomore Braden Castner [26^th in 16:45], Timber Creek senior Leandro Santiago [27^th in 16:50], Clearview senior Jack Sokorai [28^th in 16:50], Mainland junior William Gerhardt [29^th in 16:52], Hammonton junior Stephen Mahon [31^st in 16:57], Shawnee freshman Joseph Stapleton [32^nd in 16:57] and Seneca senior Kyler Johnson [33^rd in 15:58].

All-Time Sub-16 Composite Times at DREAM Park
15:35.81 … Ocean City, 2026 Group 3 Sectionals
15:42.15 … Cherokee, 2024 Group 4 Sectionals
15:44.00 … Ocean City, 2024 Group 3 Sectionals
15:44.07 … Cherokee, 2026 Group 4 Sectionals
15:47.01 … Cherry Hill East, 2024 Group 4 Sectionals
15:48.06 … Cherokee, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
15:51.31 … Glassboro, 2026 Group 1 Sectionals
15:52.43 … Haddonfield, 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
15:52.70 … Haddonfield, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
16:53.52 … Cherokee, 2025 Olympic Conference
15:54.96 … Cherokee, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals

Lowest Point Totals in South Jersey Sectional History
16 … Haddonfield, 2008 [Group 2]
16 … Glassboro, 2026 [Group 1]
17 … Haddon Township, 1971 [Group 2]
20 … Pennsville, 2006 [Group 1]
20 … Haddonfield, 2010 [Group 2]
20 … Haddonfield, 2018 [Group 2]
20 … Ocean City, 2026 [Group 3]
21 … Haddonfield, 2009 [Group 2]
21 … Haddon Township, 2011 [Group 1]
22 … Haddonfield, 2023 [Group 2]
23 … Highland, 1989 [Group 3]
23 … Haddonfield, 2013 [Group 2]
23 … Ocean City, 2018 [Group 3]
23 … Haddonfield, 2019 [Group 2]
25 … Mainland Regional, 2003 [Group 4]
25 … Ocean City, 2019 [Group 3]
25 … Ocean City, 2025 [Group 3]
25 … Haddonfield, 2026 [Group 2]
26 … Clearview, 1965 [Group 2]
26 … Burlington Twp., 1966 [Group 1]
26 … Haddonfield, 2014 [Group 2]
26 … Kingsway, 2017 [Group 4]
27 … Burlington Twp., 1967 [Group 1]
27 … Overbrook, 1968 [Group 2]
27 … Haddon Township, 1988 [Group 1]
27 … Highland, 1988 [Group 3]
27 … Haddonfield, 2001 [Group 2]
27 … Haddonfield, 2015 [Group 2]
27 … Haddonfield, 2024 [Group 2]
28 … Haddonfield, 2021 [Group 2]
28 … Haddon Township, 2010 [Group 1]
28 … Haddon Township, 2012 [Group 1]
28 … Haddon Township, 2014 [Group 1]
29 … Burlington Twp., 1967 [Group 1]
29 … Williamstown, 1971 [Group 1]
29 … Cinnaminson, 2003 [Group 2]
29 … Ocean City, 2024 [Group 3]

Sophomore Dylan Hosty led seven Haddonfield runners in the top nine at South Jersey Group 2 sectionals and the Bulldogs won their state-record 34^th sectional title and 17^th in a row in Logan Township with a perfect 15-point score.

Haddonfield, ranked 6^th in the state, did not sweep the top five spots, but went 1-3-4-5-6 with a runner from Barnegat in 2^nd. Because Barnegat only had three finishers, her place isn’t included in team scoring.

This is the 5^th time a team has scored 15 points at South Jersey Sectionals and the 4^th time it’s been Haddonfield. The 2001 Moorestown team that went on to win the Meet of Champions won Group 2 sectionals 15-83 over Haddon Township. Haddonfield defeated Haddon Township 15-55 in Group 2 in 2005, Cedar Creek 15-82 in 2021 and Sterling 15-68 in 2022. So all five 15-point performances have come in Group 2.

Hosty ran 17:53 over 5,000 meters at DREAM Park – that’s the 5^th-fastest time in course history and fastest by a Haddonfield girl – and won by 24 seconds over Barnegat’s Angelina Colavita, who was 2^ndin 18:17. This is the 8^th consecutive year a Haddonfield girl has won sectionals.

After Hosty, took the next four spots with senior Molly Mills [3^rd in 18:59], senior Madison Kelsey [4^thin 19:29.41], senior Devon Gervasi [5^th in 19:34] and sophomore Tatum Russo [6^th in 19:35].

Haddonfield’s 6^th and 7^th runners, sophomore Bella DeFinis and senior Harper Benjamin, took 8^th and 9^th in 19:56 and 20:05

Haddonfield averaged 19:06.44, 9^th-fastest in course history.

Also advancing to states with top-15 finishes were Sterling senior Brianna Gilligan [7^th in 19:54], Sterling junior Riley Sharp [10^th in 20:09], Gloucester junior Corinne Kelly [11^th in 21:02], Middle Township sophomore Teagan Emmer [13^th in 21:52] and Sterling senior Mia Rueblinger [15^th in 22:22].

Joining Haddonfield and Sterling at states as top-5 teams will be Middle Township [82], Pinelands Regional [126] and Cedar Creek [133].

This is the 8^th straight year Haddonfield has won with fewer than 25 points.

Haddonfield is the first girls XC program in New Jersey history to win 17 consecutive sectional titles in any group.

Last time Haddonfield did not win South Jersey Group 2 was 2009, when they were 2nd to Delsea by eight points.

Freshman James McKeon was the overall winner and led four Cinnaminson runners in the top 10 and the Pirates raced to their 15^th sectional championship and 2^nd in a row Saturday at Thompson Park in Jamesburg.

McKeon won the race in 16:02, senior Ryan Scaricaciottoli placed 4^th in 16:17 and senior Edward Abu-Adas and senior Owen Castanheira were 8^th and 9^th, both in 16:26. Junior Keith Fried was 14^th in 16:36, and 6^th man Luke Feeley, a sophomore, placed 18^th in 16:41. Senior Alexander Lonardo was 30^th in 17:10.

Cinnaminson won by 60 points, 36-96, over 2^nd-place Metuchen.

The Central Jersey title is Cinnaminson’s 4^th after they won 11 in South Jersey. Cinnaminson won South Jersey Group 4 in 1971, Group 3 in 1973, 1974, 1982 and 1986 and Group 2 in 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 2003.

Only Haddonfield [44], Ridgewood [29], Bernards [25], Westfield [24] and Haddon Township [22] have won more sectional titles state-wide than Cinnaminson.

The Pirates won CJ-2 last year by 43-70 over Allentown. This is the first time they’ve won back-to-back titles since 1991 and 1992.

Overall winner Connor Brand led six Haddonfield runners in the top 10 and the Bulldogs raced to their 23^rd consecutive South Jersey Group 2 title and 44^th overall Saturday morning in Logan Township.

Brand ran 15:43 over 5,000 meters at DREAM Park and Haddonfield averaged 16:09.93, their 3^rd-fastest time at DREAM Park behind 15:52.43 at 2021 sectionals and 15:52.70 at 2022 sectionals.

Andrew Blum ran 15:58.89 for the Bulldogs and placed 3^rd, then Logan Tripician, Graham Dodson and Luke Lindner packed in 6^th, 7^th and 8^th in 16:09, 16:19 and 16:38.

Haddonfield topped Sterling, 25-49, with Middle Township [97], West Deptford [130] and Salem County Vo-Tech also securing auto bids to the state Group 2 meet at Holmdel County Park next Saturday with top-5 finishes. Sterling’s 2^nd-place finish was its best since it placed 2^nd in 2017. The Silver Knights placed all five scorers in the top 15.

West Deptford Luke McClintock ran 15:55 for 2^nd, Sterling senior Giovanni Fuchs was 4^th in 15:58 and Middle senior Jamar Mack 5^th in 16:02.

Also picking up auto bids with top-15 finishes: Sterling senior Brady Kay [9^th in 16:51], Haddonfield Nathan Bollard [10^th in 17:01], Pleasantville freshman Brody Bailey [11^th in 17:08], Sterling senior Brody Simon [12^th in 17:15], Sterling senior Thomas Krainski [13^th in 17:23], Sterling junior Connor Zane [14^th in 17:28] and Pleasantville sophomore Joseph Davenport [15^th in 17:28].

Haddonfield won four straight titles from 1999 through 2002, then lost to Cinnaminson in 2003 before now winning 23 straight.

In all, the Bulldogs have won a state-record 42 sectional titles – 1967 in Group 3, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1997 and 1998 in Group 1, then in Group 2, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and the current 23 in a row.

Other Haddonfield individual sectional champs: Bob Peterson in 1967, Jim Smith in 1977, 1978 and 1979, Eric Bonnette in 1995 and 1996, Chris Platt in 2000, 2001 and 2002, Mike Burke in 2004, Jonathan Vitez in 2007, 2008 and 2009, Ben Potts in 2010, Greg Pelose in 2015, Martin Riddell in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Seth Clevenger in 2021, George Andrus in 2022, Ryan Gibson in 2024 and Peter Simpson in 2025.

Lowest Group 2 Scores
16 … Haddonfield, 2008 [Group 2]
17 … Haddon Township, 1971 [Group 2]
20 … Haddonfield, 2010 [Group 2]
20 … Haddonfield, 2018 [Group 2]
21 … Haddonfield, 2009 [Group 2]
22 … Haddonfield, 2023 [Group 2]
23 … Haddonfield, 2013 [Group 2]
23 … Haddonfield, 2019 [Group 2]
25 … Haddonfield, 2026 [Group 2]
26 … Clearview, 1965 [Group 2]
26 … Haddonfield, 2014 [Group 2]
27 … Overbrook, 1968 [Group 2]
27 … Haddonfield, 2001 [Group 2]
27 … Haddonfield, 2015 [Group 2]
27 … Haddonfield, 2024 [Group 2]
28 … Haddonfield, 2021 [Group 2]
29 … Cinnaminson, 2003 [Group 2]

Junior Addison Weiss nearly broke her own course record in winning her 2^nd straight sectional title and leading the Cherry Hill East girls to their its 1^st sectional title in 20 years Saturday morning in Logan Township

Weiss, who set the DREAM Park course record of 17:46.86 at last year’s Olympic Conference meet, ran 17:50.96 on Saturday to win the South Jersey Group 4 race by 19 seconds over Kingsway senior Aubrey Bishop, who was 2^nd in 18:09.

Cherry Hill East outscored 2^nd-place Kingsway 56-73 to win its first title since 2006, when it topped Lenape 58-60. Cherry Hill East’s only previous team titles came in 2005 and 2006. Egg Harbor [100], Cherokee [111] and Toms River North [131] also advanced to the state meet Saturday at Holmdel County Park.

Also for Cherry Hill East, senior Ryleigh Budsock ran 18:14 for 3^rd, senior Katherine Grottini was 13^th in 19:22, sophomore Rebecca Tibbetts was 18^th in 19:51 and freshman Austyn Semar placed 21^st in 19:53.

Cherry Hill East averaged 19:02.52, 5^th-fastest in course history.

Other South Jersey runners in the top 15, locking up auto qualifying spots at states: Kingsway junior Kaitlyn Orazi [5^th in 18:31], Cherokee junior Erin Healy [6^th in 18:41], Lenape senior Audrey McCorkle [8^th in 18:52], Egg Harbor junior Molly Rooney [9^th in 18:52], Cherokee sophomore Ava Guarini [10^th in 18:57], Kingsway Katelyn Gallinaro [11^th in 18:59], Egg Harbor senior Meghan Johnson [12^th in 19:13] and Williamstown senior Julia Burgio [15^th in 19:31].

Others under 20 minutes: Vineland senior Olivia Masucci [16^th in 19:47], Williamstown sophomore Kennedy Hartwyk [17^th in 19:48], Cherokee senior Gabrielle Urban [19^th in 19:52], Eastern senior Theresa Albertson [20^th in 19:53] and Williamstown junior Yazmire Bonhomme [22^nd in 19:55].

Sophomore Keira Epstein, a 1^st-year runner, became the first Glassboro girl in 41 years to win a sectional title and Haddon Township won its 13^th South Jersey title Saturday morning at the South Jersey Group 1 sectionals in Logan Township.

Epstein ran 18:15.33 – the fastest time ever at DREAM Park by a Group 1 runner – and became the first girl from Glassboro to win a sectional XC title since Ruth Lockbaum, Glassboro’s valedictorianin 1986, won her 2^nd title in a row in the fall of 1985 at Pennsauken.

Her time is 16^th-fastest in course history and 3^rd-fastest by a sophomore. Epstein a minute and 22 seconds ahead of 2^nd-place Hazel Straight from Collingswood, who ran 19:37.

Audubon Emma Camm [3^rd in 19:41], Maple Shade Juliana Catalani [4^th in 20:02] and Woodstown Abby Marino [5^th in 20:05] all also crossed the line before the Haddon Township pack went to work.

Haddon Township was led by Isabella Dodd in 6^th place in 20:09 and Tanner Lajoie in 8^th place in 20:27.

Biz Maher ran 20:59 for 13^th, Chloe Lajoie 21:38 for 18^th and Reagan Maher 21:47 for 19^th for Haddon Township.

Haddon Township edged Audubon 42-45 for the team title. The three-point margin of victory is tied for 6^th-closest ever in Group 1. Also earning trips to states next weekend at Holmdel County Park were Maple Shade [73], Woodstown [76] and Schalick [108].

Haddon Township previously won sectional titles 2000, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021 and 2023 in Group 1 and in 1976, 1983, 1984 and 2004 in Group 2

Lydia Gravante led Audubon in 7^th place in 20:22 and Pennsville Peyton Michel [9^th in 20:40], Collingswood Gillian Romig [10^th in 20:42], Pitman Peyton Coyle [11^th in 20:45], Pennsville Sawyer Slad [12^th in 20:46], Schalick Emma Wilbur [14^th in 21:03] and Audubon Romina Macko [15^th in 21:23] also picked up auto qualifying spots for Group 1 states next weekend at Holmdel County Park.

Closest Group 1 meets
Tiebreaker
0 points
2001: Gloucester 47, Schalick 47 [Group 1]
1997: Haddonfield 56, Haddon Twp. 56 [Group 1]
1981: Audubon 56, Manchester Twp. 56 [Group 1]
2 points
2018: Pitman 36, Haddon Twp. 38 [Group 1]
2015: Pitman 68, Woodstown 70 [Group 1]
3 points
2026: Haddon Twp. 45, Audubon 3 [
2016: Haddon Twp. 58, Woodstown 61 [Group 1]
2015: Pitman 68, Woodstown 70 [Group 1]
1996: Schalick 49, Maple Shade 52 [Group 1]
1983: Pt. Pl. Beach 42, Haddonfield 44 [Group 1]
2001: Gloucester 47, Schalick 47 [Group 1]
1997: Haddonfield 56, Haddon Twp. 56 [Group 1]
1981: Audubon 56, Manchester Twp. 56 [Group 1]
1 points
2012: Lenape 65, T.R. North 66 [Group 4]
2003: Cherokee 63, Shawnee 64 [Group 4]
1979: Holy Cross 62, T.R. East 63 [Group 3]
2 points
2018: Pitman 36, Haddon Twp. 38 [Group 1]
2015: Pitman 68, Woodstown 70 [Group 1]
2006: Cherry Hill East 58, Lenape 60 [Group 4]
1997: Egg Harbor Twp. 75, Ocean City 77 [Group 3]
1992: Bishop Eustace 37, Kingsway 39 [Group 2]
3 points
2023: Ocean City 48, Mainland Reg. 51 [Group 3]
2021: Clearview 70, Mainland Reg. 73 [Group 3]
2016: Haddon Twp. 58, Woodstown 61 [Group 1]
2015: Pitman 68, Woodstown 70 [Group 1]
1996: Schalick 49, Maple Shade 52 [Group 1]
1986: Manchester Twp. 41, Pt. Pl. Boro 44 [Group 2]
1983: Pt. Pl. Beach 42, Haddonfield 44 [Group 1]
1976: Haddon Township 26, Gateway 29 [Group 2]

Cherokee packed five scorers in under 12 seconds and won its 8^th consecutive South Jersey Group 4 title Saturday morning in Logan Township.

Washington Township junior Trevor Szilier was the overall winner with Cherry Hill East senior Cian Sherlock 2^nd and Southern Jack Denn McLennan 3^rd, but Cherokee went 4-5-7-8-9, packing five runners between 15:37.88 and 15:49.55 and averaging 15:44.07, 3^rd-fastest in DREAM Park history.

Seniors Maximo Harada and Benjamin Realley led Cherokee in 4^th and 5^th, Harada in 15:37 and Realley in 15:39. Senior Gavin Danielewicz, sophomore Hamza Salahuddin and senior Sean Sooy placed 7^th through 9^th in 15:45, 15:47 and 15:49. Sixth man senior Leo Vyvyan was 13^th in 15:58.81, giving Cherokee six under 16 minutes.

The only faster times in course history are Cherokee’s 15:42.15 at 2024 Group 4 Sectionals and Ocean City’s 15:44.00 at 2024 Group 3 Sectionals.

Cherokee, ranked 7th in the state, outscored Cherry Hill East 33-88, with Southern Regional [119], Egg Harbor [139] and Kingsway [142] also moving onto the state Group 4 meet Saturday at Holmdel County Park.

Cherokee’s 33-point score is 6^th-lowest in South Jersey Group 4 history. Cherokee has won 16 sectional titles, most in South Jersey Group 4 history.

Szilier ran 15:12 and became Washington Township’s first sectional winner in 16 years, since Anthony Dentino won the 2010 title at Delsea. Szilier’s time – officially 15:12.58 – is 4^th-fastest in course history. The only other Washington Township sectional winners was Bob Rimkis in 1977 at Pennsauken.

Sherlock ran 15:31 for 2^nd and Denn McLennan was 3^rd in 15:36. Also in the top 10: Kingsway senior Ryan Duffy [6^th in 15:44] and Cherry Hill East senior Aneesh Rajagopal [10^th in 15:56].

Other South Jersey auto qualifiers for states in the top 15 were Egg Harbor senior Daniel Svec [11^th in 15:28], Bridgeton senior Dylan Benitez Gonzalez [13^th in 15:58] and Vineland senior Maximelio Giardino [15^th in 16:00].

Also in the top 20: Cherry Hill East junior Benjamin Dodulik [16^th in 16:02], Williamstown sophomore Brandon Basilio [17^thin 16:06], Gloucester County Tech junior Wyatt Evans [18^th in 16:08] and Egg Harbor juniors Timothy Rooney [19^th in 16:08] and Liam Aspenberg [20^th in 16:11].

Also under 16:30: Kingsway senior Payton Veilleux [23^rd in 16:18], Lenape junior Jayden Carn [24^th in 16:18], Cherokee senior Bruce Novoa [25^th in 16:18], Lenape junior Carmelo Carino [26^th in 26:19], Vineland junior Isaiah Strickland [27^th in 16:19], Cherry Hill East sophomore Conan Poerner [28^th in 16:25], Kingsway junior Michael Beaver [29^th in 16:25], Washington Township junior Ryan DeVecchis [30^th in 16:26] and Cherry Hill East freshman Jackson Grottini [32^nd in 16:28].

Lowest Scores in South Jersey Group 4 History
25 … Mainland Regional, 2003
26 … Kingsway, 2016
31 … Cinnaminson, 1971
32 … Cherokee, 2007
32 … Cherokee, 2024
33 … Vineland, 1965
33 … Cherokee, 2026
36 … Cherokee, 2023
37 … Toms River North, 2002

37 … Trenton, 1967
39 … Highland, 1994

Juniors Joseph Saicic, Zacchaeus Harrigan, Aaron Johnson and Gavin Rakitis swept the top four places and Glasssboro broke the record for lowest score in any group at South Jersey Group 1 sectionals in Logan Township.

Glassboro went 1-2-4-5-6 and won its 3^rd straight team title with 16 points, breaking the record of 20 set by Pennsville in 2006.

Glassboro’s 16 points tie the record for lowest total in South Jersey sectional history. Haddonfield won Group 2 with 16 points in 2008.

Saicic won his 2^nd straight individual title and became Glassboro’s 5^th consecutive individual winner, covering 5,000 meters at DREAM Park in 15:34 (15:34.80), just off the Group 1 course record of 15:53.27 set by Glassboro’s Elijah Whitaker in 2023.

Glassboro is the first to win three straight in Group 1 since Haddon Township won eight in a row from 2008 through 2015.

Harrigan was 2^nd in 15:47, Johnson ran 15:56, Rakitis 16:04 and freshman Christian Hughes was 6^th in 16:13, 5^th-fastest in course history by a freshman.

Glassboro’s average of 15:51.31 is 7^th-fastest in course history. The previous fastest by a Group 1 school was Glassboro’s 16:26.33 at last year’s sectionals.

Glassboro, ranked 6^th in New Jersey, finished ahead of Haddon Township [63], Woodstown [89], Pitman [137] and Collingswood [150]. All five advance to states Saturday at Holmdel County Park as well as all individuals in the top 15.

Audubon John Robinson broke up the Glassboro sweep bid in 5^th place in 16:05.

Also in the top 10: Woodstown senior David Farrell [7^th in 16:25], Haddon Township sophomore Kieran Adams [8^th in 16:45], Maple Shade junior Eddy Farez Yunga [9^th in 16:46.66] and Haddon Township freshman Ryan Luke [10^th in 16:46].

Others in the top 15 who will advance to states: Pennsville senior Carter Marts [11^th in 16:47], Woodstown junior Torsten Duva [12^th in 16:51], Haddon Township junior James Strimel [13^th in 16:55], Haddon Township sophomore Isaiah Williams [14^th in 16:56] and Collingswood senior Joshua King [15^th in 17:07].

Also under 17:30: Schalick Collin Bittle [16^th in 17:08], Pitman Rhys Blackman [17^th in 17:11], Haddon Township Simon Pierwola [18^th in 17:12], Haddon Township Bryce Davis [19^th in 17:16], Pitman Beckett Campbell [20^th in 17:19], Woodstown Pacey Hutton [21^st in 17:23] and Paulsboro Jeffrey Taylor [22^nd in 17:23].

All-Time Sub-16 Composite Times at DREAM Park
15:35.81 … Ocean City, 2026 Group 3 Sectionals
15:42.15 … Cherokee, 2024 Group 4 Sectionals
15:44.00 … Ocean City, 2024 Group 3 Sectionals
15:44.07 … Cherokee, 2026 Group 4 Sectionals
15:47.01 … Cherry Hill East, 2024 Group 4 Sectionals
15:48.06 … Cherokee, 2022 Group 4 Sectionals
15:52.43 … Haddonfield, 2021 Group 2 Sectionals
15:52.70 … Haddonfield, 2022 Group 2 Sectionals
16:53.52 … Cherokee, 2025 Olympic Conference
15:54.96 … Cherokee, 2023 Group 4 Sectionals

Lowest South Jersey Sectional Point Totals
16 … Haddonfield, 2008 [Group 2]
16 … Glassboro, 2026 [Group 1]
17 … Haddon Township, 1971 [Group 2]
20 … Pennsville, 2006 [Group 1]
20 … Haddonfield, 2010 [Group 2]
20 … Haddonfield, 2018 [Group 2]
20 … Ocean City, 2026 [Group 3]
21 … Haddonfield, 2009 [Group 2]
21 … Haddon Township, 2011 [Group 1]
22 … Haddonfield, 2023 [Group 2]
23 … Highland, 1989 [Group 3]
23 … Haddonfield, 2013 [Group 2]
23 … Ocean City, 2018 [Group 3]
23 … Haddonfield, 2019 [Group 2]
25 … Mainland Regional, 2003 [Group 4]
25 … Ocean City, 2019 [Group 3]
25 … Ocean City, 2025 [Group 3]
25 … Haddonfield, 2026 [Group 2]
26 … Clearview, 1965 [Group 2]
26 … Burlington Twp., 1966 [Group 1]
26 … Haddonfield, 2014 [Group 2]
26 … Kingsway, 2017 [Group 4]
27 … Burlington Twp., 1967 [Group 1]
27 … Overbrook, 1968 [Group 2]
27 … Haddon Township, 1988 [Group 1]
27 … Highland, 1988 [Group 3]
27 … Haddonfield, 2001 [Group 2]
27 … Haddonfield, 2015 [Group 2]
27 … Haddonfield, 2024 [Group 2]
28 … Haddonfield, 2021 [Group 2]
28 … Haddon Township, 2010 [Group 1]
28 … Haddon Township, 2012 [Group 1]
28 … Haddon Township, 2014 [Group 1]
29 … Burlington Twp., 1967 [Group 1]
29 … Williamstown, 1971 [Group 1]
29 … Cinnaminson, 2003 [Group 2]
29 … Ocean City, 2024 [Group 3]

 

Camden Catholic sophomore Jim Rotaeche ran away from the field Saturday morning to win the Bob Kiessling Invitational in Logan Township.

Rotaeche became Camden Catholic’s first winner since Billy Clewell in 2021, running 15:51 at DREAM Park. He finished 20 meters ahead of junior Christopher Freeland of Pennington School, who ran 15:55.

Paul VI placed all five scorers in the top 10 and nine in the top 20 to win its 5^th consecutive Kiessling team title.

PVI was led by Jason Smith in 4^th in 16:32 and Nick Ablaza 5^th in 16:39.

Also in PVI’s top seven were Daniel Russella [8^th in 16:45], Chase Cooley [9^th in 16:54], Chris Monaghan [10^th in 16:59], Holden Cranston [11^th in 17:02] and Kevin Huber [13^th in 17:10].

Also in the top 10 were St. Augustine Braden Bernardini [4^th in 16:33], Camden Catholic Kevin Dever [6^th in 16:40] and Camden Catholic Declan Walsh [7^th in 16:42].

Others in the top 20: Camden Catholic Daniel Clewell [12^th in 17:04], St. Augustine Brayden Mauro [14^th in 17:14], Bishop Eustace Roger Sochacki [15^th in 17:20], Paul VI Andrew Kenae [16^th in 17:23], Paul VI Brandon Bell [19^th in 17:40] and Camden Catholic Joseph Parsons [20^th in 17:53].

Peyton Barger became the first freshman winner in six years and Paul VI recorded the lowest winning score in 30 years Saturday morning at the Bob Kiessling parochial school championships in Logan Township.

Barger ran 18:39 at DREAM Park and PVI , ranked No. 11 in New Jersey, went 1-3-4-5-6 to win the team title with 19 points, lowest score since Bishop Eustace won the 1996 meet at Kingsway with 17 points.

The 19 points are the 4^th-lowest total in meet history. Paul V  scored a perfect 15 to win the 1982 meet and 18 to win in 1984. The title is Paul VI’s 4th in a row and 14th in the last 23 years.

Sophomore Isabella Suarez was 3^rd in 18:52, junior Morgan Kuzma 4^th in 19:19, senior Grace Gutowski 5^thin 19:20 and sophomore Emilia Grelli 6^th in 20:13.

Paul VI had 11 runners in the top 15, with sophomore Mia Waldby 8^th in 20:50, senior Kara Salamone 10^thin 21:18, freshman Rose Pasqua 11^th in 21:19, freshman Erin Spang 12^th in 21:20, sophomore Riley Sheppard 14^th in 21:43 and junior Francesca Cianfrani 15^th in 21:45.

Stella Blanchard, a senior at Princeton’s Wilberforce School and a 2:03 half-miler last spring, placed 2^nd in 18:41.

Barger is the first freshman to win the Kiessling meet since Paul VI’s Shaelan McNally in 2020. She’s the fastest South Jersey freshman at DREAM Park since Haddonfield’s Riley Austin ran 18:23.24 at 2022 Group 2 Sectionals.

PVI won the team title 19-63 over Camden Catholic, with Wilberforce 3^rd at 77 and Bishop Eustace also under 100 in 4^th with 86 points.

Paul VI averaged 19:17.02 for its top five, the 9th-fastest time in course history and 2nd-fastest in the Kiessling meet, behind PVI’s 19:02.58 last year.

Camden Catholic placed two in the top 10 with junior Erin Callinan 7^th in 20:38 and senior Maddy O’Neal 9^th in 20:52.

Also in the top 20: Camden Catholiic freshman Burke Beyer [13^th in 21:28], Eustace sophomore Charlotte Clinthorne [16^th in 22:00], Camden Catholic freshman Lizzie Sammis [17^th in 22:09], Eustace freshman Josephine Kelly [18^th in 22:09], Eustace junior Haylee Marakovits [19^th in 22:12] and Wildwood Catholic junior Shea McIlhinney [20^th in 22:18].

The meet does not serve as a qualifier for states. Parochial Schools qualify automatically for the state Parochial A and B meets next weekend at Holmdel.