Woodstown’s decorated runners win 4×800 indoor Group I Relays title, place top 3 in two other events; Salem’s boys also have big night
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
TOMS RIVER – Add another gold medal to the collection of the Woodstown’s 4X800 relay team.
The decorated group had a big night at the NJSIAA Indoor Relays at the Bennett Center Bubble Friday, winning the Group I 4×800 race and finishing in the top three in two others.
Cole Lucas, Karson Chew, Jacob Marino and Josh Crawford won their signature event, the 4×800, in 8:23.30, beating runner-up McNair Academic by 10 seconds. They dominated their section race, winning by nearly 45 seconds.
They ran 11:00.51 in the distance medley and finished second to Glassboro’s 10:56.39. They ran 3:33.74 and were third, just nosed out by Camden for silver. Woodbury won the race.
“Tonight was a big night for all four of us guys as it was an accomplishment we achieved as a team,” Crawford said. “I wouldn’t want to be considered state champs with any other guys as they have heart, drive and discipline.
“Each one of us faced challenges tonight, such as doubt or nervousness. However, we found the courage to support one another and left everything we had on the track.”
The Wolverines finished tied for fourth as a team.
The Salem boys also had a big night at the meet.
The Rams were tied for ninth as a team. Their 4×200 relay (Kaden Robinson, Anthony Parker, Jelani Beverly, Timothy Gregory) set a school record in finishing third at 1:35.85. Their shuttle hurdle team (Parker, Gradin Buzby, Beverly, Gregory) finished fourth in 33.17.
“They exceeded expectations,” Salem coach David Hunt said. “I’m always proud when you see the kids’ efforts pay off in meets. They work extremely hard in practice.
“The thing I like about track is you’re able to set your expectations and can find wins when you exceed them. It’s important that you have small wins like we did today by setting school records and competing the best we can and improve on that.”
Here are the Salem County athletes who finished in the top six of their respective events at the NJSIAA Indoor Relays Meet.
BOYS
GROUP I: Glassboro 39, Hasbrouck Heights 29, Camden 28, Metuchen 24, WOODSTOWN 24, Hanover Park 18, Woodbury 18, Glen Rock 17, SALEM 11, Audubon 11, McNair Academic 10, Haddon Twp. 10, Shore 10, Mountain Lakes 6, Raritan 5, SCHALICK 5, New Providence 4, Ramsey 4, New Milford 3, Clayton 2, Verona 1.
Distance Medley: 2. Woodstown (Jacob Marino, Anthony Costello, Lucas Cole, Karson Chew), 11:00.51
Shuttle Hurdle: 4. Salem (Anthony Parker, Gradin Buzby, Jelani Beverly, Timothy Gregory), 33.17
4×200: 3. Salem (Kaden Robinson, Anthony Parker, Jelani Beverly, Timothy Gregory), 1:35.85
4×800: 1. Woodstown (Karson Chew, Jacob Marino, Josh Crawford, Lucas Cole), 8:23.30
Sprint Medley: 6. Schalick (David Stewart, Roneem Thomas, Michael Eberl, Steve Chomo), 3:51.88
4×400: 3. Woodstown (Lucas Cole, Karson Chew, Jacob Marino, Josh Crawford), 3:33.74
Pole Vault: 4. Salvatore Longo, Schalick, 11-6; 6. Gradin Buzby, Salem, 10-6.01
GIRLS
GROUP I: Ramsey 54, Metuchen 46, Audubon 34, Hasbrouck Heights 22, Haddon Twp. 18, New Providence 12, Woodbury 12, Hanover Park 10, Verona 10, Butler 10, SCHALICK 8, PENNSVILLE 8, T-22. WOODSTOWN 1, T-22. PENNS GROVE 1.
4×200: 6. Woodstown (Tyonna Husser, Lia Covely, Angelina Lindenmuth, Jaime Deal), 1:56.23
Pole Vault: 2. Megan Morris, Pennsville, 9-6; 7. Molly Gratz, Pennsville, 7-6
Riverview Sports News 