2006 Boys XC

I only have two more of these to write after this one so I'll try to get them done ASAP.

The Boy's Cross Country team, led by Coach Victor Bayers finished this season with a 5-2 dual meet record, with their only losses to Christian Brother’s Academy and Colts Neck. The team also did extremely well in their invitationals; a 4th place finish in Passaic County Coaches, 7th place in Shore Coaches, 5th in the Monmouth County Championships, 10th place at the Manhattan Invitational in Van Cortland Park, and a 9th place finish in the Shore Conference Championships in Ocean county Park. The Eagles also had a great showing at the NJSIAA North 2 Group 3 State Championships at Warinanco Park, coming in 3rd place. At the Group 3 Championships at Holmdel Park, South’s team was uncharacteristically spread out, but they still finished in an impressive 10th place despite a very competitive field.

Senior Pat Montalbano, whose best time was 17:29, led this year’s team as their number 1 runner. Rob George helped anchor the pack in a great senior year while Brian Miller lettered for the first time after a great ending to a career that was riddled with injuries. Sophomore Jay Malejki built off his great freshman season, finishing in the 2nd or 3rd place most races. Junior John Healy got stronger as the season went on to set himself up for a great senior year. Sophomore Jim Geant had a solid season earning himself his first varsity letter. 4-year letterman Anthony Garrido only ran 7 races because of a hip injury but was great at encouraging the team from the sidelines. Junior David Leipa had a very consistent season for the Eagles, usually finishing 6th or 7th for the team in his first year as a cross country runner. Also a first time XC runner, sophomore Conner Givens had a great 2nd half of the season to letter. Junior Dane Couch was injured during the beginning of the season but worked hard all season to lower his times.

South will have to replace Montalbano, George, Miller ,and Garrido, not only their performances, but also their leadership. Malejki, Healy, Geant, Givens, Leipa, and Couch will look to fill the big shoes left behind.