The Hightstown High School boys’ and girls’ cross country teams have two weeks off before running in the Mercer County Tournament on Oct. 24
By: Kyle Moylan
Judging from the combined record of 24-3 for the Hightstown boys and girls, it could be said they earned their time off.
The Hightstown High boys’ squad improved to 13-1 on the season with four wins this past Tuesday at Washington Crossing Park. Hightstown defeated Steinert (18-39), Peddie (15-48), Lawrence (18-38) and Nottingham (15-50).
"I didn’t know that we would do this well," Hightstown coach Mary Brower said. "The depth was a big concern. We had two returning seniors and two juniors that did well last season. I had to fill in to see if we had a fifth and a sixth man."
Hightstown did. But any discussion about Hightstown has to start up top.
As usual, Hightstown was led by the phenomenal one-two punch of Chris Repka (17:11) and Jeremy Klapper (17:15). In two weeks, this pair will be trying to repeat their one-two finish in the Mercer County Tournament.
"It’s great having the two of them," Brower said. "They work really well together. If they’re in a race and the other one isn’t doing well, they’ll pick it up for each other. The do a good job pushing each other."
Brandon Verrault placed fourth in a time of 17:47. Joe Harms was sixth (18:09), Aaron Apgar was eighth (18:34), Dan Stibol 12th (18:48), Rich O’Hanlon 22nd (19:57) and Tim Decker 23rd (20:02).
This performance came three days after Hightstown competed in the Shore Coaches Invitational at Holmdel Park on Saturday. Racing as part of the B Division, Hightstown placed third. Paul VI and Don Bosco Prep grabbed the top two spots.
Klapper was the top Hightstown finisher, placing sixth in a time of 16:42.6. Repka was eighth in a time of 16:45.7.
"They did really well," Brower said. "They are nervous before every race. It doesn’t matter if we’re racing against the area’s best or what is perceived as the worst teams. They’re always a little nervous. Once the race starts, they’re fine. As soon as the gun goes off all the nervousness goes away and then they’re just running."
That’s the time for all the other runners to get nervous.
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The Hightstown High School girls’ cross country team was edged out for the Conference title this past Tuesday, but it didn’t take long for Coach Ray Britton to put things in perspective.
Lawrence clinched the title with a 27-30 win over Hightstown. In the same meet, Hightstown managed wins over Steinert (22-34), Peddie (25-31) and Nottingham (16-46).
"The girls were disappointed, but they (Lawrence) were a better team," Britton said. "All of our girls ran at least 30 seconds better than the last time we ran on that course. So what are you going to say?
"I gathered the girls together. We talked about the fact that we never thought we’d be as good as we were. We were disappointed about not winning the CVC, but I asked them how many of them thought we’d be in that position. None of them did. We accomplished a lot. We’re happy we put Hightstown back on the map as a girls’ cross country team."
Katie Lawler was the top Hightstown finisher, placing second in a time of 21:49. Haley Reimbold was sixth (22:22), Lisa Span seventh (22:42) and Danielle Kochie 11th (22:53).
Three days before taking three out of four on Tuesday, Hightstown had actually taken care of Lawrence at the Shore Coaches Invitational at Holmdel. Hightstown placed 13th out of 29 teams in its division. Lawrence placed 14th.
Span, Reimbold, Amy Bircsak, Lawler, Kochie, Michelle Glaser and Kristen Lalka ran in that race for Hightstown.
"They ran their best times ever down there," Britton noted. "Every meet we’re running in, they improve. I can’t ask for anything more that that. I am very pleased with them."
Now it’s up to Britton and Brower to find a way to keep their team active before the MCT on Oct. 24. The two teams will be trying out the courses at Veteran’s Park (where the MCT will be held) and at Holmdel (where the sectionals take place). The two teams will also hold a meet with each other.
The next season will come fast enough. For now, at least, the two Hightstown teams can enjoy what they accomplished through the first six weeks of the season.