By: Redd E. Patrick
All Matt Buchma and the rest of the Monroe High School cross country program team members want to do is compete.
After training hard over the summer months, the Falcons had their season-opening dual meet against Colonia postponed last week in the wake of the terrorist attacks on our nation.
With no action scheduled for last weekend, the Falcons’ season finally got underway Thursday (weather permitting) with a dual meet against North Brunswick.
"It’s time,” said Buchma, a junior co-captain. "We’re just anxious to compete. We’ve been training for a while, putting in a lot of miles, so we’re just waiting.”
Following the attacks which brought the country to a halt, the Falcons got together two days later for a practice.
"I’m not sure what the atmosphere was like,” said Buchma. "There were a lot of mixed feelings. It’s taking a while to get things back to normal, but I think we’re getting there. There are so many things going on in our country, but when we’re together, we try to block everything out and concentrate on running.” Buchma is one of 12 members on the boys team, a team which features no upperclassmen. He, along with classmate Chris Reiser, have been selected co-captains. "We think we have a promising future,” said Buchma. "Especially next year. We’re very young and we seem to be dedicated to building the program.
"We only won one meet last year, so there’s plenty of room for improvement. Being a captain, I give advice when I feel it’s needed, but everyone has put in the same amount of miles, so we’re in it together.”
Following yesterday’s dual meet, the Falcons will compete at the Battle of Monmouth Class Meet, to be at Battleground State Park in Manalapan tomorrow. While Buchma, Reiser and Dave Arnold will compete in the Junior Division, the Falcons will be looking to place high in the Sophomore Division with Joe Garavente, Ryan Sengebush, Joe Schmidt, Jay Merrick, John Ronan and Tom Albetta will lead the way.
In the Freshman Division, Rich Rendeiro, Johnny Ventriello and Stephen Modlewski are expected to compete. On the girls team, Kristi Motyka will compete in the Sophomore Division and Jessica Magid in the Freshman Division.
"We just want to get out and finally compete,” said Buchma. "It’s time.”

