Nguyen seeks improvement as MHS pack leader

Sophomore makes most of switch to cross country

By: Rudy Brandl
   Nghi Nguyen just wants to run.
   The Manville High sophomore has made the most of his decision to quit soccer and pursue a scholastic athletic career in distance running. He showed potential during the spring track campaign of his freshman year and worked on his stamina over the summer.
   Nguyen has continued to improve and is leading the Manville cross country pack this fall. A year ago, he was sitting on the bench for the soccer team. Now, Nguyen is developing into a standout runner for the Mustangs.
   "I just like running," Nguyen said. "Soccer is too complicated. I like to run distance. It’s fun for me."
   Nguyen will never forget the thrill of winning his first varsity race. That victory propelled the Mustangs to their only dual meet win of the season, an exciting one-point victory at South River. Nguyen crossed the finish line in 19:50 that day but has since run several faster times.
   "I was so happy I finished first, that’s my first time ever," Nguyen said. "I was tired but I kept going. They had a big hill like you can’t imagine."
   Nguyen ran South River’s grueling course in under 20 minutes but shaved more time off his best in the next three dual meets, two of which came at Manville’s flat home course. The Mustangs didn’t win either meet, but Nguyen took another first place against Dayton.
   The Manville sophomore trailed for more than half the race but stayed within striking distance. He took the lead in the final mile and coasted to victory in 19:38.
   Nguyen said he doesn’t run with any special strategy, but he does prefer coming from behind rather than setting the pace for the entire race. He’s more concerned with lowering his times, but loves to win.
   "I like running so I can pass them," Nguyen explained. "I don’t like hearing them breathing behind me. I can’t really concentrate on running like that."
   Nguyen reached another milestone in last week’s meet at South Hunterdon. He had been gunning to break the 19-minute barrier and achieved that goal with a winning time of 18:55. Nguyen shattered his personal-best by 43 seconds.
   "Nghi’s doing a great job," said MHS head coach Tony Treonze, who liked what he saw from Nguyen on the track last spring. "He really gives you an effort. He’s been a real bright spot and I’m very pleased that he came out for the team. He would’ve missed all this if he didn’t transfer from soccer."
   Nguyen was somewhat disappointed in his time of 20:05 at last week’s Mountain Valley Championships. It marked the first time he didn’t improve from one meet to the next, but there were a few contributing factors. It was his first competition in a large meet on a championship course and the race was run the day after the dual meet at South Hunterdon.
   Pleasant Valley Park is a tough, hilly terrain and the conference meet was run on a very windy day. There were 50 runners in the field and Nguyen finished with a respectable 16th place in 20:05.
   "That’s a much tougher course than we’re used to running," Treonze said. "I knew it would be tough for him to beat his best time on that course, especially running on back-to-back days. Nghi thought he did better, but he should definitely be in the top 10 next year."
   Nguyen plans to continue running after the cross country season to get ready for outdoor track. He and freshman Luis Martinez are providing a young but solid 1-2 punch for the Mustangs. If these two runners continue to develop, Manville will be in great shape the next couple of years.
   "We’re improving," Nguyen said. "Every single one of us is getting faster. We’re all pushing it."
   Nguyen has no regrets about giving up soccer. Just let him run.