Pierrot claims two medals
By: Rudy Brandl
While Manville High’s top track and field athletes spent the week preparing for the Central Jersey Group 1 Championships, many of the younger members of the team wrapped up their season by competing in the Novice meet at Bound Brook.
Second-year head coach Michelle Mongillo entered a dozen athletes in the event and many returned home with ribbons for finishing in the top five. Most of the young Mustangs competed in a variety of events, including the sprints, distance events, jumps, hurdles and throws.
"The kids had a good experience," Mongillo said. "We had a lot of kids and we had them in almost all of the events. This is the most we’ve had compete in the Novice meet since I’ve been here."
Some of Manville’s novice competitors made varsity contributions during the dual meet season, scoring points for second and third places to help the team. Last week’s Novice meet served as their big end-of-the-season championship event.
Freshman Danny Pierrot led the young Mustangs with two ribbons. Pierrot placed fourth in the high jump (4-8) and fifth in the long jump (14-9½). Pierrot, who also ran the 100, should be an athlete to watch in the future.
"Absolutely, especially in the high jump and long jump," Mongillo said. "He almost got 15 feet (in the long jump) and he’s gone over five feet in the high jump. He’s kind of like (Mike) Knitowski. He really gets up in the air. We just have to work on his form."
Sylvia Kolodziej posted a personal-best time of 20.3 in the 100 hurdles, which was good for fourth place. She also competed in the 100 meters and shot put but did not place in those events.
Freshman Matt Zangara, who has done everything from sprint to hurdle to jump to run middle distance, tied for fifth place in the high jump (4-6). Zangara also competed in the 110 high hurdles and the long jump.
Other MHS athletes in action at last week’s Novice meet included Kevin Sellar (100, 200, shot put), Amanda Hussey (100, 200, discus, javelin), Tim Santoro (high jump, shot, discus, javelin), Wayne Snell (long jump, 1,600, 3,200), Sarah Kondash (long jump, 200, 1,600), David Brozyna (200, 400) and Evanna Tchir (1,600, 200). Tchir ran a personal-best 7:14 in the 1,600.
Mongillo isn’t sure how many of this year’s Novice competitors will ever make a huge impact on the varsity level, but the meet certainly provided a good start. It gave the younger athletes some real exposure to a larger field of competition. It wasn’t just one or two opposing teams on site. Several schools brought athletes to the competition.
"It’s a stepping stone to getting experience in the bigger meets," Mongillo said. "It helps the kids see how the bigger meets are run. It’s a good experience for them."

