Vikes don’t medal but look strong at Meet of Champs

By: Sean Richards
   Continuing to wrap up one of the greatest seasons in school history, the South Brunswick High School winter track team had a solid showing over the weekend at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions.
   While no member of the powerhouse team got on the bus with a medal, a host of Vikings turned in strong efforts at the prestigious event that was held at the impressive new facility in Toms River.
   "Overall, I think we did pretty well," said coach Stefan Moorhead, whose team had advanced more athletes to the Meet of Champions than in any year before. "We had some personal records and good performances from a bunch of people."
   This year’s Greater Middlesex Conference and Group IV state champion, John Viotto tied the highest finish among the boys when he finished eighth with anew personal record of 53-8¾ in the shot put.
   "John really stepped it up," said Moorhead. "It’s been a long year, but he was able to throw farther when he had to."
   Also in the eighth spot was Billy Ricketts, who didn’t have his greatest day, but still managed to clear 6-2 in the high jump.
   Steve Sample was in fine form as well as he lowered his own indoor school record in the 3200 to 9:39.59 to placed 14th in a loaded-up field.
   Turning to the girls, freshman sensation Sophia Ginez was at it again as she improved on the school record she had just recently set in the 1600 by running a 5:10.52. Her time was good enough to finish in 14th place, which was five spots higher than the pre-meet seeding.
   "That’s not easy to do," said Moorhead of Ginez’s showing. "She ran a great race the week before and then she went lower again. She’s just getting better and better."
   The other Viking who competed in an individual event was Indira Morton, who took a 16th in the 55 hurdles with a time of 9.14.
   The 4×400 team of Stephanie McIntyre (60.2 personal record), Stephanie Rodriguez (63.1), Jamie Thompson (63.1), and Rebecca Russo (62.0) also competed and finished 13th in a time of 4:08.57.
   The Vikings were to have competed in the Easterns at the New York City Armory on Tuesday night.
   South Brunswick will also be competing in the nationals next weekend. Some members of the team will be at the national meet at the New York City Armory while others will be at the national meet in Maryland.