Some of the best running talent in the state will be competing tomorrow in the Freehold Regional District Cross Country Championships.
First off, the state’s top girls team resides in Colts Neck. The Cougars won the Meet of Champions (MOC) crown in 2006 and received a bid to the Nike Team Nationals (NTN) where they finished fourth, the best placing ever for a New Jersey team.
Briana Jackucewicz, who could contend for the individual MOC title later this year, heads a very balanced lineup. Allison Linnell is running better than she ever has and could be ready to contend for All-State honors.
Allison and Erin Donaghy and Allie Flott are the returners from the MOC champions. Stephanie Olenick, Rachel Morris and Jessica Fasano have been the most improved runners on the team.
Howell High School pushed Colts Neck in a dual meet last month and is a Top 10 team in the state. The Rebels’ Lindsey Lambert has been very impressive. She turned in an 18:38 earlier this year at Bucks Mill Park, making her the third fastest ever on that course.
Behind Lambert, Sarah Nelson, Lauren Rome and Jacquie Ward give Howell the nucleus of what is one of the best teams in the state.
Freehold Township’s Janel Parker won the District championship two years ago as a sophomore and would like to regain that title Friday in her final try. The battle should be between her, Lambert, Jackucewicz (if she’s recovered from a sore calf muscle) and Linnell.
Marlboro has been making inroads and has Brittany and Lauren Pietrosh and Suzanne Raspa.
Jessica Papirnik, Mackenzie Roche and Linnea Lord are making the Freehold Borough a surprise team this fall.
Manalapan’s Robby Andrews is clearly the best runner in the boys’ field. The junior could be ready to win championship races this year and it should all start tomorrow for him.
Manalapan’s Jason Weiner is the one runner who could push him if he’s recovered enough from an early-season injury.
Freehold Borough’s Cody O’Flaherty will be in the individual mix as well.
Freehold Township also fields a solid pack. This year, Randy Spadola and Andrew Posen have been joined by freshman Eric Dynarski, who has emerged as the Pats’ top runner. Dynarski could figure in the individual race.
Mike Roberto (Howell) and Evan Martin Marlboro) have been the top runners for their respective teams.

