By Guy Kipp, Sports Writer
Most conversations about the Monroe Township High School girls’ track team are likely to begin with Nicole Ragucci.
Indeed, this spring, a lot of conversations about girls’ track & field in Middlesex County are bound to start the same way.
The senior is the headliner of a Falcons team that hopes to build upon the success of a strong indoor season over the winter.
”We’re coming off a great indoor season,” Monroe coach Jim Cox said. “We finished third in the sectional championships (Central Jersey, Group 3) and we had one team champion and three individual champions.”
Ragucci was a factor on a statewide level in Group III as a junior last spring. She finished third in the 400-meter dash with a time of 56.21, placed seventh in the 200-meter dash and was ninth in the pole vault in Group 3 in 2007.
But, despite Ragucci’s extensive credentials, the Falcons still begin this spring with some uncertainty.
”We’re going to have to fill a lot of holes left by injuries and lacrosse,” Cox said, “But I’m confident that, much like last year, we will be a better team as the year goes on.”
Cox looks for multiple contributions from Sierrah Tyson, who will “open up some eyes this year” in several events, the coach predicts.
Sophomore runners Christina Perrotta and Vanessa Ragucci and distance runners Stephanie Nawracaj and Katie Rusnock head a promising group of 10th-graders.
The hurdles will be handled by Rebecca Jones, Sara Almeida, Leah Castrovince and Vanessa Ragucci.
Cox is counting on Kim Gregor, Danielle Olivo and Serena Tsang for solid performances in the weights.
Tsang, Nicole Manziano and Megan Prestridge give the Falcons talent in the triple jump.
High jumpers Tyson, Jones and Valine Bogue, pole vaulter/long jumper Danielle Rotundo and join Nicole Ragucci in the jumps.
A pair of ninth-graders worth a long look are Amaka Ekeocha, who set two school indoor relay records, and Erin McKeon.
