By Rich Fisher, Sports Editor
The South Brunswick High School girls track & field team did not bring home any medals from Saturday’s Meet of Champions, but the Vikings still returned with some positive vibes.
”We did have some good things happen,” said coach Stefan Moorhead. “Only Sophia (Ginez) had ever competed in an indoor or outdoor MOC before, so the others got some valuable first-time experience that will pay off in the future.”
Ginez actually had the best shot at a medal, and appeared on her way to one in the 1,600 meters. But during the final lap, she got tangled up with West Windsor-Plainsboro North’s Trish Reilly and the two landed in a heap. By the time she recovered, Ginez was out of the running at 5:23.53.
”Sophia was doing very well and was on pace for a top-three finish and sub five-minute performance,” Moorhead said. “She was unfortunately tripped with less than 400 meters to go. She looked great and was getting ready for her usual strong finish, so we know what she’s capable of for the future.”
A major bright spot was the 4×400 relay team of Jamie Thompson, Janae Baker, Jamielyn Samper and Alicia Osley, which won its heat in a personal best 4:05.10 and finished 12th overall.
”They ran well; all four runners set or tied season bests (on their splits),” Moorhead said. “The team knocked over two seconds off their best time for the week before and won their heat for the second straight meet. They’ve taken eight seconds off their personal best in two weeks since the sectionals, so we’re definitely pleased with that improvement.”
The Viking who came closest to a medal was Emily Skalko, who tied for seventh with a high jump of 5-2.
”She had the best attempts she had all year at 5-4, which would have medaled and tied the school record,” noted Moorhead.
Freshman Cayla Del Piano ran an 11:16.07 to finish 17th in the 3,200, which “was about the same time as last week,” according to Moorhead.
”But she gained valuable experience in how to race a 3,200 in a championship setting,” the coach continued. “That should benefit her in the future. It’s a challenging race and so much of it is figuring out when to push the pace and when to hold back.”
In the boys meet, Brian Oni clocked a 6.73 in the 55 meters, which was also similar to last week’s time in the Group IV meet.
”Although he didn’t improve, he has been consistent in the low 6.7s late in the year,” Moorhead said. “He’ll be ready to take a big step forward next winter.”
Before that comes spring.
Judging by the past few months, that should be something worth watching.

