Jackson Liberty High School’s boys crosscountry team has enjoyed a surprising 4-1 start in dual meets, even though four of the top five runners expected back from last season did not return for various reasons.
The team quickly developed well behind junior Stephen Linton, who has emerged as the top runner. He finished third in the “second seeded race” at the Woods Trail Run in Thetford, Vt., on Oct. 5, as Jackson Liberty finished fourth in the team standings. It was one of their best efforts in the four times coach Todd Engle has taken the team to Vermont. There were 60 schools competing in five different divisions on the hilly course that Engle said is more challenging than the Holmdel Park course.
“I think it’s the toughest course I’ve been around,” he said.
Linton has run consistently well and keeps a similar pace throughout his races after suffering with an injury early in preseason workouts over the summer.
“He’s all business, and now he’s bringing it all together,” Engle said. “I hope he keeps it up.”
There have been ongoing injuries, most notably for senior Jack Olear. He has loomed as one of the leading runners, but he has been hindered by a calf injury. Other runners have also risen to the challenge to fill the vacated spots in the lineup. Sophomore Josh Osowiecki has consistently been the second-place finisher for the team, and his 19:07 in Vermont solidified Jackson Liberty’s respectable finish there. Freshman Matt Hickman has run strongly as the third best runner, and he was instrumental in the Liberty Lions’ surge from behind to overtake Monsignor Donovan High School, 30-45, in a dual meet that has been their best effort in the division. Sophomore Chris Raimondi also contributed to that victory, as did junior Young Ko, who has alternated as the No. 5 runner on the team with sophomore Nick Iorio.
“We pressed a lot of kids into service who were not ready [at the time], but they’re doing a great job,” Engle said.
The Liberty Lions also beat Manchester Township High School, Barnegat High School and Lakewood High School. They lost to Central Regional High School in dual-meet competition.
Engle realized they had their work cut out for them on Oct. 8 against division heavyweight Point Pleasant Borough High School and Pinelands Regional High School.
The Liberty Lions’ unexpectedly good performances from the start of the season have raised their confidence, as they prepare for the big upcoming meets that begin next weekend.