By Mike White
Staff Writer
CHRIS KELLY Jackson’s Dana Mlotkiewicz (center) was one of just several talented runners that helped lead the Jaguars to a championship season on the track this season.
JACKSON — Alton Johnson has seen a lot of talented athletes compete for the Jackson High School girls’ track team since he started coaching, almost 20 years ago.
But Johnson admits he’s never had a more talented bunch than the group he directed this season.
So gifted, in fact, that many drew the attention of college coaches. Nine members of this year’s team will compete at the college level next year.
Eight of them received either full or partial scholarships.
"This is probably the most talented team we’ve had here since I’ve been with the program," Johnson said. "We had talented kids in every event. This squad was loaded with depth. I think that is one reason why we experienced the amount of success we did this year. We stayed healthy and focused on the big events."
Jackson finished the 2003 season with a 6-0 mark in dual meets. The Lady Jags went on to win A South, Ocean County and sectional championships.
"It was quite a good year," Johnson said. "I have to give a lot of the credit to the leadership we had on this team. Not only were a lot of seniors talented athletes, but they were excellent role models on and off the track as well. The senior girls took the younger underclassmen under their wings and showed them the ropes of what to expect at the varsity level. Track is a very long and physically demanding season. The key is staying away from injuries."
Katie Chin and Lauren Deane are both headed to Rider University in the fall. Chin is a sprinter and hurdler, while Dean throws the shot put and discus.
Megan Reid will compete at Gettysburg College, while Asha Arnett opted to stay local and will run for Monmouth University.
"I think that Monmouth is getting a great deal by Asha deciding to go to school there," Johnson said. "She is a hard-working athlete who should make an impact on that program."
Nicole Montegary is going to Lehigh, where she’ll compete in the pentathlon and heptathlon.
"She is a tremendous athlete," Johnson said. "She is going to make that program extremely happy when they benefit from all the things she can do. She is now learning to high jump. She never remains satisfied with the things she can do. She is always working to improve."
East Carolina recruited talented distance runner Jenna Prendergast, while teammate Meghan Faughnan will go to Ramapo College.
Jackie Wojtaszek is headed for Stockton College and Jackie Marsiglia is hoping to make the team at UConn as a walk-on.
"We now have 35 athletes who are actively competing at the college level," Johnson said. "We have an extremely talented group of sophomores who are going to be catching the eye of college coaches in the future. The kids who compete at this program work hard and are dedicated to the sport."