By Bob Nuse, Sports Editor
Will Hare knew the competition at the state Group IV track and field meet would be tough. But the Princeton High junior also knew he was prepared to be part of the group that made the competition tough.
Hare finished fifth in the 1,600 meters at the Group IV meet last weekend at Egg Harbor, covering the distance in 4:17.66 and finishing less than half a second away from third place. The performance landed him a spot in the Meet of Champions, while he also helped the 4×800 relay to a seventh-place finish that was good enough to earn a wild card berth into the Meet of Champions.
Hare is part of a solid PHS contingent that will compete in the Meet of Champions on Saturday at Northern Burlington High School. Alex Roth finished second in the 3,200, Paul Brennan was third in the discus, and Nils Wildberg was sixth in the long jump to earn spots at the MOC. Simon Schenk earned a wild card with his seventh-place finish in the pole vault, while Varun Narayan also earned a wild card with an eighth-place finish in the long jump. The 4×800 relay of Nicholas Delaney, Jackson McCarthy, Roth and Hare also earned a wild card with a seventh-place finish.
For Hare, earning a trip to the MOC caps off a junior year that started with a Meet of Champions team title in cross country and has been solid all season long.
“I didn’t think I would end up doing the 1,600,” Hare said. “Going into Groups I wanted to triple because I had not had a fast 1,600 this year. Obviously, running the 4×800 was a no-brainer. The idea of being on a relay and going to state championship is always something as a runner you want to be able to accomplish. And the 3,200, I thought my race left something to be desired. But that’s a product of doing eight race in three weeks and that takes a toll on your body I just didn’t have it that day.
“I was pleased with the 1,600 and there is a level of excitement running it the Meet of Champions because I know how fast they can go and I am excited to go out and run with the top guys and best runners in New Jersey.”
Hare has certainly established himself as someone who belongs in the top group of runners in the state. He competed with the best in the state in the 1,600 and 3,200 and earned a spot in the MOC in the 1,600.
“I finished fifth and was happy with the time and effort,” Hare said. “I think I can go faster. The school record is 4:14 and change. Obviously that would be awesome to get knowing how many great runners were here in the 70s and 80s. That is the No. 1 goal. There are so many guys in the state who are very talented runners.
“I have been learning from Roth. I have had conversations with him and I have learned from him that there is nobody who, when you toe the line, you should look at and say I can’t beat that guy. Everyone is beatable, especially in a race like the 1,600. Anyone can have an great day. I am exited to go out and show a little more speed and see if I can get my fastest time.”
Hare just missed out on a spot in the 3,200, where he would have joined Roth in another race together.
“Roth and I have accompanied each other on running journey over the last two years,” Hare said. “It just hit me recently that it is coming to a close. This will be our last MOC together.
“We’ll run the 4×800 together and hopefully medal. Hopefully we can close out with some good performances.”
