Bishop Eustace Crusaders
Runners to watch: After two straight impressive seasons to open her career, junior Arianna Cane could be ready to hit another level as an upperclassman. As a sophomore, she placed second at the sectional meet with a time of 20:50. She was also the runner-up in the National Division at the Olympic Conference Championships as well as the Bob Kiessling Invitational. Junior Elena Cicchini is another standout who had top 10 showings in all three major meets Bishop Eustace competed in last year, including a sixth at sectionals. Sophomore Carly Troy made a name for herself as a rookie by taking fourth in the National Division and 10th at sectionals and completes a terrific top three for the Crusaders. Sophomore Amelia Ingersoll and senior Emma Barger are also strong returning competitors.
Outlook: Bishop Eustace was in the mix at the big races last fall and took third at sectionals. With almost all of their top runners back, the Crusaders can do some damage in 2021.
Camden Catholic Fighting Irish
Runners to watch: Casey Bednarek emerged as Camden Catholic’s No. 1 runner as a sophomore and is looking forward to her junior campaign. She clocked a 21:10 at sectionals to place 16th and had top five performances in the National Division at the Olympic Conference Championships along with the Bob Kiessling Invitational. Leah Clear is another talented junior who crossed the finish line a few seconds after Bednarek in the sectional and Kiessling meets. Vicki Wang and Emma Shannon are senior captains who are consistent at all the top races, while juniors Winnie Wang and Genevieve McMullen are other key veterans. Sophomores Mary Picciano and Brianna Deiwert showed promise as rookies and have the potential to run in the top five for Camden Catholic.
Outlook: The Irish bring back a deep and experienced nucleus and have a chance to make waves at the championship meets.
Cherokee Chiefs
Runners to watch: Cherokee brings back a stacked roster led by senior Nikki Clifford, who was the champion at the Burlington County Open as a junior with a time of 19:50. She was also the runner-up at the Olympic Conference Championships and placed fourth at sectionals. Clifford is coming off a fantastic outdoor track season and is poised for big things throughout her senior year. Junior Kelsey Niglio is another standout upperclassman who took third at sectionals and was in the top 10 at the county and conference races. Sophomore Kerry O’Day was one of the best freshmen in South Jersey if not the state, as she was the runner-up at sectionals and the county meet and took third in the conference. It will be exciting to see what she does for an encore. O’Day leads a phenomenal sophomore class that also includes Olivia Parkinson and Alaina Bromley, who placed seventh and eighth, respectively, at sectionals to give the Chiefs an amazing five of the top eight. Emma Parkinson and Allison Rahman also contributed as rookies and that group will shine for Cherokee for the next three years. Senior Noelle Falconer rounds out the talented crop of returners.
Outlook: The 2020 season was one to remember for the Chiefs, who were crowned champions of the Olympic American, Burlington County and South Jersey Group IV. They intend to be in contention for all of those titles again along with a state championship this fall.
Cherry Hill East Cougars
Runners to watch: Alexis Tepper followed up a promising rookie year with a fantastic sophomore season, as she captured the South Jersey Group IV crown with a time of 19:51. Tepper was also the Olympic Conference champion and took 10th at the Camden County meet and has high hopes for her junior season. She has a chance to be one of the state’s premier runners. Madison McNiff is a key senior who placed 12th at sectionals and consistently posted times in the 20-minute range. Junior Inesa Grace Linker and seniors Chloe Diamond and Keira Federline are other top returners who can always be counted on at the major races, and junior Kiley Walsh, a newcomer to cross country, has high hopes for her first season. Seniors Emily Volin, Michelle Barry and Rachel Singer and junior Anna Kramer add depth.
Outlook: The Cougars were in the mix at all the major meets in 2020, taking second to rival Cherokee at the sectional and conference races and second to Haddonfield at the county championships. They expect to make their presence felt again and Tepper will be determined to defend her individual titles as well.
Cherry Hill West Lions
Runners to watch: Megan Faucett is hoping to cap off a strong career at Cherry Hill West with a big senior season. She clocked a 22:40 at sectionals as a junior to place 25th and will be looking to get her times even lower this fall. Senior Sarah Davidson is back from an injury that kept her from finishing last season and is looking strong. The Lions also added two new members from the track and field team who will factor into a stronger team this season: senior Corrine Martello, who was part of the 4x800 team that qualified for states last spring, and junior Julisa Rodriguez, whose long sprint speed will add some intensity to workouts. Junior Lizbeth Reyes has been a contributor since her freshman year and should only get better as an upperclassman. She placed 18th in the National Division at the Olympic Conference Championships. Sophomores Jade Abejo and Adriana Lai gained valuable experience as rookies and will also be runners to keep an eye on.
Outlook: The Lions may not be ready to contend at the major races, but they can stay competitive with Faucett leading the way.
Clearview Pioneers
Runners to watch: Abigail Waddington stormed to the front of the pack and put together an impressive sophomore season in 2020. She clocked a 20:14 at the South Jersey Track Coaches Association (SJTCA) Open to place fourth, and also took ninth at sectionals and fifth at the Gloucester County Championships. She will again set the pace for Clearview. Junior Abigail Kotran is another key returner who placed in the top 20 at the county meet and top 25 at sectionals. Senior Mira Switzer is expected to be an important contributor and senior Lillian Cloyd hopes to make an impact as well. Junior Aubrey Donahue and sophomore Allison Roes have joined the team after very good spring track seasons and Rachel Jones is another sophomore to watch.
Outlook: The Pioneers took second to rival Kingsway at the county meet and placed third at sectionals to highlight their 2020 season. Waddington and the other returners should carry the team to more success this fall.
Eastern Vikings
Runners to watch: Eastern will once again be paced by senior Lauren Kenselaar, who has been the team’s No. 1 runner the past two years. Her best performance as a junior came at the Olympic Conference Championships, where she posted a time of 21:14 to finish 14th in the American Division. She also took 23rd at sectionals and 24th at the Camden County Championships. Junior Sophia Gambescia and senior Sophia Staiger often finished seconds apart at the big races and are also important pieces of the team. Sophomore Taylor Hodnett will look to build on a solid freshman campaign and other contributors are senior Arianna Morales and sophomore Caroline Becker.
Outlook: The Vikings placed in the top five at the conference and county meets last season and took seventh at sectionals for the second year in a row. They’ll make noise again at those races and attempt to move up a spot or two.
Gloucester Catholic Rams
Runners to watch: Senior Libby Dockett has been Gloucester Catholic’s top runner the last few seasons and is looking forward to a big final season. In addition to posting low times at the major meets, she will also act as a mentor for the younger girls in the program. Sophomore Vianna Espinal is an up-and-coming runner to keep an eye on and freshman Dianny Rodriguez is also excited to join the program and contribute right away.
Outlook: Last season was an uneven one for the Rams, who had trouble finding their footing due to COVID shutdowns. They are eager to have an uninterrupted schedule and Dockett can certainly leave her mark on the championship races.
Haddonfield Bulldawgs
Runners to watch: Haddonfield said goodbye to an unforgettable group of seniors, so the roster will look much different. On the bright side, there is still talent remaining and sophomore Anne Earp could be ready to take over as the No. 1 runner. Her rookie season included top five finishes at the Camden County Championships and Colonial Conference All-Star Meet—clocking in under 20 minutes each time—and she placed sixth at sectionals. Junior Sabrina Miller will also push for the top spot after taking sixth in the conference and eighth at sectionals. Senior Jess Goode placed 11th at sectionals and junior Helene Usher is another valuable veteran. Sophomores Ava Thomas, Riley Slootsky and Sarah Fetter will look to make their way into the top seven.
Outlook: Haddonfield made it 11th consecutive sectional titles last year and would have been top contenders at states and the Meet of Champions had they been held. The Bulldawgs also claimed county and conference titles. It will be interesting to see if they can stay on top with a new cast of stars.
Kingsway Dragons
Runners to watch: Kingsway brings back a pair of stellar runners who could both end up being among the best in South Jersey. Junior Aubrey Pierontoni was the Gloucester County champion as a sophomore and placed third at the South Jersey Track Coaches Association (SJTCA) Open. She posted a personal-best time of 18:37 at the Crash Invitational. Senior Allison Helkowski took first at the SJTCA Open and was runner-up behind her teammate at the county meet. Her best time of the year was a 19:08 at the Crash Invitational. The Dragons also have a group of standouts right behind their dynamic duo. Senior Allison MacFarland, juniors Nicole Lipieta and Shelby Dyer and sophomore Cassidy Dunk all placed in the top 13 at the county meet and the top 15 at the SJTCA meet. Junior Alexandra Weatherby is another promising returner who could have an impact.
Outlook: Kingsway had its streak of five straight sectional titles come to an end last year, but only because the Dragons were unable to compete for COVID-19 reasons. They’ll look to start another streak with Pierontoni and Helkowski leading the charge.
Lenape Indians
Runners to watch: Lenape returns a solid crop of seniors led by Grace Boltz. She had strong showings at the Burlington County Open, where she placed 20th with a time of 21:44, and the Olympic Conference Championships, where she took 25th in the American Division. It would not be surprising to see her move up a few spots in those races and the sectional meet. Lauren Soutar and Julia Sellers were often side by side each other at the big races last year and are other key returners. Sophie Sorid is a fourth senior who will play an important role this season.
Outlook: The Indians hope to strengthen their numbers this year and have the potential to move up a few spots at the major meets behind the senior class.
Moorestown Quakers
Runners to watch: Moorestown graduated No. 1 runner Kate Inglis, who was part of a strong senior class, so new leaders will have to come to the forefront. Although just a sophomore, Mary Laufer could be in line for the role. She shined as a rookie, clocking a 21:45 to place 22nd at the Burlington County Open and a 22:11 to finish 17th at sectionals. Senior Anna Varrell is another varsity returner who will be counted on during the big races. Sophomore Zi Chen flashed potential as a rookie during JV matches and could be a key competitor along with senior O’Neal Keegan. Other veterans expected to contribute are seniors Kaitlyn Eagles, Renee Reyher, Sophie Wilt and Charlotte Sims.
Outlook: The Quakers placed third at the county meet and fourth at sectionals in 2020 with a senior-laden squad. They hope to stay in the mix with a new core.
Moorestown Friends Foxes
Runners to watch: Hannah Puc showed a lot of promise as a rookie and is expected to be Moorestown Friends’ No. 1 runner as a sophomore. It will be interesting to see how she fares at the major meets. The Foxes also have some talented upperclassmen, such as juniors Ava Savino and Eva Vanterpool and senior Julia Newell, who is new to cross country but ready to make a significant contribution. Sophomore Angie Siaca Sanchez and freshman Maia Morbin have potential as well.
Outlook: The Foxes were limited to a handful of meets last year because of the pandemic but are looking forward to stacking up against elite competition at the Friends Schools League Championships and sectionals this fall.
Paul VI Eagles
Runners to watch: Shaelan McNally had a phenomenal rookie season capped off by a fourth-place finish at sectionals, where she set a PR of 19:35. She was also the National Division champion at the Olympic Conference meet and took first at the Bob Kiessling Invitational, along with a seventh-place finish at the Camden County Championships. She has set the bar high for her sophomore year and the rest of her career. Sophomore Gisella Croge had top 10 performances at the conference and Kiessling meets and placed 23rd at sectionals, and Madison Pedicelli is yet another standout sophomore. Seniors Katlyn McDonald and Carlyann Carey and junior Kamryn Cieslik are key veterans who also return in the top seven. Seniors Sunni Cromwell and Autumn Withers and sophomore Danielle Russell could also make their presence felt.
Outlook: The Eagles were champions in the National Division and Kiessling Invitational and also placed third at sectionals and the county meet last fall. They hope to add a few more team titles this season and McNally should be in contention for individual crowns.
Seneca Golden Eagles
Runners to watch: Junior Paige Venable and sophomores Loralyn Balint and Mia Rose often crossed the finish line within seconds of each other last year and are all capable of leading the pack on any given day. Venable placed 19th in the National Division at the Olympic Conference Championships, followed by Balint in 20th and Rose in 21st. Balint was first among the trio at sectionals with a time of 24:40, just a second ahead of Venable, and Rose was not far behind. It will be interesting to see how all three do this fall with another year of experience. Ali Weir is a key senior, while junior Danielle Wheeler and sophomores Rayne Kanaly and Haylee Mehigan are also back in the mix. Sophomore Alex Butcher is a newcomer to cross country but expected to have a big impact right away. Other notable additions to the squad are senior Jennifer Barton, junior Emma Kambeck, sophomore Paige Scafidi and freshmen Julia Hodges, Hunter Kirkbride and Jaycee Dybus.
Outlook: There is plenty of young talent on the roster, making the Golden Eagles optimistic they can move up a few slots at the big races and surprise some people.
Shawnee Renegades
Runners to watch: Shawnee has a terrific nucleus led by junior Kate Ruona, who competed at the Meet of Champions as a freshman and got off to a strong start last year as a sophomore but was unable to run at the major meets. She is joined by senior Kyra Birdsall, who clocked a 21:11 at the Olympic Conference Championships to place 11th in the American Division. She also took 13th at the Burlington County Open and 28th at sectionals. Junior Sydney Kiernan and senior Madelyn Valasek both placed in the top 20 at the conference meet and tied for 14th at the county open. Sophomore Nicole Tellechea and senior Madison Koveloski are other top returners who will be counted on to score at the big races. Senior Sarah Kochanski and sophomore Sophia McBride are other returners to keep an eye on.
Outlook: The Renegades were runners-up at the county meet, fourth at the conference meet and sixth at sectionals last year. It would not be surprising to see them contend at one or more of those races this fall.
Washington Township Minutemaids
Runners to watch: Washington Township graduated an outstanding runner in Maura Kane and will have to break in a new No. 1. Junior Allyson Wernik could be in line for the role after clocking a 21:29 at the Olympic Conference Championships to place 16th in the American Division. She also had a solid effort at sectionals, posting a time of 22:44. Tess Hanson, Jade Figueroa and Mackenzie Cochran are key seniors who are also capable of registering low times during batch meets and major races. Sophomore Abigail Kolowsky showed potential as a rookie and other returners looking to leave their mark are seniors Faith Cardente and Veronica Kelly and junior Katelyn Arnold.
Outlook: The Minutemaids have some promising returners to build around and are looking forward to a full season, including a return to the Gloucester County Championships after missing out last year due to a COVID shutdown.
SCHEDULE
Bishop Eustace Crusaders
9/21 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 3:50 p.m.
9/28 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 3:50 p.m.
10/20 at Olympic Conference Championships, 3:30 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Camden Catholic Fighting Irish
9/21 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 3:50 p.m.
9/28 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 3:50 p.m.
10/20 at Olympic Conference Championships, 3:30 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Cherokee Chiefs
9/11 Cherokee Challenge, 9 a.m.
9/21 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 4:25 p.m.
9/28 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 4:25 p.m.
10/15 at Burlington County Open, 3:30 p.m.
10/20 at Olympic Conference Championships, 3:30 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Cherry Hill East Cougars
9/11 at Cherokee Challenge, 9 a.m.
9/17 Battle at Ocean County Park, 3:30 p.m.
9/21 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 3:50 p.m.
9/25 at Six Flags Wild Safari Invitational, 9 a.m.
9/28 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 3:50 p.m.
10/2 at Shore Coaches Invitational, 9 a.m.
10/20 at Olympic Conference Championships, 3:30 p.m.
10/21 Olympic Conference batch meet at RCSJ-Gloucester, TBA
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Cherry Hill West Lions
9/11 at Cherokee Challenge, 9 a.m.
9/18 at South Jersey Shootout, 9 a.m.
9/21 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 4:25 p.m.
9/25 at Six Flags Wild Safari Invitational, 9 a.m.
9/28 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 4:25 p.m.
10/2 at Shore Coaches Invitational, 9 a.m.
10/9 at South Jersey Open, TBA
10/20 at Olympic Conference Championships, 3:30 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Clearview Pioneers
9/14 at Kingsway, 4:45 p.m.
9/28 Tri-County batch meet at Cumberland, 4:45 p.m.
10/5 Tri-County batch meet at Delsea, 4:45 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Eastern Vikings
9/11 at Cherokee Challenge, 9 a.m.
9/21 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 3:50 p.m.
9/24 at Osprey Open, 4 p.m.
9/28 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 4:25 p.m.
10/2 at Shore Coaches Invitational, 9 a.m.
10/20 at Olympic Conference Championships, 3:30 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Gloucester Catholic Rams
9/14 Tri-County batch meet at Kingsway, 4:15 p.m.
9/28 Tri-County batch meet at Cumberland, 4:15 p.m.
10/5 Tri-County batch meet at Delsea, 4:15 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Haddonfield Bulldawgs
9/21 vs. Sterling, 4:25 p.m.
9/25 at Bowdoin Classic, TBA
9/28 vs. Audubon, 4:25 p.m.
10/2 at Shore Coaches Invitational, 9 a.m.
10/5 vs. Haddon Heights, 4:25 p.m.
10/9 at Manhattan Invitational, TBA
10/12 vs. Haddon Township, 4:25 p.m.
10/28 at Colonial Conference All-Star Meet, 4:25 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Kingsway Dragons
9/14 vs. Clearview, 4:45 p.m.
9/28 Tri-County batch meet at Cumberland, 4:45 p.m.
10/5 Tri-County batch meet at Delsea, 4:45 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Lenape Indians
9/21 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 3:50 p.m.
9/28 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 4:25 p.m.
10/15 at Burlington County Open, 3:30 p.m.
10/20 at Olympic Conference Championships, 3:30 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Moorestown Quakers
9/11 at Cherokee Challenge, 9 a.m.
9/14 Batch meet at Cinnaminson, 3:30 p.m.
9/18 at South Jersey Shootout, 9 a.m.
9/21 Batch meet at Westampton Tech, 3:45 p.m.
10/2 at Shore Coaches Invitational, 9 a.m.
10/5 Batch meet at Westampton Tech, 3:45 p.m.
10/12 Batch meet at Moorestown, 3:45 p.m.
10/15 at Burlington County Open, 3:30 p.m.
10/20 at BCSL Open, 3:30 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Moorestown Friends Foxes
9/17 Tri-meet at Westampton Tech, 3:45 p.m.
9/21 vs. Friends Select and George School, 4 p.m.
9/24 vs. Maple Shade, 4 p.m.
9/28 Tri-meet at Westtown, 4 p.m.
10/5 Tri-meet at Abington Friends, 4 p.m.
10/12 at Friends Central, 4 p.m.
10/19 at FSL Championships, 2:30 p.m.
10/27 vs. Princeton Day, 4 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Paul VI Eagles
9/21 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 3:50 p.m.
9/28 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 3:50 p.m.
10/20 at Olympic Conference Championships, 3:30 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Seneca Golden Eagles
9/11 at Cherokee Challenge, 9 a.m.
9/17 Battle at Ocean County Park, 3:30 p.m.
9/21 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 4:25 p.m.
9/24 at Robbinsville, TBA
9/28 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 4:25 p.m.
10/2 at Shore Coaches Invitational, 9 a.m.
10/9 at South Jersey Open, TBA
10/15 at Burlington County Open, 3:30 p.m.
10/20 at Olympic Conference Championships, 3:30 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Shawnee Renegades
9/21 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 4:25 p.m.
9/28 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 4:25 p.m.
10/2 at Shore Coaches Invitational, 9 a.m.
10/9 at South Jersey Open, TBA
10/15 at Burlington County Open, 3:30 p.m.
10/20 at Olympic Conference Championships, 3:30 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Washington Township Minutemaids
9/11 at Cherokee Challenge, 9 a.m.
9/18 Invitational at Fairmount Park, TBA
9/21 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 4:25 p.m.
9/24 at Robbinsville, TBA
9/28 Olympic Conference batch meet at DREAM Park, 4:25 p.m.
10/2 at Shore Coaches Invitational, 9 a.m.
10/9 at South Jersey Open, TBA
10/20 at Olympic Conference Championships, 3:30 p.m.
11/6 at sectional championships, TBA
11/13 State championships at Holmdel Park, TBA
11/20 Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park, TBA
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 4 (July 2021).
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