Ridge Cross Country Boys And Girls Advance To State Group Championship

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Following their success at the Somerset County Championship last Thursday, the Ridge Cross Country team made their way to Greystone Park to race in the North II Group 4 sectional championship.

On this unusually hot October afternoon, the Ridge boys placed 2nd overall, and the Ridge girls placed 3rd, with both teams advancing to the State Group Championships next Saturday.

Junior Brenden McMahon captured the Sectional title with a winning time of 15:35. This time also earns him the school record at this course.

Alongside McMahon, the Ridge Boys had 3 more athletes in the top 20 to earn their 2nd place finish. Dev Patel placed 13th running 16:51, followed by Mitya Cole running 16:57 to place 14th, and Kaleb Huang placing 16th in 17:18. Justin Breviogel was the team’s 5th scorer placing 29th.

Sophomores Nick Alapatt and Max Neumann rounded out the top 7, with Nick matching his PR and both athletes placing in the top 50.

The Ridge Girls also placed well in their race, with Elayna Douglas, Rachel Biondo, and Ryan Ireland placing 13th, 14th, and 15th. They ran 20:29, 20:33, and 20:40 respectively. Close behind was Jane LaCapra, running 21:22 to place 25th.

This upcoming Saturday, the Ridge Cross Country team will travel back to Holmdel Park for the Group 4 Championship, with hopes of advancing to the Meet of Champions the following weekend.

— By Brenden McMahon