Elkaim's Late Surge Leads Him to Title at Group 4 race

Different tactics, same result for Jeramy Elkaim.

Elkaim, a senior at Livingston, was having issues with his allergies at last Saturday's NJSIAA Group 4 Track & Field Championships in Old Bridge, so he decided to wait a little longer than usual to make his big move in the 3,200-meter run. When that time finally came, Elkaim responded by unleashing his big kick with about 250 meters left to get away from the field on his way to a third straight title in 9:05.43 at Lombardi Field in Old Bridge.

Elkaim is the first boy to win three straight Group 4 3,200 titles since Murad Campbell of Overbrook accomplished the feat from 1997-99.

"I was planning to make my move a lot earlier, with about 700 to go,'' said the Oregon-bound Elkaim. "But I was worried that because of my allergies I wouldn't have anything left at the end. So I just waited.''

He waited until he saw Collin Frost of Randolph fly by him with about 275 meters left.

"That was the wake up call I needed,'' said Elkaim, who ran a 58.8 final 400. "I had to go with Collin and use my kick to get past him and back in front. I really didn't want to wait that long, but things just sort of happened that way.''

Elkaim led five runners under 9:08, making it one of the fastest 3,200's in meet history.

Winning three straight Group 4 championships means a lot to Elkaim.

"No one really knew who I was as a sophomore when I had that great race with Taro (Shigenobu of Ridgewood),'' said Elkaim. "Winning that race (9:16.58 to 9:17.23) got everything going for me and helped me get to this point. Winning three in a row is a great accomplishment.''

Elkaim, the only Lancer to advance to Thursday's Meet of Champions at Old Bridge, is now focused on trying to win his second straight M of C title in the 3,200. Elkaim set the meet record at the M of C a year ago with his winning time of 8:46.08.

"I feel as confident and fit as I did last year coming into this race,'' said Elkaim. "I know with guys like Jim and Joe Rosa (West Windsor-Plainsboro North) and Morgan Pearson (Delbarton) it's going to be real fast. It could be faster than last year. But I'm ready and feel good about my chances to win again.''

Elkaim's biggest competition figures to come from Joe Rosa, who was second to Elkaim last year in 8:48.55, set the state record last June when he won the 2-mile at the New Balance Nationals in 8:44.06. Rosa won the Group 3 title on Saturday in a meet record 8:56.91.

"I know Joe will be ready to run, and so will I,'' said Elkaim. ``It should be another great race.''

Although no other Livingston athletes will be competing at the M of C, several Lancers turned in strong performances at the Group 4 meet.

For the girls, junior Shannon Kelly had the biggest highlight when she ran a school record 11:19.74 to place 13th in the 3,200. Kelly also placed 16th in the 1,600 in 5:16.11.

Michelle Lee was 16th in the javelin (98-10) and 19th in the discus (96-2). Jennifer Su placed 16th in the long jump (16-2). Taylor Rosenblum ran the 21st fastest time in the 110 dash trials (13.34), and Megan Kelly was 19th in the 400 hurdles in 1:08.26.

For the Livingston boys, German Valdez was 11th in the triple jump with a 42-9 and Nick Fogarty placed 18th in the 3,200 in 9:43.28.