Princeton High School Boys' Track Makes Mark in Relays

The Princeton High School boys track team may not match its 2010 success, that doesn't mean it can't have a good season.

Last year, Princeton was 7-1 in the regular season. It carried that success into the season-ending meets. Princeton advanced athletes into The Meet of Champions in four different events. Ajamu Kambon made it in the 400 hurdles. Max Reid made it in the 400 meters. Zaid Smart made it in the 3200. The 4x400 team of Kambon, Gerhard Gengel, Pete Marchetta and Reid also advanced.

"We had so many seniors and such a good year, we're not going to match that," Princeton Coach John Woodside said. "We still have a good team. It's not like we are going to have a total drop off."

For starters, Princeton returns Smart, a talented distance runner.

Smart helped Princeton to a good showing in the Mercer Relays on April 16.

Kevin Ivanov, Garrett Keyes, Bruce Robertson and Zaid Smart combined to place second in the distance medley in a time of 10:59.

Ivanov, Robertson, Mike Guan and Smart placed third in the 4x800 in a time of 8:25.

Guan, Ian McIsaac, Joe Rorem and Kevin Vahdat placed third in the 4x1600 in a time of 19:59.

Tim Brennan and Nick Gilette had a combined distance of 82' 9" in the shot put and placed third.

"They are doing well," Woodside said. "The kids are ready."

During this rainy April, Princeton was only been able to compete three times. Princeton also competed in the Metuchen Relays and had a regular season match against West Windsor South.

On April 13, Princeton was defeated by West Windsor South, 75-64.

"West Windsor South is a team that kind of lapped the field in the indoor county meet," Woodside said. "When you can keep a team like that within range, that's a good result."

Princeton also had a good result at the Metuchen Relays on April 9, placing in both the distance medley and 4x800.

Ivanov, Guan, Smart and Matt Burns placed third in the distance medley in a time of 10:58. Smart, Guan, Rorem and Sage Healy were sixth in the 4x800 in a time of 8:27.

According to Woodside, the team also has Eric Shorter, one of the area's best long and high jumpers. Mike Sorrentino also provides Princeton a talented pole vaulter.

"We're okay," Woodside noted. "We have some very competitive guys. We also have a lot of talented freshmen and sophomores. Even though they may not be capable of beating the best guys in the county right now, they are going to be very good."

Princeton will continue to build for its future while trying to take care of business in the 2011 season when it meets Hightstown on Monday.