Woodside passes 100 career coaching wins

After his 100th career coaching win, it didn't take John Woodside long to start his begin work on his next 100 wins. In fact, it happened at the same time.

The Princeton High boys cross country team defeated Trenton (15-50) and Hopewell Valley (19-42) in a tri-meet on Sept. 27.

"That gave me 100 and 101 coaching wins for my career," Woodside said. He has a career record of 101-35.

"You sort of look at that and say, 'we have had a lot of success here.' Even on the off years, we have picked up some wins and done well. I think reaching 100 wins is a testament to the overall excellence we have had here. I'm proud about that."

Kevin Ivanov was the top finisher in the race with a time of 17:40. Conor Donahue (18:00), Will Flemer (18:03), Ian McIsaac (18:12) and Sage Healy (18:13) also scored for Princeton.

In addition to the two wins on Tuesday, Sept. 27, Princeton also has victories against Robbinsville, Notre Dame, Allentown and Ewing this year. The lone loss was to West Windsor South.

"West Windsor South is the number two ranked team in the state, so we weren't going to win that one," Woodside said.

Princeton also won the Group III portion of the Passaic Coaches Invitational on Sept. 24.

Kevin Ivanov was ninth overall in the race with a time of 17:15. Will Flemer (17:43), Matt Hoffman (17:45), Ian McIsaac (17:46) and Sage Healy (17:47) were Princeton's other top runners.

"I thought the guys all ran confidently," Woodside said. "That's what I wanted to see from them. I think we have the talent and the depth. The thing we didn't have was the experience of winning races like this. That was a good win."

Princeton is scheduled to be back in action on Saturday when it takes part in Shore Coaches Invitational at Holmdel Park.

"Most of the top teams in the state will be running in that one," Woodside noted. "That's where the Group finals and the Meet of Championships will be held. We all want to get a chance to run on that course."