The West Orange boys and girls were both third in the North Jersey, Section 1, and Group IV indoor track championships in Toms River and had two meet records thrown in.
The boys were had 32 ½ points led by junior Jared Mason's meet record 1:58.25 in the 800. Mason broke the former record of 1:59.81. The girls were also third with 32 points behind senior shot putter Nia Barnes' meet record of 40-4 ½, breaking the former record of 37-9 ¾.
The top six in each event move on to Friday's state group meet at the John Bennett IndoorAthletic Facilty in Toms River.
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"He (Mason) ran by himself, he's capable of going 1:55 and 1:54 at that facility, he'll do even better next week," said coach Joe Picataggio. "I think Nia is one of the top three or four in the state and its really her first year throwing the shot. She'll only get better. She's doing her javelin training, but she's learning every time with the shot. It's a bit upside for her."
The boys had outstanding performances from senior Josh McNeil, who was third in the 55-meter dash in 6.88 and junior Dexter Valley, second in the 400 in 51.54. Junior Anfernee LaRue also qualified with a fifth in the 400 with a 52.03.
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"I think Dexter can go 50 flat, that's my problem, not just saying that because he's on our team, he gets a little excited before races," said the coach. "He took the lead a little too early, he was number one seed going in, it wasn't his best performance. I think it'll be better Friday."
The 4x400 team was also third, finishing in 3:32.71 with LaRue leading off, sophomore Karl Cajuste, Mason and Valley anchoring. Senior James Cham was ill and wasn't able to run.
"With James in there I think the kids will move on to the Meet of Champions," said Picataggio.
Sophomore Franklin Adams was tied for sixth in the high jump with a 5-foot-6 clearance.
Senior Yori St. Hill was a runner-up in the girls' high jump, clearing 4-foot-10.
Senior Sydney Grimes was third in the shot put at 34-5 ½ and junior Kierra McCall was sixth in 32 — 5 1/2. Nia Barnes' sister Aliya, a freshman, was sixth in the 55 meters in 7.80. Picataggio gave credit to weight coach Jason Webber for the team's performances.
The girls 4x400 team finished fourth in 4:18.66. Senior Alexis Miller led off, handed off to freshman Josie Mitchell, St. Hill and freshman Faith Iyizoda. The team came in seeded eighth, but beat two teams they hadn't all winter — Montclair and Clifton.
"The biggest surprise of the day," said Pictaggio, adding the team came into the winter with a personal best of 4:27. "We have been looking for the fourth girl and we think Yori is the girl."
