Westwood Track and Field Association Athletes Excel

Members of the Westwood Track and Field Association, which is made up of athletes between 7 and 14 years of age, qualified for the New Jersey Junior Olympics held in Asbury Park June 11 and 12.

Kevin Brennan of the Westwood Track and Field Association said the athletes, who live in Westwood, Washington Township, River Vale and Hillsdale, did well. Those who placed first through sixth in Asbury Park qualified to advance to the Regional Meet, which will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa. next month.

Brennan said the athletes are practicing three days a week at to prepare for the Pittsburgh meet. They also have some help from members of the Westwood High School girls track team who serve as assistant coaches.

Brennan explained the Westwood Track and Field Association is meant to shape young athletes and encourage them to return to help coach the younger generation. Megan Kocher, who participated with the association, has been volunteering for three years. Dana Biachi, another Westwood Track and Field Association alum, has assisted for two years. Alexandra Cimino started coaching the group this year, but did not previously participate with the organization.

According to Brennan, the three girls are dedicated to the program, attending most practices and meets even though they had a busy track schedule of their own.

"They are incredible role models, know the kids by name and truly help motivate our young athletes," Brennan said.

Below are the results from the USA Track and Field New Jersey Junior Olympics.

Athletes under 8 years of age:

• Alianna Eucker: placed fifth in the 800 meter and first in New Jersey in both the 1,500 meter and the long jump
• Marcus Cheema: placed fourth in the 400 meter and second in the 800 meter and first in the 1,500 meter runs
• Reeve Schneider: placed first in New Jersey in the javelin

Athletes 9 and 10 years old:

• Robert Lomer: now ranked No. 15 in New Jersey in the 1,500 meter

Athletes 11 and 12 years old:

• Camilla Beutel: placed third in New Jersey in the 800 meter
• Kathryn Shiber: placed second in New Jersey in the discus
• Joseph Jouvais: placed No. 5 in New Jersey in the javelin
• Sage Shapiro: placed seventh in the long jump

Athletes 13 and older:

• Samantha Ruiz: placed 11th in the 1,500 meter and 12th in the 800 meter
• Hana Shapiro: placed 11th in the 100 meter hurdles, seventh in the high jump and fourth in New Jersey in the triple jump
• Jessica Molina: placed eighth in the discus, fourth in the shotput and second in the javelin
• Rebecca Davies: placed first in New Jersey in the javelin
• Olivia Beutel and Ashley Grob: placed first and second in New Jersey in the 3,000 meter racewalk
• Michael Richetti: placed third in the 3,000 meter racewalk
• Zachary Ruiz: now ranked fifth in New Jersey in the discus