Andrews repeats as county xc champ

Click Here for Video in HD

Speed is a luxury to have at the end of a cross-country race. It not only helps you win the race, but, also keeps you from making any mistakes during a race.

When Holmdel's George Galasso tried to break up the lead pack with a mid-race surge halfway through the Monmouth County Championships on Oct. 21, Manalapan's Robby Andrews did not panic. He let Galasso have his moment in front while making sure that he, Andrews, remained in contact with the Hornet and everyone else. Running that way allowed him to keep his finish kick in reserve.

By the tennis courts, which have become the end game for harriers on the Holmdel Park course, Andrews had pulled even. With 1,000-meters left in the race and everyone thinking about how they were going to play their hand, the runner with the most finishing speed, Andrews, was along side them. Everyone knew what that meant. The Brave was on his way to his second straight championship.

"It was a repeat of last year," said Andrews. "On the last downhill, I opened my stride."

When Andrews made his decisive move, everyone was running for second.

Christian Brothers Academy's Mike Mazzaccaro recalled what it was like witnessing Andrews' kick.

"He left us," said the Colt.

Unchallenged exiting the woods, Andrews coasted home in 16:12 to beat Mazzaccaro (16:21) by nine seconds.

"I wanted to be under 16:00 (his personal best is 16:01), but, with the all the wind, it's (time) not too bad," said Andrews.

More important than time, however, was victory against a quality field that included Mazzaccaro, Galasso, Colts Neck's Mark Leininger and Red Bank Catholic's Bobby McGann, all, among the state's best, that mattered most to Andrews.

"It was a really tough race, my first real tough race of the year," he pointed out. "It's nice to know I can beat them."

Galasso (16:22) was third followed by McGann (16:25) and Leininger (16:26). Colts Neck' Mike O'Dowd was ninth (16:48).

Tomorrow, Andrews will lace them up again with Ocean County's best included at the Shore Conference Championships at Ocean County Park. Andrews is looking forward to running a fast time on this flat course.

Colts Neck's Briana Jackucewicz was looking to join Andrews as a repeat champion, but running in her first serious race at Holmdel Park this year wasn't as successful. She finished second to Mater Dei's Marie Walsh, 19:09 -19:18.

"It was a little wake-up call," said Jackucewicz. "I'm not in good hill shape. After the first hill I was not feeling too great.

"The first mile wasn't that fast, 6:20, but, it felt a lot harder than it should

(have)," she added.

Walsh edged ahead of Jackucewicz heading into the famed 'bowl' section of the course and gradually increased it.

"She's an aggressive runner," said Jackucewicz. "Marie ran a great race."

Jackucewicz pointed out that the state qualifying races (state sectional) are still a few weeks away, enough time for her to get back into racing shape.

"I know I can get there," she said.

In the team competition, CBA won easily with 67 points. Manalapan was the top area team finishing fourth (157). Gary Sparapani (17:31) and Matt Gabor (17:33) were 26th and 29th for the Braves.

The Braves, who recently won the public schools A North title, achieved their goal of a top five finish.

Colts Neck, with Leininger and O'Dowd placing fifth and ninth, was sixth (169).

Freehold Township had a top 10 finish in eighth (264). The Pats top harrier was Keenan Huggins-Filozof in 27th (17:32). Eric Dynarski was 38th (17:44).

Howell, was 13th (348) led by Tyler Gillies in 47th (17:56).

Freehold Borough's Cody O'Flaherty was 33rd (17:35).

Red Bank Catholic's girls won their second straight championship with 75 points. Howell beat out Colts Neck, 152-159, for fourth place and the best area finish.

Jacquie Ward led the Rebels in 21st (20:49) followed closely by Alyssa Pinney (20:59) in 24th. Laura Kochenash (21:11), Jamie Hand (21:21) and Tara Nelson (21:25) were 32nd, 36th and 39th.

Colts Neck got a 20th place overall and 19th in team scoring from Freehold District champion Rachel Morris (20:40).

MacKenzie Roche was 20th place (20:47) in the team scoring helped Freehold Borough finish 14th (299) and advance to the SC race.

Chelsea Thorsheim of Freehold Township qualified for the SC finishing 36th (21:16).

After tomorrow's SC meet, the road to the Meet of Champions begins with the NJSIAA Central Jersey Championships at Jamesburg's Thompson Park.