Sport Shorts

Howell's Matt Forys won the 2009 Polar Bear 5-Mile Run held on the Asbury Park boardwalk on Dec. 27. Forys, a former Howell High School and Bucknell University standout, had the boardwalk to himself, winning by almost three minutes in a time of 25:20. Runner-up Jeff Propert of Wall Township stopped the timer in 28:20. Marc Altenau, who starred for Shore Regional High School, West Long Branch, was third in 28:54, followed by Farnese DaSilva (29:34) of West Long Branch and Joe Rooney (29:45).

Briana Jackucewicz gave Howell residents a sweep of the Shore Athletic Clubsponsored race by winning the women's division in a time of 30:46. Jackucewicz, who is a freshman at Harvard University, was seventh overall in the 5-mile race. She is a graduate of Colts Neck High School.

The runner-up in the women's division was Lindsay Ritching of Point Pleasant Beach (31:16). Red Bank Regional High School graduate Caitlin Dorgan (31:27) was third, and another former Howell High School standout, Kellee Hand, who is now competing for the University of Pennsylvania, was fourth (32:13), followed by Dactillia Booth (32:39).

Just under 300 runners competed in the Polar Bear 5-Mile Run.

Andres Chocho of Ecuador won the 10- mile race walk in a meet record time of 1:10:18. Erin Taylor of Bergenfield was the women's race walk champion in a time of 1:32:28.

The Freehold Borough Little League will hold registration on Jan. 14, 15, 16 and 22 at the American Legion Hall, 62 W. Main St., Freehold. Registration times on Jan. 14, 15 and 22 are from 7-9 p.m. and the Jan. 16 date is 9 a.m. to noon. Boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 16 are eligible to participate. All players must bring a birth certificate and proof of Freehold Borough residency with them to registration. Fees are $69 (ages 5-6), $75 (ages 7-9), $95 (ages 10-12) and $115 (ages 13-16). A refundable $100 work bond service fee will also be collected. Parents must be present during registration. Call 732-845-0256 for additional information.

Muscle Hill was named New Jersey's Standardbred Horse of the Year for 2009. It was an easy choice. The 3-year-old son of Muscles Yankee, who stands at Perretti Farms in Cream Ridge, was undefeated in 12 starts and ran his win streak to 20. During his flawless campaign, he won the sport's most prestigious race, the $1.5-million Hambletonian. Muscle Hill equaled the all-age record on a 1-mile track in winning the race at the Meadowlands in a time of 1:50.1. He also won the Breeders Crown and set a single-season purse record of $2.45 million. Muscle Hill's lifetime purse earnings were $3,273,342.

The Marlboro Renegades, a 14U-15U travel baseball team playing in the central Jersey area, seeks quality pitchers and catchers. The schedule will include winter training to begin in January, and a spring travel baseball league and several tournaments. A couple of slots are still available; the team keeps a small roster of committed kids to maximize playing time. If interested, call Les Kramsky at 732-239-6767 or email lesrkramskyesq@yahoo.com.

A new Manalapan-Freehold travel baseball team seeks qualified players to compete in the 12U division of the USABL. Previous travel or all-star experience is preferred. Players must be able to commit to a 10-month program that includes intense winter training. Call Bob at 347-531-5419 for details.