Demarest runs away with Division B titles at Bergen County Championships by Zach Miller of The Record
OLD TAPPAN — Rain and cold temperatures threw some twists into the final day of the Bergen County Championships, but did nothing to stop Demarest from running away with the boys Division B title.
Norsemen seniors Andrew Peterson and Ty Miller — committed to Columbia and Northeastern, respectively — each stayed hot after winning titles Friday, doubling up to salt the boys title away before lunchtime.
Peterson, who won the 400-meter intermediate hurdles title Friday, ran the 110 high hurdles in 16.06 seconds to win his third career individual county event.
“I’m a short dude so I can’t deal with the wind, but the rain’s giving me energy,” Peterson said, laughing and wiping rain off of his head. “This is a race that you can’t win if you don’t have energy, especially when you’re (5-foot-8).”
Miller followed up a victory in the 1,600 run by running the 3,200 in 9:51.39. Just like on Friday, teammates Blade Tirado and Tim Larsen quickly followed to give Demarest a sweep of the top three spots.
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“It’s kind of entertaining in this weather,” Miller said. “Ever since cross country season, our goal for the entire year was this spring track season. We’ve been coached very well, Mike Ippolito has brought some new training and it’s really working out.”
The medals are Miller’s first after multiple top five finishes in past seasons.
“In cross country season, I really sat and looked at myself and thought I could really do something,” he said. “This has really been a turning point for me.”
Demarest also swept the top three spots in the 800 thanks to Will Welzer, Josh Munoz and Justin Nam, and got first place finishes from Jason Mezhibovsky (pole vault), Gregory Giulini (discus), Connor Scaglione (shot put), Joseph Grygotis (triple jump) and the 4×800 relay to score 201½ points during the two-day meet.
“Our goal is to run the line from league to county to state sectionals,” Peterson said. “This is just a stepping stone to get to the bigger fish to fry later.”
Demarest girls win team title too
The Norsewomen also enjoyed a busy day of racking up medals, led by Jessie Geller winning the javelin, Hailey Fitzpatrick winning the 3,200, Georgia Markham winning the 800 and Kyra Pialtos winning the 200.
They also flashed some versatility by winning the 4×100 relay with a team that includes defending Group 2 pole vault champion Michelle Rubinetti and Geller, the defending Group 2 javelin champion.
They benefitted from River Dell, the Division B leader after Friday’s events, choosing not to participate Saturday. The Hawks will compete in their league meet on Monday.
“For us, it just made more sense not to have three really hard days in five days,” River Dell coach Mike Urso said. “Demarest is a very good team. We’re focused on getting them in two weeks.”
Ridgewood boys seal Division A title, girls all but lock up theirs
In Division A, the Ridgewood boys followed up a strong Friday by sweeping the remaining relays and adding first place finishes from Max Bartlik (triple jump) and Kobi Grant (200 dash).
Just like in the 100 dash a day earlier, Grant won while teammate Matt Tai placed second.
The Maroons hold a large lead in the team standings with 165½ points with the high jump to come on Monday. The division A, C and high jump, as well as the remaining pole vault competitions were postponed to Monday at Ridgewood due to the weather.
“It’s hard to win this meet if you’re just good in one area,” Ridgewood boys coach Josh Saladino said. “You have to be good across the board.”
The Ridgewood girls also showed strength across the board as Olympia Martin won the 3,200, Katherine Muccio won the 200 dash and Lexi Uzoaru won the shot put.
The Maroons hold a lead in the team standings over Northern Highlands, 139.6-131, with the pole vault still to be contested Monday.