This page focuses on the South Jersey Group IV Championships (May 26th and 27th) and the State Group IV Championships (June 2nd and 3rd), both at Egg Harbor Township HS. Also, there is a section on the annual Track Banquet where team members, parents, friends and coaches enjoy a final meal together and review the accomplishments of the year.
South Jersey Group IV Championships
On May 26th and 27th, 2006, several of Cherokee's top performers participated in the South Jersey Group IV Championships at Egg Harbor Township HS, and four athletes advanced to the State Group IV Championships! Eric Pontrello took 4th in the Pole Vault at 13'; Chris Steliga took 6th in the Long Jump at 20' 10.75"; Steve Watson took 6th in the Triple Jump at 43' 4.25"; and Vin Marziano took 5th in the 3200m in 9:50.92! In addition, Chris Steliga's Triple Jump of 42' 0" was a full two feet beyond his previous best and one place from advancing to the Groups in the event; and Lynell Payne's PR throw of 42' 3" won his flight in the Shot Put! Additional details at: Scullion
Friday's action
Saturday's action
NJSIAA Group IV Championships
On June 2nd and 3rd, 2006, Cherokee's four qualifiers from the South Jersey Group IV Championships participated in the statewide NJSIAA Group IV Championships, again at Egg Harbor Township HS but this time under rainy conditions. Only one advanced to the NJSIAA Meet of Championships.
While others faltered because of the wet conditions, Chris Steliga jumped 20' 10.50", only 1/4 inch less than the previous week, and again took 6th in the Long Jump! With this, he moves on to the Meet of Champions in South Plainfield! In the Vault, the starting height was 12' 6" and Eric Pontrello decided to wait until 13'. Unfortunately, he was unable to clear that height. In the Triple Jump, Steve Watson took 12th in 42' even; and Vin Marziano took 12th in the 3200m in 9:43.58. Additional details at: Scullion
Here are some pictures from both days. Steve Watson, Cherokee's record-holder in the Triple Jump, isn't pictured because it was too dark behind the stands by the time he jumped.
Cherokee Track & Field Awards Dinner
On June 4, 2006, following a long-standing tradition, Cherokee's Track and Field team held its annual banquet at the school. There the team, coaches, families and friends enjoyed a meal together, applauded the accomplishments of the team this season, and bid farewell to the graduating seniors. Besides the great food provided by the parents, highlights included the Coach's announcement of the Most Valuable Player in the sprints, hurdles, jumps, distance and weight events, and a special Multi-Event award.
All-Burlington County: Second Team
Vin Marziano, 3200m
Olympic Conference: First Team, American Division
Eric Pontrello, Pole Vault
Rich Nelson, 800m
Olympic Conference Champion
Eric Pontrello, 1st Place, Pole Vault
South Jersey Group IV Sectional Medalists
Steve Watson, 6th Place, Triple Jump
Vin Marziano, 5th Place, 3200m
Chris Steliga, 6th Place, Long Jump
Eric Pontrello, 4th Place, Pole Vault
State Group IV Medalists
Chris Steliga, 6th Place, Long Jump
Track & Field Most Valuable Player
Vin Marziano, Distance
Steve Watson, Jumps
Steve Iwanczuk, Sprints
Glen Pease, Weights
Aaron DeCaires, co-award in Hurdles
Robin Chen, co-award in Hurdles
Chris Steliga, Multi-Event Award
Here are a few pictures from the Awards Dinner.
Meet of Champions
On June 8, 2006, Chris Steliga, Cherokee's lone qualifier for the statewide NJSIAA Meet of Champions, traveled to South Plainfield High School to compete. Postponed the day before because of rain, bad weather persisted and obviously affected the performances in the Long Jump. Still, Chris was only slightly off and managed a leap of 20' 01", finishing 23rd out of 36 qualifiers. And, as one of only five sophomores in the event, both he and the staff looked forward to next year! Complete results at: Morris County Track