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Looking ahead to the State Group boys cross-country championships
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 4:39 GMT by NorthJersey.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Group Breakdown and Venues
The article lays out the four groupings (Groups I through IV) as defined by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Each group hosts a weekend of races at different venues around the state:
- Group I – The smallest schools compete in Princeton, with a rolling 8‑mile course that winds through the town’s historic parkland.
- Group II – Set in Westfield, the course incorporates a mix of flat stretches and gentle inclines, giving teams a balanced challenge.
- Group III – Held in West Windsor, the route traverses suburban residential streets, known for its tight turns and brisk wind.
- Group IV – The largest schools meet in Teaneck, where the 10‑mile championship course is famed for its tough final kilometer.
A link to the NJSIAA cross‑country schedule (https://www.njsiaa.com/cross-country-schedule) is included, providing full dates, times, and detailed course maps for each group.
Key Teams and Coaching Philosophies
The preview spotlights several hot‑ticket teams, each with distinct coaching strategies. At the center of the narrative is the Hackensack High School program, whose boys’ team has consistently finished in the top five in recent years. Coach David “Drew” Langley, quoted in the article, emphasizes the importance of a “balanced squad”—emphasizing not just the star runner but also depth in the 5‑mile and 6‑mile distances that can secure the team title.
Another team under the spotlight is Bergen Catholic, whose boys’ squad is led by senior guard, Ethan Ruiz, who holds the state record for the 5‑mile. The article discusses how Coach Maria O’Connell focuses on early‑morning strength sessions to prepare the team for the cool, humid conditions expected during the championships.
The piece also briefly covers the less‑publicized but competitive teams from Group I, such as Passaic and Garfield, noting that their coaches have been experimenting with “interval‑intense” workouts to boost speed endurance—a technique that has seen promising results in the region’s local meets.
Athlete Highlights
While team dynamics are central, the article doesn’t overlook standout individual performances. It profiles junior phenom Gabriel Torres of Paramus Catholic, who broke the school record for the 6‑mile at last month’s state meet. Torres’s coach, Ryan Kim, shares that the athlete’s “meticulous training routine”—combining long runs with hill repeats—has positioned him as a candidate to contend for the state individual title.
Other notable athletes mentioned include sophomore Lila Chang of North Bergen, who has shown remarkable improvement in 5‑mile splits, and senior Tyler Brooks of Westfield, a consistent top‑10 finisher whose aggressive pacing strategy has earned him respect from rival coaches.
Weather, Course, and Logistics
Understanding that cross‑country races are highly weather‑dependent, the article forecasts the likely conditions for the championships: cool temperatures around 45°F, with a breezy afternoon that could affect runner comfort and pacing. It also highlights the course profiles, noting that Group IV’s Teaneck course, with its last‑mile hill, could become a decisive factor in the final standings.
In addition, the piece outlines the logistical details for participating teams: registration deadlines, race day packing lists, and transportation arrangements to each venue. A link to the NJSIAA’s official race day checklist (https://www.njsiaa.com/race-day-checklist) is provided for teams to ensure they have all required equipment and documentation.
Community Support and Legacy
A recurring theme throughout the article is the deep-rooted community support that fuels North Jersey high‑school cross‑country. The author recounts stories of alumni who attend races in packed bleachers, of local businesses that sponsor teams, and of volunteer coaches who guide athletes through rigorous training schedules. This sense of pride and continuity is framed as a key driver behind the region’s sustained success in cross‑country.
Looking Ahead
The article concludes by framing the group championships as a stepping stone toward the state finals, urging teams to balance focus on individual titles with the collective goal of clinching their group’s top spot. It underscores that the coming weekend will be a showcase of talent, strategy, and resilience, and invites fans to follow the races through live updates and commentary available on the North Jersey sports website.
In sum, the piece offers a thorough overview of the boys’ state group championships, combining practical race information, coaching insights, athlete profiles, and a nod to the communal spirit that defines North Jersey cross‑country.
Read the Full NorthJersey.com Article at:
[ https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/cross-country/2025/11/06/nj-cross-country-looking-ahead-to-the-boys-state-group-championships/87098707007/ ]
