HAMMONTON—Nearing the end of a tough rebuilding season, Hammonton High School’s boys cross country team posted its third victory of the year last week, defeating Vineland 19-39 at Hammonton Lake Park.
The Blue Devils feature a young team this year, one with little varsity experience. The team’s seniors, Anthony Whitener and Mason Sherman, have provided leadership while the younger runners adjust to competing against some of the top teams in the Cape Atlantic League.
Against Vineland last week, sophomore Matt Martino earned the first dual meet win of his career, finishing the race in 18:08. Whitener was second in 18:18 and Sherman took third in 18:50.
Hammonton’s freshmen rounded out the scoring, all placing among the top 10. Sean Fudala (18:58), Jonathan Peeke (19:45) and Arturo Dominguez (19:46) all ran well for Hammonton. Sophomore Aiden Peeke finished in 20:01.
Last weekend, the Blue Devils competed at the South Jersey Track Coaches Association (SJTCA) Open. Martino had the best time for Hammonton, 19:24.42. Whitener finished the 5k course in 19:26.10, and Sherman had a time of 20:48.60. D.J. Vinciguerra ran in 21:39.76 and Aiden Peeke finished in 21:47.23.
In the 3,200-meter freshmen race, Fudala finished in 15:11.25, while Dominguez had a time of 15:35.10. Jonathan Peeke finished in 15:58.72, Andrew Hoover had a time of 16:22 and Justin Vivadelli finished in 17:28.08.
Hammonton’s girls also ran at the SJTCA Open. Julianna Ruhf finished in 22:02.96 and Ilianna DeJesus had a time of 27:25.37. Also for Hammonton, Sophia Mountain finished with a time of 28:02.37, Emily Rolando had a time of 32:36.68 and Ilema Sinon finished in 39:35.45.
Hammonton’s girls lost to Vineland 15-50. Ruhf won the race in 20:31, and DeJesus was fifth with a time of 26:10. Rolando had a time of 29:22 and Sinon finished in 34:50.