Both the boys and girls cross-country teams qualified for the state championship with their performances at Saturday’s state sectionals at Greystone Park in Morris Plains.
The boys captured fourth place, led by John Conboy with a time of 18:29 (15th place) followed by Matt Carroll 18:33 (17th), Fernando Padilla 18:53 (23rd), Pat Cummings 19:21 (33rd), Jim Cuddihy 19:37 (41st), Brad Smith 20:27 (52nd) and Joey Volpe 20:28 (53rd).
The girls had a strong second place finish to McNair Academic of Jersey City. The ladies were led by Melanie Egan who finish in second place in the overall competition with the second fastest time of any Verona High School girl in state competition, 20:18.6.
Marybeth Grund finished 10th with 22:03 followed by teammate Sarah Conboy at 11th with a 22:08. Julia Capuano had a 23:30 (30th), Gabi Horton 24:43 (42nd), Alexandra Smith 26:51 (56th) and Lara Eremita 27:59 (58th).
The NJSIAA Group Championship will be Saturday, November 17 in Holmdel Park.
