Shore's cross country teams among best in NJ
BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer
Coach Rob DeFilippis pointed out that his Red Bank Catholic runners had done some very good things on the track. But this is cross country season, and it remained to be seen if the RBC boys were going to be able to transfer that success to the 5K cross country distance.

Saturday's New Balance Jersey Shore Cougar Invitational hosted by Colts Neck High School at Bucks Mill Park was an opportunity for the Caseys to show what they can do in cross country.

Led by Kevin Byrne's sixth-place (16:39), RBC won the championship race over a surprising Howell High School team, 76-93.

Kyle Clonan, the Caseys' No. 2 runner, finished 13th by completing the 3.1-mile race in 17:03.

The Caseys separated themselves from the competition with their third-, fourth- and fifth-place runners all finishing together. Sean Gelson (17:15), Sam Cesario (17:15) and Chris Higgins (17:16) finished 18th through 20th to pull away from Howell, which had its third runner in before RBC's third. However, RBC had its fifth runner home before Howell's fourth runner crossed the line.

The feature race of the Cougar Invitational was the girls' championship, which featured New York State power Pearl River High School and three Shore Conference teams that happen to be among the best in New Jersey. RBC, of course, is one of those teams. Toms River High School North and Howell are the others.

While Pearl River was flexing its power, winning with 38 points, the race was also a precursor for the upcoming Monmouth County and Shore Conference meets.

Toms River North (80), RBC (82) and Howell (106) were second, third and fourth.

The Caseys' one-two punch of Michelle Capozzi (18:41) and Molly McNamara (18:56) delivered, finishing third and fifth, respectively. Liana Marzano had a strong race in 18th (19:55).

TRN could not match Capozzi and Mc- Namara up front, but overcame it by placing its five scorers from 11th through 22nd overall and 10-20 in team scoring.

When they meet later this month at Holmdel Park for the Shore Conference Championship (Oct. 29), the Caseys now know they'll have to do a better job of splitting the Mariners' pack.

RBC will race Howell again at the Monmouth County Championships on Oct. 20. This race makes RBC the team to beat at the county meet. The Rebels, who have a nice pack themselves, can't match the Caseys up front. On Saturday the Caseys had three runners home before Howell's No. 2, paving the way for RBC's higher finish.

In the Small School division, Rumson- Fair Haven High School's boys were fourth (141), and Shore Regional High School was sixth (155).

First across the line was RFH's Michael Caracappa, who was fourth (16:42). Teammate Patrick Hill was ninth (17:06).

Leading the Shore Blue Devils was Dylan Cole in 13th (17:17).

Shore Regional was third in the girls' Large School race (86), with RFH fifth (136).

The Blue Devils were third despite not having a runner in the top. Shore bundled four of its harries from 12th to 20th overall.

Andrea Adams was 12th (20:37) and Chelsea Amoroso was 14th (20:44), while Cameo Kirk (20:54) and Erika Friend (20:57) were 19th and 20th.

RFH received a 10th place from Molly Hellman (20:23).

Next up on the cross country schedule is Saturday's Shore Coaches Invitational at Holmdel Park. This is the first meet of the season that brings everyone from around the state to Holmdel Park.