Westfield Boys Cross Country Sections 2004

The Westfield Boys Cross country ended one of the longest droughts in their storied history, winning the North Jersey Group IV Section II meet held Saturday at Warinanco Park. The Blue Devils last won in 1996 en-route to winning the Group IV championship and a number two ranking in the state. The latest victory gives the Blue Devils fifteen sectional crowns and seven for veteran coach Jack Martin.

Junior Jeffrey Perrella continued his outstanding season with a powerful triumph over Josh Davis of Phillipsburg, running 16:34 and finishing seventeen seconds ahead. Perrella became Westfield’s first individual sectional winner since Gordon Kaslusky in 1997. Kaslusky was a teammate of Westfield Assistant Coach Chris Tafelski on the 1996 team.

“I wasn't so much concerned with any one runner on the course. I was running against an unfamiliar
field, as usual, and I wasn't sure what anyone had to offer. So, I figured I would just get out there, run my race, and see if anyone
could stick with me, but it didn't happen like that at all.,” said Perrella.
“ Rob Broadbent got out fast and hammered the first two miles. It was tough staying with him, but it woke my legs up real quickly.”

It was another junior Ameer Rogers, who provided the difference in the tight seven-point victory over defending champion Bridgewater-Raritan, finishing seven places ahead of Jay Hoban, who has usually been the number five runner.

“That's the beauty of having a big team and a team that believes in itself,” said Martin.
Rogers’ effort helped break open a tight duel that was 25-27 Westfield after four runners. Robert Broadbent continued his late season surge by finishing fourth in 16:59 and Kris Kagan and Michael Gorski each finished one place behind the third and fourth Bridgewater runners. Raymond Chen (23rd) and Hoban (25th) both juniors, sandwiched the fifth and final scoring Bridgewater runner to give the team an impressive 17:14.20 average.

The result bodes well for Westfield’s’ following test, this past Wednesday’s Union county meet against Cranford and the Group IV championships on November 13. the group is loaded with top teams including Old Bridge, Hillsborough, Tom River North, Cherokee and Mainland among those that ran faster than Westfield Saturday.

“All courses are different so all you can do is compare the times of those you
ran against on the same course on the same day. Our goal throughout the season
is to make it to the meet of champions ,” said Martin.

Martin also thinks Perrella can step up his performance a notch and compete for the individual crown against such runners as Anthony Kelhower of Lenape and Christopher Pisano of Toms River North.

Tafelski has made a huge difference for Perrella.
“Mr. Tafelski is great. He keeps the guys working at practice, especially on real tough workouts where you are asking yourself if
they are worth finishing. His presence is important in keeping the team on task at all times. He offers guidance on and off the course,” said Perrella.

Perrella’s attitude of just worrying about his performance should help him in such a high quality field.
“I really don't know the strengths or weaknesses of opposing runners. I simply know my strengths and my weaknesses, and I know what I have to do so that I can use each to my advantage ,” said Perrella.
“I think I have a pretty potent kick and an ability to really explode that developed in my soccer days. Coach Martin told us that we
couldn't let anyone pass us on the track,” said Perrella

“Jeffrey is a winner and a great team member and leader ,” said Martin.
“The rest of our top seven are ready to turn it up a notch as well.”

Perrella was modest about his team leading performance.
“It feels great, but I wouldn't say I led Mr. Martin to his first title in eight years. Honestly, he has led the team to the title.
Words can't describe the kind of coaching and inspiration he gives to the team. Without his coaching, we wouldn't be half as good as we are.”

The Scotch Plains boys finished well back but sophomore Mike Miller finished ninth and will run in the state championship race.