Winter track: North Jersey girls team-by-team previews for 2022-23 season
Take a team-by-team look at the girls winter track teams from the Big North Conference and North Jersey Interscholastic Conference.
Legend: S: Sprints; J: Jumps; H: Hurdles; LS: Long Sprints; D: Distance; MD: Mid-Distance; SP: Shot put; PV: Pole vault.
Big North
AMERICAN DIVISION
Cliffside Park has a new coach in former Hasbrouck Heights and Holy Cross standout Marissa Romano and some young talent in juniors Leah Fedouchik (MD/D) and Kaitlyn Shelley (H/S/J) and sophs Maddison Aquino (SP) and Sarah Zekri Khanfri (H/S).
Dumont returns seniors Jadyn Assamoah (S), Alexa Williams (S) and Yingshi Li (S) and junior Isabella Aberde (S) and adds senior Sarah Lynch (D/MD) and Samantha Paez (D/MD) from spring track as the Huskies continue to improve.
Fort Lee has a new coach in former assistant Nicole Picciani and the same expectations for contention in the league. Seniors Jordana Marcus (J), Diana Valentini (D) and Liz Silver (S) need help from sophs Alexa Castro (S) and Nova Green (D) and others to make that happen.
Ridgefield Park is rebuilding around Josephine Carroll (LS/MD) and Gabriella Ramos (MD) and hope newcomers Bree Cooney (SP),, Tatiana Gates (SP) and Aaliyah Gates (SP).
FREEDOM DIVISION
Hackensack is young and rebuilding behind seniors Kera Bell (H/J) and Kimora Givens (S/J) and juniors Ayanna Chape (S), Ava DeBaar (SP), Rihanna JeanFrancois (SP) and Maria Davila (D).
Northern Highlands has only one returning varsity senior in Belle Bennett (S/J) and gets leadership from senior Emilie Sodora but gets a lot of help from an outstanding distance group including juniors Allison Courtney, Rebecca Maclaren and Autumn Ritter, soph Farrah Dello Russo and freshman Sadie Meloro, vital parts of the team that finished fifth in New Jersey cross-country.
Paramus has a young team with one senior letter winner, Pilar Guido (MD). But junior Hana Weisinger (D) and sophs Mary Daclan (D) and Jordan Myers (S/J) provide a lot of optimism for the future.
Ramapo has a deep and talented team led by seniors Brianna Braver (D), Carly Griffin (MD), Alexandra Cahill (S/J/H), Mackenzie Morante (S/J/H), Kendall Schmidt (S) and Erin Poppe (S). Junior all-North Jersey cross-country runner Amelia Keogh (D) and sophs Shayna Braver (PV/J), Brianna Potaki (D), Micaela Chamberlin (MD) and Brianna Berisha (S) make the Green Raiders a formidable team.
Ridgewood is the defending state group 4 champ and has a veteran core led by seniors Talia Hutchinson, the State MOC pole vault champ, Emma Reinke (H/J), Izzy Johnson (SP), Hannah Otterstedt (SP) and Anna Williams (J) and juniors Bea Brassel (S/H), Charlotte Papin-Ostrovsky (H/J), Cellina Rabolli (MD) and Avery Sheridan (D). It'll be hard to repeat the state win but a sectional title is very possible.
INDEPENDENCE DIVISION
Lakeland returns senior Reaghan Lomascola (D) and a group of talented underclassmen in Laiana Anderson (J/S0, Isabella Andriuli (SP), Samantha DeVine (S), Brianna Fahy (MD), Alexa Goll (MD) and Megan Szanto (MD). But the big addition is first time winter runner Morgan Uhlhorn (D), the 2022 state group 2 cross-country champion who was 6th in the Meet of Champs.
Passaic Valley has a new coach in Erik Getz and one of the top athletes in the league in senior Katherine Cottone (MD). The Hornets also return seniors Angelina Perez (D) and Amani Simpson (MD) and sophs Erin Ryan (SP), Deziyah CArswell (S) and Mackenzie Beasley (J/S).
Wayne Hills has just one senior letter winner, Gina Lee (MD) but has an all-Passaic cross-country star in junior Kara Langbaum (MD) and other competitors like Payton Dubanowitz (MD), Alyssa Chan (S), Alise Pauksena (LS) and Madeline Galesi (SP/TJ).
Wayne Valley could be a contender. The Indians return seniors Maria Funicello (S/J) and Beth Cummings (SP), juniors Ava Maher (S/H/J, Sara Paul (S) and sophs Ainsley Phillips (D),Athena Giotis (S/J) and Rylyn Loffredo (H/MD).
LIBERTY DIVISION
Bergen Tech will be competitive with seniors Emily Chen (S), Mackenzie Burke (H/S), Gabrielle Swaine (PV) and Trinity Hansen (S) and soph Isabella Formoso (PV).
Clifton is one of the better teams in North Jersey and state Meet of Champions 3,200 and cross-country medalist Remy Dubac (D) is the senior leader. Senior Janae Roberts (S), and multi--event standouts Deborah Amoh and Denise Dubbels make this small team dangerous.
Kennedy returns only sophomores Angel Oyola (J), and Chanell Facey (S) but look for some surprises from the Lady Knights.
NATIONAL DIVISION
Bergenfield is in rebuilding mode but has some potential talent in juniors Isabella Suero (S), Deja suero (S), Carolina Herrera (MD) and soph Shruti Patel (D).
Demarest has great senior talent and leadership in Lily Dipple (MD/D), Kat Doran (S), Ella Bonadio-Cappiello (PV), Susan Nyfenger (PV) and Maya Rahav (SP) and underclass experience from junior Lauren Tong (S/H) and Kailey Attali (S). A host of newcomers will help the Norsewomen in the mix.
Old Tappan has a good group of returnees to indoor track led by seniors Ariana DeNicola (D) and Joie Kim (PV), juniors Rowan Leddy (D) and Allie Tuite (PV) and sophs Harley McGinnity (J/H), Salome Sanchez (PV) and Jamie Kim (PV). But the major reasons the Golden Knights will be favored in every meet they enter are winter newcomers senior Kate Meeks (MD/D) and junior Abby Dennis (S/H). Meeks is an North Jersey cross-country selection and Dennis is the spring 100 hurdles group 3 champ.
Pascack Valley is a young team full of energy and eagerness to compete. Senior Lola Smith (J), juniors Kate Park (S) and Ella Ackerman (S) and sophs Ellie Buchanan (D) and Peyton Gallo (J) should be the top athletes on the team.
Teaneck has a young team with senior Ashley Craig (SP) the only upperclassmen letter winner but sophs Zuri Williamson (S), Annabel Cruz (D) and Amari Rhoden (SP) should enjoy good seasons.
Tenafly was hit hard by graduation but still has state group high jump champion Norina Khanzada (J/H) and Rowan Copes (PV), juniors Sophie Cheesman (D) and Dylan Golden (PV) and soph Hyrsa Kostara (PV).
PATRIOT DIVISION
Indian Hills is in a new league, with a new head coach, former Brave Pete Tuohy, and a hunger to keep winning. With returnees like seniors Brooke Chesney (LS), Kayla O'Neil (D) and Anne Barney (MD), juniors Avarie Bergen (S) and Alyssa Maybeck (D) and soph Camryn Finn (D) and newcomers like soph Summer Myrhen (MD/D) all they may need to keep winning is help in the field.
Mahwah is a contender in this strong league led by senior all-North Jersey cross-country Zoe Merryman (D), seniors Ally Klanke (S/D) and Emma Manzi (S/H), juniors Siena Kannenberg (second team all-Bergen 400 star), Callia Nickels (SP) and sophs Kaelyn Brisby (D), Alexa Chevren (D), Hannah Hoffman (D) and Harley Taylor (S).
Pascack Hills is a very young team led by one returning senior, sprinter Christine Audia, juniors Frankie Celli (S), Allie Tonuzi (S), Anastasiya Gresko (J/MD) and Olivia Ge (J/H/S) and soph Meredith Colla (S).
Ramsey has a contender if they can stay healthy. Seniors Lily Dinning (SP), Ella Landel (D), Maria Vizzari (H), Sofia Cotes (H), Zoey Sailer (MD) and Alex Rossi (J) are all top notch performers.
River Dell, the defending state group 2 champ won't go down without a fight in what is perhaps the best section in any group in the state. Seniors Abreeana Rilveria (H/S). Emily Turschmann (J/S), Marissa Schoenberg (J/S), Gabby Ra (J/H), Sarah Cookson (MD), Rachel Mills (D) and throwers Erin Brady and Jess Hacker are all strong competitors. But the Golden Hawks have one of the best runners in the state in junior Christina Allen (MD/D) and a great junior jumper in Grace McQueeny. Junior sprinter Morgan Levine will also help.
Former Paramus standout Brad Gatens takes over at Westwood and is rebuilding around senior Kristen Garger (S), junior Natalya Vega (S) and soph Brooke Wichmann (S/H) and has talented newcomers in Aurora Hill and Ava Colella.
UNITED DIVISION
Holy Angels has a large turnout of over 60 girls and has a good seniorclass led by Caterina Cardamine (PV/J), Elise Pisciotti (J), Katherine Gallagher (SP) and Federica Zazzali (D), junior Caitlin Deiser (S) and an outstanding sophomore class led by sprinters Ella Buoncuore and Gina Certo.
IHA is a strong contender for every title up to the State Non-Public A championships with standouts Leanna Johnston (D), Abby Romero (J), defending state group pole vault champ Casey Roberts, Lauren Dunnigan (H/J), Olivia Tacconi (S), Meaghan Keating (MD) and Sophia Ditchfield Agboh (S) and an outstanding supporting cast.
Paramus Catholic as always will be competitive in every meet, with a strong corps of talented athletes including seniors Gina Rubio (S), Tyaja Thomas (SP/J), Brianna Desanto (S/J) and Sarah Dickson (D), juniors Sydney Dungey (S/H/J) and Ayanie Thomas (SP) and soph Giovanna Cugini (MD).
NJIC
Becton head coach David Dorsey says his team has a sense of destiny. And as the first winter Wildcat squad in a dozen years, the interest is building and the squad is aware of the history they can make. Seniors Anna Pamula (J) and Kyla Groh (D/J), juniors Segall Sanchez (D) and Giuliana Diaz (S) and sophs Marisa Sclfani (SP) and Bianca Best-Thomas (S) and a nice freshman turnout are eager to see what they can do.
Dwight-Englewood should be very good led by junior Uma Rajan (D/J), and sophs Emma Hsu (S/J) and Sydney Mallow (J/S/H).
Eastern Christian has a top perfoormer in senior high jumper Anneke Kuperus and support from senior Juliana Hopeck (J/H) and soph Valerie Portuphy (J).
Elmwood Park has a new program, a new coach in Bryan Press and a terrific first time indoor athlete in senior Cali Terranova (H/H/S).
Emerson hopes to be contenders in both the North 1 group 1 sectional and in the league meet and has a great senior class with Mia Bonner (J/H), Erin DeMagistris (D), Kaitlyn Legaspi (PV/J) and Samantha Robinson (SP). Newcomers Oliwia Kapuscinski, Leigha Messick, Sophie Nisonoff and Alexandra Palladino are versatile and talented.
Garfield has a good core of returning athletes led by senior Hilary Valdez (SP), junior Slav Saybe Mejia (H/J) and sophs Katarzyna Kapolka (MD), Daniela Rodriguez (MD) and Aniya Walker (S).
Glen Rock is a young team and counts on Emma Leishear (D), Grace Corcoran (J) and Ryan Doyle (S) to provide leadership and points.
Hasbrouck Heights graduated a great 2022 class but the Aviators don't rebuild, they reload. This year's senior class includes Gaea DePass (J), Brooke Freschi (PV/J/S), Dea Jera (LS/MD/J), Meghan Stellhorn (SP), Elisha Santos (S/J), Natalie Kroncke (H/LS/MD), Mia Gagliano (MD), Angela Ndocaj (SP/PV) and Charmy Chauhan (D). Outdoor group long jump champ Lexy Samperi is doing indoors and the Aviators have a host of other talented underclasswomen.
Hawthorne has a small but talented team with sectional hurdles champ Leah Alves (H/J), multitalented Ella Sachs (J/S), Sophia Mitreski (SP), Briana Counselor (D) and Carly Iovino (D). A great freshman class should help.
Lyndhurst welcomes a new head coach in former Golden Bear soccer/track standout Kim Hykey and she has a solid trio returning in junior Julia Tozduman (S/J), senior Kayla Carrino (D) and Rola Mustafa (H/J).
Manchester has a decent turnout but not much experience and is rebuilding. Senior Dina Zakaria (S/H) and junior Jaylen Santana (S) are the top returnees.
New Milford has some solid point scorers in senior Corinthia Godfrey (J), and Abby Petrolia (H/S) and juniors Fibianna Ajetunmobi (H) and Grace Lampmann (D) and soph Sarah Dupreville (SP) and is a balanced group.
North Arlington has a new head coach in Kevin Blackford and he welcomes back seniors Brenna Sullivan (LS/MD) and Arancha Antunes (S/H) and junior Daliana Rojas (SP).
Park Ridge has no seniors and is rebuilding behind juniors Nicole Freiler (S/LS), Amanda Cicero (S), Jada Rios (S), and sophs Ava Peirano (S) and Lily Madden (S).
Pompton Lakes will spotlight senior hurdler/pole vaulter at every meet -- that's what you do with the spring state champion. Junior middle distance runner Bella Polizzi should also do well.
Rutherford has some promising underclassmen and new additions to a rebuilding program.
Saddle Brook will count on juniors Olivia Poskrobo (MD), Helin Kayar (MD), Deborah Wang (LS/MD), Briana Reyes (LS/MD) and senior Skyler McGuire (D) to have a successful season.
Secaucus has a new head coach in former Jefferson H.S. and Monmouth University thrower Jordan Wildermuth and she hopes his group will have fun, learn about the sport and break some records. Major returnees are senior Gianna Marin (S), and juniors Katherine Nguyen (J/LS) and Amaya Ocasio (SP).
Waldwick has a new head coach in Andrew Fucarino and he returns a good throwing crew in shot putters Brooke Stallard, Jamie Szabo and Abbey Woodward (also S).
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Winter track: Girls team-by-team previews for 2022-23 season
