Track & Field News

Carhart Gives Credit Where It Is Due

POPE JOHN, NJ (July 25, 2004) - Mike Carhart accomplished quite a bit in his two years at PJ - holder of the county record in the 400m, member of the county record holding DMR team, PJ record holder in the 200, 300, 400, and 600 indoors, and National Scholastic All-American in the indoor 400m.  After transferring from Kittatinny following his sophomore year, Carhart readily admitted that his goal was to become the best sprinter in Pope John history.  He certainly leaves with a claim to that honor, but in a recent interview, Mike gives credit to the alumni and teammates that made all of this possible.

Mike Carhart	George Peterson

                "George Peterson, George Peterson, George Peterson!  Everybody told me how great George Peterson was when he ran here.  All I wanted to do was to break his records.  Then I got to meet George and I found out he was a great guy.  He talked to me, and challenged me to break his records.  We had a bragging bet about who would be the first to run sub-49."  Carhart went on to say that George and he became great friends, and now they look forward to competing against one another in college.  George will be a senior captain at Fordham, and he still holds the PJ indoor record in the 100m and the outdoor PJ records in the 100 and 200m, along with the county records in the 100m (shared with Ron McBride of Hopatcong) and the 200m.  Mike will run for legendary sprint coach, John Moon, at Seton Hall University where the 400m will be his specialty.

                The teammates that Carhart gives the most credit to are John Dean and Chris Fanelli.  "Deano is the man", according to Carhart.  "He was my lifting partner when I was first exposed to the wonderful world of the Pope John weight room, and he's the kid that got me to take that work seriously.  When I saw Deano bust his butt in the weight room, even though he was hurt, it motivated me.  Then when Chris Fanelli was outlifting me, it even pushed me harder.  Fanelli really helped me on the track too.  He always raced to beat me.  Both of those guys also let me know that it was OK to be a little cocky.  If you're sure of your abilities, and you work hard, your confidence sometimes looks like you're being cocky.  Clint Eastwood is cocky and he's cool."

                To say that Mike Carhart is a one of a kind athlete is an understatement.               

Senior Throwers Set Goals - and Achieve Them

POPE JOHN, NJ (July 16, 2004) - At the beginning of each season, Coach Corcoran asks the athletes to determine their goals for the season and to communicate them to him.  He made it clear to everyone how important it is, both for themselves and for the team, that they strive to achieve those goals.  Three senior throwers took the admonition very seriously.  Jen Kramer, Ashley Moormann, and Brandon Perez all set very lofty goals, and all three succeeded in achieving them.

Jen Kramer	Ashley Moormann	Brandon Perez

                Kramer, a discus specialist, set three goals - break the school record, win the SCIL Festival, and come in the top three in the Parochial A Championships to qualify for the NJ Meet of Champions.  The school record and SCIL Festival marks both occurred at Lenape Valley, a circle that Jen obviously likes.  At the Lenape dual, Jen broke the PJ record that had stood since 1996 with a 117' 0" toss.  By the time of the SCIL Festival, Kramer had extended her own school record to 117' 3".  Despite her success up to this point, Jen came into the Festival knowing that Wallkill Valley thrower, Amber Gardocki, would provide very stiff competition.  Through the first two rounds of throws, Jen was in the lead, with Gardocki second - but then Amber took the lead on her final throw.  It was down to the last throw of the competition, and Kramer did it.  Her throw of 122' 6" extended her PJ record by over four feet and brought the Festival crown in the bargain.  At the Parochial A Championship, Kramer placed second with a throw of 120' 8", qualifying her for the Meet of Champions, where she placed seventh.  Jen will continue her career at the University of Delaware where she will join SCIL and Sussex County Shot Put record holder, Rachel Young (Sparta 2003).

                Ashley Moormann, like Kramer, set similar goals - get the PJ record, win the Festival, and win the Parochial A championship to earn a trip to the MOC in her event, the javelin throw.  She also set an additional goal of qualifying for the Adidas National Outdoor Championships.  At the Newton dual, Ashley obtained her first and last goals, breaking Kathy Frick's 1985 school record of 122' 8" with her own throw of 124' 5".  The throw was also well in excess of the AOC qualifying mark of 118'0".   Moormann knew that she would have competition at the SCIL Festival from Alyssa Schmidt of Jefferson.  This up and coming junior was getting longer and longer with each dual meet, and she threw well against Ashley at the SCIL Relays the week before.  Nevertheless, Moormann stayed focused and put the Festival championship out of reach with her first throw of 114'7", then followed that up with a throw of 116' 11" to seal the win.  At the Parochial A Championships, Ashley confronted her first real disappointment of the year when her throw of 117'10" was second best that day.  She had led the competition until the last throw of the day when Jordan Sarruda of Bishop Eustace outdistanced her best.  Again, Moormann picked herself up and performed very well at the MOC, placing seventh in the state with a throw of 124'0".  At the Adidas Outdoor Championships, Ashley placed thirteenth in the nation despite having a sub-par day by her lofty standards.  She will continue her track career at Susquehanna University.

                Brandon Perez, a Shot Put specialist, had his own set of goals - set the PJ record, win the Festival and Parochial A Championships, and set a new county record.  The Pope John record and Festival wins happened simultaneously when Brandon won the championship with a toss of 54'1.5", besting the competition by almost three feet.  Two weeks later, the Sussex County record fell at the NJCTC Championships when Perez's winning throw of 55'2" broke Mark Bailey's (Sparta 1977) mark of 54'11".  On that day only one other thrower reached the elusive 50' mark.  Brandon slammed the competition by almost five full feet, setting him up as a favorite at the Parochial A Championships.  Like Moormann, however, he experienced his first disappointment of the season when his throw of 53'9.75" was second best on the day.  At the Meet of Champions, Perez placed ninth in the state with a throw of 52'2".  He will play football at Forked Union Academy, Virginia next year.

                These are the types of senior leaders that all of our young athletes should emulate.  Obviously, goal-setting works - when coupled with a tremendous desire and work ethic.  All of these young people have stated that talent isn't enough to compete at an elite level.  Nor is believing that you can reach that level by only working out during the season.  Each of these student-athletes competed and worked year round - working especially hard in the summer.  Food for thought for all of us.

Coach Corcoran Attends USATF Olympic Trials

SACRAMENTO, CA (July 9, 2004) - Head Coach Brian Corcoran is spending the next week in "track heaven", attending the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Sacramento.  During the next week he will be witnessing the the greatest track and field athletes in the United States competing to claim a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.  Corcoran promises to provide us with his insights into the competition and his unique observations of the meet.  Stay tuned for updates.

                In the meantime, watch the Trials on TV and check the link below for the up-to-the-minute results.

TV Schedule

All times Eastern; subject to change; check local listings

Complete Results

PJ Track Alum Competes in World Long Course Triathlon Championship

Sater, Sweden (July 4, 2004) - Scott Langen, class of 1997, was a 2:02 800m runner during his high school years at Pope John XXIII High School.  Upon graduation, he enrolled at St. Leo�s University, Tampa, Florida and competed in cross-country. St. Leo�s does not field a track and field team.  After a successful, yet uneventful, career in the longer distances of cross-country, Scott found himself at a crossroads.  Having the desire to still compete but feeling his success was limited to only long distance running, Scott needed to find a niche that best fit his skills and fitness level.  Upon the advice of some friends and local runners, he decided to pursue the mutli-discipline sport of Triathlon racing.  And indeed, he found his niche!

Yesterday, Scott competed in his first ever world championship.  Racing in Sater, Sweden, Scott represented the United States and Team Timex in the World Long Course Triathlon Championships.  The race consisted of a 4 km swim, 120 km bike ride, and 30 km run.  Competing in his age group (25-29), Scott finished a remarkable 25^th in a total time of 7 hours, 41 minutes and 27 seconds.  Individually, Scott completed the 4k swim in 1:14:05, the 120k bike ride in 3:50:14 and the 30k run in 2:32:50. 

Scott Langen competing at the Florida Half Marathon for Team Timex

Here is what Scott said about the race: 

"The conditions for the race were all but favorable.  It was an overcast day with the water temperature being 62 degrees.  I completed the 4000m (2.5 mile) swim a minute faster than first expected.  I started the three-loop bike course in good position and began to make up some time.  The 120k (74 mile) bike course was longer than I had raced before and I began to slow down on the second and third laps.  After riding slower than anticipated, I decided to try and hammer the run.  The 30k (18.6 mile) run course was 4 loops through town consisting of small rolling hills, but there was one 400m climb that was almost as steep as Snake Hill.  The first lap I averaged 3:55 per 1k, the second lap averaged 3:50 per 1k, after that the race started to take a toll on me.  The third and fourth laps were not as strong as the first two.  Despite not performing as well as I wanted on the bike and run I ended up 25th in my age group.  The race was a great experience and it will definitely help improve my performance in the Half Ironman distance (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run).  The race has shown me what areas I need to improve on and I look forward to my next race in September."

Scott Langen is a true testament of what hard work, an unrelenting dedication to improvement, and a competitive attitude can do.  Check back for official comments from Scott on his world championship performance and his plans for the future.

Complete Results

Justin Scheid Sets the Distance Standard

POPE JOHN, NJ (July 5, 2004) - When I first saw Justin Scheid he was a sixth grade runner from Reverend Brown competing against my eighth grade son in the 1600m run at the 1996 Sussex County Middle School Championship at Wallkill Valley.  I looked at the then tiny Justin and remarked to myself that this boy must be kidding - there's no way that he can stay with my son and the other runners.  Did he prove me wrong!  Although he didn't win the race, he came in third behind my son and a future great 800m runner from Kittatinny, Adam Gross.  From that moment on, I knew that Justin Scheid was destined for greatness.

                Since Coach Corcoran took over the distance program ten years ago, Pope John has consistently produced some of the best runners in the area.  Names like Mike LaLonde, Mark Woolley, Matt Day, and Matt Zappile certainly left their names on the Pope John record book - but all of their records have been surpassed by Scheid.  Now that his career as a Lion is over, it's time to recount and consider the impact that Justin has had on the Cross-Country and Track programs.  The following list of records should suffice:

2003 XC Meet of Champions	2004 Indoor Group III Championship

                In addition to setting records, Justin has done his share of winning.  His noteworthy wins are detailed on the Alumni and Champions List.  He was the first PJ boy to win the SCIL Cross-Country Festival, which he did twice in 2002 and 2003.  He holds the Sussex County record for the Holmdel State Park Course when he ran 15:48 at the 2003 Meet of Champions.  He is a two-time state XC champion, winning the Parochial B title in 2002 and the Parochial A championship in 2003.  Justin was also named as a first team All-State selection in both 2002 and 2003.

                In Indoor track, Justin was a three-time Group II state champion, winning the 1600m run in 2003 and 2004, and the 3200m run in 2004.  He placed second in the 3200m run at the National Scholastic Indoor Championships, earning All-American honors, the anchored the Distance Medley Relay team to a sixth place finish to help garner All-American status for the team.

                The winning continued on the outdoor track.  Justin was a five time SCIL Festival winner.  He was a three-event winner in 2003 (800, 1600, and 3200), and a double-event winner in 2004 (1600 and 3200).  He was a first team All-State selection in 2003.  His two mile time of 8:58, which he ran at the 2003 Adidas Outdoor Championships is the NJ State Junior Class record, and also made him the first ever Pope John outdoor All-American.

                As most of you know, Justin will be continuing his track career at Georgetown University.  This too is testament to a very talented individual.  In order to run for Georgetown you have to be a student first, and Justin is an outstanding student.  He was a member of the National Honor Society, graduating in the top 10% of the class of 2004.

                The coaches and administration wish Justin the best of luck at Georgetown - and thanks for a great career.           

Lady Lions Named Herald Girls Track Team of the Year

Girls Dominate All-Area First Team - Corcoran Named Coach of the Year

NEWTON, NJ (July 2, 2004) - The numbers speak for themselves: 9 - 0 in the SCIL; third consecutive SCIL Relays Championship; and SCIL Festival Champions for the second time in the last three years.  But don't stop there - second place in the Parochial A Championship, losing to Monsignor Donovan by a mere 5 1/2 points - the highest finish in school history.  No brainer - the Pope John Girls were named the NJ Herald Track Team of the Year.

                The coaches were not surprised by the results.  With a great senior class, and very talented underclassmen, the Lady Lions were deep in almost every event.  All-Area first team seniors Katie Bieganousky (400m and Relay) , Christine DeVasto (Relay), Jennifer Kramer (Discus), Ashley (Snort) Moormann (Javelin), Franny Morro (3200m), and Sam Spence (LJ), were ably supported by the young first teamers, Kim Bannat (HJ), Lara Heigis (1600m), Rachel Posthumus (Relay), Vicky Melroy (Shot Put), and Alex Bush (Relay).  Second Team selections included Liz So (3200m), and Carolyn Bieganousky (400 IH).  Brynn Merritt (1600m) was given Honorable Mention.

Kim Bannat	Katie (Queen) B	Alex Bush	Christine DeVasto	Lara Heigis	Jen Kramer
Vicky Melroy	Ashley Moormann	Franny Morro		Rachel Posthumus	Sam Spence

                Coach Corcoran was named Coach of the Year.  As expected, the self-deprecating Coach gave credit to the seniors and his assistant coaches, Barbara Zappile, Bodgan Bienko, and Tom Morro, for the success of the team.  Nonetheless, it can't be argued that he sets the scene.  From designing the workouts, to making the rules, acceptance of mediocrity is not in the Corcoran mindset.  Other seniors who Corcoran often relied on for leadership were Cathleen (Rebel) Cavanaugh, Lauren Farrell, Katherine Hamon, Sarah Johannes, Katelyn Katzgrau, Erin Kelly, and Judy Meissner.

Read the NJ Herald Articles:

Seniors Key to Lions Success

Pope John Dominates All-Area Team

Lions Are the Herald Boys Track Team of the Year

Eight Athletes Selected for All-Area First Team

NEWTON, NJ (July 1, 2004) � The New Jersey Herald announced today that the 2004 Pope John Boys Outdoor Track team was selected as their team of the year.  The Boys were undefeated in the SCIL at 9 � 0 to capture the regular season title, and were victorious in the SCIL Relays and SCIL Festival to win the local track �triple crown�.  The team went on to finish third in the Parochial A State Championships.

                Coach Corcoran attributed the success of this team to the depth of the squad and to the senior leadership of athletes like Ryan Bent, Mike Carhart, Brandon Perez, Justin Scheid, Rob DeVasto, Chris Seabold, Jon Otto. Liam Dillaway,  Kevin O�Brien, John Dean, Matt Haight, Steve Kulsar, Joe Marra, Joe Schlosser, Scott Sullivan, and Mark Trainor.

Brandon Perez	Justin Scheid	Anthony LaMastro	Chris Seabold	Mike Carhart	Mike Mazur	Kevin O'Brien

                Eight Lions were named to the Herald All-Area First Team.  They are Justin Scheid � 3,200m, Mike Carhart � 200m, Anthony LaMastro � 800m, Brandon Perez � Shot Put, Mike Mazur � Pole Vault, Chris Seabold, Kevin O�Brien, Chris Fanelli, and Carhart � 4 x 400 Relay.  Second Team selections include Dan Allen � 100m, Ryan Bent � 110H, and Bryan Downing � 400IH.  Jon Otto � Javelin, received Honorable Mention. 

Read the NJ Herald Articles:

Team of the Year

All-Area Selections