2005 Union County Boys Indoor Track

The loss of key personnel proved too much for the Westfield and Scotch Plains Boys Track teams to overcome as they settled for sixth and seventh
respectively at the Dunn Center in Elizabeth.

Westfield was missing 800-meter favorite Rob Broadbent, who has a stress fracture and will be out until sometime this spring, a tremendously disappointing development for what may have been the state’s most improved cross-country runner.

“Rob will be out pretty much until we start spring. He will be able to begin
some cross training in a couple of weeks, for now he is lifting weights. It was a sudden surprise at the state relays that intensified at the group meet and then diagnosed the following day., “ aid veteran Westfield Coach Jack Martin.

In addition to the injury, Martin attributed the Blue Devils’ performance to his low-key attitude towards the meet.

”We had such an intense beginning that it was difficult to maintain that level
and we thought it would be for the best to back off. In addition to Rob’s injury, the rest of the fellows are in the middle of exams .” said Martin

Despite scoring only 19 points, Martin had much to be pleased with.
“We did the best we could and had some nice performances ,” said Martin.

Martin was impressed with John Gagliano and Ameer Rogers, who took fourth and fifth in the 880 yard run and Jay Hoban who was sixth in the mile, Defending mile champion Jeffrey Perrella finished second after Martin had rested him for the previous week following the state meet, where Perrella had qualified for the Meet of Champions in March,.

The Mile Relay of Jake Brandman, Sam Kim, John Aleksandravicius, and Freshman Alex Tarlow completed the scoring placing fourth.

Scotch Plains was missing multi talented Sean Smith, who figured to place in the high hurdles, high jump and 440 yard run but sat out with a sore hamstring. “I tweaked it in practice but it’s feeling better now ,” said Smith

“I could have competed but the coaches thought it would be better to be cautious ,” added Smith.
The Raider’s top scoring performance was a surprise third place in the two mile run by junior Josh Zinman, who was a mere six seconds out of first place.

“JZ's race was one of the best he has ever run. I knew going into the race that he'd be able to place, but was unsure as to how the race would actually play out ,” said Scotch Plains Distance Coach Jeff Koegel.

“All things considered, this was probably the best race I’ve ever run ,” said
Zinman.

“We were able to adjust his goals for this winter season as a result of this performance , “ said Koegel.
“I'm very proud of what he did. He was easily the highlight of the meet for us .”

Also contributing to the Raiders’ eleven point performance were fifth places in the high jump from Iceberg Bryant, the shot put from Ted Acosta and sixth place in the mile relay.