Good things came in threes this year for the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Girls Cross Country team.
For the third time in three years, the team finished the season as third best in the state. On Saturday at the Meet of Champions in Holmdel Park, the RFH girls competed on the 5,000 meter course, ending up140 points behind Randolph High School (106 points) and Red Bank Catholic High School (113 points), according to a release.
“We had some great performances today that led us to that bronze medal,” RFH Cross Country Coach Tim Mcloone said in a released statement.
Senior Megan Hellman finished with a personal record of 19:14. Right behind her was Senior Jacqueline Gottuso, who finished in 19:29, the release said.
Junior Hannah Anderson, who has been recovering from a toe fracture ran her personal record of 19:39. Junior Rachel Lehnert ran her personal record as well for 19:50 and Sophomore Emily Hellman scored for the team with her personal record of 20:21, the release added.
Sophomore Fini Satzke and Senior Courtney Howley completed the scoring.
“I’m really proud of this team,” said Mcloone. “In the past three years, we have won our division and Sectional title every year. We also took Group II twice and not only qualified for the Meet of Champions, but won it in 2011, came in a miraculous fourth last year, and were a very strong third this past Saturday."
McLoone noted in his statement that there are more than 700 high school cross country teams in New Jersey, making third place a high achievement for RFH.
He added that the fan turn-out to support the team was also amazing, including RFH Athletic Director Chris Lanzalotto, family, and alumni.
"We have said it many times, but we have never had a nicer group,” McLoone said.
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