~ CHEROKEE ALUMNI NEWS, 2022 - 2023 ~





This page provides updates on the running/field accomplishments of our athletes who have graduated from Cherokee High School. Please send additional Alumni information to Coach Shaklee.






~~ Cherokee Cross Country and Track and Field Alumni Association ~~

"Join your fellow Cherokee Cross Country and Track and Field Alumni in the launch of a new Alumni Association! While in its early stages, the aims of this association include supporting the current men's and women's teams through financial support and scholarships, increasing alumni engagement and presence at meets, and creating opportunities for mentorship of current and former student athletes. Overall, we hope to build a robust community of XC/TF alumni of these storied programs from the 70's to the present. If you'd like to become a member of the association or just be kept in the loop, please fill out the form below to receive future communications regarding alumni association events and initiatives. And do not hesitate to share this link with any XC/TF alumni friends who you think may be interested as well! We look forward to connecting and reconnecting with you all at future events!" Lisa Burkholder

Alumni Association Survey: Link.

Looking forward to hearing from you!






Seasons

The seasons follow in chronological order. Click on the desired season or on the "most recent entry:"

Summer and Cross Country, 2022
Indoor Track, 2023
Spring Track, 2023
. . . most recent entry



Summer and Cross Country, 2022


Last Fall, the Coronavirus seemed to wane and everyone looked forward to a "normal" Cross Country season. Well, that wasn't exactly right but many were able to compete in the sport with only minor disruptions. This year, things seem even better and everyone is looking forward to a great year of Cross Country and Track and Field! GO CHEROKEE ALUMS!



-- Last year, the traditional Marlton Fourth of July 5K was canceled for a second year and a number of our Alums went over to Haddon Heights for their traditional holiday race, the Haddon Heights FireCracker 5K! Alum Jack Shea '17, a graduate of Northern Arizona University, won the race in 15:09 (4:54 pace)! Alum Ethan Wechsler '19 of Syracuse University, took 3rd in the race in 15:32 (5:01 pace), and "ancient" Alum Marc Pelerin '02, teacher at Cinnaminson Middle School took an impressive 8th overall in 17:32 (5:40 pace)! This year, Jack raced at Heights again (they pay $150 to the winner!) and killed his own time from last year, taking 1st in 14:53 (4:48 pace)! No other Cherokee Alums ran the race. Details and video at: Run Sign-up. The best part about this screenshot is it shows the video for the 5K ran 47.09 minutes! 15 minute miles?! Did our photographer "run" the race . . . Coach Shaklee?!


Jack at Heights, 2022

-- This year, the traditional Marlton Fourth of July 5K was open as usual and, though there were relatively few who actually raced --Brandon Marks '18 and Matt Smith '17 stopped by during a run and watched from the sidelines -- Cherokee Alums maintained a strong tradition by taking both 1st and 2nd in the race! (Of the 12 recorded races, Cherokee Alums -- Pelerin, Wilson, Mueller, Spisak, Schickling, Somers and record-holder Jack Shea -- dominated the finish line 9 of those times!) Now in 2022, Cherokee and TCNJ graduate Mike Zurzolo '17 took 1st in 16:34 (5:31 pace) and fellow Cherokee aand TCNJ graduate Mike Iannotta '17 took 2nd in 16:40 (5:23 pace)! Six other Alums completed the race too! Josh Pawlik '22 took 14th in 19:50 (6:24 pace); Evan Pawlik '22 finished right behind Josh in 15th, clocking 19:52 (6:25 pace). In 27th, Brendan Falzone '17 clocked 21:10 (6:50 pace); followed by Chris Zurzolo '19 took 37th in 22:47 (7:21 pace); Aatish Gupta '19 finished in 56th in 24:09 (7:48 pace); and Matt Powell '16 crossed the line in 197th in 33:28 (10:48 pace). Further details and video at: Run Sign-up.


Marlton 5K Marlton 5K Marlton 5K Marlton 5K Marlton 5K Marlton 5K
Marlton 5K Marlton 5K Marlton 5K Marlton 5K Marlton 5K Marlton 5K


- On July 19th, 2022, Alum Jack Shea '17, graduate of NAU, joined the team at a tough practice on and off campus. Jack ran with the top three guys on the team -- Conor, Nick and Patrick -- and they all worked up a decent sweat on this hot day! BTW, Jack is going to RunningWorks this year as both a counselor and Q and A speaker!


Jack at practice

-- On July 31st, 2022, Alum Jack Shea '17, graduate of NAU, continued his acting/modeling career -- remember his remarkable performance in the award-winning Chanel Cosmetics commercial? -- when he appeared in his official 2022 RunningWorks uniform at the Haddonfield Running Company! Stay tuned, his next contract is with Swifter Dusters!


Jack models Jack models

-- Between August 7th-20th, 2022, a number of Alums kept things going at the 23rd Annual RunningWorks Cross Country Camp at Canadensis, PA! Two of the three Directors, of course, Kevin Cuneo '04 and Kevin Schickling '08, and four other Alums acting as Counselors: Jack Shea '17; Mike Zurzolo '17; Chase Miller '19; and Ethan Wechsler '19. They did a great job with the campers and we understand the campers thought the same!


Cuneo Schickling Jack Mike Jack and Mike CHase and Ethan

-- On September 2nd, 2022, Alum Brandon Marks '18 of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, was named a Captain of his team with the following notation: "Returning for his fifth year as an architecture major and second as a captain, Marks (Marlton, NJ / Cherokee) has also run in 12 events with a personal-best 8k time of 25:48.9. He has competed in two Liberty League Championship meets, including a 27:17.2 in 2021 and a 27:06.4 in 2019." Two years as Captain? Shouldn't he be a Major by now?

-- On September 3rd, 2022, Alums Mike Gavio '19 and Matt Campbell '19, both of Bloomsburg University, opened their seasons at the 6K Mansfield Short Course Open. Mike finished what was basically a 2-team race in 20:46 (pace: 05:34.2) and 9th overall; Matt finished in 21:42 (Pace: 5:49) and 15th overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On September 3rd, 2022, Alum Justin Kelly '18 of Rowan University, opened his season at the 26th Annual Salisbury University Fall Classic and took 1st/97 overall in the 8K race for the second year in a row! Justin clocked 25:17 (pace 5:05). His team took 2nd behind Navy. Reuben Frank of Comcast and NBC Sports, mentioned Justin's race in his SJTCA Blog: SJ Track Blog. Details at: MD. MileSplit.

-- On September 3rd, 2022, Alum Ethan Wechsler '20 of Syracuse University, opened his season at the Harry Lang Invitational, a 6K race at Colgate University in Hamilton NY. Ethan took 5th/55 overall and clocked 20.21 (5:07 pace) in the 5-team race. Race details at: TFRRS. For years, Ethan trained under the catchphrase: "Move to the sound of the clicks" and he frequently got the best picture of the day! Now, however, with the new "mirrorless" cameras, there are no clicks and he appears lost in this new generation of technology! Reuben Frank of Comcast and NBC Sports, recognized Ethan's race in his SJTCA Blog: SJ Track Blog.


Ethan Hides Ethan Hides

-- On September 3rd, 2022, Alums Chase Miller '20 and Matt Smith '18 of TCNJ, opened their season at home in the 6K Blue and Gold Invitational, basically a team time-trial that included powerhouse New Jersey City University. TCNJ took the first 15 places with Chase finishing in 7th/21 overall while clocking 20:11 (pace 5:25); and Matt finishing in 9th while clocking 20:25 (pace 05:29). Details at: TFRRS.

-- On September 9th, 2022, Alum Ethan Wechsler '20 of Syracuse University, traveled to Penn State University Spiked Shoe Invitational on Penn State's Golf Course at University Park, PA. Ethan completed the 5.2 mile course in 25.30 (4:54 pace), finishing 11th/92 overall. Details at: PT Timing.

-- On September 9th, 2022, Alum Jack Shea '17, formerly of NAU and now in graduate school at St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, opened his season and began his new life at the Penn State University Spiked Shoe Invitational on Penn State's Golf Course at University Park, PA. Jack finished the 5.2 mile course in 26.05 (5:01 pace), crossing the line 22nd/92 overall and 1st for St. Joe's. When your head stops spinning -- wonder if he was still wearing an NAU uniform? -- check the details at: TFRRS.

-- On September 9th, 2022, Alums Chase Miller '20 and Matt Smith '18 of TCNJ, traveled to The Osprey Open at Stockton University and competed in the 5K. Chase took 5th/93 overall in 16:07 (5:11 pace), and Matt took 14th in 16:42 (5:23 pace). Details at: TFRRS.

__ On September 10, 2022, a number of Cherokee Alums, including several State Champions, stopped by the Cherokee Challenge to show their colors and encourage the further growth of the XC and T & F Alumni Association!


Alums at Cherokee Challenge



Check out the Alums Association website:

Alum shirt Alum shirt

-- On September 10th, 2022, Alum Brandon Marks '18 of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, competed in the Siena XC Invitational at The Crossings in Latham, NY. His team won the 14-team contest but Brandon had a exceptionally "off" race! He clocked 27:03.8 (5:27 pace) in the 8K event, finishing 82nd/191 overall! Picture from RPI website: Brandon looks good there! Details at: RPI Athletics.


Race start

-- On September 16th, 2022, Alums Mike Gavio '19 and Matt Campbell '19, both of Bloomsburg University, traveled to Kutztown, PA for the Kutztown DI and DII Challenge. Mike took 31/142 overall in 28.03 (5:39 pace) and Matt took 76/142 overall in 29:32 (5:55 pace), a PR for him. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On September 16th, 2022, Alum Justin Kelly '18 of Rowan University, traveled south the Annapolis, MD for the Navy Cross Country Invitational. Justin finished the 4.9mi course in 25:36 (5.17 pace) crossing the line first for Rowan and 32nd/97th overall. Details at: Navy Sports.

-- On September 24th, 2022, Alums Mike Gavio '19 and Matt Campbell '19, both of Bloomsburg University, traveled to Lock Haven, PA for the 8K Lock Haven University XC Invitational, the largest meet they've competed at this season. In the Crimson race, Mike took 73rd/230 scorers in 26.56 (5:25 pace), and Matt took 114/230 scorers in 27:25 (5:31 pace). Their team finished 9th out of 34 entries. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On September 24th, 2022, Alum Ethan Wechsler '20 of Syracuse University, traveled to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK for the 8K Cowboy Jamboree. Ethan finished 145th/252 overall in 25:15 (5:05 pace). His team finished 8th/27 teams. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On September 30th 2022, five of our Alums raced in three different races at the HUGE Paul Short Run at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. In the Gold Race, Alum Jack Shea '17, formerly of NAU and now in graduate school at St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, raced the 8K course in 24.19 (4:54 pace) and finished 129th/428 overall! In the Open Race, Alum Brandon Marks '18 of RPI, raced the course in 25:40 (5:10 pace) finishing in 127th/537 overall; Nico Grilli '18 of Monmouth University, crossed the line in 26:40 (5:22 pace) and finished 267th/537; and Mike Iannotta '17, graduate of TCNJ, raced the course in 27:01 (5:26 pace) and finished in 298th/537! In the Brown Race, Alum Chase Miller '20 of TCNJ, covered the course in 26:08 (5:16 pace) and finished in 224th/408 overall; and Matt Smith '18 of TCNJ raced the course in 26:55 (5:25 pace) and finished in 305th/408. Jack's picture from the St Joe website; Nico (is that what they call "bedroom eyes?") and Mike's picture, showing their classic Evesham Harriers competition shirts, forwarded by Coach Shaklee. The racing picture of Nico came from the Monmouth website. Crazy amount of details at: TFRRS.


Paul Short

Paul Short Paul Short
Paul Short

-- On October 1st, 2022, Highland High School's newest Assistant Coach, Mike Zurzolo '17 ran by our photographer during Highland's race at Shore Coaches, Holmdel. See Highland's and others' results at: NJ.MileSplit.


Shore Coaches


-- On October 1st, 2022, Alum Justin Kelly '18 of Rowan University, traveled to SUNY-Genesco where he raced the 8K Mike Woods Invitational in 25:32.1 (5:09 pace) and finished 1st for Rowan and 18th/373 overall. His team finished 10th/24 overall. Details at: Rowan Athletics. Picture from Rowan website, probably from Salisbury, run earlier.


Kelly


-- On October 8th, 2022, Alum Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, traveled to Mansfield University for the Ed Winrow Memorial Invitational where he raced the 8K in 28.49 (5:48 pace) and finished 58th/96 overall. Details at: BU Huskies.

-- On October 14th, 2022, Alum Jack Shea '17, now in graduate school at St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, traveled to the historic Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronz of New York City for the IC4A/ECAC Cross Country Championships. An 8K race, Jack clocked 24:51 (5:01 pace) and finished in 26th/366 overall! His team finished 7th/31 teams. Details at: Leone Timing.

-- On October 14th, 2022, Alum Ethan Wechsler '20 of Syracuse University, traveled to State College, PA for the Penn State National Open. Ethan clocked 25.32 (4:55 pace) in a somewhat unusual 5.2 mile (8.368m) race and finished 13th/141 overall. Details at: FTRRS.

-- On October 15th, 2022, Alum Justin Kelly '18 of Rowan University, hosted/raced, and Brandon Marks '18 of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, practically returned home for, the Rowan Interregional Border Battle at DREAM Park! Justin competed in the 8K Championship DII race and clocked 25:40 (pace 5:10) while finishing 27th/322 overall! Brandon raced in the 8K Open event, clocked 26.09 (5:17 pace) and finished in 4th/168 overall. Brandon's team won both the Open and the Championship DII races but their photographer stayed home! Details at: TFRRS.

Kelly at Border War

Kelly at Border War

-- On October 15th, 2022, Alums Matt Smith '18 and Chase Miller '20 of TCNJ, competed at the Connecticut College Invitational, an 8K race held at Harkness State Park in Waterford, CT. Matt covered the course in the Blue race, clocking 27:11 (5:28 pace) and finishing 217th/395. Chase was in the same Blue race and he clocked 27.12 (5:29 pace) and finished 220th/395. Details at: PC Timing.

-- On October 29th, 2022, Alum Matt Smith '18 of TCNJ, hosted/raced, and Justin Kelly '18 of Rowan University, raced the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships. Matt clocked 27:06 (5:28 pace) on the 8K course and finished 32nd/100 overall. Justin WON the event in 25:10 (5:04/100 overall) and named "All-Conference!" Details at: NJAC Sports.

-- On November 5th, 2022, Alum Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, traveled to Mansfield, PA for the PSAC Cross Country Championships. Matt finished the 8K race in 122nd/146 overall while clocking 30:12 (6:05 pace). The team finished 10th/16th overall. Details at: Leone Timing.

-- On November 12th, Alum Justin Kelly '18 of Rowan University, traveled to DeSales University in Center Valley, PA for the 2022 NCAA Metro Region Championships. Justin led his team with a 22nd placing in the 8K race, clocking 26:38 (pace: 5:22). His team finished 5th overall, just behind TCNJ in 4th. Details at: DeSales.

-- On November 18th, 2022, Alum Chase Miller '20 of TCNJ had a prominent position on the recently-discovered XC team's picture! The long-haired, blond, and goateed (perhaps "lionlike"?) Miller sat directly below the school's statue of their mighty mascot, Roscoe the Lion! Two noble characters! Kmeeling down the line from Chase is the equally noble Alum Matt Smith '18!


TCNJ Team Picture



-- On November 19th, 2022, Alum Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, returned to Lamb's Creek Cross Country Course in Mansfield, PA for the NCAA Atlantic Regional Championships. Matt finished the 9.5K course in 125th/160 overall while clocking 34.14.5 (pace 5:48). Matt's team was 11th. Details at: Leone Timing

-- On November 20th, 2022, Alum Mike Iannotta '17 a graduate of TCNJ, competed in his first Philadelphia Marathon on one, nasty day in Philadelphia! Mike enjoyed temperatures in the low 30's, which is good for a marathon, but that was accompanied by winds in the 20's! Ah, nothing like a brisk run along the Schuylkill River! Mike finished the race in 59th place (6th in his age group/8394 finishers) in 2:35:27 (pace, 5:56)! Note how he resurrected the Evesham Harriers shirt for the race! Details and many pictures at: Philadelphia Marathon.


Mike Iannotta Mike Iannotta Mike Iannotta


-- On November 29th, 2022, the highly-successful 2022 Cherokee Cross Country Team enjoyed an Awards Banquet at the Ramblewood Country Club provided by the proud Parents of the athletes and the Cherokee Cross Country and Track and Field Alumni! Yeah, at Ramblewood!!!!!!!! (that's a Reuben Frank "exclamation!") Remember the first banquets under Coach Shaklee when many of you were just boys?! Please turn to the last page of the 2022 Cross Country season for a brief history of those events HERE! In the meantime, Alum Marc Pelerin '02 represented the Alumni and listened politely to the Old Man throughout the evening! ; < )


Marc Pelerin Coach Shaklee


-- On December 6th, 2022, Alum Justin Kelly '18 of Rowan University, was named to the Philly-SIDA Men's Cross Country Academic All-Area Team. Majoring in Exercise Science, Justin has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher throughout his college years! Details at: Rowan. This (edited) picture appeared with the announcement, though they probably should have shown him in the library!


Kelly at ?




Indoor Track and Field, 2023


-- On December 2nd, 2022, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, opened his Indoor Season at the Rutgers Holiday Classic in the New York City Armory. He competed in the 1000 Meters, finishing 3rd/12 overall in 2:30.55. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On December 9th, 2022, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, continued his early Indoor efforts at the Wagner Seahawk Shootout in the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, Staten Island, NY. Nico raced the 3K in a college PR of 8:46.25 (pace: 4:43) and finished 4th/29 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On December 9th - 10th, 2022, Alum Lucciano Pizarro '19 of Penn State University, participated in the intramural Blue and White Track Meet at home on the Ashenfelter Indoor Track. Luch finished 2nd/3 overall, throwing 16.40m (54' 0"). Details at: GO PSU Sports.

-- On January 14th, 2023, Alums Michael Gavio '19 and Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, returned to track action in the River Hawk Invitational at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA. Mike anchored the DMR, his team winning the 4-team event in 11:10.70. Matt raced the Mile, finishing 9th/30 overall, in 4:50.84. Details at: TFRRS. For those of you thinking Mike and Matt were just pretty faces, here are recent mugshots:


Mike Gavio Matt Campbell

-- On January 14th, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, traveled to the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, NY for the Penn Select 10. Nico raced the Mile in 4:22.41 and finished 15th/29 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On January 14th, 2023, Alum Lucciano Pizarro '19 of Penn State University, competed at home in the Nittany Lion Challenge where he putt the shot 16.96m (55' 7.75")! Luch finished 6th/22. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On January 14th, 2023, Alums Chase Miller '20 and Matt Smith '18 of TCNJ, traveled to the Armory Track and Field Center in NY City, for the TCNY Lions Indoor Invitational. They both raced in the 3K, with Chase finishing in 20th/45 overall while clocking 8:54.75; and Matt finishing in 40th/45 overall while clocking 9:35.63. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On January 20th, 2023, Alum Justin Kelly '18 of Rowan University, traveled to the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, NY for the NYC Gotham Cup. Justin raced the Mile in 4:28.11 and finished 40th/56 overall. Details at: TFRRS

-- On January 20th, 2023, Alum Ethan Wechsler '20 of Syracuse University, traveled to Cornell University for the Cornell Upstate Challenge. Ethan raced the Mile, taking 4th/34 overall in 4:16.75, a few seconds over his best at 4:13.78! Details at: TFRRS.

-- On January 21st, 2023, Alum Chase Miller '20 of TCNJ, traveled to Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY for a quad meet with Oneonta College, Cortland University, TCNJ and Ithaca. Chase raced the 3K in 8:57.87, finishing 2nd/13 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On January 21st, 2023, Alums Michael Gavio '19 and Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, traveled to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA for the Gulden Invitational. Mike raced the 3K, finishing 12th/17 overall, in 9:12.34; Matt raced the 5K, finishing 16th/17 overall, in 16:40.71. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On January 21st, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, traveled to the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, NY for the Villanova Invitational. Nico dropped 4 seconds off his race of last week, clocking 4:18.42 on that fast, banked track! Nico finished 12th/25 overall (1st in his section)! Interesting tidbit: Camden Catholic and St. Joe's graduate, Kevin McDonald, now training with Coach Shaklee, finished 16th in 4:20.27! The Coach was quick to point out that Kevin is training for the Marathon, not the Mile! Waaahhh! . . . Waaahhh! Details at: TFRRS.


cryin baby

-- On January 27th, 2023, Alum Ethan Wechsler '20 of Syracuse University, traveled to Boston University for the Boston University John Thomas Terrier Classic. Ethan raced the 3K, finishing 51st/163 overall in 8:15.06. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On January 28th, 2023, Alums Michael Gavio '19 and Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, returned to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA for the 24th Annual Bison Open and Multi Meet. Mike raced the open Mile in 4:31.49 and finished 5th/32 overall, and he anchored the DMR that clocked 10:32.54 and finished 5th/11 overall. Matt was in the Mile and finished 31st/32 overall in 5:02.79. (correct?) Details at: TFRRS.

-- On January 28th, 2023, Alum Matt Smith '18 of TCNJ, traveled to Haverford College, Haverford, PA for the Seamus McElligott Invitational. Matt raced the 3K in a PR 9:21.61, finishing 27th/33 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On January 28th, 2023, Alum Jack Shea '17, now in graduate school at St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, traveled to The Armory Track and Field Center, New York City, for the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge. Jack raced the 3K in 8:33.23 finishing 16th/20 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On January 27th, 2023, Alum Ethan Wechsler '20 of Syracuse University, traveled to Boston University for the Boston University John Thomas Terrier Classic. Ethan raced the 3K, finishing 51st/163 overall in 8:15.06 (pace 4:27). Details at: TFRRS.

-- On February 3rd, 2023, Alum Justin Kelly '18 of Rowan University, returned to the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, NY for the Metropolitan Championships. Justin raced the 3K in 8:33.20 (4:35 pace), finishing 4th/16 overall. His team took 2nd/12 overall in the Conference. Details at: MileSplit.

-- On February 3rd, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, returned to The Armory Track and Field Center, New York City, for Rutgers University's Scarlet Knights Open. Nico raced the Mile in 4:18.93, finishing 21st/55 overall. Details at: Armory Track.

-- On February 3rd, 2023, Alum Chase Miller '20 of TCNJ, returned to the Armory Track and Field Center in NY City, for the Rutgers University's Scarlet Knights Open. Chase competed in the 5K, finishing in 19th/26 overall in 15:17.22 (4:55 pace). Details at: Armory Track.

-- On February 4th, 2023, Alum Michael Gavio '19 of Bloomsburg University, traveled to Utica, NY for the Utica Pioneers Fast Trax Invitational. Mike raced a little slower than his PR of 8:58.35 in the 3K, finishing 5th/26 overall in 9:00.97 (3:50 pace). Details at: TFRRS

-- On February 10th, 2023, Alum Michael Gavio '19 of Bloomsburg University, traveled to Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA for the River Hawk Friday Night Showdown. Mike raced the 5K in a PR 15:36.84 (5:03 pace), finishing 21st/42 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On February 10th, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, traveled to the Ocean Breeze Sport Complex for the Fastrack National Invitational. Nico raced the Mile in a PR 4:17.03, finishing 10th/80 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On February 10th, 2023, Alum Justin Kelly '18 of Rowan University, traveled to Boston for the BU David Hemery Valentine Invite. Justin raced the 3K but finished in 8:58.92, (4:49 pace) 250th of 250 who finished the race in the seeded heat. Insane number of 3K's that day! Details at: TFRRS.

-- On February 10th, 2023, Alum Ethan Wechsler '20 of Syracuse University, returned to Boston for the BU David Hemery Valentine Invite where he raced the 5K in PR 14:18.79 (4:36 pace), finishing 99th/179 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On February 11th, 2023, Alum Matt Smith '18 of TCNJ, traveled to Alvernia University in Reading, PA for the Alvernia-Flynn PLEX Meet. Matt raced the 5K in 16:03.41 (5:10 pace), finishing 10th/30 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On February 17th, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, returned to the Ocean Breeze Sport Complex for the Garden State Track Club Collegiate Open. Nico raced the Mile again and set another PR 4:14.11, finishing 1st/27 overall. He seems to be "majoring" in the MIle, having raced it five times since January 14th, and improving each time! Give that guy an A+! Details at: TFRRS.

-- On February 17th, 2023, Alum Lucciano Pizarro '19 of Penn State University, remained at home and competed in the Penn State Tune-Up. Luch putt the shot 17.35m (56' 11.25") and finished 3rd/14 overall. It's his PR this year but he has some to go before he hits his overall PR of 18.12m (59' 5.5") from April of last year. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On February 20th, 2023, Alum Justin Kelly '18 of Rowan University, returned to the Ocean Breeze Sports Complex on Staten Island for the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships. Justin took 1st place/13 overall in the 3K while clocking 8:40.36 (4:39 pace)! Rowan took the team score over TCNJ. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On February 20th, 2023, Alum Chase Miller '20 of TCNJ, returned to the Ocean Breeze Sports Complex on Staten Island for the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships. Chase raced the 5K in 15:16.54 (4:55 pace) and took 3rd/19 overall! Details at: TFRRS.

-- On February 23rd, 2023, Alum Ethan Wechsler '20 of Syracuse University, traveled to Louisville, KY for the Atlantic Coast Conference Indoor T and F Championships. Ethan raced the 5K in a new PR 14:18.28 (4:36 pace) . . . yeah, OK, he chopped .51 off his PR set 13 days ago! He finished 25th/40 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On February 25th, 2023, Alum Michael Gavio '19 of Bloomsburg University, traveled to Bucknell U in Lewisburg, PA for the PSAC Indoor Track and Field Championships Mike raced the 3K in a PR 8:55.40 (4:48 pace) and took 10th/30 overall. In addition, he led-off the DMR that finished in 3rd/10 overall in a school record-setting 10:14.78! Details at: TFRRS.

-- On February 25th, 2023, Alum Lucciano Pizarro '19 of Penn State University, traveled to the SPIRE Institute's T and F Facility in Geneva, OH for the Big Ten Indoor Championships. Luch putt the Shot 17.63m (57' 10.25'), his best this season, to take 10th/22 overall. Details at: GO PSU SPORTS.

-- On March 3rd, 2023, Alum Justin Kelly '18 of Rowan University, traveled to the Armory Track and Field Center in NY City for the All-Atlantic Region Track & Field Championships (AARTFC). Justin raced the 3K in 8:38.25 (4:38 pace), taking 12th/32 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On March 3rd, 2023, Alum Chase Miller '20 of TCNJ, traveled to the Armory Track and Field Center in NY City for the All-Atlantic Region Track & Field Championships (AARTFC). Chase had one of those "Yikes!" races as he clocked a way-off 16:43.12 in the 5K and finished 27th/28 overall. Details at: TFRRS.


Spring Track, 2023



-- On March 18th, 2023, Alum Lucciano Pizarro '19 of Penn State University, opened his Spring season at the Penn Challenge at Franklin Field, Philadelphia to compete in the Shot Put! Luch finished 1st/14 overall with a throw of 17.99m (59' 0.25"). Details at: Lexicon Timing.

-- On March 24th, 2023, Alum Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, opened his Spring season at Susquehanna University's Jim Taylor Invitational. Matt raced the 1500m in 4:29.13 and finished 33rd/63 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On March 24th, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, stayed at home for the 27th Annual Monmouth University Track & Field Season Opener where he raced the 800m in 1:56.46 (hundreds of a second off his PR!), finishing 3rd/54 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On March 24th, 2023, Alum Chase Miller '20 of TCNJ, opened his Spring Season near-by at the 27th Annual Monmouth University Track & Field Season Opener where he raced the 1500m in a PR 4:12.31 and finished 36th/84 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On March 25th, 2023, Alum Lucciano Pizarro '19 of Penn State University, traveled to the Hurricane Collegiate Invitational at Miami University in Coral Gables, FL, and threw the Shot 18.49m (60' 8")! Luch placed 2nd/9 overall in the event, throwing his best in a year or so! Reuben Frank of NBC Sports, reported on his throw at: Cherokee's Lucciano Pizarro pops near-PR 60-foot shot put in 2023 opener for Penn State!!!!!! This article is available on our server at Frank 68. Further details at: TFRRS.

-- On March 26th, 2023, Coach Shaklee was inducted into the SJTCA Hall of Fame, an honor he felt he was unlikely to receive! The Coach sees himself as a decent runner in the past but not near the quality of the many Olympians who have already been inducted into the Hall. Instead, he was inducted for the success of his programs and coaching at Cherry Hill East, Shawnee and Cherokee High Schools, his many contributions to the sports of Cross Country and Track in New Jersey, and his co-founding of RunningWorks Cross Country Camps and programs designed to help coaches and inspire young runners to join the sport! Significantly, a large number of family members, individuals who ran with Shak "back in the day" and athletes whom he coached in the past witnessed his induction! Pictured below is a table of "recent graduates," many of whom are still competing today! It was great seeing them! Standing: Ethan Wechsler, Chase Miller, Tyler Jackson, Mike Iannotta, Mike Gavio. Seated: David Jackson, Nick Falk, Brendan Falzone, Jack Shea, Matt Smith, Mike Zurzolo and Joe Natoli. Still wondering who said it was an "open bar?!"


Alums at HOF

-- On March 26th, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, stayed at home for the 27th Annual Monmouth Spring Opener where he raced the 800m in 1:56.46, just a smidge slower than his PR of 1:56.21, finishing 3rd/54 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On March 31, 2023, Alums Michael Gavio '19 and Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, traveled to Millersville University for the 40th Annual Millersville Metrics. Mike raced the 5K in a PR time of 15:33.68 and finished 2nd/12 overall. Matt raced the 800m in a PR 2:11.57 to finish 23rd/51 overall, and the 1500m in 4:28.81 and finished in 30th/55 overall. Details at: TFRRS.


Matt Campbell


-- On April 1st, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, crossed the river to Philadelphia for the Big 5 Meet at the University of Pennsylvania's Franklin Field. Nico raced the 1500m and finished 21st/44 overall in a PR 4:01.76. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On April 1st, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, traveled to Fairfax, VA for the George Mason Ebanks Invitational. Nico raced the 1500m in 4:01.22 (his PR) and finished 35th/60 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On April 8th, 2023, Alums Chase Miller '20 and Matt Smith '19 of TCNJ, stayed at home for the TCNJ Invitational. Chase and Matt both competed in the 5K where Chase clocked 15:44.27, finishing 6th/24 overall; and Matt clocked 16:58.12, finishing 17th/24 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On April 8th, 2023, Alum Lucciano Pizarro '19 of Penn State University, traveled to Baton Rouge, LA for the LSU Lloyd Wills Invitational. Luch took 2nd/7 overall, launching the Shot 18.10m (59' 4.75"), an IC4A/ECAC qualifier. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On April 8th, 2023, Alums Michael Gavio '19 and Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, traveled to the Susquehanna Easter Invitational and both competed in the 1500m. Mike took 4th/22 overall in 4:10.28 and Matt took 14th/22 overall in 4.27.52. Matt also competed in the 800m, taking 13th/17 overall in 2:12.18. Details at: TFRRS


-- On April 14th, 2023, Alum Michael Gavio '19 of Bloomsburg University, bussed to the Bison Outdoor Classic at Bucknell University, where he raced in the Unseeded 5K, clocking a PR 15.19.91 and finishing 18th/59 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On April 15th, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, traveled to near-by Princeton University for the Larry Ellis Invitational. In the seeded heat of the 1500m, Nico finished 46th/56 overall in a PR (and sub-4!) 3:58.09! You go, Nico! Details at: TFRRS.

-- On April 19th, 2023, Alum Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, traveled to Shippensburg, PA for the Shippensburg University College Mid-Week Meet where he ran the 5K in 16:25.68, finishing 5th/16 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On April 21st, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, stayed in-state again for the Rutgers Relays in New Brunswick. Nico raced the Open 800m in 1:58.21 and finished 17th/37 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On April 22th, 2023, Alum Lucciano Pizarro '19 of Penn State University, traveled to the Virginia Challenge at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. Luch put the Shot 18.42m (60' 5.25") and took 2nd/21 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On April 22nd, 2023, Alum Chase Miller '20 of TCNJ, traveled to near-by Lawrenceville for the Rider Invitational. Chase competed in the 5K where he finished 37th/56 overall in 16:33.86. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On April 22nd, 2023, Alums Michael Gavio '19 and Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, traveled to the Team Challenge at Bucknell University. Mike raced the 1500m in 4:08.54 (about a second off his PR), finishing 14th/27 overall. Matt raced the 800m in 2:12.08 and finished 32nd/33 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On April 22nd, 2023, Alum Brett Shea '21 of Rowan University, crossed the river to Wagner University in Chester, PA for the Wagner Invitational where he raced the 800m in 1:57.13 and finished 22nd/93 overall. Background: Brett started college/college running at Hofstra U in 2021 but stopped running and left Holstra after his back flaired-up again. Back in January, 2023, Brett appeared at Rowan and on Rowan's Track team. Your crack researcher here at CCCTF.com/Alums just noticed his reappearance. See his Bio at Rowan for his races since January: Rowan Athletics. For the Widener results: TFRRS. Stay well, Brett!

-- On April 27th, 2023, Alum Lucciano Pizarro '19 of Penn State University, competed at the Penn Relays, putting the Shot 18.02m (59' 1.5") and finishing 6th/14 overall in the College Men's Championship. Details at: TFRRS

-- On April 28th, 2023, Alums Matt Smith '19 and Chase Miller '19 of TCNJ, stayed at home for the Lions Invitational where Matt raced the 5K in 16:43.29 and finished 18th/21 overall; and Chase raced the 1500m in 4:15.62 and finished 12th/72 overall. Details at: TFRRS. The picture of Matt below came from TCNJ.


Matt Smith

-- On April 29th, 2023, Alum Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, stayed at home for the Maroon and Gold Invitational where he competed in the 5K, clocking 16:19.52 and finishing 7th/12 overall. Details at: TFRRS

-- On April 29th, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, traveled to Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA for the Carol and John Covert Classic where he raced the 1500m in 3:58.80 and finished 1st/36 overall! Details at: TFRRS

-- On May 5th, 2023, Alum Matt Campbell '19 of Bloomsburg University, traveled to Lock Haven, PA for the LHU Qualifier where he raced the 5K in 16:24.83 and finished 1st/5 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On May 5th, 2023, Alum Nico Grilli '21 of Monmouth University, traveled to the CAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va for the 1500m. Nico finished 15th in the prelims and failed to advance but clocked a PR of 3:55.79! Details at: TFRRS.

-- On May 6th, 2023, Alums Matt Smith '19 and Chase Miller of TCNJ, traveled to Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ for the NJAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Both competed in the 10K where Matt finished 10th/14 overall in 34:16.67 and Chase followed in 11th/14 overall in 34:32.66. Details at: TFRRS

-- On May 6th, 2023, Alums Justin Kelly '18 and Brett Shea '21, of Rowan University, traveled to Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ for the NJAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Justin raced the 5K in 15:19.80 and finished 2nd/14 overall! Brett raced the 800m, clocking in at 2:04.18 and finishing 18th/24 overall. Details at: TFRRS

-- On May 11th, 2023, Alum Michael Gavio '19 of Bloomsburg University, traveled to the PSAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Slippery Rock, PA and competed in the 5K, clocking 15:39 and finishing 16th/21 overall. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On May 12th, 2023, Alum Lucciano Pizarro '19 of Penn State University, competed at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships, in Bloomington. IN, where he put the Shot a PR 19.83m (65' 0.75") and finished 4th/25 overall! Reuben Frank of NBC Sports, reported on his throw at: Lucciano Pizarro Bombs #4 Shot Put in Penn State History; #17 Among US Men, NCAA Qualifiers at Big Ten Championships!!!!!! This article is available on our server at Frank, SJTCA. Details at: TFRRS.

-- On June 15th, 2023, Alum Chase Miller '19 of TCNJ, (apparently) made a T-Shirt again at the NJSIAA State Meet of Champions. This picture was taken during the meet! There may be a need for some word or punctuation here . . .? GO CHASE!


Chase great








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