STEVE GRABOWSKI, Cinnaminson senior (Runner of the Year)

GREG BREDECK, Cherokee senior

Greg Bredeck was never one to put his own accomplishments ahead of his team. That's exactly what made him an invaluable member of the Cherokee High School cross country team.

“Greg has been one of our top seven varsity runners since his freshman year,” coach Steve Shaklee said. “He is one of the most reliable athletes we have ever had. He never has a bad race and he always gets better as the season progresses.”

Bredeck helped the Chiefs qualify for the state Group 4 championship meet and the Meet of Champions this fall. Shaklee said Bredeck's time of 16:19 at the Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park was “a great way for Greg to finish off an outstanding high school cross country career.”

Bredeck clocked 16:25 the previous week at states and finished sixth. He was the first runner from the county to cross the finish line in the Group 4 race.

He finished second behind teammate Alex Yersak at sectionals and was second to only Cinnaminson's Steve Grabowski in the Burlington County Open.

ALEX YERSAK, Cherokee sophomore

Alex Yersak sprinted to the front of Cherokee High School's seven-man pack in only his sophomore year. Yersak emerged as the Chiefs' second man behind Greg Bredeck.

“He is a very hard worker and has certainly earned the success he enjoyed this year,” coach Steve Shaklee said. “Like Greg, Alex is a dependable athlete. He never gives up. When he is not having a great race, he has a good one.”

Yersak became only the second Cherokee runner to ever win the South Jersey sectional meet when he ran 16:14 (Marc Pelerin did it in 2001). Yersak ran 16:43 at Holmdel Park in the Shore Coaches Invitational and later finished 24th at states (16:52). Yersak was fourth in a very competitive Burlington County Open at Mill Creek Park (16:33).

“Alex showed tremendous improvement from his freshman to his sophomore year,” Shaklee said. “He will be a strong leader for us over the next two years.”

JAMES BUINICKY, Maple Shade senior

ERIC HOLADAY, Moorestown senior

BEN LEONBERG, Moorestown senior

BRIAN TETREAULT, Cinnaminson junior

SECOND TEAM

Will Andes, Cherokee senior

Rich Nelson, Cherokee senior

Michael Bowden, Northern Burlington freshman

Josh Clark, Seneca junior

Matt Melillo, Northern Burlington junior

Matt Poskus, Cinnaminson junior