By KEVIN CRANSTON
Courier-Post Staff

November 20, 2005


HOLMDEL

Whether it's losing key runners to graduation, dealing with injuries or having a couple sub-par races, no matter what happens to the Cherokee High School boys' cross country team before and during the season, the Chiefs always seem to be able to put it together at the end of the year and compete with the state's elite at the Meet of Champions.

This year's team is a perfect example.

Before this season even began, coach Steve Shaklee knew he would be forced to depend on several guys with little or no varsity experience, as six out of his top eight from 2004 were gone.

Then, early in the year, senior Vinny Marziano suffered a calf strain, which would hamper his performance for the rest of the season.

And the past weeks, the team has had to settle for second place at sectionals and fourth at the state meet as they earned a wildcard into the M of C.

Yet, with all Cherokee has had to deal with this season, the team was in a familiar spot Saturday at Holmdel Park -- battling for a top-six spot at the M of C.

And just like they have done the last eight years, the Chiefs proved again they are one of the state's best.

With 188 points, Cherokee, No. 1 in the Courier-Post Top 20, placed sixth at the M of C. The Chiefs held off Washington Township, which was eighth with 190, by two points to finish as South Jersey's top team.

Christian Brothers Academy, which set a Holmdel team average record of 16:15.6 (the old record was 16:18.4 set by the 1982 CBA team), rolled to its 15th team title with 48 points.

The Chiefs are the only team in the state to place in the top six at the M of C the last nine straight years.

"Our first, third and fifth did it for us today," Shaklee said. "Greg (Bredeck) had a great race for us up front, Will (Andes) had a huge PR (personal record) and Colin (Cunningham) stepped up and finished as our fifth man.

"We're proud of making it nine years on the podium. We've never won one, but we're always up there."

Leading the Cherokee pack was Bredeck, who covered the 3.1-mile course in 16:19 for 21st.