Cherokee Track & Field Pictures, 2006, Page VI






The State Championships!


This page focuses on the South Jersey Group IV Championships (May 26th and 27th) and the State Group IV Championships (June 2nd and 3rd), both at Egg Harbor Township HS. Also, there is a section on the annual Track Banquet where team members, parents, friends and coaches enjoy a final meal together and review the accomplishments of the year.





South Jersey Group IV Championships

On May 26th and 27th, 2006, several of Cherokee's top performers participated in the South Jersey Group IV Championships at Egg Harbor Township HS, and four athletes advanced to the State Group IV Championships! Eric Pontrello took 4th in the Pole Vault at 13'; Chris Steliga took 6th in the Long Jump at 20' 10.75"; Steve Watson took 6th in the Triple Jump at 43' 4.25"; and Vin Marziano took 5th in the 3200m in 9:50.92! In addition, Chris Steliga's Triple Jump of 42' 0" was a full two feet beyond his previous best and one place from advancing to the Groups in the event; and Lynell Payne's PR throw of 42' 3" won his flight in the Shot Put! Additional details at: Scullion


Friday's action

Aaron DeCaires in the 400IH Mike Schiafone in the 400IH Robin Chen in the 400IH Tony Cotton in the 100m
Lynell Payne in the HJ Steve Watson hits the sand in the Triple Jump! AJ Valentine finishes the 400m Aaron DeCaires in the 400IH

Saturday's action

Chris Chen in the 110HH Robin Chen in the 110HH Aaron DeCaires in the 110HH Kyle Magulick in the Shot
Lynell Payne in the Shot Start of the 800m Rich Nelson and Will Andes after 400m in the 800m Tony Cotton in the 200m
Eric Pontrello in the Vault Greg Bredeck in the 3200m Vin Marziano in the 3200m Chris Steliga finishes the Long Jump!





NJSIAA Group IV Championships

On June 2nd and 3rd, 2006, Cherokee's four qualifiers from the South Jersey Group IV Championships participated in the statewide NJSIAA Group IV Championships, again at Egg Harbor Township HS but this time under rainy conditions. Only one advanced to the NJSIAA Meet of Championships.

While others faltered because of the wet conditions, Chris Steliga jumped 20' 10.50", only 1/4 inch less than the previous week, and again took 6th in the Long Jump! With this, he moves on to the Meet of Champions in South Plainfield! In the Vault, the starting height was 12' 6" and Eric Pontrello decided to wait until 13'. Unfortunately, he was unable to clear that height. In the Triple Jump, Steve Watson took 12th in 42' even; and Vin Marziano took 12th in the 3200m in 9:43.58. Additional details at: Scullion

Here are some pictures from both days. Steve Watson, Cherokee's record-holder in the Triple Jump, isn't pictured because it was too dark behind the stands by the time he jumped.


Eric Pontrello in the Vault Eric Pontrello in the Vault Eric Pontrello in the Vault Eric Pontrello in the Vault
Chris Steliga takes off in the Long Jump Chris Steliga lands in the Long Jump! Chris Steliga lands again in the Long Jump! Chris Steliga lands again in the Long Jump!
Vin Marziano early in the 3200m! Vin Marziano midway in the 3200m Vin Marziano fights for the finish line! Vin Marziano fights for the finish line!!





Cherokee Track & Field Awards Dinner

On June 4, 2006, following a long-standing tradition, Cherokee's Track and Field team held its annual banquet at the school. There the team, coaches, families and friends enjoyed a meal together, applauded the accomplishments of the team this season, and bid farewell to the graduating seniors. Besides the great food provided by the parents, highlights included the Coach's announcement of the Most Valuable Player in the sprints, hurdles, jumps, distance and weight events, and a special Multi-Event award.


All-Burlington County: Second Team

Vin Marziano, 3200m

Olympic Conference: First Team, American Division

Eric Pontrello, Pole Vault

Rich Nelson, 800m


Olympic Conference Champion

Eric Pontrello, 1st Place, Pole Vault


South Jersey Group IV Sectional Medalists

Steve Watson, 6th Place, Triple Jump

Vin Marziano, 5th Place, 3200m

Chris Steliga, 6th Place, Long Jump

Eric Pontrello, 4th Place, Pole Vault


State Group IV Medalists

Chris Steliga, 6th Place, Long Jump


Track & Field Most Valuable Player

Vin Marziano, Distance

Steve Watson, Jumps

Steve Iwanczuk, Sprints

Glen Pease, Weights

Aaron DeCaires, co-award in Hurdles

Robin Chen, co-award in Hurdles

Chris Steliga, Multi-Event Award


Here are a few pictures from the Awards Dinner.


Coach Witzig speaks to the audience Buffet line Buffet line Buffet line Parents, families and friends
Coach Shaklee Caoch Lynn Coach Callinan Coach Downey guards the desserts Freshman squad
Sophomores Juniors Seniors Hurdles MVPs, Aaron DeCaires and Robin Chen Throws MVP, Glen Pease
Sprints MVP, Steve Iwanczuk Jumps MVP, Steve Watson Multi-event MVP, Chris Steliga Distance MVP, Vin Marziano Fran Marziano, Chairperson of Booster Club





Meet of Champions

On June 8, 2006, Chris Steliga, Cherokee's lone qualifier for the statewide NJSIAA Meet of Champions, traveled to South Plainfield High School to compete. Postponed the day before because of rain, bad weather persisted and obviously affected the performances in the Long Jump. Still, Chris was only slightly off and managed a leap of 20' 01", finishing 23rd out of 36 qualifiers. And, as one of only five sophomores in the event, both he and the staff looked forward to next year! Complete results at: Morris County Track









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