Christian Brothers Academy Wins Sixth MOC Title In Row

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By Jim Hintelmann
HOLMDEL – Christian Brothers Academy has won 21 NJSSIA Meet of Champions titles in school, history, but Saturday’s thrilling MOC win over Don Bosco Prep at Holmdel Park was near the top of the list.
After being upset by Don Bosco, 33-35, the previous week in the Non-Public A meet, the Colts got their revenge Saturday, but did it the hard way with an 87-92 win over the Ironmen. It was the sixth straight MOC title for the Colts.
“When we lost to Don Bosco the previous week, it wasn’t until Wednesday that we knew that we could win this race,” said CBA coach Tom Heath. “We seemed a bit confused last week, but dedicated ourselves to winning back the trophy today (Saturday).”
Leading the way for the Colts was senior Blaise Ferro, who made his final Holmdel Park race his fastest by taking second place in 15:36. Josh Clark of Highland Regional won the race in 15:33.

Saint John Vianney’s Nora Honrath ran 18:34 at the Meet of Champions Saturday in Holmdel Park, placing seventh. It was the best race of her career. Photo: Russ DeSantis
Saint John Vianney’s Nora Honrath ran 18:34 at the Meet of Champions Saturday in Holmdel Park, placing seventh. It was the best race of her career. Photo: Russ DeSantis

“It was an amazing feeling,” said Ferro. “I stayed with most of the other runners until the two-mile mark when I began my kick. My goal now is to help my team qualify for the Nationals in December.”
Don Bosco got its first three runners in front of CBA’s second runner, Brian Dengler (33rd overall) but, as it usually does in its major meets, used its superior depth to win it.
Noah Yuro, (36th), Paul Kneppel (37th) and Brian Hill (39th) rounded out CBA’s top five and were nine seconds apart.
“Hill is our number five runner, but he put us over the top,” said Heath. “This is really cool and you can’t beat this.”
St. John Vianney’s Nora Honrath was the top area finisher in the girls race with a ninth place in a personal best time of 20:24.
Red Bank Catholic’s Monmouth County champions were ninth in the team race while Group II champion Rumson-Fair Haven Regional placed 15th.