The 2026 boys cross country season in the Morris and Sussex counties is gearing up with several high schools looking to make their mark. Coaches and athletes are preparing for a competitive year, with many teams focusing on individual and team development as they aim for success in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC).
At Boonton, Coach Zachary Sabatino embarks on his fifth season, hoping to build on last year's 3-2 record. The Bombers are emphasizing individual progress, with senior Paul Ippolito, senior Liam Uychich Pruner, and sophomore Luca Camanelli returning as letter-winners. Freshmen Patrick Wolfgang and Nick Cava are expected to contribute as newcomers.
Butler, under the guidance of Coach Ward Flynn, is also focusing on individual improvement. The team features junior Fernando Bautista as a returning letter-winner, along with newcomer junior Ben Peters.
Chatham, coached by Pat Barry in his 19th season, has a strong legacy to uphold after last year's impressive performance, where they were crowned Morris County champions and NJAC large-school champions. However, they will be without standout Marcus Valenzuela, who has graduated. The returning letter-winners include seniors Peter Krieg, Conlan Richichi, Alex Wang, Nick Fodoro, and juniors Josh Oosterheert and Drew Engelsen. Sophomore Zach Reed joins the team as a newcomer.
Delbarton, with Coach Collin Frost in his fifth season, finished last year with a 5-1 record and aims to improve on their fourth-place finish in the NJAC-Large and fifth in the Morris County Championships. The Green Wave has a strong roster featuring returning seniors Ryan Leuenberger, Lucien Bret, Matthew Fic, Todd Smith, Hans Clovis, and juniors Matthew Heyer and Jonathan Gels. Freshmen Liam Johnson, Harris Smith, C.J. Hummel, and Isaiah Suh are expected to make an impact.
Dover, led by Coach Kyle Madison in his 12th season, is coming off a perfect 13-0 record and NJAC-Colonial championship. The team looks to its returning letter-winners, including senior Juan Torres, junior Christian Oquendo, and sophomore John Fuentes, while freshmen Dylan Alverado, Arthur Inza, and Anthony Moranchel are anticipated to play significant roles.
Hackettstown's Coach Pamela Willson, in her ninth season, leads a young team with returning letter-winners such as senior Isaac Symonds and junior Joey Pangallo. Freshmen Alexander Pinto, Parker Smith, and James Van Pelt will be new additions to the squad.
High Point, coached by Lisabeth Sunda for her 19th season, is focused on rebuilding its roster with returning seniors Ethan Blake, Ryan Davis, and Gabe Vila. The team is looking to develop its younger runners.
Hopatcong welcomes Jamie Douglas as the new coach, taking over a young squad from long-time coach Peter Oesen. The team features returning letter-winners senior Robert Blunt and junior Colin O'Malley, along with newcomer freshman John O'Brien.
Jefferson, under Coach Shannon Chapman in his 12th season, is looking to build on a solid spring track season. The team has returning letter-winners junior Eian Doherty and sophomores Hundson Dobkowski and Tyler MacGowan, with senior Jacob de la Cruz and juniors Victor Malloy, Anthony Palmiere, and Steven Forgotson joining as newcomers.
Kinnelon, coached by Laura Chegwidden-Jacobs in her 18th season, is coming off a successful year with a 5-0 record and NJAC-Liberty championship. Returning letter-winners include seniors Henry Manton, Kieran Fitzgerald, Brandon Kates, Hunter Ashton, and sophomore Jiayi Birkhoff, while the team aims to remain competitive at championship meets.
As the season progresses, teams across the Morris and Sussex counties will be vying for individual and team accolades, making for an exciting cross country season ahead.
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