The 2026 high school girls cross country season in Morris and Sussex counties is set to showcase a mix of experienced runners and promising newcomers. Coaches and teams are gearing up for a competitive year, with many focusing on individual improvement and team cohesion.
Boonton enters the season with Coach Zachary Sabatino at the helm for his fifth year. After finishing with a record of 3-2 last year, the Bombers are looking for individual progress, with senior Jocelyn Hanna leading the charge. Freshman Anthea Ceci joins the squad, adding youthful energy to the team.
Butler, under the guidance of Coach Ward Flynn, is also emphasizing personal development this season. The team, which includes returning letter-winners like seniors Samantha Merrick and Kiki Boudaher, hopes to build on their past performances.
Chatham is welcoming a significant influx of new talent this year. Coach Kathryn Franz, in her second season, has nearly half of her roster comprised of newcomers, many of whom have transitioned from the track and field program. This includes juniors Sophia Burgo and Victoria Slattery, alongside several sophomores and freshmen eager to make their mark.
Hackettstown, led by Coach Pamela Willson in her ninth season, features a young squad with junior Isabella Sisto and sophomores Sullivan Cassidy and Malika Khurana as returning letter-winners. The Tigers aim to grow as a team while developing their individual skills.
High Point is in a rebuilding phase after losing five runners to graduation. Coach Lisabeth Sunda, now in her 19th season, is looking to sophomores Layla Praschil and Lauren Minong to lead the way, while welcoming several newcomers, including juniors Ryleigh Kinney and Michelle Vidal-Mendez.
Hopatcong has a fresh perspective with Jamie Douglas taking over as head coach for his first season. He inherits a young team from longtime coach Peter Oesen, who led the program for nearly 30 years. The returning letter-winners include sophomores Angelina Oforiwaah-Edusei and Alyssa Garcia.
Jefferson is looking to build on a solid spring track season under Coach Shannon Chapman, now in her 15th year. The Falcons have junior Olivia Alvarez returning, along with several newcomers eager to contribute, including juniors Sandra Malave and Emely Campos.
Kinnelon hopes to remain competitive at championship meets with Coach Laura Chegwidden-Jacobs, who is in her 18th season. The Colts finished last year with a record of 4-1 and have a strong returning group, including senior Polina Shardakova-Scorzafava.
Kittatinny is aiming for individual success this season, with Coach Melissa Fischer in her second year. The Cougars have senior Aubrey Kline returning and will look to newcomers to bolster their efforts.
Lenape Valley is striving for improvement after a tough 1-10 season last year. Coach Keith Morrissey, in his fifth season, will rely on senior Alexa Valeich to lead the team.
Madison is aiming for a top-three finish at sectionals and a top-six finish at Group 2 under Coach Christopher Monaco, now in his seventh season. The team finished fourth in the NJSIAA North 2 Group 2 last year and boasts several returning letter-winners, including senior Isabella Bolstad.
Mendham hopes to maintain consistency with Coach Robert Kertesz in his 21st season. The Minutemen finished last year with a 3-2 record and were competitive in the Morris County Championships.
Montville is looking to leverage its depth this season with Coach John Larkin, now in his 10th year. Senior Sierra Shevchik leads a strong returning group.
Morris Catholic has a new coach in Gregory Ross, who takes over a developing team. The returning letter-winners include junior Emma Mainardi and several sophomores.
Morris Hills is bringing back depth and experience with Coach Mark DiGennaro in his eighth season. The team is looking to capitalize on the experience of returning letter-winners like senior Maddie Cromwell.
Morris Knolls is building around veteran runners with Coach Peter Staluppi, now in his fifth year. The Golden Eagles finished last year strong and are looking to build on that momentum.
Morris Tech expects success in both the NJAC-Liberty and NJTAC Championships under Coach Colleen Pascale, who is in her eighth season. The team has a solid group of returning letter-winners to lead the way.
Morristown is looking to improve on last year’s 3-3 record with Coach Bernadette Componile. The Colonials have several returning scorers, including senior Kaleigh Policano.
Mount Olive is aiming to qualify for Group 3 again, with Coach Kathleen Cerezo in her first season. The team has a strong group of returning letter-winners to build on their success.
Mountain Lakes is coming off a successful season and expects more success with Coach Vicki Allison in her 20th year. The team includes several returning letter-winners who are eager to compete.
Newton has put in extra summer mileage and is looking to build on last year’s success with Coach Diana Eigner in her 30th season. The Braves finished strong last year, capturing the NJAC-Freedom title.
Parsippany Hills is focusing on building around freshmen, with Coach Michelle Perry in her 18th season. The team has a mix of returning letter-winners and newcomers to develop this year.
Pequannock aims for a Group 1 berth with Coach Rick Mullins, who is in his 43rd season. The team returns its top five runners, providing a solid foundation for the season.
Pope John is in a rebuilding phase with Coach Brian Corcoran in his 31st season. The team is looking to improve from last year’s 0-6 record.
Randolph expects continued success with Coach Kevin Higgins in his seventh season. The team is coming off a championship season and has a strong returning group.
Roxbury has a small but experienced roster under Coach Derek Bischoff in his fifth season, aiming to make an impact this year.
Sparta is looking for a solid finish at North 1, Group 2 with Coach Sierra Horetsky in her sixth season. The team has a strong mix of returning letter-winners and newcomers.
Sussex Tech is focused on individual improvement with Coach Maria Re in her 11th season. The Mustangs are looking to build on last year’s performance.
Vernon is bolstered by newcomers as they aim to improve under Coach Jim Shenise in his 18th season. The team has a solid core of returning letter-winners.
Villa Walsh has a promising group of young athletes under Coach Mark Ladolcetta in his fourth season. The Vikings are coming off a successful season and look to build on that momentum.
Wallkill Valley hopes to improve with Coach Aimee Chegwidden in her seventh season. The team is welcoming new talent to strengthen their roster.
West Morris aims to build on last season’s success with Coach Andrea Olsen in her fourth season. The Wolfpack are looking to capitalize on their championship experience.
Whippany Park is in a rebuilding stage under Coach Steve Manni in his 21st season, focusing on developing young talent.
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