Expectations are running high for boys' cross-country team

There is an air of confidence that has risen from the cross-country paths that are occupied by the runners on the Bridgewater-Raritan High School boys’ cross-country team.

The head coach and his prized harriers are all primed on what could be a memorable fall for this program.

‘’We have a good corps of guys back and in terms of ability, we are really excited on how we can do this year,”  claimed Dave Evans, the head coach of the Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s boys’ cross-country team.

But Coach Evans, who has been the skipper of the squad since 2010, warned that his runners must remain on the paths and out of the training room at Basilone Memorial Field this autumn.

“We have a really good group of guys and we are confident, but we must stay healthy,” he claimed.

This talented and experienced  squad features Lukas Disko, who shined as a sophomore  last fall when he placed 42d out of a field of 166 runners at the Meet of Champions. 

Coach Evans reported that Disko is the No. 2 fastest runner ever at Bridgewater-Raritan.

Disko will also be primed to improve on his 14th-place showing at the Group 4 state meet and his 14th-place finish at the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 state race last year.

Another swift returning runner is senior Moksh Patwari, who holds the 14th fastest time ever in the program. He is confident after a sound spring season running outdoors.

“I had a really good spring and qualified for the Meet of Champions in the two mile so I am excited about this cross-country season,” Patwari said. “I want to lead the team and expand on my individual success this season.”

Two runners who are also anxious to hit the paths this fall are seniors Liam Vasquez and Alberto Castillo, who each did not participate in 2022.

Vasquez was sidelined with a torn labrum but he recovered in time to sparkle during the spring outdoor season. He qualified for the Meet of Champions and the Nike National Championships in Oregon.

“I am super excited to see how our team will do and I expect good times from everybody including myself,” Vasquez declared.

Castillo was a sprinter for the track and field teams but never ran cross-country—until now.

He emerged into an 800-meter runner and his relationship with his running partners resulted in his place on this fall’s team.

“I hooked up with our distant runners and that led to me coming out for cross-country,” Castillo reported.

A strong junior class will enhance the prospects of what could result in a highly productive fall season.

Those crucial runners from the Class of 2025 who competed as sophomores are Nikola D’Amico, Riley Bowman, Aarav Desai and Mukund Vegunta.

“This could be one of our better teams since I have been here,’ Coach Evans revealed.

If they remain healthy, his prediction may come true.