Irvington HS cross-country teams seek continued success this season

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IRVINGTON, NJ (updated Tuesday, Sept. 6, 3:55 p.m.) – Irvington High School head cross-country coach Marvin Hawkins is excited about his boys’ and girls’ teams this season.

After finishing with a stellar 9-1 record in the Super Essex Conference-Colonial Division last season, the boys’ team has been moved up to the Liberty Division of the SEC.

The top returnee is junior Michael Veltz, who will lead a young and talented squad that will improve and possibly challenge for the division title by end of the season, Hawkins said.

Newcomers are seniors Ezekiel Rodriguez and Jhamir Applewhite, and sophomores Desmond Marfo, Phillip Polk, William Ramirez, Brisner Xavier, Wolfnegger Michel.

Meanwhile, the girls’ team is rebuilding. Senior Anathalie Thelemaque and junior Khdeejah Hughes will try to duplicate and improve on last year’s 6-4 record in the Liberty Division.

The teams begin the season Sept. 8.

Schedule

Sept. 8, boys vs. Bloomfield and Verona, girls vs. North 13th St. Tech, Verona, and Barringer, at Branch Brook Park

Sept. 13, boys vs. Weequahic and Newark Academy, girls vs. Montclair Kimberley Academy and Belleville, at Branch Brook Park

Sept. 17, Indian Invitational

Sept. 20, boys vs. Caldwell, Cedar Grove, and Belleville, girls vs. University, St. Vincent, Livingston, at Branch Brook Park

Sept. 24, Indian Invitational

Sept. 27, boys vs. Glen Ridge and North 13th St. Tech, girls vs. Central and Science Park, at Branch Brook Park

Oct. 5, Super Essex Conference Championships

Oct. 28, Essex County Championships

Nov. 5, State Sectional Championships

Nov. 12, State Groups Championships

Nov. 19, Meet of Champions

Nov. 26, National Regional Championships

Photo caption of group: Standing from left, Michael Veltz, Phillip Polk, Ezekiel Rodriguez, William Ramirez, Claudel Saint Clair, Brisner Xavier and Desmond Marfo. Kneeling from left,  Victory Molokwu, Khdeejah Hughes and Towanna Hughes.