By: Jane HavsyMorristown Daily Record
CLIFTON — Caden DeRosa grabbed the NJSIAA North 1, Group 1 track and field trophy, and ran across the field at Clifton Stadium hollering. His Hasbrouck Heights teammates cheered and laughed.
The Aviators won both boys and girls sectional titles. But while it’s the girls’ third straight and a relatively easy victory, the Hasbrouck Heights boys had to wait and worry. Sophomore Oscar Solis, senior Jack Baker and junior Tyler Cappadona took first, second and fifth in the discus, and the Aviators were able to slip past Kinnelon, 127 to 118, leaving Wallkill Valley third with 105 points.
It is Hasbrouck Heights’ first boys title since 2015. Coach Rob Brady delivered a last-minute pep talk to the 4×400 – which finished second behind the Colts – and was shouting, “Come on, we need it!” through the fence at the discus throwers.”I felt a little pressure,” said Solis, who added nine feet to his personal best. “But I was throwing with confidence.”
Added DeRosa, “I’m so happy right now. I thought I was going to graduate without winning anything statewide. It’s the best way: senior year with all my friends. They say it’s not a team sport, but everyone chipped in for the team.”
