Carter, Rivera double up at state track meet

When it comes to running the hurdles, Washington Township's Devon Carter understands that speed and technique are a winning combination.

Carter used that understanding to blaze to victory in the 110 high hurdles with a time of 13.96 seconds Saturday during the second day of the state Group 2, Group 4 and Non-Public B track and field championships at Egg Harbor Township.

The top six finishers, along with designated wild-card entrants, earned a berth in the state Meet of Champions, scheduled for Thursday.

Carter, who won the Group 4 400-meter intermediate hurdles Friday, was one of two area athletes to win two events at the competition.

"The 13.96 is my best time this season," Carter said. "After the trials, I felt pretty good going into the finals. My form was the key. The hurdles require a good start and a focus on your form.

"I'm satisfied with my technique, but there's still room for improvement. If I stay focused, I think I'll do OK at the Meet of Champions."

Carter's wins, along with Steve Morrone's first place in the 800 meters, helped Washington Township finish third in Group 4, with 31 points, behind co-champions East Brunswick and Hackensack, which tied with 34.

Pleasantville's Dontaye Rivera also won two events, taking the shot put and discus in Group 2.

Haddonfield, propelled by its middle and distance runners, defended its Group 2 team championship rolling up 88 points to outdistance runner-up Delsea (46). Matawan (35) Pleasantville ( 28) Snyder (28), and Long Branch (28) rounded out the top six.

Haddonfield's Ben Potts, who finished second in the 1,600 on Friday, added a gold medal with a win in the 800, outkicking the field on the final lap to finish with a personal-best time of 1:54.84, with teammate Colin Baker in third.

"This year, we've tried to develop a stronger finishing kick," Potts said. "Up until this year, I never had a clear-cut racing strategy in the 800, but this year, I have one.

"I stick with the fast pace and do my best to close it out in the final 100 meters."

In the 3,200, the Bulldogs' Jon Vitez clocked a time of 9:20.30 to finish first, with teammate Matt Nussbaum, who won the 1,600 on Friday, right behind in 9:21.73.

In the Non-Public B meet, St. Joseph's Pat Casey won the javelin with a throw of 164 feet, 8 inches. Teammates Vinny Reed, Miles Pease, Philip Paulhill and Robert Thompson closed the meet, taking first in the 4x400 relay.