Bengals Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Barnegat High School

Sports run deep in Barnegat, and Barnegat High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Bengals uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Barnegat High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

1. Manny Bowen — College Football Linebacker (Nittany Lions)

A four-star recruit during his time at Barnegat, Bowen played for the Penn State Nittany Lions for the 2015 through 2017 seasons, contributing to the Nittany Lions' defense. (Source: GoPSUSports.com)

2. Jason ‘Jay’ Groome — MLB Pitcher (Free Agent)

Jason Groome was drafted 12th overall by the Boston Red Sox in 2016. He most recently played in the minors in 2024. (Source: MILB.com)

3. Emma Thornton — Varsity Basketball Small Forward & Record Holder (Barnegat Bengals)

The youngest athlete on this list, Thornton is the all-time program leader in both points and rebounds. The 2025 graduate registered over 1,000 in each stat during her time with the Bengals. (Source: TapInto.net)

4. Meghan Wilson — All-State Lacrosse Midfielder & B-South Champion (Albright College)

A member of the All-State team and two-time B-South Champion, Wilson scored 100 goals during her time at Albright College. She graduated in 2015. (AlbrightAthletics.com)

5. James Rivers — NJAC First-Team Cross Country (Stockton University)

A 2010 graduate of Barnegat High School, Rivers had a successful collegiate career at Stockton University. He claimed NJAC First-Team in 2012 and received a Runner of the Week Title that same year. (Source: StocktonAthletics.com)

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