Manville's Jayran Rodriguez Makes History, Wins State Title

MANVILLE, NJ — Manville High School junior Jayran Rodriguez made history Saturday, becoming the school's first-ever NJSIAA Group 1 Cross Country State Champion with a commanding victory at Holmdel Park.

Rodriguez finished the famously demanding 5-kilometer course in a new MHS course record of 16:36, crossing the line a full 15 seconds ahead of the nearest competitor. His victory is the first individual cross-country state title in Manville High School history.

Head Coach Kevin Caldwell praised Rodriguez's race strategy.

"It's a bold move to try to win the race at the bowl, but Jay is a courageous runner, and I’m not at all surprised he went for it there," said Caldwell.

Rodriguez, an intuitive runner, made his decisive move on Holmdel’s infamous steep hill (the "bowl") after the first mile, quickly opening a gap that grew throughout the second half of the race.

The individual title marks a new high point for what Coach Caldwell calls the "golden age of Manville distance running."

The program has secured back-to-back spring track sectional championships and won the cross-country division title for three consecutive years.

The boys' cross country team finished seventh overall in the Group 1 State meet, improving upon last year's record-setting 10th-place finish.

Rodriguez credits the support of his teammates, specifically Damian Smutek and Gabe Zala, who have been training with him since he was a freshman.

"Their training is equal parts joyful and strenuous and helps strike a good mental balance," Caldwell added, noting the importance of the team's strong bonds and dedicated coaching staff, including coaches Jeff Ruggini and volunteers/assistant coaches Ricky and Andrew Monterroso.

"He raised the bar on a team that had already raised the bar to uncharted heights," Caldwell stated. "To see that Jay is a state champ is a game-changer. It helps kids realize what’s possible, and strive to be better and better."

— Submitted by Manville School District