Hammonton track runs well at Woodbury

During a break on the track at Hammonton High School’s meet against Cedar Creek last week, I had a quick minute to talk to Blue Devils sprinter Aaron Mull.

Mull is off to a strong start this spring, following an indoor season that saw him break several school records.

He was fresh off finishing the 100-meter dash and was listening to the times of some of the other competitors.

“I think I won,” Mull said to me and his dad, Matt, who was standing alongside the fence that circles Hammonton’s track.

Once the final times were read, Mull quickly learned that his was the best of the day and broke a quick smile as his father congratulated him on a good performance.

I asked about the Woodbury Relays which were coming a few days after Hammonton defeated Cedar Creek, and Mull shrugged his shoulders and said the Blue Devils would do their best.

It’s been that kind of year for Hammonton boys track as the Blue Devils are beginning to be noticed as one of the top teams in the Cape Atlantic League.

Mull leads a strong group of sprinters, one with experience and talent and one that could make some noise at sectionals and states later this spring.

Standing with a few Hammonton runners, I mentioned that I had been near the throwing pit, watching the shot put competition.

Mull and his teammates laughed a little.

“We don’t talk that much to the throwers,” Justin Harms said.

“They kind of keep to themselves and don’t say much,” he said.

The Blue Devils throwers might be quiet around their teammates, but they make a lot of noise when they’re in action behind the track at Hammonton.

Anthony Liakhnovich, a junior, has already established himself as one of the best in South Jersey.

Against Cedar Creek, Liakhnovich sounded disappointed with his performance in shot, but managed to win the event on a day he was not at his best.

Last weekend at Woodbury, Liakhnovich brought home a pair of medals as he and teammates Christian Medina and Alex Grasso led a strong showing for the Blue Devils.

This week, several Hammonton athletes will compete at the Penn Relay Carnival, one of the country’s most prestigious track and field events. It’s an honor just to participate at Penn and this year, Hammonton has a chance to bring home a few medals.

Both the boys and girls track programs at Hammonton have developed into teams that are consistently competitive and each should do well later this season when they begin to challenge for state championships.

Head coaches Jeff Dey (boys) and Michelle Wolosky (girls) have led the Blue Devils for many years and there is an expectation level at both programs that sets high goals each season.

Hammonton athletes constantly challenge each other and themselves and have brought much pride to their school.

Dan Russoman is the news/sports director of The Gazette. Follow Russoman on Twitter @DanRussoman.