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Sports

Boys Track Team Preps for Meet of Champions

Hardy, Azeceta qualify for prestigious event

Joe Hardy, only the second high jumper on Central Regional's boys track and field team to make the NJSIAA Meet of Champions in more than 23 years, says he is ready for a peak performance on June 9 at Old Bridge.

"It's really competitive. I'm definitely ready," Hardy said.

He heads to the season-ending showcase for the second straight year. His 6-feet, 8-inch jump was good for third place a year ago. He jumped 6-2 for fourth place at the Group III championships on June 4 to qualify for the MOC. He had cleared 6-8 at the MOC last year for a medal.

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"It was a very bad day," Hardy said of this year's group meet. "Horrible. "It's definitely my steps. I got there (to the bar) a little late and that messed me up a lot. This week I'm working on really getting my body over the bar."

John Azeceta, who just started on the javelin this spring, threw 172-6 for third place in the groups meet to become a second qualifier for the Meet of Champions.

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"It's the best throw we've had in the last 20 years," Coach Mike Jordan said.


Jordan said the last high jumper to make the MOC before Hardy did it the last two years was Rodney Donaldson in 1987, who set the old school record of 6-6 that Hardy surpassed last year.


"He did not have a great day at groups but is excited about his chances at jumping again," Jordan said. "Not every single time is going to be a personal best. It's a roller coaster."

Hardy is determined to recapture the form he had in the Group III, Central Jersey sectionals when he reached 6-6. He has reached 6-8 in practice.

"If he makes 6-6, he's going to score," said Jordan. "There are a number of good kids in the state. Nottingham has a kid who hit 6-9 and another on that team hit 6-6 and just missed 6-8. Cinnaminson has a kid who hit 6-8. There are going to be a good number of jumpers over 6-6. The amount of control a coach has at this time of the season is how a kid perceives how successful he wants to be."

Hardy agreed.


"I did not have the right mindset but I definitely do now," said Hardy. "Every day I know there is somebody trying to come at my spot, but this makes me work harder. I'm a very competitive person."

Hardy said he is not surprised to see Azeceta catch on so quickly with the javelin.

"Not at all. Every day he works. After every practice, he works," Hardy said. "He has the determination like I do to get there. The coach works us very hard. I knew this year would be more competitive. I knew I would make it but that it would be hard and need a lot of work."

Jordan said he is looking for Azeceta "to pop a big one (throw.)."

He has been throwing consistently farther over time, with a 168-feet measure at the state sectionals for fourth place. He threw 167 feet in the Ocean County championship meet for third.
"We knew he was a talent but were hoping he has the season where he'd catch on fire," Jordan said. "We want to see him perform to his ability."

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