OCHS First Decade Teams
John Richardson was tops in Raider boys track in First Decade!
By TOM WILLIAMS
Gazette Staff Writer
In June of 2003, Ocean City High School senior John Richardson did something that no
other runner in state history had accomplished. He finished first in both the 800 and
1600 meters in the NJSIAA Meet of Champions.
Richardson was a two-time All-South Jersey selection and was named to the all-conference
team three times. All of that adds up to becoming Boys Track Athlete of The First Decade
at OCHS.
And there was plenty of competition.
Brett Johnson, who just graduated, was a two-time All-South Jersey pick and a three-time
all-conference selection. Coincidentally, physical problems prevented both Richardson and
Johnson from reaching the state meet and MOC during a season or two during their careers.
The First Decade Boys Track All Star Team also features Pat Tolomeo, the choice in both
the 100 and 200 meters. Tolomeo shares the school record in the 100; Jim Crowley, an all star
in the long jump and javelin, who holds the school record in the rubber-tipped javelin; And
John Oberg, a two-time South Jersey champion and state champion in the pole vault.
Tim Nickas (400 meters), John Fennekohl (3200) and Matt Cowhey (3200) round out the all stars
on the flat track. Kyle Hepner (110) and Jason Dugan (400) are the hurdlers. The high jumper
is Jimmy O'Connor, who still has two seasons left before he graduates. Ryan Impagliazzo, who
just graduated, is the choice in the triple jump. He holds the school record. And joining
Crowley in the throwing events are Perry Coker (discus) and Jerome McKeiver (shot put).
The all star 4x400 meter relay team is Nickas, Connor Martin, Greg Hoyle and Johnson.
The Raiders had three different coaches in the First Decade but still managed to win the Cape
May County championship nine times in 10 seasons. Richardson and Johnson brought national
recognition to the OCHS program. But, in the end, a great effort at Frank Jost Field in South
Plainfield and three solid springs of success made John Richardson the best of the best. He
joins Scott Lipford (90s), Leon Brown (80s) and Terry Tracey (70s) as Ocean City High School
Boys Track Athletes of the Decade.
OCHS Boys Track in the First Decade
Year....Record....Coach
2000....4-5.....Wayne Colman
2001....6-4.....Wayne Colman
2002....7-3.....Wayne Colman
2003....4-5.....Wayne Colman
2004....3-6.....Chris Armstrong
2005....6-2.....Chris Armstrong
2006....3-5.....Chris Armstrong
2007....4-4.....Chris Armstrong
2008....3-4-1...Matt Purdue
2009....4-4.....Matt Purdue
The First Decade Raider Boys Track Team
100 METERS......Pat Tolomeo (2006)
200 METERS......Pat Tolomeo (2006)
400 METERS......Tim Nickas (2008)
800 METERS......John Richardson (2003)
1600 METERS.....Brett Johnson (2009)
3200 METERS.....Matt Cowhey (2006)
3200 METERS.....John Fennekohl (2007)
110 HURDLES.....Kyle Hepner (2001)
400 HURDLES.....Jason Dugan (2006)
4x400 RELAY.....Tim Nickas, Connor Martin, Greg Hoyle, Brett Johnson (2008)
DISCUS..........Perry Coker (2007)
JAVELIN.........Jim Crowley (2005)
SHOT PUT........Jerome McKeiver (2009)
LONG JUMP.......Jim Crowley (2005)
HIGH JUMP.......Jimmy O'Connor (2009)
POLE VAULT......John Oberg (2006)
TRIPLE JUMP.....Ryan Impagliazzo (2009)