Alleman, broke the Group 3 record of 61-6 ½ set in 1993 by Tyrone Garland of Matawan with the eighth best indoor throw in state history and the second best in the nation this season. Alleman's avenged his only loss this season which came in his previous meeting against Vena, in another stirring battle in New York. The two throwers clearly bring out the best in each other.
“Nick is a big reason for my big improvement this year. He is a great competitor and I love competition, and knowing that I have to be at my best to beat him. Without him there’s no way I would be doing what I am doing,”‘said Alleman, whose previous best was 62-1.
Although he has been the dominant thrower in NJ the past two years, Alleman came into the meet with something to prove. “After losing to Nick in NY, it definitely lit a fire inside of me. After that meet I really got back to work and changed a few things that really helped me to win the groups,” added Alleman who will face Vena again this Saturday when Alleman defends his Meet of Champions title.
``I think it will be another great competition again next week and it could take an even bigger throw to win,” added Alleman.
Alleman grabbed a big lead on his third throw of the trials, which was part of his strategy. “Going through the meet all I'm really thinking about is staying ahead of Nick. Once I was ahead of him I wanted to try and create separation between us. I just tried to stay relaxed and loose,” said Alleman
Always the consummate team player, Alleman was equally thrilled for fellow senior Carlaya Jones, who threw a personal best of 38-11 ¾ for third place.
“Carlaya really stepped it up Her knee was killing her the whole time. She couldn't even do her exchange when she threw. But she's a competitor and was able to pull one out and get a good seed for the MOC,” said Alleman, who helps coach the other throwers while weight coach Ken Hernandez is occupied, coaching the wrestlers.
Raider senior Erin Rossi finished tenth in the shot put.
Almost joining Alleman in the winners circle was senior Adam Bergo of Westfield, who jumped 6-6, the same as winner Marcus McKenzie of Patterson East Side, but a miss by Bergo in his first attempt at 6-2 made the difference.
“Adam has had a great season and had an excellent series. He will have a very high seed at the Meet of Champions and we expect him to do very well there, too,” said Westfield Coach Jack Martin.
Just missing the MOC was senior Alex Tarlow, who finished seventh in the 800 with a time of 1:59.35.
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