Berkeley Heights Girls Cross Country Valley Division Title

Union County Life is reporting that the Gov. Livingston girls varsity cross country team from Berkeley Heights won the Valley Division title at the Union County Conference Meet on Oct. 13 at Oak Ridge Park. It is the first divisional conference championship in the program’s history. The roster is made up entirely of freshmen and sophomores, and the winning varsity lineup included six freshmen and one sophomore.

Sophomore Sarah Chan led the girls, finishing second overall in 22 minutes, 55 seconds in the 5K. Runners dealt with muddy terrain and unseasonably hot, humid weather. The girls beat Arthur L. Johnson, Plainfield, Linden, Roselle, Roselle Catholic, and Union high schools.

Before the meet, head coach Chris Coughlin said, “We’re very excited about the Union County Conference Championships, where we will climb the ladder from where we finished last year.” The girls and boys both did just that. Coughlin said the freshmen “have so far shown great spirit and interest in the sport.” His goal for the rest of the season is for the girls to “become a unit, working on the same goal with the same level of intensity.”

The boys placed fourth in the Mountain Division. They competed against Cranford, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Rahway, and Elizabeth high schools. Junior Patrick Parente finished fifth in 17:49, and junior Chris Yue was seventh in 17:57. Coughlin called Parente “the hardworking leader” of the team. He credited the boys’ offseason work. “A number of the boys prepared themselves over the summer by running a good amount,” he said. “Their improvement proves their summer work.” The boys’ goals are to “keep dropping our times, discovering new varsity athletes, and making it to the State Group Meet.”

Coughlin said consistency is the biggest strength for both teams. “For both the girls and the boys teams, they maintain their strength when they show up every day.” The program fields six teams: freshman, junior varsity, and varsity for boys and for girls. Coughlin described the teams as “fun and spirited.”

Both teams return to action at the Union County Championship Meet on Thursday, Oct. 22, facing runners from every division. Coughlin invited the community to come out. “Interested readers should come out and see us run.”

For more Berkeley Heights sports, events, and local news, visit Union County Life at unioncountylife.com.

FAQ

Did Gov. Livingston girls cross country win a title?
Yes. The girls varsity team won the Valley Division title at the Union County Conference Meet on Oct. 13.

Who was the top girl?
Sophomore Sarah Chan finished second overall in 22 minutes, 55 seconds.

How did the boys finish?
The boys placed fourth in the Mountain Division. Junior Patrick Parente was fifth in 17:49, and junior Chris Yue was seventh in 17:57.

When is the next meet?
The Union County Championship Meet is Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. Coach Chris Coughlin invited the community to come out and watch.