Male Athlete of the Week: Jason Santa Cruz, NV/Old Tappan
Sport: Track and Field
Class: Senior. Age: 18
Accomplishment: Santa Cruz won the javelin event with a toss of 201-11 at the Bergen Meet of Champions, winning by almost 20 feet. He currently is ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 8 in the nation this season. Santa Cruz will attend Monmouth University to continue his track and field career.
"He has totally committed himself to the event, and he's reaping the benefits of it now. He's a great leader on the team. He helps the young kids. He's just a great kid."
— Coach Peter Dunn
Also nominated: Keivon Banks of Bergen Tech, Jamier Wright-Collins of Kennedy, and Max Baker of Ramapo for track and field; Drew Packen of Wood-Ridge and Chris Coleman of Wayne Valley for baseball; and Spencer Chatfield of Pascack Hills and Joseph Furlong of Midland Park for golf.