Cranford Track First-Time Champs, Tops 17 Teams In Record Year

CRANFORD, NJ — A youth track and field program in Cranford is celebrating a milestone season after capturing its first Lakeland League championship, finishing ahead of 17 programs in a year marked by record participation and strong meet results.

Cranford Recreation Track & Field won the Division 2 title on May 31, scoring 298 points to edge out the second-place team, which finished with 271 points. The Lakeland League features 17 programs split across two divisions.

The championship comes in just the program’s third year of existence, building on a third-place finish last season before breaking through to the top spot this spring.

This year also saw significant participation growth. According to the program, 222 athletes registered, with 189 competing across eight meets during the season.

Those athletes combined to set 601 personal records, reflecting steady improvement across age groups ranging from 9 to 15 years old.

At the championship meet alone, Cranford athletes set 12 new program records and secured wins in several events, including the mile, 800-meter, 200-meter, and 100-meter races.

The program was founded by Tim Styler, a Cranford High School graduate and former Villanova track and field athlete, and Pete Kane, a Scotch Plains native and former jumper at The College of New Jersey. It has since grown into a volunteer-driven effort supported by 14 coaches.

Athletes train three times a week and compete in weekend meets throughout the season.

While the championship marks the program’s first title, organizers said the focus has remained on development and consistency as much as competition.

“This program continues to elevate through the dedication of the athletes, coaches, parents, and administrators who make this happen,” Styler said. “Each year we emphasize our competitive spirit, respect for one another, and representing Cranford in the best way possible.”

He added that the program’s growth has been driven by both participation and commitment across the board.

The program emphasizes sportsmanship, resilience, and effort as core values alongside athletic performance.

With its first championship secured and participation continuing to rise, Cranford Recreation Track & Field has quickly established itself as one of the more active youth sports programs in the area.