At this time last year, Jackson Braddock could barely walk, never mind run. Six months ago, he was still wondering if he should continue running.

“I was at a low point, kind of starting over again, and I really had to think about whether I’d keep running,” said the Southern Regional junior, who on Nov. 16 became the boys cross-country program’s first NJSIAA Group IV champion. “I had a pinched nerve in my back and it really messed up my ability to run for a while.