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Boys track and field Top 20, May 1: North Jersey schools rise following Penn Relays

Penn Relays is officially over. But the new postseason schedule means that teams and athletes have a quick turnaround for championship season, which includes a slate of county relays, county/conference championships, and other invitationals. We are officially three days into “championship season” and we’ve already seen some teams make their mark with team titles at […]

Published

3 weeks ago

May 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Penn Relays is officially over.

But the new postseason schedule means that teams and athletes have a quick turnaround for championship season, which includes a slate of county relays, county/conference championships, and other invitationals.

We are officially three days into “championship season” and we’ve already seen some teams make their mark with team titles at championship meets.

Our latest rankings factor in recent relay meets, including Penn Relays, and early championship results. Check them out below.

Penn Relays 2025, Day 2 — Nasir Jackson (center) of Toms River North starts the High School Boys’ 4×100 Northeast race at the Penn Relays, Friday, April 25, 2025 in Philadelphia. North finished 4th.Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

1-Toms River North

Last week’s ranking: No. 1

The Mariners maintain their position at the top of the rankings as they enter May. They delivered an impressive performance at the Penn Relays, standing out among schools from the Garden State by qualifying for the 4×400 Championship of America. The team shattered the Shore Conference record twice, initially in the heats with a time of 3:13.16, and then in the C of A with a remarkable 3:11.95, which ranks seventh in N.J. history. Additionally, TRN set a new 4×100 Shore Conference record with a time of 41.63, securing fourth place in the Northeast Final.

Up next: Ocean County Relay Championships, 5/2

2-Christian Brothers

Last week’s ranking: No. 2

Competing in honor of Alex Kemp, the quartet of Ryan Schmitt, Ethan Fianko, Wyatt Falkowski and Joe Barrett won the DMR Championship of America race at Penn Relays on Friday (9:59.17). The time ranks ninth all-time in state history and resets their own Shore Conference record. CBA also had a terrific team effort at the Holmdel Twlight Series on Tuesday, with Gavin Schmitt (9:09.65), Ryan Collins (9:10.97), Sean Galvin (9:23.74) and Thomas Field (9:24.55) all placing within the Top 15.

Up next: Monmouth County Relay Championships, 5/1

3-St. Peter’s Prep

Last week’s ranking: No. 4

St. Peter’s Prep demonstrated its prowess in the sprints at the Penn Relays, with their team of Neko-Luzzi Liggins, Jevon Ledgister, Darryl Coleman, and Hunter Watson clinching victory in the 4×100 Northeast Final with a time of 41.42 seconds. This time not only surpassed the previous Hudson County record of 41.65 set by the Marauders in 2019 but also became the ninth-best time in state history as well. Additionally, the squad’s 3:19.64 in the 4×400 heats ranks fifth in N.J. this season.

Up next: Puma East Coast International Showcase, 5/3

4-Demarest

Last week’s ranking: No. 3

Demarest sent Liam Paneque and its 4×800 relay to Penn Relays last week. Paneque secured eighth place in the long jump, qualifying for finals but missing out on a medal (21-11). Amadeo Bonde, Ivan Timochko, Luke Davis, Alec Stratton ran 8:02.29 in the 4×800 to finish 43rd overall.

Up next: Big North Championships (Freedom & National), 5/2

5-Winslow

Last week’s ranking: No. 5

Winslow showcased its resilience and determination at the Penn Relays, overcoming the setback of losing star runner Jayden Poteat to injury during the 4×400 heats. The squad bounced back to win in the Philadelphia Area 4×400, clocking an impressive New Jersey No. 2 time of 3:16.12. Additionally, they posted a 41.86 in the 4×100 heats. Their strong performance at the Penn Relays followed a dominant showing at the Woodbury Relays, where they clinched the Division 3 team title.

Up next: NIKE: SJTCA Elite T&F Meet, 5/1

6-North Brunswick

Last week’s ranking: No. 7

North Brunswick made history on Tuesday by winning its first-ever Middlesex County Relays title, scoring 85 points. Beating out teams like Edison (65) and South Brunswick (64), North Brunswick won the 4×400 with a N.J. No. 3 time (3:16.74), along with the triple jump relay, long jump relay and pole vault relay. Isaac Gaston (13-0) and Kyal Vreeland combined to go 1-2 in the pole vault relay, while Quincy Pearson and Zachary Jefferson leaped 47-0 and 44-2 to place first and third in the triple jump, respectively.

Up next: GMC Championships, 5/6-5/7

7-Bergen Catholic

Last week’s ranking: No. 6

Bergen Catholic’s quartet consisting of Nicholas Shortridge, Aiden Talley, Xavier Jackson, and Andrew Jermiah Boayke, finished third in the 4×100 Northeast Final with a time of 41.60. The time surpassed the team’s previous Bergen County record of 41.69, which they set with a win the 2023 Meet of Champions. Additionally, Texas commit Benjamin Shue clinchef a third-place finish in the discus championship, delivering a final throw of 198-11.

Up next: Puma East Coast International Showcase, 5/3

NJSIAA Group Track and Field at Franklin: Groups 1, 4 and Non-Public A — Noah Cooper of Union Catholic competes in the Non-Public A boys long jump during the NJSIAA Group Track and Field Championships at Franklin, Groups 1, 4 and Non-Public A in Somerset, NJ on 6/10/23.Chris Faytok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

8-Union Catholic

Last week’s ranking: No. 8

Union Catholic competed in three different meets over the last few weeks. At the Trotter’s Track Carnival on Friday, UC got a 1-2 finish in the long jump from Jalele Williams (22-7.5) and Noah Cooper (22-0.5). At Penn Relays a week later Union Catholic competed in the 4×100 (43.35), 4×400 (3:21.61) and 4×800 (7:51.97), while Noah Cooper finished 16th in the triple jump. On Tuesday, the Vikings competed at Holmdel Night of 3200s, with Danny Kuran placing seventh (9:15.73).

Up next: Union County Conference Championships, 5/1-5/2

9-Ridgewood

Last week’s ranking: No. 9

Ridgewood’s performance at the Penn Relays was marked by Luke Pash’s impressive run in the 3,000-meter championship. The North Carolina commit secured third place with a time of 8:17.51, setting a significant personal record and marking a notable improvement from his 9:01.90 finish in 22nd place in 2023. The Maroons are set to compete for the Big North Freedom Division title on Friday.

Up next: Big North Freedom & National Division Championships, 5/2

Indoor Track: North 2, Grps 4 Sectionals — Ryan Daly of Westfield competes in the boys 1600 during the North 2, Grps 4 Sectionals in Toms River, NJ on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Duncan Williams | For NJ Advance Media

10-Westfield

Last week’s ranking: No. 10

Competing in the DMR Championship of America race at Penn Relays, Westfield finished eighth with a time of 10:13.62. They also fielded 4×100 (44.19) and 4×400 (3:34.86) relays at Franklin Field.

Up next: Union County Conference Championships, 5/1-5/2

11-Elizabeth

Last week’s ranking: No. 11

Elizabeth had a few athletes deliver solid individual performances at the Penn Relays. Maximus Bonilla secured a 12th-place finish in the 3,000-meter run championship with a time of 8:32.81. Meanwhile, Jayden Cadet achieved 14th-place in the triple jump a mark of 44-9 on his second attempt. The team is set to compete in the Union County Conference Championships on Friday.

Up next: Union County Conference Championships, 5/1-5/2

12-Haddonfield

Last week’s ranking: No. 12

Haddonfield won the DMR in the Division 2 race at Woodbury Relays (10:52.50), and also snagged second in the 4×800. In the DMR Championship of America race at Penn Relays, Haddonfield placed seventh (10:13.01) and was the third-fastest N.J. school in the relay. They also competed in the 4×400 (3:33.89)

Up next: NIKE: SJTCA Elite T&F Meet, 5/1

Track & Field: Bergen County Relays, April 12, 2025 — Aidan Morrow of Hasbrouck Heights competes in the boys 4×800 meter relay during the Bergen County Relays NJSIAA Track and Field Meet at River Dell High School in Oradell, NJ on Saturday April 12, 2025. Duncan Williams | For NJ Advance Media

13-Hasbrouck Heights

Last week’s ranking: No. 16

Hasbrouck Heights solidified its status as one of the top teams in the state this spring after securing its 16th-consecutive NJIC Divisional title. The Aviators showcased their dominance with eight event winners, with five athletes claiming two or more titles. Michael Napolitano stood out by winning three events and breaking his own school record in the 100 with a time of 10.87 seconds.

Up next: Bergen County Championships, 5/9

Track: Somerset County Championships — Brenden McMahon, Ridge in the 1600 during the Somerset County Track Championships in Hillsborough , NJ, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

14-Ridge

Last week’s ranking: No. 18

Ridge claimed its fourth straight Somerset County title on Tuesday in dominant fashion, scoring 102 points in the competition. Senior Brenden McMahon cemented himself as one of the most decorated athletes in county history by winning his fourth straight title in the 1600 (4:16.51), while also claiming second in the 3200 (9:24.82).

Up next: Skyland Conference Championships, 5/6

Penn Relays 2025, Day 1 — Jonathan Harris of Delsea placed 8th in the High School Boys’ Shot Put event at the Penn Relays, Thursday, April 24 2025, in Philadelphia.Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

15-Delsea

Last week’s ranking: No. 14

Delsea delivered strong field performances at the Penn Relays. Henry Cifaloglio tied for 13th place in the pole vault, successfully clearing 14-2.5. Meanwhile, Jonathan Harris secured eighth place in the shot put with a throw of 60-6.5 on his fifth attempt. Delsea is set to host the Nike SJTCA Elite Meet on Thursday and the SJTCA Open on Saturday.

Up next: NIKE: SJTCA Elite T&F Meet, 5/1

16-Camden

Last week’s ranking: No. 15

Camden finished second to Woodstown in the Division I team standings at the Woodbury Relays. They pulled off an impressive trio of wins, capturing the 4×100 (42.68), 4×110 hurdles (1:02.77), 4×200 (1:29.02).

Up next: NIKE: SJTCA Elite T&F Meet, 5/1

Track and FIeld: NJSIAA Central Groups 2 and 3 meet — Hunter Celkupa (l to r) and Colts Neck teammates Jay Adimala and John Shapiro placed 1-2-4 in the Group 3 Boys 3200 meter run, Friday, May 31, 2024, at Jackson Liberty High School.Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

17-Colts Neck

Last week’s ranking: No. 13

Colts Neck’s DMR quartet, consisting of John Shapiro, Joe Louro, Kyle Schandall, and Jay Adimala, competed in the DMR Championship at the Penn Relays, securing a 13th-place finish with a time of 10:21.59. Adimala delivered an impressive performance on the 1,600-meter leg, clocking in at 4:15.28. In the week prior to Penn, Colts Neck hosted the Colts Neck Spring Invitational, where Adimala triumphed in the 800 with a time of 1:55.08.

Up next: Monmouth County Relay Championships, 5/1

18-South Brunswick

Last week’s ranking: No. 17

South Brunswick ran one of the fastest 4×400 relays statewide at Penn Relays, as the quartet of Jason Keiser, Anshul Jha, Jaylen Brundidge, Bryant Williams finished in 3:21.07. They managed to go even faster at the Middlesex County Relays (3:18.98) in a second-place effort. At that meet, they finished third overall with 64 points. The Vikings claimed wins in the 4×800 (8:11.50), 4×1600 (18:28.19) and 4×400 (54.47)

Up next: GMC Championships, 5/6-5/7

19-Delbarton

Last week’s ranking: No. 19

Peter Donini led Delbarton’s performance at the Penn Relays, earning Top American honors in the shot put. The Michigan commit achieved a throw of 63-11.5 on his fifth attempt, securing fourth place in the event. Delbarton is set to compete for a county relay title at the upcoming Morris County Relay Championships this weekend.

Up next: Morris County Relay Championships, 5/1

20-Cherokee

Last week’s ranking: No. 20

Cherokee sent both its 4×100 and 4×400 relays to Penn Relays. In the 4×400, the quartet of Mateo Rosario, Colin Feehan, Dom Pileri, Tate Midora finished in 3:36.92.

Up next: NIKE: SJTCA Elite T&F Meet

Bakari Tice and Corey Annan can be reached at btice@njadvancemedia.com and cannan@njadvancemedia.com.

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Sports

Tarpley Collects All-American Honors in the Discus Throw at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships

Story Links GENEVA – Nicole Tarpley and Jackie Tuzil of the Carthage women’s track & field team competed in the discus throw at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Thursday afternoon. Tarpley placed 12th, earning Second Team All-American honors, and Tuzil placed 21st. Tarpley and Tuzil started day […]

Published

13 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

GENEVA – Nicole Tarpley and Jackie Tuzil of the Carthage women’s track & field team competed in the discus throw at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Thursday afternoon. Tarpley placed 12th, earning Second Team All-American honors, and Tuzil placed 21st.

Tarpley and Tuzil started day one of the championships for the Firebirds, competing in the discus throw. Tarpley’s furthest mark of 40.60 meters, first throw, placed Tarpley in 12th and earned Second Team All-American honors. Tuzil placed 21st with a mark of 37.01 meters.

“A bit of a rough start to the weekend as it didn’t take anything amazing to make the final,” said assistant coach Greg Raimondi. “The weather was definitely a factor, but regardless, we didn’t execute at the level we are capable of in these conditions. Nicole still has the hammer throw on Saturday, and I am looking forward to seeing what she can do. This was Jackie’s first national meet, and having to compete with the conditions as a first timer adds another factor to deal with mentally. Jackie has grown a lot as a competitor this year, and this setback will hopefully push her to grow even more next year.”

Two Firebirds will compete tomorrow, Friday, May 23, at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Geneva, Ohio. For more information, visit athletics.carthage.edu.

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Sports

Southeastern Athletics Graduates 65 at Spring 2025 Commencement

Story Links HAMMOND, La. – A total of 65 members of the Southeastern Louisiana Athletics family had degrees conferred at the university’s Spring 2025 commencement exercises Saturday in the University Center. The Southland Conference regular season champion Southeastern baseball team led the department with 12 graduates. The SLU football and track […]

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18 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

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Grant Milbrath Selected for 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s West First Round Championship

Story Links INDIANAPOLIS- The NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross-Country Committee has announced the participants for the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships First Round competitions. SIUE’s Grant Milbrath is set to compete in the first round of […]

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30 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

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INDIANAPOLIS- The NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross-Country Committee has announced the participants for the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships First Round competitions.

SIUE’s Grant Milbrath is set to compete in the first round of the Men’s West division for the hammer throw event. Earlier this season he had a PR hammer throw at the Ohio Valley Conference Championships, May15-17, with a distance of 62.07m (203-8). This puts him in third for the programs all-time performances.

The first-round competitions are scheduled for May 28 – 31. The University of North Florida, in Jacksonville, Florida will host the East First Round and Texas A&M University, in College Station, Texas will host the West First Round. The qualifiers out of these two regions will compete in the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships held June 11-14 in Eugene, Oregon.

The complete list of participants is available on the following website.

For more information regarding the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships, and to purchase tickets, log on to NCAA.com/trackandfield.

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Emmy Klika joins fellow Pitt women’s volleyball players on national teams

Emmy Klika, a recent alum of the Pitt Panthers women’s volleyball team, has been selected to play for the women’s U23 national team. The libero joins 17 other athletes who will be training for the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup. The tournament takes place in Leon, Mexico from July 25-Aug. 2. Two other Panthers will […]

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31 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

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Emmy Klika, a recent alum of the Pitt Panthers women’s volleyball team, has been selected to play for the women’s U23 national team.

The libero joins 17 other athletes who will be training for the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup.

The tournament takes place in Leon, Mexico from July 25-Aug. 2.

Two other Panthers will be competing overseas this summer as well. Outside hitter Blaire Bayless (U21) and middle blocker Abbey Emch (U19) will embark on similar journeys to Klika.

Bayless will be training in Colorado Springs, Colo., where 12 athletes will be selected to represent Team USA in Costa Rica.

Bayless, a junior, played for the U21 team last summer and in 2023 was named tournament MVP at the U19 Pan American Cup.

Emch, a freshman who joined the Panthers as an early enrollee this spring, will also train in Colorado. Selected athletes will then head to the Netherlands for additional training before traveling to play in Croatia and Serbia over the summer.

Klika helped Pitt reach the NCAA semifinals the past four seasons. She holds the program record of 64 digs in the NCAA tournament in 2024.

She was a two-time All-ACC member and now competes in the PVF (Pro Volleyball Federation) with the Orlando Valkyries. Her performance helpd Orlando earn the organizations’s first title last weekend. Klika has experience in the international competition after competing in the U21 Pan American Cup.

Twelve of the 17 athletes training in Anaheim, Calif., will be added to the team’s U23 roster when they head to Mexico later this summer.

Giustino Racchini is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Giustino at gracchini@triblive.com.

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Ragland named new beach VB coach

Ragland By Greg MastThe Ottawa HeraldWMast@cherryroad.com A familiar face will take over the reigns of the Ottawa University women’s beach volleyball program. Lee Ragland succeeds Emily… Previous Post CH softball headed to state Next Post Mission to middle school Link 0

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36 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

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Ragland

By Greg MastThe Ottawa HeraldWMast@cherryroad.com A familiar face will take over the reigns of the Ottawa University women’s beach volleyball program. Lee Ragland succeeds Emily…

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Six Track and Field Student-Athletes Qualify for NCAA First Round

By: Maddie Omana Story Links HANOVER, N.H. – Six Dartmouth men’s and women’s track and field athletes have qualified for the NCAA First Round at the University of North Florida, as announced by the NCAA selection committee on Thursday afternoon. Student-athletes must be in the top 48 of their respective events […]

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51 minutes ago

May 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By: Maddie Omana

HANOVER, N.H. – Six Dartmouth men’s and women’s track and field athletes have qualified for the NCAA First Round at the University of North Florida, as announced by the NCAA selection committee on Thursday afternoon.

Student-athletes must be in the top 48 of their respective events to qualify for the first round. Following the first round, the top 12 in each event will advance to the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which are being held in Eugene, Ore., from June 11-14.

Madeleine Locher, Jada Jones, and Andie Murray will be representing the Big Green in the Sunshine State. On the men’s side, J’Voughnn Blake, Max Klein, and Albert Velikonja will be competing. This is all six student-athletes’ first time qualifying for the NCAA First Round.

Locher punched her ticket to Jacksonville with a 33:39.91 finish in the 10,000m, putting her at 30th in the region. Jones, the reigning 200m Ivy League Champion, ranks 30th regionally after she ran a 52.99 in the 400m. Murray put herself at 48th in the 800m with a time of 2:05.32.

Blake qualified for the men’s 800m after ranking 30th in the east with his 1:47.72 mark. Klein ranks 34th in the shot put following his 18.28m throw at the Outdoor Ivy League Championships. Velikonja qualified for the 5000m with his 13:46.44 finish, putting him at 39th in the region.

The NCAA First Round is slated to start in Jacksonville, Fla., next Wednesday at 6 p.m.

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