The 128th Penn Relays saw several of New Jersey’s top track and field athletes win big on the international stage. Old Tappan’s Layla Giordano became the first NJ athlete to win the Discus Throw championship since 2004, and Livingston’s Jessica Oji took home NJ’s first shot put championship since 2017. Bergen Catholic’s Benjamin Shue finished second in the discus throw, earning top American honors for the second time in his career. St. Rose’s Joshua Huisman finished second and won top American honors in the shot put for a second-straight year.
One of the most impressive performances came on the track at Franklin Field on Friday evening. The Union Catholic 4×800 won the Championship of America title for a second-straight year and set a national record in the event (8:41.20). Jimmiea King, Peyton Hollis, Sophia Thompson, and Paige Sheppard put their stamp on another incredible win for the Vikings’ track and field team in the City of Brotherly Love.
The Garden State also got a 1-2 finish in the Boys’ Distance Medley Relay. Christian Brothers Academy (Jack Falkowski, Ethan Fianko, Conor Clifford, & Joe Barrett) edged out Westfield to win the Championship of America title, bringing home the program’s fourth championship in the event.
JSZ’s James Mooney and Rich Chrampanis have the story from Philadelphia:
JSZ’s coverage of the 2024 Penn Relays is made possible by RWJBarnabas Health.
