UC track and field teams sparkle at the Millrose Games
The prestigious 117th Millrose Games, held on Saturday at the Nike Track and Field Center at the Armory in New York, brought together some of the best athletes in the country—and Union Catholic made its presence felt on the big stage with several sizzling performances.
The Vikings' girls team put on an impressive display in the 4x400m Invitational, where they finished second in a blazing 3:41.19, setting a new NJ No. 9 all-time performance. Union Catholic was just shy of breaking the NJ state record of 3:40.28, set during their victory at the 2016 New Balance National Championship, a team famously anchored by the legendary Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The Millrose crown went to Bullis, who won with a 3:39.16.
Taylor Aska kicked things off with a 54.96-second split, handing the baton to sophomore Sydney Chadwick, who powered through her leg in 55.84. Paige Sheppard, another sophomore, then took the baton and blistered through her two laps in 54.44. Finally, the anchor leg was handled by sophomore Abriyah Thompson, who ran a solid 55.96. Sheppard's anchor performance was especially impressive, considering she had already anchored the 4x800m relay nearly three hours earlier. The 4x400m was a testament to the team's depth, speed, and determination.
Earlier in the day, the same girls squad also showcased their talent in the 4x800m Invitational, finishing second in 8:58.48. The time was a new NJ No. 4 all-time and No. 14 all-time in U.S. history. The team of Jimmiea King (2:17), Sophia Thompson (2:11), Kayla Devine (2:17), and Sheppard (2:10) ran an exciting race. IMG Academy won with a time of 8:55.47.
On the individual front, Union Catholic's two-time national champion Taylor Cox made a splash in the women's 60m hurdles, competing against the pros. Cox, the New Jersey record holder in the 55 and 60 hurdles and the current U.S. high school leader in those events, finished fifth with a time of 8.21 seconds. While it wasn't quite her personal best of 8.10, the performance cemented her status as the best high school hurdler in the nation.
The UC boys' team was also in the thick of the action. In the boys 4x800m Invitational, Union Catholic finished fourth in 7:54.29, the fastest time by a New Jersey team this season and No. 5 in the nation. The quartet of Keandre Kelly, Quintin Clemons, Aidan Cichocki, and Danny Kuran each ran strong legs, representing their school with pride.
The field events also saw notable performances. Noah Cooper placed fifth in the boys long jump, achieving a mark of 22-11.25, while Morgan Holley leaped to seventh in the girls long jump with a mark of 18-10, showing the team's versatility and well-rounded skill-set.
For Union Catholic, the Millrose Games were more than just a competition; they were a proving ground for the team's incredible talent, spirit, and promise for the future. Whether in the relays, the hurdles, or the field events, the Vikings proved once again that they are among the nation's best.
