Sydney McLaughlin sets frosh national record in 400H - US #1 58.24

Sydney McLaughlin of Union Catholic in New Jersey broke the freshmen national record in the girls 400 meter hurdles on Friday in winning her NJSIAA Group title race at Egg Harbor High School in a new US #1 time of 58.24 for 2014. The Union Catholic ninth grader broke a four year old national freshmen record previously held by Kendall Williams of Georgia at 58.63.

McLaughlin was not satisfied with just a win in the 400 hurdles and establishing a national class record, McLaughlin also won the open girls 400 meter dash in a new personal best clocking of 53.78. Her time was only slightly slower than the fastest time of the day in Group 4 champion and one of the nation's best in Olivia Baker of Columbia with a 53.51 performance. Sydney's big brother Taylor McLaughlin also took care of family business in winning the boys 400 meter dash just under 48 seconds for their Group division in New Jersey.

The Freehold Township girls, national champions indoor in the 4x800, showed why they are still be considered one of the best quartets in that event in the outdoor season as well winning the event at the New Jersey Group Championships in a season best and US #5 time of 8:58.55. Their squad also celebrated the 1600 meter champion in Ciara Roche pulling away with a winning time of 4:50.70.

Kayla Richarsdon of Columbia popped only her second career mark over 40 feet in the triple jump as she repeated as a Group champion with a leap of 40'2", while Zack Bazile of St. Joseph's Regional had the best leap on Friday in the boys side extending his long jump PR beyond 5 feet at 23'9.25". 

A total of 14 boys teams dipped under 8 minutes in all of the Group championship races held at Egg Harbor with Franklin Township (7:46.53) as the fastest of that group only slightly ahead of Ridgewood (7:46.85).

More highlights and coverage to come this weekend from the New Jersey Group Championship meets!

NJSIAA Groups - 2, 4 & NP A 

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Girls Highlights

Boys Highlights