Group 1 Relays: Willingboro Boys, Hasbrouck Heights Win

Jan 14, 2022

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The Willingboro boys added to their legacy as one of the greatest program in state history while the Hasbrouck Heights celebrated its first title ever at the State Group 1 Relays on Thursday night.

In a battle between South Jersey powers, Willingboro won five of the nine events in the boys competition on the way to a 52-46 victory over runner-up Audubon to capture its fifth straight title and increase its overall total to 19 state relay titles, the second most in state history and the most among public schools. Christian Brothers Academy owns the state record with 28 relay championships.

The Boro, who have won state relay titles in every group except Group 2, won the shuttle hurdles (33.62), the 4x200 (1:34.11), the 4x400 (3:36.39), the shot put, and the high jump, and placed fifth in the sprint medley.

Willingboro received several personal best performances in the field.

Senior Anaias Hughes (a PR of 5-10) and junior Xavier Toliver (5-4) combined to win the high jump, and senior C.J. Johnson, who unloaded bombed a PR and NJ. No. 5 this season of 55.50, and freshman Jaleen Johnson (a PR of 37-9) combined to capture the shot put.

Audubon stayed in contention by winning the 4x800 in 8:49.77, and placing fourth or better in six of the nine events.

In the girls competition, Hasbrouck flexed its superior balance by placing in eight events, including two victories, en route to a 54-40 victory over runner-up and state outdoor Group 1 champion Clayton.

Hasbrouck Heights won the shuttle hurdles (34.68) and the shot put, finished second in the 4x200 (1:53.63), fourth in the 4x400 (4:28.81), fifth in the sprint medley relay (4:45.42), fourth in the 4x800 (10:46.60), and second in both high jump and pole vault.

Sophomore Elliot Eddy (PR of 30-11.75) and junior Meghan Stellhorn (PR of 29-8) combined to win the shot put for Hasbrouck Heights. In the high jump, junior Brooke Freschi (4-10) and sophomore Gaea DePass (4-8) teamed up to capture second place for the Aviators.

Clayton won three events, the 4x200 (1:51.75), the 4x400 (4:20.32), and the high jump. Clayton sophomore Alanna Woolfolk, who won the high jump for Delsea at the Meet of Champions last spring, cleared 5-4, which is tied for the state lead, to spark her team to victory in the high jump.