While the established track and field stars in the state grab several headlines and lots of attention, we here at NJ MileSplit also like to keep a sharp eye on all the rising young stars who you may not know that much about.
As is the case every indoor season, there are new young faces that have made an immediate impact across the state this winter, so NJ MileSplit has launched a new series called "Future Stars,'' which will feature a different freshman each Wednesday throughout the season.
Boys NJ Freshmen Leaders | Girls NJ Freshmen Leaders
We kick things off today by shining the spotlight on West Orange sprint star Taylor Aska.
Aska, a national age group champion for the Jaguars Track Club, got her high school career off to a flying start by winning the 200 and placing second in the 55 dash when she made her debut for West Orange at the Essex County County Coaches Invitational last month at Ocean Breeze.
She followed that up by winning both the 55 dash and the 200 at the Super Essex Conference Championships, and then last week she blasted a 7.23 in the 55 dash and 25.89 in the 200 to place second in both races at the Essex County Championships.
Aska's 7.23 and 25.89, along with her 42.26 in the 300 at the New Balance Games are all the fastest times in the state this season for a freshman. She is also ranked No. 3 in the state among freshman in the long jump with a 15-9.25.
Aska's 25.89 also places her No. 3 in the overall state rankings, and her 7.23 ties her for No. 4 in the state overall with another freshman star, Taylor Cox of Union Catholic.
Be sure to keep your eye on Aska for the rest of this season and during what promises to be a sensational career. I know that we sure will!