Watch Bryce Tucker run a US No. 1 time of 51.40 to win the South Group 4 title in 400m hurdles.
There were several eye-popping results across the state on Day 1 of the NJSIAA Sectional Championships. But what happened in the boys 400-meter intermediate hurdles has to be right at the very top!
Bryce Tucker of Pennsauken and Nathaniel Rayan of Scotch Plains-Fanwood lit up the oval by burning two of the fastest times in the country this season with record-breaking performances in the 400 hurdles.
The Rutgers-bound Tucker took over the U.S. lead this season by throwing down a meet record 51.40 on his home track to win the SJ Group 4 title for the third straight year!
Tucker's 51.40, which crushed his previous PR of 52.14, places him No. 8 on the NJ all-time list and broke the meet record of 52.24 set by the legendary Reuben McCoy of Winslow in 2004.
Tucker, who will attempt to become the first boy to ever win three straight 400 hurdle titles at the Meet of Champions later this month, now owns the top three fastest New Jersey times this season in the 400 meter hurdles, 51.40 (sectionals), 52.18 (Fast Times at Cherokee High), and 52.44 (SJTCA Elite).
Meanwhile, the Clemson-bound Rayan, who is more known for his prowess over the high hurdles (he ran a NJ No. 3 all-time 13.46 at the Union County Championships last month), blasted a US No. 4 52.57 to win the 400 hurdles at the North 2, Group 4 race at Ridge.
It was just the second time Rayan ever ran the 400 hurdles!! Rayan smashed his school record of 52.7 that was set in 1982 by Tony Davis.
How low will Tucker and Rayan go when they clash this Friday at State Group 4 Championships at Franklin High?!
New Jersey All-Time Top 10 - Boys 400m Hurdles
- 50.14-Cory Poole, East Orange, 2017
- 50.20-Taylor McLaughlin, Union Catholic, 2015
- 50.37-Dwight Ruff, Camden, 2001
- 50.84-Justin Gaymon, Phillipsburg, 2005
- 51.02-Tony Valentine, Plainfield, 1983
- 51.0-Chris Person, Plainfield, 1978
- 51.39-Rueben McCoy, Winslow, 2004
- 51.40-Bryce Tucker, Pennsauken, 2023
- 51.5- Martin Booker, Camden, 1981
- 51.62-Fred Sharpe, Paulsboro, 1997
