Monica Curry Shines at 2026 Meet of Champions with Record-Setting Relay Team

PENNSAUKEN — As her high school journey nears its conclusion, Monica Curry is reflecting on her time with the Vernon outdoor track and field team. Curry, who initially joined the team two years ago to maintain her fitness for soccer, made her mark at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions on June 3. Alongside her teammates, she helped set a new Sussex County record in the 4x100 relay, completing the race in 47.33 seconds. This achievement marks the third time the Vernon girls have broken this record, with two of those feats occurring within just five days. The previous record of 48.41 seconds had been in place since 2013.

"It's really exciting," expressed Curry, a standout senior who has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at the University of Massachusetts. "All season, we improved. We started in the 50s. To get to the low 47s is amazing. We exceeded everything we planned."

In the distance events, Morris Hills senior Nicholas Falcone faced challenges during the 3,200 meters, finishing fourth in 9:13.08. The race was dominated by Christian Brothers senior Luke Hnatt, who won with a time of 9:02.12, finishing over seven seconds ahead. "I'm going to miss this red and white," Falcone said, referencing his school colors. "I was thinking about it a little bit, and I think it showed. I could have stuck a little harder."

Chatham senior Marcus Valenzuela, who has committed to continue his running career at American University, claimed third place in the 1,600 meters with a school-record time of 4:08.9. "I'd hoped to come out with the win, but running that fast of a time, I'm not mad," Valenzuela noted, expressing his intention to compete in a distance double at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals.

Other noteworthy performances included Morristown senior Kayla Ewing finishing fifth in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.91 seconds and Madison senior Rohan Tucker placing sixth in the 200 meters.

Pope John sophomore Seamus Corcoran faced a challenging competition schedule. After struggling to clear 13 feet in the pole vault, he managed to secure a height of 14-6, a personal record that earned him fifth place. The young athlete borrowed larger poles from High Point junior Gabe Elston to achieve this height. Gianna Ledford from Morris Hills placed sixth in the pole vault, clearing 11 feet.

Randolph senior Seannah Parsons secured second place in the triple jump with a leap of 40-5½, while West Morris junior Georgia Hostler finished eighth in the long jump at 18-½. In the high jump, Morristown sophomore Nawel Ibazatene Lefebvre was among five competitors clearing 5-6, finishing third on misses, and Colonials senior Nathan Enelamah achieved a personal record of 6-6, tying for seventh place.