Oratory Prep’s track and field team kicked off its championship season strong with an impressive showing at the Union County Relay Championships. This two-day meet featured a wide variety of events and athletes from different grade levels. The boys fought through injury and the blazing 85-degree heat, stepping up when it mattered and capturing early-season records.
The long jump relay, consisting of Brody Sheehan, Marcus Johnson, and Ben Oniwinde, started the day strong. Brody Sheehan set an OP senior long jump record of 21-2, breaking the previous record. Sheehan later went on to PR (personal record) in the triple jump, improving by three inches. Johnson jumped 19-4.5, and Oniwinde jumped 19-1, both personal bests. Together, they combined for 59-7.5, a spring track record. This impressive feat set the tone for the rest of the day.
The 3×400 hurdles featured a new and inexperienced group of hurdlers. Regardless, many PRs were achieved across the board. Bernie Holmes dropped six seconds, running a 1:07. Ryan Ezaah-Milku improved by over seven seconds, finishing with a time of 1:08, with freshman Graham Ferguson close behind with a 1:09. With time, this group will build its ability and confidence and continue lowering its times.
The long-distance group has been plagued with injuries all year, causing many returning varsity runners to be out. This forced many younger athletes to step into major roles. The 4×1600 consisted of freshmen Robert Dudley, Greyson Astle, and Stephen Polefko, as well as sophomore Jordan Hotra. Despite all being underclassmen in a varsity-level race, the boys stepped up to the plate and ran record-breaking times. Three of the four runners achieved personal bests, culminating with a final time of 19:21, a spring track record. Not only does this demonstrate the depth that the Rams have on the distance side this year, but also the promising potential of the younger athletes. OP track head coach and distance coach Mr. Seebode reiterates the importance of underclassmen stepping into varsity roles, something this group has embraced.
On the throwing side, Aiden Lontai showed out. The senior recorded a PR in the discus, throwing 107-2, improving by an unbelievable 15 feet and 5 inches. Later in the day, Lontai set a PR in the shot put, throwing 39-10, an outdoor PR by over a foot. Lontai is clearly poised and ready to make a noticeable jump in his senior season.
