Girls Track and Field Athletes to Watch

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SPRING IS HERE, and that means the local high school track and field programs are gearing up for what they hope will be a memorable season. Here is an inside look at some of the girls track and field athletes from our area.

MARIN WARNER, SENIOR
HOLMDEL HIGH SCHOOL

One of the area’s most accomplished distance runners, Marin will once again be toeing the line this Spring track season. During her senior year, she has already been crowned champion of the Monmouth County Championships, Shore Conference Championships, State Group II Championships, and Central Jersey Group II Championships in Cross Country, She was also the winner of the State Group II Championships and Monmouth County Championships in the 1600 meters during indoor track. “Marin is one of the most dedicated and hardworking studentathletes we’ve had the opportunity to work with here at Holmdel,” said Craig Segal, Assistant Coach, Track and Field Coach at Holmdel High School. “She truly embodies what it means to be a competitor and we are extremely excited for her this upcoming outdoor season and beyond.” Marin will be taking her talents to the University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

LAUREN SAPONE – JUNIOR
RED BANK REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Lauren is a distance runner who competes primarily in the 800 and 1600 meter races. As a sophomore, Lauren was the Central Jersey Group III champion in the 800 and placed third overall in the 1600. As a freshman, she guided the Red Bank Regional High School 4×800 to a New Balance Outdoor Nationals qualifying time. “With personal bests of 2:12 in the 800 and 4:57 in the 1600, Lauren has a goal of running sub 4:50 in the mile this season,” according to Brendan McGoldrick, Head Coach, Red Bank Regional High School Girls Track and Field.

SARENA DIXON – SENIOR
RED BANK REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

This year, Sarena is trying to continue on her impressive career in the shot put. She has been a Central Jersey Group III Champion and Sectional Champion in the outdoor and indoor track and field seasons and qualified for the New Balance Indoor and Outdoor Championships. “Sarena has thrown the shot put over 42 feet and is being recruited by a number of major Division 1 schools,” said McGoldrick.

HANNAH ANDERSON, SENIOR
RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL

Hannah has overcome significant injuries during her career. After helping Rumson Fair Haven High School win the Cross Country Meet of Champions as a freshman, she missed the rest of that year and most of her sophomore with significant injuries. After overcoming these injuries, Hannah has come back strong in her senior year. This winter at the Central Jersey Sectional Championships she competed in three events, placing third in the 1600, sixth in the 800, and then second behind teammate Rachel Lehnert in the 3200. Her 15 points were the difference in leading Rumson Fair Haven High School to the Championship. “This Spring she will be looking to lower her bests of 2:18 in the 800, 5:10 in the 1600, and 11:09 in the 3200, which place her among the most versatile athletes in the Shore Conference,” said Tim McLoone, Head Coach, Rumson Fair Haven High School Girls Track and Field. “She is a fierce competitor and never runs a bad race.” Hannah will be competing for Northwestern University in the fall

CASEY BIRDSALL, JUNIOR
SHORE REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

After placing fourth in the 1600, fifth in 3200 and third as a member of the 4X800 team at last Spring’s Central Jersey Group 1 Championships, Casey is looking to guide her team to another remarkable season. “Casey will do anything that is asked of her,” said Mel Ullmeyer, Head Girls Track and Field Coach at Shore Regional High School. “During each workout, she is looking for more and is a great leader for our team.”

RACHEL KERSHNER, SENIOR
RED BANK CATHOLIC

As a junior, Rachel finished fourth overall in the javelin at the outdoor Meet of Champions with a personal best 133-01. “Rachel has steadily improved from freshman year,” said, Rob DeFilippis, Head Track and Field Coach at Red Bank Catholic. “She is hoping to compete in the Penn Relays and capture that elusive Monmouth County and Shore Conference titles this season.” A two sport athlete, Rachel will be attending Washington University in St. Louis to continue competing in both volleyball and track and field.

TRINITY HALL

Trinity Hall is looking towards another great outdoor track and field season. In only their second year, they have doubled the number of athletes on the team and are looking forward to competing in this year’s Shore Coaches Freshman/Novice race along with the Catholic Track Conference Championship meet. Good luck to all the girls competing in the High School Spring Track and Field season.
— By Rob Cavanaugh