In an exhilarating display of speed, skill, and spirit, the Oak Knoll Royals Spring Track and Field team clinched the Mountain Division title over Cranford High School with a final team score of 133-118 at the Union County Conference Championships on Friday, May 10, 2024, setting the stage ablaze with record-breaking performances and personal bests.
“The team has been making a statement all season locally and on the national stage,” said Head Coach Mickey Cassu. “They came to compete this week after coming off a few great weeks of training. In the end, the team came back to Oak Knoll with the trophy soaked and cold but holding their heads high as Champions do.”
Leading the charge was freshman sensation Reagan Moore ’27, who made history in the 400-meter dash. On the opening day of the Championships, Thursday, May 9, 2024, Moore dashed to glory with a phenomenal time of 55.61 seconds. This incredible feat not only crowned her the second fastest in New Jersey, trailing just behind former Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin’s record of 53.78 seconds, but also established her as the second-fastest freshman in Union County history.
Pictured is Oak Knoll freshman Reagan Moore ’27. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Lebowitz ’27
Moore’s primary goal at the meet was to qualify for the New Balance Nationals in Philadelphia this June. After missing the qualifying mark during the indoor season, her hard work and extensive training paid off, securing her a spot in the championship race at Franklin Field.
Reflecting on her performance, Moore told NJ.com, “It’s definitely a crazy feeling for me. I’m really proud of all the work I’ve put into my training. I think this is a great time for me at this point in the season, and I definitely want to run even faster eventually.”
The triumphs didn’t stop there; our 400M team dominated the track, sweeping the podium with victories in the 1st (Reagan Moore), 2nd (Danya Spoor), and 3rd (Anna Wojie) places. Furthermore, in the 400M hurdles, Oak Knoll showed prowess by securing 1st (Danya Spoor), 3rd (Heidi Pearce), and 8th (Emma Walters) places. Danya and Heidi recorded personal bests and now own the top 5 times ever run in this event at Oak Knoll. Danya’s time is the 10th fastest in the state as of today.
Heidi Pearce also set a new school record in the long jump.
Under the guidance of Oak Knoll’s dedicated coaching staff — including Head Coach Cassu and assistant coaches Lincoln Lawrence and Chase Mitchell — several of our athletes shattered personal records throughout the championships, illustrating a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to personal and athletic growth.
This win is just the latest in a series of achievements Oak Knoll’s track team has secured this season. Last month, at the Penn Relays, our squad set new school records in three separate events.
Congratulations, Royals!!
Full UCCC Results:
100M
- Ella Hennessy — 5th 12.92 (PR) OKS top 20 of all time
200M
- Reagan Moore — 1st (SR)
- Ella Hennessy — 3rd (PR) OKS top 20 of all time
- Anna Wojie — 8th
400M
- Reagan Moore – 1st 55.61 (PR)
- Danya Spoor – 2nd 58.31 (PR)
- Anna Wojie – 3rd 1:00.66
800M
- Reagan Moore — 1st
- Ally Sparno — 2nd
- Clare Ratliff — 4th
1600M
- Alexandra Sparno — 3rd 5:17.69 (PR) OKS top 20 of all time
- Caroline Burr came — 6th 5:33.23 ( PR)
- Sally Marchesi — 7th 5:37.31 (PR)
3200M
- Caroline Burr — 3rd (PR)
- Sally Marchesi — 4th
- Claire Kleedorfer — 8th
100M Hurdles
- Heidi Pearce — 15.43
Heidi now owns all but one of the top 10 times run at Oak Knoll in this event.
400M Hurdles
- Danya Spoor – 1st 1:03.56 (PR)
- Heidi Pearce — 3rd 1:05.66 (PR)
- Emma Walters — 8th 1:15.03
4x400M Relay
- Anna Wojie, Danya Spoor, Ella Hennessy, and Reagan Moore — 1st
This was the second fastest time ever run by Oak Knoll, dipping under 4 mins for the second time this season.
Shotput
- Alani Bolivar – 12th 25’ 8.75” (PR)
- Ellie McCabe — 14th 23’ 3”
- Gianna Mazzoni — 19th 20′ 1 (PR)
Long Jump
- Heidi Pearce — 7th 15′ 11.25” (SR)
- Emma Walters — 12th 14′ 7”
- Grace Spitaleri — 14th 13′ 5.75″
Triple Jump
- Vicky Wint — 8th
High Jump
- Lucia Sylva — 8th
The Discus
- Caitlin Canal — 5th place
The Javelin
- Vicky Wint — 7th
- Alex Nicholson — 8th
*PR = personal record
* SR = school record
