New Jersey Powerhouse Continues Its Reign With 80-66 Victory Over California State Champion

By Doug Binder, Dystat Editor

Over the weekend, as the numbers were being tabulated in the early rounds of the 10th John Dye Dual Meet National Tournament, Union Catholic coach Mike McCabe expressed some interest in how it was going. 

"I'm hoping we get one more," he said. 

McCabe is in Eugene this week with standout junior Paige Sheppard, who is set to represent Team USA in the 800 meters this week at the World Athletics U20 Championships. 

Sheppard's on-paper victories in the 800 and 1,600 helped push UC over the top against the three-time defending CIF state champions. 

And Wilson of Long Beach is also represented this week in Eugene. Junior Clara Adams is a medal hopeful in the 400 meters. 

Wilson's relay strength was verified by three wins over Union Catholic, in the 4x100, 4x200, 4x400 and 4x800. Granted, UC was faster indoors in the 4x800 but didn't turn out a fast one outdoors. 

Wilson defeated UC on the track in a spectacular 4x400 relay at New Balance Nationals Outdoor, 3:34.27 to 3:35.81. (And Wilson did that without Adams). 

Union Catholic's field events more than held together. The Vikings dominated 42-10 with key wins in the throws (Alyssa Kenol and Isabella Castaneda) and horizontal jumps with Morgan Holley. 

Union Catholic may, in fact, be the first school in history that can lay claim to having the best girls track and field team and cross country team at the same time. The UC girls, again led bu Sheppard but with Cayleigh Kaiser, Kayla Devine, Eden Solorzano and Harper Telesca, are preseason US#1. 

Another breakout star performer was freshman Abigail Robisky, who ran 54.36 in the 400 and 2:07.54 in the 800. 

First-round summaries: BOYS | GIRLS

Second-round summaries: BOYS | GIRLS

Regional semifinal summaries: BOYS | GIRLS

Regional final summaries: BOYS | GIRLS

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