History was made at the NJAC East Championships in Rockaway, and we’re here to break down all the action. From back-to-back team titles to individual gold-medal sweeps, this meet had it all.
Let’s start with the Morris Hills boys, who etched their names in the record books by becoming the first team in the meet’s 16-year history to win back-to-back NJAC team championships. While Stephen Shih was their lone individual champion—defending his long jump title for the second straight year—the Scarlet Knights showed incredible depth by scoring points in 13 of 16 events. Senior Marcus Petit-Frere summed up the team’s mentality perfectly: “I’m ready for the pressure. I’d heard it was a little closer, so the points really mattered. I pushed a little more.” That kind of grit is what championship teams are made of.
On the girls’ side, the West Morris Wolfpack made history of their own, capturing their first-ever NJAC plaque with just 17 competitors. Known for relying on sprinters like Alanna Parkes and Kelly Kaasmann, the Wolfpack showed off their newfound depth at the two-day meet. Senior Addison Weber and junior Brooke Wilson were the stars of the distance events, moving way up from their seeds to finish fifth and sixth in the 3,200 meters. Wilson dropped an incredible 30-second personal record and confidently declared 2026 as West Morris’ year. With that kind of momentum, we wouldn’t bet against them.
Individual brilliance was also on full display. Madison senior Rohan Tucker kept things simple with his goal: “to win everything, basically. That’s it.” He delivered, sweeping all three sprints—including a hard-fought 200 meters where he had to run an extra finals heat after a timing issue. He crossed the line in 21.99 seconds, proving that champions find a way to win no matter the obstacles.
Morristown senior Kayla Ewing matched Tucker’s triple-gold performance, taking top honors in the 200 meters and both hurdle events. Ewing, who’s headed to Columbia University next year, is part of a growing hurdles tradition at Morristown. Junior Matthew Kot followed up his second-place finish in the intermediates on day one by winning gold in the 110-meter hurdles on day two. “I knew the field was deep, but I had to put in my best effort,” Kot said. “We’re really developing the whole hurdle team. We pull each other forward to be the best we can.” That team-first attitude is exactly what makes track and field so special.
Whether you’re chasing a team title or individual glory, the NJAC East Championships reminded us that hard work, depth, and a never-quit attitude are the keys to success. Here’s to next year’s meet—and to all the athletes who make these moments unforgettable.