Written by: Jim Lambert
Union Catholic produced the greatest single day by a boys-and-girls program in New Jersey cross-country history on Saturday, cementing its legacy as the state’s premier combined program with electrifying and jaw-dropping performances at a pair of national championship meets.

At the 20th running of Nike Cross Nationals at the Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland, Oregon, the Vikings threw down the best finish ever by a New Jersey girls team. Making their fourth straight appearance at NXN, the Vikings — ranked No. 4 in the nation — nearly pulled off an upset victory and finished third with 173 points, behind champion and No. 2 ranked Wayzata of Minnesota (142) and runner-up and No. 14 ranked Niwot of Colorado (149).

The third-place finish is the highest in state history, and UC’s 18:40 average shattered the New Jersey course record by 18 seconds. The previous top NJ finish was Colts Neck’s fourth place in 2006, and the former state course-record average of 18:48 was set by North Hunterdon in 2018.

The top five for UC’s historic run were junior Paige Sheppard, 22nd in 17:49; junior Cayleigh Kaiser, 47th in 18:18; freshman Harper Telesca, 67th in 18:41; junior Sophia Thompson, 105th in 19:12; and senior Ella Solorzano, 115th in 19:23. Freshman Eden Solorzano (126th, 19:30) and sophomore Saffa Ellis (155th, 20:07) rounded out the top seven.

McCabe praised the squad for the poise and focus that fueled their historic climb through the field.

“The girls showed great composure. Sitting at 8th after 1k and methodically moving through the field was a testament to the mental toughness of this group. The goal set in July was to make the podium (the top 3 teams make the podium. And they did it!”

While the top girls squad was making history in Portland, Union Catholic also delivered stunning results in Alabama at the New Balance RunningLane National Championships in Huntsville, where the girls captured the Silver Division team title and the UC boys, ranked No. 3 in NJ, finished a very strong fifth against some of the best teams in the country.

The girls were led by freshman Jia Jain, who won the individual title in 18:26.11. The other scoring runners were Joelle Ruccio (4th, 18:59.26), Myra Sakhuja (11th, 19:51.37), Kailyn Brown (20th, 20:05.72), and Jasmine Parran (22nd, 20:08.98). Union Catholic finished with a dominating team score of 58 points (1+4+11+20+22), a 1:42 1–5 split, and a 19:30 average.

For the UC boys, fifth in the Gold Division with 192 points, the scoring runners were junior Danny Kuran (36th, 15:24.51), senior Elijah McCoy (26th, 15:35.84), junior Finn Riely (29th, 15:39.40), junior Jayden Aine (54th, 16:02.86), and senior Nick Frank (76th, 16:22.54), with sophomore Manny Sanchez (88th in 16:35.45) as the 6th runner.

McCabe said the unprecedented two-site success was the culmination of months of unity, commitment, and belief.

“The team began the journey together on July 7th,” said McCabe. “To see it culminate on Dec. 6 in Portland and Alabama with great races is all we could ask for. This is an amazing group of young men and women. Each of them trusted themselves, their teammates and their coaches. I am extremely grateful for the athletes, parents and my coaching staff.”

Saturday’s results close out what is unquestionably the greatest season ever produced by a New Jersey girls program. It’s not even close!!!

In addition to their epic race in Portland, the Vikings demolished the Holmdel Park course-record average with a mind-blowing 18:12 to win their fourth straight Meet of Champions title last month, and two weeks ago they dropped a state-record 18:39 average at Bowdoin Park while winning their third consecutive Nike Northeast Regional Championship.

With just one senior in their top seven, the Union Catholic girls are well positioned to return to Portland next year and make another run at the national title — further elevating a dynasty that just authored the most unforgettable day the state has ever seen as they completed a season for the ages!!!

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