Updated last Wednesday, January 31st at 8:00 a.m.

The 8^th Annual Ocean Breeze Invitational will be center stage this weekend, as the nation's most talented high school athletes will clash in a battle for bragging rights in New York City.

Historically, the invitational has produced one of the largest and deepest fields, welcoming thousands of athletes from around the country for two days of high energy track & field action – this year is will be no different!

The competition kicks off both days with the pentathlon, Saturday featuring the boys and the girls following on Sunday.  The meet will be featured on MileSplit.com, with the live webcasts starting at 8:30 a.m. both days, with live results at MileSplit.live. 

2024 Heat Sheets (coming Thursday)
2024 Updated Event Schedule (coming Thursday)

Here is a look at what you can expect as we gear up for an exciting weekend of track & field action.

Boys Sprints and Hurdles Preview

The boys 55-meter dash will be blanketed by a deep field, as 12 athletes have already broken the 6.50 barrier early this season, all looking to improve on their national ranking.  Led by Graham Houghton-6.40 (Pingry School) US #19, the final should be something to watch with the next three seeded athletes all holding personal bests of 6.44; Donte London (Coatesville), Jaylen Foster (Wissahickon,) and Scotty Coffi (Harriton). The meet record held by former state record holder Jadan Spain (James O'Neill) of 6.33 could be in jeopardy.

One of the hottest events of the day will be the boys 200-meter dash.  Leading the charge will be US # 5 Jayden Horton-Mims of Imhotep Institute Charter who is currently holding a season and career best of 21.44 and is followed closely by US # 8 Shaun McCoullumum-21.56 (George Washington).  Also, in the field and making his 200m debut, is freshman phenom Kory Brown. Earlier in this season, he broke both the New York State freshman record in both the 55-meter dash and the 300 meter dash. He will be looking to make it through to the finals, which may take a sub 22 performance.  The winner will need a big race to break the meet record of 21.23 held by Austin Kratz (Dock Mennonite) but we could see a few athletes move into the top 10 US list. Rounding out this incredible field is Malachi James-21.68 (Burlington City), Rhoan Kaulder-21.89 (McQuaid Jesuit), Sahfi Reed-21.91 (Martin Luther King) and Abaas Hunter-21.89 (Episcopal Academy).

The 400-meter dash should also be a great race with the top 10 athletes coming into the weekend with personal bests under the 50 second barrier. Lead by Jesufifunmi Olugbenga of Ridley who has a personal best of 48.70 this season and currently ranked US #24. Olugbenga will be closely chased by Joshua Gresham (DeMatha Catholic), Sahfi Reed (Martin Luther King), Luke Coleman (Abington), and Elijah Smith (Upper Dublin). All of these athletes will be chasing the meet record of 48.26 set in 2018 by Miles Green (St. Joseph's).

In the 55-meter hurdles, the top seed Anthony Waterman (De Matha Catholic) US # 3 comes in with a seed time of 7.30 and will be looking to eclipse the meet record of 7.33 set in 2020 by Brahmir Vick (Middletown).  He will be challenged by Trevor Foster (The Hill School) US # 5 who sits right on his heels at 7.34.  Both Waterman and Foster are ranking in the top 5 in the United States and are looking to improve their marks heading into the championship season.

Girls Sprints and Hurdles Preview

The 55-meter hurdles will be the first varsity event of the day.  Putting one of the oldest meet records in danger, junior Macaela Walker (Oxford Area), currently ranked US #11 will look to continue her dominate path this season, coming with a strong season best of 8.07 run earlier this season.  The current record of 7.99 which was held by Alyssa Sandy (Paul Robeson) might belong to Walker after Sunday morning.  Michelle Korsah-8.18 (Cheltenham) and Damira Allen; 8.38 (Chester) both come in with strong seasonal bests to challenge for the title.

Moving to the dashes, the 55m dash is highlighted by Naylah Jones, who is currently in top 50 in the United States. She has personal best of 7.05 and will be chasing the meet record held by Daija Lampkin (Middletown) at 7.03 set in 2016. After Jones the field runs deep with 6 athletes seeded under 7.30 and those athletes hoping to crack into the top 10. 

In the 200m dash, local senior Samantha Walz of St. Joseph by the Sea is look to keep the gold here on Staten Island but will have to battle number one seed of Jayla Johnson (Montfort Academy) who has a seed time of 24.30, followed by Faith Fugua (Downingtown East) and Milan Ramey (Harriton) to round out the top four spots with many more athletes looking to dip under the 25 second mark.  The meet record of 23.79 is held by 2022 US 400-meter champion Talitha Diggs and should be safe for at least another year. With a good run from Johnson and Walz they can break into the top 10 list. 

Rounding out the sprints for the ladies, the 400-meter dash promises to bring a ton of excitement to the oval.  Rhia Randolph and Sydney Chadwich, both from Union Catholic, will clash with Payton Drumwright out of Philadelphia's Engineering and Science who comes into the meet with a lifetime best of 55.41 at that distance.  Durmwright's personal best matches the current meet record set by May Stern of Classical High School which was set in 2016.  Overall, nine athletes are coming into the meet with personal best marks under the 58 second mark which may lead to a few breakout performances. 

Boys Middle-Distance and Distance Preview

In the boys 800-meter run, the field is incredibly talented with 5 young men having the ability to dip under 1:53 if the pace is pushed early.  Toeing the line, will be Jesufifunmi Olugbenga (Ridley), Daden Grogan (DeMatha Catholic), James Ciaccio (St. Anthony's) Aiden Norris (Colonie) and Tommy Silvester (Coatesville) rounding out what should be our top five. The field is deep and anything can happen.  It will need to be an almost perfect race for the meet record set by Michael Woolery-1:53.28 (Episcopal) to fall, but with the right pace it could happen. 

Moving up to the mile, the action continues to stay hot as athletes will look to break the 4:10 barrier.  The field will be led by Grayson Ruffner (Wissahickon) coming into the race with the highest national ranking and will be followed closely by Collin McLaughlin (St. Anthony's) and long-distance standout Shane Murphy of Hunter College Campus School. All three athletes have a shot at breaking the meet record set by Brian DiCola (Hatboro Horsham) with a mark of 4:11.25.

The two mile run could be the wildcard event of the meet with duo's from Hunter College. Issac Cohen and Henry Koike-Sieira being the one and four seed going into the race and looking to drop massive PR's. They possibly could dip under the 9:00 minute barrier.  With Shane Murphy opting to run the mile, they will need to work the pace with Luke Bodden (Radnor) and Jackson Kane (Ridley) who are sitting two and three on the performance list.  The meet record is held by Mathew Bouthillette at 9:05.48 set in 2016, this record could fall this weekend if the race goes out fast.
 
Girls Middle-Distance and Distance Preview

The girls 800-meter run will be one of the hottest races on Sunday afternoon. The best athletes in the country should be battling every step of the race.  The entry list is deep, featuring Olivia Cieslak-2:06.53 (Haverford) US #1, Peyton Hollis-2:06.42 (Union Catholic) US # 4, Paige Sheppard-2:07.97 (Union Catholic) US # 7, Gwen Hamilton-2:09.35 (Archbishop Wood), Katelyn Kliesch-2:08.89 (Notre Dame Academy), Alli DeLisi-2:08.59 (Penn Charter) US #3.  The win is up for grabs and the meet record of 2:11.80 is likely fall. 

Moving up to the mile, Villanova commit Rosemay Shay of Middletown South, comes in as the top seed. She is looking to improve on her personal best and crack the 5:00 minute mark and move into the top 10 Invitational performances.  The current meet record is held by Gabrielle Wilkinson (Friends Central) at 4:58.07 and dates back to 2018.  Shay will be pushed hard by Ella Woehlcke (Mt. St. Joseph Academy), Baylee Espinosa (Lewisburg Area) and Naomi Douglas (Fiorello LaGuardia) all looking to dip below the 5-minute barrier for the first time. 

The invitational two mile will be led by local talent out of Hunter College Campus School, Ella Cohen, coming into the meet ranked as one of the top distance runners in New York State. She will be looking to dip below 10:30 to take down the meet record of 10:34.89, set in 2018 by Katherine Lee (Shoreham-Wading River). Not far behind will be Maxine Paul-Emile (St. Ann's School), Ava Thomas (Haddonfield) and Bailey Hall (Pennsbury) potentially rounding out the next top three spots. 

Boys Jumping Events Preview

One of the most exciting competitions at the Ocean Breeze Invitational has historically been the boy's high jump.  In 2017 Daniel Claxton (Smithtown East) and Kyle Garland (Germantown Academy) went head-to-head in a heated duel which ended in a meet record by Claxton at 7'00" with Garland finishing second at 6'10". This year we will see a repeat battle on the apron from the top seeds Noak Tarkos-6'7" (FDR), Joachim Johnson-6'7" (Episcopal Academy) and Albert Morton-6'6" (Coatesville). All are looking to take home the gold and see the bar raised to new heights. Tarkos and Johnson are both ranked US #15

In the Pole Vault, Ryan Merlino (Oakcrest) is seeded at 15'00" which is the same height of the meet record currently held by three different athletes.  Behind Merlino, four other athletes have jumped over 14'00" this season.  Could this be the year that the meet record is raised over 15'00"?  Merlino will join Tyler Grabinski (Emmaus), Logan Schupner (Minisink Valley), Patrick Barausky (Conestoga) and Jacob Park (West Half Hallow Hills) who are all members of the 14-foot club.

When looking at the boy's field events the best grouping of athletes may be in the long jump.  Led by Kyle Moore (Emmaus) US #9 who has a season best of 23'9" and will look to take down the meet record mark of 22'9.5" held by Kyle Garland (Germantown Academy).  Behind Morre is Anthony Conrey-23'2" (Conwell-Egan) US #22, Antoine McNair-22'11" (Calvert Hall), Daniel Ajuz-22'5" (Plymouth Whitemarch), Quamere Cosby-22'1" (Chester), Thomas Cherian-22'1" (Pennsbury) and Jordan Sowell-22'00" (Cheltenham). All be looking to take the top spot on the podium.

In the triple jump, Kyle Moore is looking to take the double gold in the horizontal events. He will need to tackle top seed Joachim Johnson (Episcopal Academy) who sets at US # 16 and enters the competition with the top seed of 47'1". Both Johnson and Moore have over a 12" lead on the rest of field but will need to be sharp to retain those top two spots.

Girls Jumping Events Preview

In 2020, the crowd at Ocean Breeze was dazzled by the girl's high jump. As a battle of heights took place between the current meet record holder Tierra Hooker of Timber Creek and Brianna Smith of Cheltenham jumping 5'10" and 5'8" respectfully.  Coming into this weekend three young ladies have already jumped 5'6" and will be looking to raise the bar.  Destini Smith (Souderton Area), Niya Jeffers (Chester) and Ama Boateng (Edison).  The battle will be hot so keep an eye on as the action heats up.

Moving on to the pole vault, Rebecca Hoover (Haddonfield Memorial) and Madeline Magliaro (Trinity School) comes into the event sharing the leading clearance of 12'00" and they are followed closely by Maia Perillo (John Jay – East Fishkill) at 11'09".  Both marks are above the meet record of 11'6" set in 2017 by Amanda McNelis of Commack.  Three other athletes can raise the bar over 11'00".

With three girls already leaping over 18', the Long Jump should be a heated battle between Saige Forbes-19'2" (Episcopal Academy) US #19, Kiala Bright-18'7" (Academy Park) and Nya Thomas-18'1" (North Rockland). The record was set in 2018 by Tia Taylor of St. Basil Academy with a mark of 18'10" and could fall if things go right. 

The triple jump will be an exciting match up with the top 10 entries going over 35' with Raegan Bossard (Caldwell) with a mark of 37'11", Tatiana Camilo (Woodbridge) at 36'10" and Kristen Johnston at 36'9" (Lansing)leading the way.  Also in the mix is local star Mia Petersen of Susan Wagner who will be looking for a top spot on the awards podium.  The record was set by our facility high school record holder Alissa Braxton (Commack) at 41'10".

Boys Throwing Events Preview

The team from Episcopal Academy is showing their strength with the top entry in the boys' shot put.  Alphonso Koukou currently US #16 is coming into the competition with a seed of just under 60' and has almost a meter lead over the number two seed Chase Dorsey (Calvery Hall) and number three seed Anthony Liakhovick (Hammonton).  All three athletes have a personal best that exceed the meet record set by Cole Tucker (Colts Neck). The record should go down in this event.

The boys weight throw will feature a strong field with 12 athletes over 50' mark. US # 38 Kristopher Chambers of Baldwin will enter the compeition as the top contender at 60'4 and is looking to bring home the title.  North Rockland and Massapequa should also have a strong showing in the event with multiple athletes seeded in this event. 

Girls Throwing Events Preview

Looking to crack into the top 10 list in the weight throw is top seeded Avery Brunner (Pittsford-Mendon), 46'2" and Angie Odeniyi (Roy C. Ketcham) at 44'4". Both should be battling for the gold.  Two other girls have gone over 40' mark. Nadia Lytle (School Without Walls) with a throw of 41'10" and Benay Nwagei (St. Benedict's Prep). 

In the shot put Nadia Lytle (School without Walls) is well in front of number two seed with a mark of 41'10".  Benay Nwajei (St. Benedict's Prep) will be chasing her and looking to break the 40' barrier for the first time. 

Girls Pentathlon Preview

Traditionally the winner of any combined competition is dubbed with the title "best athlete" and should be the case on Sunday.  Three athletes, all hoping to break 3000 points barrier which will establish them to be in the US top 10.  Based off calculations of personal best marks, Avery Elliot (Episcopal Academy) is the top seed with 3,289 points followed by Eva Gibney (Scarsdale) 3,200 points and local star Janice Dorsey of Wagner High School at 3,133 points.  The girls will kick off the action with the 55m Hurdles, then move to the high jump, shot put, long jump and finish up with the 800m run.  Many athletes will be competing in their first combined event competition so a wildcard could emerge and land on the podium. 

Boys Pentathlon Preview

The best athletes will compete in the boy's pentathlon which has become a very popular event in 2024.  The top seed coming into the meet is Neil Howard (Taconic Hills) with a point total of 3,595. If Howard can achieve those marks it would move him to the # 1 spot in the country.  With another 20 athletes looking to crack the 3,000 point barrier, it could be one of the most exciting multi event competitions of the season. Chasing Howard, will be Jason Lessieu seeded at 3,280 from Bergen Catholic and William Feddeler at 3,200 points from Christian Brothers Academy.