NJ Athletes Qualify for Millrose Games

  nj-athletes-qualify-for-millrose-games.html
  Sports and Competition on Fri, Jan 09th, 2026 by NJ.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - The Ocean Breeze Oval buzzed with energy on Friday as New Jersey's top high school track and field athletes battled for coveted berths to the prestigious Millrose Games. A series of standout performances secured spots for several teams and individual competitors, setting the stage for an exciting showdown at the Armory in New York City on February 13th.

The Millrose Games, steeped in history and tradition, represent a pinnacle of indoor track competition for high school, collegiate, and professional athletes alike. Qualifying for the event is a significant accomplishment, and this year's New Jersey contingent promises to be highly competitive.

Relay Teams Lead the Charge

The Ridgewood High School boys 4x400 meter relay team blazed across the track, clocking a winning time of 3:20.15, solidifying their place at Millrose. Their speed and coordination were clearly on display, demonstrating the hours of practice and teamwork that led to their success. On the girls' side, Columbia High School mirrored this achievement, qualifying in the 4x400m with a strong time of 3:50.20. These relay teams will be looking to challenge the best in the nation and potentially set new personal records on the Armory's fast indoor track.

Individual Stars Emerge

Beyond the relays, several individual athletes delivered exceptional performances. Union Catholic's James Johnson demonstrated impressive stamina and speed to win the boys mile, finishing in 4:15.00. This time places him among the elite mile runners in the country and suggests he's a strong contender for a top finish at the Millrose Games. Bishop George Ahr's Sarah Miller also dominated in the girls mile, securing her qualification with a time of 4:50.00. Her performance highlights the growing strength of female distance runners in New Jersey.

The middle-distance events also saw New Jersey athletes excel. Livingston's David Chen powered through the boys 800m, finishing in a swift 1:55.00. His strategic race and strong finishing kick were key to his qualification. Ridgewood High School continued their successful day with Emily Rodriguez earning a spot in the girls 800m, crossing the finish line in 2:10.00. Rodriguez's accomplishment adds another layer of excitement for Ridgewood, who will send both a boys relay and an individual female athlete to Millrose.

The Armory Awaits The Armory, renowned for its fast track and enthusiastic crowds, is the perfect venue for the Millrose Games. The atmosphere is electric, and the competition is fierce. For these New Jersey athletes, the Millrose Games represent more than just a track meet; it's an opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage, inspire future generations of runners, and achieve their personal bests.

Coaches and fans alike are anticipating a thrilling performance from the New Jersey athletes at Millrose. The dedication and hard work demonstrated at the trials clearly indicate a bright future for track and field in the state. The Millrose Games will be a fantastic opportunity for these athletes to test their limits and compete against some of the country's finest young talents. The event is expected to attract a significant audience, both in person and through live broadcasts, further amplifying the excitement surrounding the sport.