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Olivieri Shatters Record at Big North Championships

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 13:35 GMT by NJ.com

Hackensack, NJ - January 9th, 2026 - The 2026 Big North Championships concluded yesterday with a flurry of personal bests, meet records, and championship titles, signaling a highly competitive indoor track season is unfolding across New Jersey. The event, held at the vibrant Hackensack Sports Arena, showcased a wealth of emerging talent and established stars eager to make their mark early in the year.

Lodi High School's Sal Olivieri stole the show in the 800m, shattering the previous meet record with a blistering time of 1:54.32. Olivieri's performance wasn't just a victory; it was a statement, immediately placing him among the state's elite middle-distance runners. Coaches and spectators alike are anticipating a potential run at the state championship in the event, and possibly even national recognition as the season progresses. His training regimen, focused on interval training and strength conditioning, appears to be yielding impressive results, and he's becoming a key athlete to watch.

Ridgewood High School's Ella Donohue demonstrated incredible endurance and speed, securing dominant wins in both the 1600m and 3200m races. Donohue clocked in at 4:52.10 for the 1600m and a remarkable 10:35.40 in the 3200m, showcasing her versatility and tactical racing ability. Her performance is particularly noteworthy considering the challenging double - running both races back-to-back demands exceptional stamina and recovery. Analysts believe Donohue is strategically preparing for the longer distances at the state level, potentially aiming for a podium finish in both the 1600m and 3200m.

Beyond the individual successes, the team championships painted a clear picture of program strength. Northern Highlands High School's boys team clinched the overall team title, a testament to their depth and consistent performance across multiple events. The team's success wasn't built on a single star but rather on a collective effort. Strong performances in the relays, coupled with solid showings in the sprints and field events, contributed to their victory. Coach Ramirez highlighted the team's focus on building a strong team culture and fostering a supportive environment.

On the girls' side, Ridgewood High School secured the championship, mirroring Donohue's individual success with a cohesive team effort. Their consistent scoring in all events proved to be the deciding factor. The Ridgewood girls have a long tradition of excellence in cross country and indoor track, and this championship reaffirms their position as a powerhouse in the sport.

The Big North Championships weren't limited to these headline performances. Numerous athletes posted impressive times and distances in sprints, hurdles, and field events, many qualifying for the upcoming state championships. Preliminary results show a significant increase in qualifying times across all divisions, indicating a heightened level of competition statewide.

Several underclassmen also made their presence felt, promising a bright future for New Jersey indoor track. Freshman sprinter, Mateo Rodriguez from Demarest, finished a strong second in the 55m dash, hinting at a potential breakout season. Similarly, sophomore jumper, Chloe Bennett from Paramus, achieved a personal best in the long jump, qualifying her for the state meet.

The atmosphere at the Hackensack Sports Arena was electric, fueled by intense rivalry between schools and the athletes' pursuit of personal bests. The event showcased not only athletic prowess but also the dedication and sportsmanship of the young athletes. This sets a thrilling precedent for the remainder of the indoor track season, with athletes now focusing on honing their skills and preparing for the challenges ahead. The state championships, scheduled for February, promise to be a showcase of the best indoor track talent in New Jersey.