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NJ.com Fab 50: Union Catholic Remains Top Ranked

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 22nd 2026 at 20:07 GMT by NJ.com
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

Friday, January 23rd, 2026 - The landscape of New Jersey's high school indoor track and field scene is constantly shifting, and the latest iteration of the NJ.com Fab 50 rankings, released January 22nd, 2026, reflect a week of impressive performances and emerging contenders. While Union Catholic maintains its firm grip on the top spot, significant movement within the rankings highlights the depth and competitiveness of the state's programs.

Union Catholic's Continued Dominance

For the moment, Union Catholic remains the undisputed king of New Jersey indoor track. Their record of 11 wins and just 1 loss firmly establishes them as the team to beat. This continued dominance isn't accidental; Union Catholic consistently boasts a roster of exceptionally talented athletes across multiple disciplines, from sprinting and distance running to jumping and throwing. Their coaching staff's proven ability to develop talent and strategically prepare for competitions further solidifies their position at the summit. Analyzing their upcoming schedule will be key to understanding how they intend to maintain this lead, and what challenges they might face from rising teams.

Cherry Hill East Ascends, Bridgewater-Raritan and Rancocas Valley Challenge the Top Tier

The most significant shakeup in the Fab 50 involves Cherry Hill East, which has dramatically improved its standing with a record of 9 wins and 4 losses. This surge suggests a program on the rise, possibly due to standout individual performances or improvements in team cohesion. Their upward trajectory necessitates a closer look at their training regimen and key athletes to understand the catalyst for this advancement. Is this a flash in the pan, or the beginning of a sustained period of success?

Bridgewater-Raritan (10-3) and Rancocas Valley (9-5) continue to be strong contenders, rounding out the top five. Their records demonstrate a consistent level of competition and a demonstrated ability to win important matches. They represent the closest challengers to Union Catholic's supremacy, and future encounters between these teams promise to be crucial in determining the eventual championship landscape.

A Look at the Rest of the Rankings

The Fab 50 list extends beyond the top five, showcasing a diverse range of competitive programs throughout New Jersey. Teams like Mount Olive (11-2), Sparta (10-4), Old Bridge (11-3), Millburn (9-5), and North Plainfield (10-3) are consistently demonstrating their strength. Notably, several schools, including Washington Township (10-4), Hunterdon Central (10-4), Southern (10-3), and Morris Knolls (10-4), are clustered closely in the mid-range, highlighting the tight competition within this tier. The presence of teams like Franklin (11-3), Egg Harbor (10-3), Paulsboro (9-5), Westfield (9-4), Manalapan (10-4), Verona (11-2), and Lawrence (11-2) further underscores the depth of talent within New Jersey's high school track and field program.

Key Takeaways and Future Implications

These rankings provide a snapshot of the current state of New Jersey's indoor track and field competition as of January 22nd, 2026. However, the season is far from over. As the year progresses, injuries, unexpected breakthroughs from athletes, and strategic shifts in team approaches can all dramatically alter the competitive landscape. The upcoming weeks will be critical in determining which teams can sustain their momentum and challenge the established order.

While Union Catholic's continued success is not surprising, Cherry Hill East's rise represents a compelling narrative. Tracking their future performance and examining the factors contributing to their improvement will be essential for observers of New Jersey high school athletics. The Fab 50 rankings serve as a valuable tool for analyzing team performance, identifying rising stars, and anticipating future rivalries. The competition promises to be fierce, and the final results remain very much in question.