Ocean Breeze Invitational Will Kick Off February With A Bang

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 Noah 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".