The Livingston High School girls' track and .eld team made history this season by achieving the “Triple Crown,” a rare feat that includes victories at the Essex County Relays, the Super Essex Conference Champi-onship, and the Essex County Championships.The Lancers also delivered a strong showing at the NJSIAA North 1, Group 4 Championships, held on their home track in Livingston.
The team kicked ou their journey to the Triple Crown with a win at the Essex County Relays on April 29, at which their relay teams displayed precision and speed, highlighted by victories in the shuttle hurdles, shot put, discus and high jump.
Building momentum, the Lancers carried that success into the Super Essex Conference Championship, at which they had standout performances in the sprints, mid-distance, and .eld events. Their team unity and well-rounded roster allowed them to clinch the team title with points scored across nearly every discipline.
Livingston’s sprinters, hurdlers, jumpers, and throwers delivered across the board, with several athletes claiming individual county titles. Jessica Oji won both the shot put and discus, setting additional county and facility records. Sophia Wang claimed the high jump title and also placed in the triple jump. Sophia Paparsenos won the 3200 meter race and placed in the 1600 meter race.
Also contributing and scoring key points for the Lancers were Nesta Oji, Maya Ray, Sarah Nidhan, Kumba Ghondo-Tugbawa, and the 4x400 meter relay team of Erika Tiuca, Stephanie Tiuca, Nesta Oji, and Kumba Ghondo-Tugbawa.
This third major victory crowned the team Essex County’s undisputed champions.
As hosts of the NJSIAA North 1, Group 4 Championships, Livingston rose to the occasion with pride and power. This meet marked the first leg of the state championship series, with only the top six finishers in each event qualifying for the State Group 4 Championships.
Jessica Oji earned another State Sectional title in the shot put, while also placing second in the discus. Senior captain and distance standout Paparsenos led the distance squad and punched her ticket in three events: the 3200 meter race, 1600 meter race, and the 4x800 meter relay. Joining her on the relay was Sarah Nidhan, Sophie Schumacher, and Kiera D’Souza. Nidhan doubled and also helped secure qualification for the 4x400 meter relay, teaming up with Erika Tiuca, Stephanie Tiuca, and Nesta Oji.
Nesta Oji qualified in both the shot put and the high hurdles. Sophia Wang qualified in both the triple jump and the high jump, alongside freshman Kumba Ghondo-Tugbawa.
Livingston also qualified all three relay teams. In addition to the 4x400 meter and 4x800 meter relays, the 4x100 meter relay team also advanced, featuring a young and promising crew composed of Erika and Stephanie Tiuca, Gabby Chorba, and Maya Ray.
With the state championships on the horizon, Livingston High School’s girls’ track and field team has cemented its place as one of Essex County’s top programs.
