Highlights from first day of NJAC Track and Field Championships

TL;DR

Tessa MacMullin won first place in the triple jump at the NJAC Championships with a personal-best jump of 36 feet, nine inches. The event continues on May 6 at Morris Hills and Wallkill Valley.

Key points

Tessa MacMullin won the triple jump at NJAC Championships
Her jump was a personal-best of 36 feet, nine inches
The event took place on May 5 at Gifford Field
NJAC Championships continue on May 6
MacMullin's coach is Brian Corcoran

Mentioned in this story

Brian CorcoranGifford FieldMorris HillsWallkill Valley

Tessa MacMullinPope JohnNJAC Championships

ROCKAWAY — Tessa MacMullin knew it would be a good day when she woke up on May 5. The Pope John senior was certain the good vibes would carry over to the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference East Championships before her last attempt in the triple jump.

MacMullin's teammates told her to wait, because head coach Brian Corcoran was running over from the high jump at the opposite end of Gifford Field. So MacMullin waited for him to get there, and then popped a personal-best 36 feet, nine inches to clinch first place.

It was the first time she had beat her PR since indoor season of her junior year.

"I saw him running over, and I knew it would be a good jump," said MacMullin, who lives in Ogdenburg. "No pressure, it was fun. I like people to watch me jump."

Weather permitting, the NJAC Championships continue at Morris Hills and Wallkill Valley on May 6.

➤ Adair Para is a senior at Morris Knolls, but she only started competing in track and field 18 months ago. Golden Eagles girls coach Peter Staluppi had approached her in the school hallways as a sophomore, saying, "You look very strong." But Para didn't listen.

She took first in the shot put (36-11) on Wednesday, and was already looking ahead to the discus where she'd been excelling in practice.

"I didn't really take it seriously until the end of last (outdoor) season," said Para, who plans to continue competing at High Point (North Carolina) University. "I stay at practice really late, because it's so much fun."

➤ Madison senior Rohan Tucker won the 100 and 400 meters.

Carly Renna of Randolph competes in the 800 meter run during day one of the NJSIAA track and field state sectionals at Vernon High School, Glenwood, N.J., May 16, 2025.

Girls results

100 meters: 1. Alanna Parkes (West Morris) 12.71; 2. Daniela Bracken (Parsippany Hills) 12.73; 3. Georgia Hostler (West Morris) 12.89; 4. Jazmine Laroche (Mount Olive) 12.94; 5. Wendy Graziani (Morris Knolls) 13.01; 6. Gabrielle Monroe (Mount Olive) 13.09.