Southern Regional girls won the 4x100 relay at the Ocean County Relays with a school-record time of 48.46 seconds, marking the sixth fastest time in New Jersey this season. The boys from Toms River North also secured victory in their events.
Key points
Southern Regional girls won the 4x100 relay
Time of 48.46 seconds set a school record
Sixth fastest girls 4x100 time in New Jersey this season
Team scored 116 points to win the title
Event held at Southern Regional High School
Mentioned in this story
Southern Regional High SchoolManahawkin, New Jersey
Southern RegionalToms River NorthOcean County Relays
STAFFORD – Three strides after crossing the finish line first in the 4x100, Kara Davis was engulfed by joyous teammates. Not only did Southern Regional win a gold medal at Friday’s Ocean County Relays, but they did so in a school-record time of 48.46 seconds.
That’s the sixth fastest girls 4x100 time in New Jersey track & field this season and easily the best in the Shore Conference thus far.
The Rams back as a powerhouse after a couple of rebuilding years, and they are bursting with young talent. Davis is a sophomore. Also carrying the baton were freshman Taylor Diller, freshman Addison Johnson and senior Gemma Bongiomi. The 4x100 was the signature effort on a night when the Rams racked up 116 points to win the team title by 48 points.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Bongiomi said watching her younger teammates explode onto the scene has been a blast.
“Coming into the season they were all so motivated – there wasn’t much that need to be said,” she said. “Their talent speaks for itself. They are so fast, so good. They’re amazing, full of energy and I’m excited we’ve won together as a team.”
Johnson already is one the Shore Conference’s top athletes, with personal bests of 17-5 in the long jump and 5-6 in the high jump. On Friday she recorded the top mark in both events. She never high jumped before high school, so look out.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jason Lin of Jackson clears 14’ in pole vault.
Q&A
What was the winning time for Southern Regional girls in the 4x100 relay?
Southern Regional girls won the 4x100 relay with a school-record time of 48.46 seconds.
How many points did Southern Regional girls score to win the team title?
Southern Regional girls scored 116 points to win the team title by 48 points.
Who were the members of the Southern Regional 4x100 relay team?
The Southern Regional 4x100 relay team included Kara Davis, Taylor Diller, Addison Johnson, and Gemma Bongiomi.
Where did the Ocean County Track Relays take place?
The Ocean County Track Relays took place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey.
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The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Addison Johnson of Southern Regional competes in the high jump.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Lucas Elias finishes the 4x200 event.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jason Lin of Jackson clears 14’ in pole vault.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jackson’s Priya Foreman passes the baton to Harmony Glover in the 4x200 event.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jackson’s Lorena Nogueira finishes the 4x200 event.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jason Lin of Jackson clears 14’ in pole vault.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Addison Johnson of Southern Regional competes in the high jump.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jason Lin of Jackson clears 14’ in pole vault.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jackson’s Priya Foreman passes the baton to Harmony Glover in the 4x200 event.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Marques Alston Jr. starts the 4x200 event.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Lucas Elias finishes the 4x200 event.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Nora Eberle runs the first leg of the 4x800 event.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Caroline Eubanks passes the baton to Payton Moraghan during the 4x800 event.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Gregory Alcid starts the 4x800 event.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Gregory Alcid starts the 4x800 event.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Giovanni Rodriguez passes the baton to Tahj Wilson during the 4x800 event.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River Tahj Wilson finishes the 4x800 event.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jason Lin of Jackson clears 14’ in pole vault.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jason Lin of Jackson clears 14’ in pole vault.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Addison Johnson of Southern Regional competes in the high jump.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Lucas Elias finishes the 4x200 event.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jason Lin of Jackson clears 14’ in pole vault.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jackson’s Priya Foreman passes the baton to Harmony Glover in the 4x200 event.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jackson’s Lorena Nogueira finishes the 4x200 event.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jason Lin of Jackson clears 14’ in pole vault.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Addison Johnson of Southern Regional competes in the high jump.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jason Lin of Jackson clears 14’ in pole vault.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jackson’s Priya Foreman passes the baton to Harmony Glover in the 4x200 event.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Marques Alston Jr. starts the 4x200 event.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Lucas Elias finishes the 4x200 event.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Nora Eberle runs the first leg of the 4x800 event.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Caroline Eubanks passes the baton to Payton Moraghan during the 4x800 event.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Gregory Alcid starts the 4x800 event.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Gregory Alcid starts the 4x800 event.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North’s Giovanni Rodriguez passes the baton to Tahj Wilson during the 4x800 event.
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Ocean County Track Relays at Southern Regional
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River Tahj Wilson finishes the 4x800 event.
“Everyone here sets such a great tone,” she said. “I knew they were a good team and the expectations were high.”
Davis has clocked 12.18 in the 100 dash and 24.80 in the 200. Both times rank among the top 10 in New Jersey girls track this spring.
“I used to be not athletic at all until I joined track in middle school,” she said.
Southern girls track 4x100 runners Taylor Diller, Addison Johnson, Gemma Bongiorni and Kara Davis after their school-record victory at the Ocean County Relays
Southern girls track 4x100 runners Taylor Diller, Addison Johnson, Gemma Bongiorni and Kara Davis after their school-record victory at the Ocean County Relays
A lifeguarding program opened her eyes. Every time the lifeguards ran, she was out in front. On Friday she picked up gold medals in the 4x100 and 4x400 (4:02.61) and silver medals in the 4x200 and sprint medley.
Another Southern freshman, Mikayla Blahut, posted the meet’s top triple jump mark of 35-6.
“It’s amazing to experience, having so many teammates with talent,” Davis said.
Toms River North boys still have ‘beast mentality’
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North starts the 4x200 event
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River North starts the 4x200 event
Despite losing an all-time-great class of athletes from last spring, the Mariners defended their boys team title with room to spare.
“They were monsters, and they showed us you need the grit, the beast mentality,” sophomore Marques Alston Jr. said.
The message got through. Toms River North looked sharp in winning the 4x200, clocking 1:29.81 with Alston Jr., Loventz Ambroise, Marc-Jerry Delia and Lucas Elias. The Mariners also won all three distance relays and struck gold in the 3x400 hurdles as Alson Jr. – whose father Marques Alston was a rugged forward for Monmouth University’s basketball program from 2003-2006, helping the Hawks reach two NCAA Tournaments – posted a meet-best time of 58.84.
“We definitely had big shoes to fill, but we showed we can win again,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting to step up and have a big jump like this.”
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River Tahj Wilson finishes the 4x800 event.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Toms River Tahj Wilson finishes the 4x800 event.
As a freshman last year Alston got thrown into the fire, training with state champions Camryn Thomas and Mamadi Diawara.
“It was tough – the first day the coaches put me in hurdles,” he recalled. “I never did hurdles before and they were top in the state. I was like, ‘wow,’ but they were very good teachers and I got better every day with them.”
As a result, the Mariners have another trophy to add to a crowded case.
“Everyone on this team is all-in,” Alston said, “and I love that about them.”
Top 5 boys performers
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jason Lin of Jackson clears 14’ in pole vault.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Jason Lin of Jackson clears 14’ in pole vault.
1. Tahj Wilson, Toms River North: The junior led the Mariners to gold medals in the 4x1600, distance medley and 4x800 (2:01 anchor).
2. Jael Hester, Donovan Catholic: The junior recorded the meet’s best high jump (6-4) and ran on the winning 4x100 (43.28) and second-place 4x200 (1:31.06).
3. Jason Lin, Jackson Memorial: The senior cleared a meet-best 14-0 in the pole vault and also recorded the third-best triple jump (39-2).
4. Jaxon Ellis, Brick Memorial: The junior posted the meet’s to shot put heave (54-6) and third-best discus (141-3).
5. Marques Alston Jr., Toms River North: The sophomore picked up gold medals with the 3x400 hurdles (a meet-best 58.94) and 4x200 (1:29.81) and placed third in the shuttle hurdles.
Top 5 girls performers
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Addison Johnson of Southern Regional competes in the high jump.
The Ocean County Track Relays take place at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, New Jersey, Friday, May 1, 2026. Addison Johnson of Southern Regional competes in the high jump.
1. Addison Johnson, Southern: The freshman posted the meet’s top long jump (16-11) and tied for the best high jump (5-4). She also ran a leg on the winning 4x100 (48.46) and winning shuttle hurdles (1:05.96).
2. Gemma Bongiomi, Southern: The senior ran on the winning 4x100 (48.46) and winning shuttle hurdles (1:05.96) and posted the meet’s second-best long jump (16-10) and fourth-best triple jump (34-6.25).
3. Elizabeth O’Leary, Toms River South: The junior notched the meet’s farthest discus throw (117-0) and second-farthest shot put (38-10).
4. Nora Eberle, Toms River North: The sophomore ran on the winning 4x800 (9:47) and distance medley (12:46) as well as the fifth-place 4x1600.
5. Keira Hibbard, Donovan Catholic: The junior registered the meet’s top pole vault clearance (10-6) and the sixth-best long jump (16-8).
Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996. Contact him atjcarino@gannettnj.com
