by Brett Hoover — posted on 12/27/2013

Results | Photos

The boys from Union Catholic proved to be the kings of the indoor relays last March at the New Balance Nationals. If today was any indication, the Vikings aren't ready to let go of their crowns as they posted a nation's No. 1 in both the 4x200 and 4x400 relays at the Marine Corps Holiday Classic.

The foursome of Jordan Jimerson, Obafemi Animashaun, Steve Franco and Taylor McLaughlin rolled through the 4x2 final in 1:28.71, less than a second off last season's best, early in the day.

Then in the final event of the day — the 4x4 — Animashaun, Kenny Evely, Jimerson and McLaughlin broke the meet record with another No. 1, this time in 3:17.87. In all of last season, only two teams ran faster (including Union Catholic).

For McLaughlin, he was able to steal back some headlines from his sister — UC freshman Sydney McLaughlin— who broke the New Jersey state record in the 300-meter dash at the Bishop Laughlin Games last week.

Chaminade's Sean Kelly ran a powerhouse anchor leg in the distance medley, in the neighborhood of 4:16, as the Flyers won in a speedy 10:15.89, nearly matching last season's best which didn't come until nearly March. It is a U.S. No. 1 for this season.

The shuttle hurdles went to the CHSAA as Fordham Prep (32.01) won for the boys and Kellenberg (33.80) for the girls, just ahead of New Rochelle.

Also claiming relay wins for the girls were Cheltenham in the 4x200 (1:42.35), Strath Haven in the 4x400 (4:03.77) and the 4x800m (9:31.94), Sacred Heart of Long Island in the sprint medley (4:16.59) and Warwick Valley in the distance medley (12:24.33), more than 20 seconds ahead of Ward Melville.

On the boys' side, New Jersey squads claimed the last three relays. Joining Union Catholic's 4x4 in triumph were renown CBA claiming the 4x800 (8:08.08) and Rahway the sprint medley (3:35.03).

In the individual races, Garden City standout Emma Gallagher took the 800-meter run in 2:13.61, more than a second ahead of Kellenberg's Jazmine Fray. On the boys' side it was no surprise that Richard Rose of Boys & Girls was an easy winner in 1:55.08. The mile steeplechaser champions were Newburgh's Kalleigh Forrester(5:43.29) for the girls and Miller Place's Jeremy Miekley (4:44.52).