The following paragraphs were originally written as interludes to be read during the 50th Woodward Relays. Woodward Relays Recollections are based on meet records and extraordinary performers in meet history as of winter 2024.
Boys 4x100-meter Relay
The Woodward Relays of 2018 marked a special occasion as DeMatha High School, not a regular attendee, made a notable appearance that left an indelible mark on the event's history. In a year where their formidable team secured qualification for the Penn Relays Championship of America 4x100-meter relay, DeMatha chose the Woodward Relays as their tune-up race. The decision proved to be a stroke of brilliance, as their 4x100-meter relay team blazed across the track in an astonishing 42.08 seconds, shattering the previous Woodward Relays meet record of 42.66. DeMatha claimed relay titles in the 4x1, 4x2, and 4x4 that day, nearly also claiming the meet record in the 4x2 with a Woodward Relays #2 all-time time of 1:28.14. Not two weeks later, DeMatha became the only U.S. boys team in the Penn Relays Championship of America 4x100-meter relay where they placed sixth in 41.36.
Boys 4x200-meter Relay
The 2008 Woodward Relays marked a pivotal moment for Montgomery Blair High School, as their boys' relay team left an indelible mark on the track with two record-breaking performances. Clocking in at an astounding 1:27.59, the 4x200-meter relay team not only secured the fastest time recorded by a Montgomery County team that year but also established a Woodward Relays meet record that remains untouched to this day. The feat was emblematic of their rising prowess, reinforced by their 4x400-meter relay performance, clocking in at 3:21.17, which still ranks as #3 in Woodward Relays history. If any doubts persisted about the legitimacy of the resurgence of the powerhouse Blair Blazers of the 1970's and 80's, the 2008 Woodward Relays performance served as a resounding answer to skeptics, putting everyone on notice that Montgomery Blair was indeed a force to be reckoned with. Subsequent victories at the Montgomery County Championship and 4A West Region Championship Meets, where they swept the 4x100, 4x200, and 4x400 relays, and the state championship meet in which they won the 4x200 and 4x400 relays, cemented their status as a dominant and legitimate track and field powerhouse in Maryland public school history.
Boys 4x400-meter and 4x800-meter Relays
The Georgetown Prep School boys' relay teams left an indelible mark on the 2010 Woodward Relays, etching their name in the meet's history books. Setting the bar high, Georgetown Prep claimed the meet record in the 4x800 with a remarkable time of 7:51.82, a time which remains #2 in meet history. The Georgetown Prep boys had been relatively quiet since their victory at the National Scholastic Indoor Championship in the 4x800 earlier in the year. However, the 2010 Woodward Relays marked their triumphant return to the spotlight. Breaking the 4x800 meet record by over three seconds, they showcased an unparalleled level of excellence for so early in the outdoor season. Two weeks later, their prowess echoed at the Penn Relays, where they recorded a phenomenal 7:43.76 in the 4x800 relay, setting the fastest time ever recorded by a Montgomery County boys team and further solidifying their place among the track and field elite. The dominance continued as they finished their meet by shattering the meet record in both the 4x400-meter relay, clocking an impressive 3:20.29, a record that still stands to this day.
Boys 4x400-meter and 4x800-meter Relays
Amidst a decade-plus of track and field excellence at the Woodward Relay, the Gilman School boys' team made an indomitable mark at the 2012 Woodward Relays, drawing comparisons to the stellar performance of the Georgetown Prep team in 2010. The Gilman boys, fueled by determination and skill, unleashed their best squads in the 4x400 and 4x800 relays, leaving spectators in awe. In a striking display of prowess, they not only secured victory in the 4x400 relay with a blistering time of 3:20.99 but also came tantalizingly close to breaking the meet record. However, the true pièce de résistance came in the 4x800 relay, where the Gilman boys shattered Georgetown Prep's meet record with an outstanding time of 7:49.90, establishing their dominance and etching their names in Woodward Relays meet history and added another chapter to the storied legacy of this prestigious track and field meet.
Boys 4x1600-meter Relay
In a historic display of athleticism and determination, the Severna Park High School boys' team made an indelible mark at the 2014 Woodward Relays by shattering the longstanding meet record in the 4x1600-meter relay. The record, an imposing 18:04.6 (for 4 full miles) set by Landon in 1979, had stood untouched for 35 years, presenting a seemingly insurmountable challenge. However, Severna Park approached the unconventional relay event with unparalleled focus and commitment. Running with a collective grit, they clocked in at a remarkable 17:47.13, rewriting history and surpassing the previous record by a substantial margin averaging roughly 4:27 per runner. Having qualified for the Nike Cross Country Nationals earlier in the school year, Severna Park's triumph in the 4x1600-meter relay at the Woodward Relays underscored their status as a powerhouse in long-distance teamwork and added a new chapter to the prestigious meet's storied history.
Boys 1600-meter Sprint Medley Relay
In a momentous showcase of athletic excellence, the Georgetown Prep boys secured victory in the sprint medley relay at the 1977 Woodward Relays, clocking in at an impressive 3:31.6. David Saunders was widely lauded as an up-and-coming sprint phenom of the era, but the record-breaking SMR would not have been possible without Georgetown Prep middle distance ace, John Donegan. This outstanding performance resulted in a meet record that has retained its standing as the Woodward Relays meet record, even amid four subsequent decades of challengers. Bill Plank, Mike Maier, Dave Saunders and John Donegan were contributing members of the sprint medley relay, while Georgetown Prep also dominated the mile realy and two mile relay that day. In 2019, the SMR record faced a formidable contender when the Paint Branch boys completed the relay in 3:31.3. However, when adjusted for a full 1-mile distance covered in the pre-metric days of the 70's, Georgetown Prep's 1977 time of 3:31.6 is adjusted down to 3:30.62 and still recognized as the official meet record, highlighting the enduring significance of their remarkable achievement.
Boys 4000-meter Distance Medley Relay
In the 1979 Woodward Relays, the Landon School boys showcased exceptional distance running prowess that achieved unquestionable legendary status among the greats to ever perform at the Woodward Relays. Notably, their Distance Medley Relay performance of 10:17.6 stands unchallenged as the meet record to this day. The Distance Medley Relay was a resounding success for Landon, as they secured a convincing win with a remarkable 27-second lead. The team, consisting of John Schelp, Tim Aiken, Don Kerwin, and Bo Parker, returned shortly thereafter with Andy Spence replacing Aiken to break the meet record in the 4x1 mile relay with a time of 18:04.6. The 4x1 mile relay, however, was a closely contested race, with Landon clinching victory by a mere 2.1 seconds over Seneca Valley, who posted an otherwise historic time of 18:06.7. Bo Parker and Don Kerwin, pivotal members of the team, further demonstrated their talent by both running under 9:15 for two miles at the Penn Relays just one week later.
Boys 300-meter Hurdles Relay
In a stellar display of track and hurdling skill, the C.H. Flowers High School boys made a significatn impact at the 2015 Woodward Relays, showcasing their dominance in the relay events. Their triumphs included impressive victories in the 4x200 with a swift time of 1:30.18 and the 4x400, where they clocked in at 3:21.47. However, perhaps their most noteworthy achievement was observed only after some arithmetic. In the 300-meter hurdles relay, in one of the only events of the Woodward Relays where athletes compete individually, they not only emerged victorious but also broke the Woodward Relays meet record with an exceptional time of 2:48.15. Led by Edward Anderson, who posted an impressive time of 39.32, C.H. Flowers showcased their depth and skill by having all four boys finish the event in under 45 seconds. C.H. Flowers continued their outstanding 2015 season, culminating in a victory at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor, where they secured the title in the boys 4x200-meter relay with a remarkable time of 1:25.89.
Boys High Jump Relay
The year was 1978. The air was charged with anticipation as all events had concluded except for the high jump. In an unprecedented turn of events, two remarkable young athletes, Chris McGorty of Gaithersburg High School and John Grimes of Woodward High School, soared to astonishing heights, both clearing an impressive six feet and eight inches in the high jump. The entire stadium, buzzing with excitement, bore witness to an impromptu showdown. The atmosphere was electric as McGorty and Grimes, representing their respective schools, captivated the audience with their athletic prowess. In the end, it was John Grimes who etched his name in the annals of history with a breathtaking leap of six feet ten inches — an accomplishment that still stands as one of the highest jumps in Maryland state history for a high school boy. Alas, McGorty, not Grimes, took home the gold medal as Gaithersburg won the high jump relay with a combined height of 18 feet and 10 inches, a mark which remained the meet record until the event format switched to a two man relay in 2018. The memory of that evening's high jump competition at Woodward Relays remains eternally etched in the minds of all who were fortunate enough to witness it.
Boys Long Jump Relay
In a thrilling display of athleticism at the Woodward Relays 2023, the long jump relay witnessed a remarkable performance by the dynamic duo of Nate Shields and Amahd Clark from Georgetown Prep School. Their collective effort not only secured victory but also shattered the meet record with an outstanding mark of 45 feet and a half inch, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by an impressive 3 feet. Nate Shields, demonstrating his exceptional talent, contributed a leap of 23 feet and 1.50 inches to the monumental achievement, which held up as a top 5 mark in the state that season and top ten performance in Montgomery County track history. Amahd Clark showcased his own skill with the second best jump by any competitor that day: 21 feet and 11 inches. The record-breaking partnership between Shields and Clark undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the Woodward Relays, etching their names into the event's history with an awe-inspiring performance.
Boys Triple Jump Relay
The Archbishop Carroll boys left a lasting impact at the 1986 Woodward Relays, creating an enduring legacy in both the triple jump relay and the long jump relay events. In an extraordinary feat, they set the triple jump relay meet record at an impressive 132 feet and 11 inches, an achievement that held its ground as the meet record until the event format shifted to two athletes in 2018. The remarkable average of 44 feet and 4 inches per boy showcased the exceptional talent within the Archbishop Carroll team. Adding to their triumph, Archbishop Carroll emerged victorious in the long jump relay with a formidable mark of 60 feet 8.50 inches, a performance that still ranks among the top ten in meet history. The dynamic jumping duo of Greg Downs and Kevin Brown proved to be among the era's best, consistently claiming the top two spots in both the long jump and triple jump at various meets, including the Metro Conference Championship Meet a few weeks later.
Boys Shot Put Relay
The 1977 Woodward Relays witnessed a historic performance in the shot put relay by the formidable Georgetown Prep School team. Amidst the backdrop of Georgetown Prep setting the sprint medley relay meet record on that remarkable day, their shot put relay record proved equally exceptional, stetting a meet record that stood until the event format evolved to a two-boy format in 2018. The trio from Georgetown Prep, showcasing remarkable strength and precision, combined for an impressive distance of 159 feet and 3.75 inches. This achievement translated to an outstanding average of 53 feet and 1.25 inches per athlete. Notably, the 1977 Georgetown Prep squad boasted talents like Kurt Pierce and Kip Jawish, both of whom surpassed the 55-feet mark in their high school shot put careers. Their athletic mastery extended beyond high school, with Pierce and Jawish pursuing football at the University of Virginia and the University of Maryland, respectively.
Boys Shot Put Relay
In a spectacular display of shot put excellence at the 1979 Woodward Relays, George Saah of Montgomery Blair High School etched his name into the annals of track history. Throwing an astounding distance of 65 feet and 3 inches, Saah's performance stands as one of the greatest in the meet's history for any event. This remarkable achievement is not only ranked as the best all-time throw by a Montgomery County high school boy, according to Mocorunning.com, but it also holds historical significance in the Washington D.C. area. The rarity of individual performances being reported at the Woodward Relays, typically contested in a relay format, underscores the exceptional nature of Saah's feat. Numerous newspapers chronicled the event, and Saah's throw was heralded as a Washington D.C. area record at the time. "'It was one fantastic throw,' said [Blair Coach Bob] Deffinbaugh of Saah's record-setter [in one Montgomery Journal article]. 'All of his throws were good but that one was absolutely perfect.'" To this day, George Saah remains the Maryland indoor state record holder in the shot put and boasts two marks within the top ten in the outdoor state record book, as recognized by the MPSSAA, solidifying his legacy as one of the most exceptional shot putters in Maryland's track and field history.
[Pusey, Lyn. "Recount Shows Blair, Peary Tie at Woodward." Montgomery Journal, 25 April, 1979. pp. C1-C2.]
Boys Discus Relay and Pole Vault Relay
The 1977 Woodward Relays marked a triumphant day for Winston Churchill High School, as they secured a narrow victory in the boys' competition, defeating Springbrook High School 60 to 59. The Montgomery Journal reported that the weather was perfect for record-breaking, and Churchill seized the opportunity by setting two meet records that stood as all-time bests for the three-man relay format. In the discus event, Mark Sageholm, Chuck Heidel, and Brian Holloway not only shattered Churchill's own meet record from the previous year but established a new benchmark with a combined effort of 434 feet and 3.25 inches, averaging an impressive 144 feet and 8 inches per athlete. Additionally, Chris Darling, Dave Garnitz, and Andy Lee excelled in the pole vault, surpassing the existing meet record with a combined height of 36 feet, averaging 12 feet per athlete. The Bulldogs' dominance extended to the triple jump, where Eric Smith, Mike Latora, and Jim Engel secured another victory. Notably, Brian Holloway went on to achieve state titles in shot put and discus that year, posting outstanding marks of 60 feet 4.75 inches and 176 feet 7 inches, respectively, establishing himself among the state's all-time best throwers. Holloway's success transcended high school, leading to a notable career in professional football in the NFL.
Boys 2000-meter Steeplechase
The 2019 2000-meter steeplechase race at the Woodward Relays showcased the exceptional talents of Obsaa Feda from Northwood High School. Entering the meet with an impressive resume, Feda was already recognized as one of the top distance runners to ever compete at the Woodward Relays. Having qualified for the Nike Cross Country Nationals the previous fall and boasting a sub-9:10 timing in the 3200-meter event, Feda's esteemed reputation was undeniable. Moreover, his extensive experience in steeplechase races since his freshman year set the stage for a remarkable senior-year performance. Saving his strength for his only event of the day, Feda ran unchallenged at the 2019 Woodward Relays, smashing the meet record with an outstanding time of 6:09.20. This effort surpassed the previous record by nine seconds and remains the meet record to this day. Feda's dominance in the steeplechase race at the Woodward Relays added another highlight to his illustrious distance running career which also included a ninth place finish in the steeplechase at New Balance Outdoor Nationals. His journey continued at the University of Miami Ohio, where he continued to excel in distance running, occasionally showcasing his skills in the steeplechase event.
Girls 4x100-meter Relay
The 2017 Woodward Relays proved to be an important stop for the girls of C.H. Flowers High School on their journey to the Maryland 4A state title and beyond. The team set the tone early by breaking the meet record in the 4x100-meter relay with a time of 48.66, over two-tenths better than the meet record set fifteen years prior. The Flowers girls continued to assert their dominance, clinching victory in the 4x400-meter relay with a remarkable time of 3:55.02, a performance that currently ranks as the second-best in meet history. This impressive showing at Woodward Relays foreshadowed their success at the Maryland State Championship later that year, where C.H. Flowers secured victories in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. The team's depth was further highlighted as Pharist O'Neal claimed individual state titles in the 100m and 200m, Collese Daley secured the 400m state title, and the team won the 4A state title. The loaded squad concluded their outstanding season at New Balance Nationals Outdoor by placing 7th in the 4x200, 8th in the 4x400, and emerged victorious in the emerging elite 4x100 and sprint medley relays.
Girls 4x200-meter Relay
The Gaithersburg High School girls' team showcased an outstanding performance at the 2019 Woodward Relays, led by the versatile K.C. Ashiogwu and six-time regional champion Michelle Kamara. Ashiogwu's temporary shift from the jumps to focus on running relays led to Gaithersburg's best day of the season in relay events. The team swept the sprint relays, including the 4x1, 4x2, 4x4, and sprint medley relay. Two of these victories also resulted in breaking meet records. Notably, Gaithersburg set a new 4x2 meet record with a time of 1:42.43, surpassing a record that had stood since 1995. Additionally, the team broke the sprint medley relay record, clocking in at 4:08.08. Both record-breaking relays featured the impressive lineup of K.C. Ashiogwu, Desiree McCarthy, Ruth Kamgang, and Michelle Kamara. Gaithersburg's dominance extended to the 4x100-meter relay, where their time of 48.82 remains ranked #2 all-time in meet history.
Girls 4x400-meter Relay
The Old Mill High School girls' track team delivered a stellar performance at the 2011 Woodward Relays, propelled by the exceptional talents of Alexis Franklin and Taylor Parson. The dynamic duo led the team to victory in both the 4x200-meter relay, clocking in at an impressive 1:45.28, and the 4x400-meter relay, where their time of 3:53.31 not only secured the win but shattered the 1995 meet record by a remarkable 9 seconds. It is a record that still stands to this day. Franklin's individual brilliance was on full display as she recorded a phenomenal 300-meter hurdles time of 42.80, establishing the best time ever at the Woodward Relays. This outstanding performance foreshadowed Franklin's future successes, including becoming the Penn Relays 400-meter hurdles champion as a high school senior and a multiple-time BIG-10 conference champion in the 400-meter hurdles with Ohio State University.
Girls 4x800-meter Relay
The Good Counsel girls' track and field team asserted their dominance at the 1997 Woodward Relays, continuing their tradition of excellence in the 90s. A powerhouse in the history of the Woodward Relays, Good Counsel secured victories in multiple events that day, showcasing their versatility and teamwork. The team triumphed in the 4x400-meter relay, 4x800-meter relay, 4x1600-meter relay, 4000-meter distance medley relay, 4x100-meter shuttle hurdles relay, and 4x300-meter hurdles relay. Notably, the 4x800-meter relay team set a meet record with a remarkable time of 9:31.4, a record that stands to this day and is the oldest girls meet record at the Woodward Relays. Erin Sicher emerged as Good Counsel's star runner, contributing significantly to the team's success. Kate Schilling, Remy Albertson, Jamie Knapp and Anna Quezada contributed to the winning relays, as well. Two weeks after the Woodward Relays, Good Counsel continued their outstanding season by clocking an impressive 9:20 in the 4x800 at the Penn Relays, further solidifying their status as a dominant force in girls' track and field.
Girls 4x1600-meter Relay
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School girls' track and field team delivered a commanding performance at the 1979 Woodward Relays, showcasing their dominance across multiple events. During the early years of girls competing at the Woodward Relays, almost every performance was a meet record, so it was difficult at the time to sort out which performances would stand the test of time. Despite their exceptional victory in the 4x1 mile relay, that particular achievement went unmentioned by a reporter from the Montgomery Journal, underscoring the Barons' widespread success. Their 4x1 mile relay time of 22:10.0 stood as the meet record for an astonishing 32 years, holding its ground from 1979 until 2011. Led by star distance runner Carolyn Hughes and sprinter Cathy Rattray, the Barons also secured victories in the mile relay (4:05.6), two-mile relay (9:38.1), sprint medley relay (4:22.4), and distance medley relay (12:36.73) that day. While the 4x800-meter relay record was eventually broken in 2000 and the distance medley relay record in 2011, Bethesda-Chevy Chase's stellar performance at the 1979 Woodward Relays remains a testament to their enduring legacy at the Woodward Relays.
Girls 4x1600-meter Relay
At the 2014 Woodward Relays, the girls from Dulaney High School focused solely on the 4x1600-meter relay, which resulted in the fourth Woodward Relays meet record in as many years in the girls 4x1600-meter relay. After the Woodward Relays meet record stood from 1979 to 2011, the meet record was lowered every year from 2011 to 2014, first by Whitman in 2011 and 2012, then Bethesda-Chevy Chase in 2013, and finally by Dulaney in 2014. Eclipsing the previous meet best by 7 seconds, Dulaney established a new meet record of 21:46.20, a feat that remains unmatched to this day. The team comprised of Kira Flemke, Jessica Meek, Kristin Meek, and Luanne Zimmerman, averaged approximately 5:27 per runner.
Girls 4000-meter Distance Medley Relay
In a remarkable display of distance running teamwork at the 2014 Woodward Relays, the girls from Walter Johnson High School etched their names into the meet's history books by setting a new meet record in the distance medley relay. The girls' exceptional teamwork and individual talents culminated in a memorable victory by nine seconds over B-CC that day. The quartet, comprised of Kiernan Keller, Victoria Gregorio, Tiffani Davis, and Jasmine Garrett, delivered an outstanding performance with a collective time of 12:35.95. This remarkable achievement surpassed Walter Johnson's own previous meet record of 12:36.56, set in 2011. Kiernan Keller, a standout athlete for Walter Johnson, led Montgomery County in the 1600-meter event that season with the county's only sub-5-minute clocking.
Co-Ed 1200-meter Sprint Medley Relay
The co-ed sprint medley relay, introduced at the 1976 Woodward Relays and retired in 2014, held a unique place in the meet's history for 38 years. This distinctive event featured teams combining two boys and two girls in an exhibition race, making it an exclusive and entertaining addition to the Woodward Relays lineup. While the co-ed relay did not contribute to team standings, certain schools such as John F. Kennedy High School, Seneca Valley High School, and Walt Whitman High School regularly approached the event with a competitive spirit. John F. Kennedy High School emerged as a dominant force in the co-ed relay, securing seven victories over the event's 38-year history. In a standout year, the 1982 Kennedy squad set the meet record with an impressive time of 2:43.0 for the full 1320-yard distance, leaving an enduring mark on the Woodward Relays' legacy.
Girls 4x100-meter Shuttle Hurdles Relay
In the year 2000, the Good Counsel High School girls showcased their exceptional hurdling prowess in the 4x100-meter shuttle hurdles relay at the Woodward Relays. The team, consisting of standout hurdlers Mannika Heard, Eleanor Thompson, Erin Blaustein, and Hassina Outtz, delivered a remarkable performance that not only secured victory but also set a new meet record with a swift time of 1:06.3. This outstanding achievement surpassed the previous meet record of 1:06.6, established in 1995 by Robinson High School. The quartet's excellence extended beyond their synchronized hurdling abilities, as evidenced by their victories in the long jump relay and triple jump relay during the same meet.
Girls 300-meter hurdles relay
At the 2016 Woodward Relays, the C.H. Flowers girls showcased their exceptional speed and hurdling skills, making a memorable impact on the relay events. Setting the meet record in the 300-meter hurdles relay with a time of 3:10.71, the quartet showcased remarkable consistency, with each girl completing the event in under 50 seconds. While lacking a standout star hurdler, all four C.H. Flowers athletes finished among the top 8 hurdlers that day, highlighting the team's collective strength. The talented sprinter Pharist O'Neal played a crucial role as the team secured victories in the 4x200-meter relay (1:43.71) and 4x400-meter relay (3:59.88), both of which continue to stand as top ten performances in the meet's history. Their exceptional performances at Woodward Relays were a precursor to their dominant showing at the girls 4A Maryland state championship later that year, where C.H. Flowers claimed the title easily with remarkable team depth.
Girls steeplechase
The debate over the greatest female steeplechaser in Woodward Relays history is a testament to the exceptional talents that graced the event over the years. The steeplechase, initially a 1500-meter challenge, underwent a transition to a 2000-meter distance in 2008. The queen of the 1500-meter steeplechase era was undeniably Ashlyn Sinclair of Montgomery Blair High School. Sinclair's remarkable three-year reign from 2005 to 2007 included consecutive victories and the top three fastest times in meet history. Her meet record of 5:10.93 set in 2007 was 20 seconds faster than any other girl finished the event at the Woodward Relays. Following the shift to the 2000-meter format, Anna Ryba of Walt Whitman High School emerged as a dominant force. Ryba secured victories in the 2000-meter steeplechase in 2010, 2011, and 2012, including a meet record of 7:23.48 in 2011. While Ryba's steeplechase career concluded with high school, Sinclair continued to excel in the event at the University of Maryland where she was competitive in the steeplechase at meets like the Penn Relays and ACC Championship.
Girls High jump Relay
The 2003 Woodward Relays witnessed an exceptional performance in the girls' high jump relay, with Paint Branch High School setting a new meet record by combining for 10 feet and 7 inches. This marked an impressive three-inch improvement over the previous meet record set in 1985. The duo leading this outstanding feat was comprised of Latoya Morton, who had been consistently clearing 5 feet since 2002, and the emerging star Toni Aluko. Notably, Aluko's remarkable skills were on full display as she consistently soared over 5 feet 6 inches and achieved a remarkable clearance of 5 feet 9.75 inches at the prestigious Penn Relays just two weeks after the Woodward Relays.
Girls Long Jump Relay
In a stunning display of athleticism at the 2016 Woodward Relays, the Clarksburg High School girls' long jump relay team emerged as record-breakers in the event. With an impressive combined effort, they set a meet record with a total distance of 34 feet and 10 inches, showcasing an average jump of 17 feet and 5 inches per girl. The dynamic duo of Alexus Pyles and Sarah Louk played pivotal roles in securing this remarkable achievement. Alexus Pyles soared to a distance of 17 feet and 5.50 inches, while Sarah Louk contributed with a jump of 17 feet and 4.50 inches. Their outstanding performances not only clinched victory for Clarksburg but also etched their names into the Woodward Relays history with an awe-inspiring record
Girls Triple Jump Relay
The 2011 Woodward Relays showcased an outstanding demonstration of talent in the girls' triple jump relay, with the Bishop McNamara team setting a lasting record with an impressive mark of 71 feet, 4.25 inches. Despite a strong performance by the Walter Johnson High School girls, who themselves broke the previous meet record with a distance of 69 feet, 11.50 inches, Bishop McNamara secured the top spot that day. Brielyn Rogers, with a jump of 36 feet, 8.25 inches, and Lindsey Bethel, covering 34 feet, 8 inches, were contributing teammates in Bishop McNamara's record-breaking achievement. Walter Johnson's Laura Dally, jumping 37 feet, 4.50 inches, and Alessandra Daniere, with a mark of 32 feet, 7 inches, contributed to their team's success. Brielyn Rogers continued her impressive season by becoming the WCAC champion in the triple jump, while Walter Johnson's Daley claimed the 4A West Regional title in the same event later that season. It was an impressive and rare feat in which the top two performances in the meet's 49-year history came on the same day.
Girls Triple jump
It is with great pride and admiration that we recall the remarkable journey of Thea LaFond, a true icon of Montgomery County track and field, who competed right here at the Woodward Relays. In 2009, on this very campus, Thea LaFond showcased her burgeoning talent in the triple jump while competing for John F. Kennedy High School. Despite being in just her sophomore year and not yet reaching the pinnacle of her athletic achievement, she emerged with the best leap of the day: 36-feet 7.5 inches. Little did we know that this marked the early stages of an extraordinary career. LaFond went on to claim triple jump titles at the Penn Relays, the U.S. high school national championships, and the Maryland State Championship Meet where she set her high school personal best, 41-feet and 8.5 inches. While at the University of Maryland, she won BIG-10 and ACC titles and appeared in multiple NCAA Championship Meets, but she was not considered "world class" upon graduation. After nearly a decade of post-collegiate training and climbing the world rankings, today we acknowledge her recent triumph as the 2024 indoor world champion in the triple jump. The pride of Montgomery County track and field, Thea LaFond is now gearing up for her third Olympic appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games this summer as a defending world champion. Her journey is an inspiration, a testament to determination, and a source of immense pride for our community. On this day of the 50th Woodward Relays, it is an honor to say that the Woodward Relays was part of the journey of athletes like Thea LaFond.
Girls Shot put and Discus Relays
The Richard Montgomery High School girls left a lasting impact at the 2013 Woodward Relays, excelling in both the shot put and discus relays. In the shot put relay, the team of juniors displayed exceptional talent, achieving a combined distance of 74 feet and 10 inches. This remarkable feat exceeded the previous meet record by more than three feet and established a new standard for the competition. Ozioma Edokobi led the charge with an impressive throw of 39 feet and 3 inches, while Tiffany Afolabi-Brown contributed with a strong throw of 35 feet and 7 inches. On the same day, Edokobi and Afolabi-Brown continued their dominance by winning the discus relay with a combined mark of 220 feet and 6 inches, a performance that remains ranked as the second-best in meet history. Once again, Edokobi led the way with a mark of 120-feet and 5.5 inches while her partner Afolabi-Brown exceeded the 100-foot mark by a half inch. Edokobi's remarkable high school career continued, solidifying her status as one of Maryland's finest high school throwers with multiple recordings over 42 feet in the shot put and a 141-foot 10 inch throw in the discus. However, her Woodward Relays legacy relies on Afolabi-Brown, a number two thrower the likes of which have never been matched in the Woodward Relays' unique relay format.
