Young Sparta Runners Win at USATF New Jersey Junior Olympic Championships: Rafferty Hopkins Earns 3 State Championship Titles

MADISON, NJ – Sparta was well represented at the USA Track & Field New Jersey Junior Olympic Championships at Kean University. Rafferty Hopkins , one of four Spartans who competed in the 8U “Clinic Program” category, brought home three state championship medals.

Eight athletes competed on June 22 and 23.  The top six in each event qualified to compete at the USATF Region 2 Junior Olympic Championships.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

Coach Bagley, Hopkins, Howard and Zapata were at the meet to support the “wonderful athletes that represented Sparta.”

“These athletes have worked tremendously hard all season, their attitude toward their training far exceeds their years and as coaches we are so proud of them as athletes and teammates who continually support each other through their successes and disappointments,” Coach Audrey Hopkins said.

8U Age Group

Hopkins, one of four Spartans who competed in the 8U “Clinic Program” category brought home three state championship medals.  He took:

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

• First place in the 800 meters with a time of 2.54.18
• First place in the 400 meters, breaking the Lakeland League record set in 2018 by seven seconds.
• First place in Long Jump at 3.49 Meters

Six-year-old Bode Bagley finished sixth in the 800 M.  His time of 3.13 qualified him for a place at the Region 2 Championships.

Two girls participated in the 800 meter race. Margaret Weber took fourth setting a personal best record of 3.15.86 that qualified her for Region 2 Championships. Lexi Eck finished seventh, also setting a personal best time of 3.21.80.

9-10 Age Group

Izaac Bagley finished 5th in 800 Meter qualifying for Region 2 Championships.  He took 8th in the 400 meters and 6th in the Long Jump.

Michael Dunbar finished 15th in the 100 meters, setting a personal best record of 15.13.

Liam Zapata took 12 in the 800 Meter, 11 in the 400 Meter and 10 in the Long Jump.

Ryan Zapata finished 9 in the 1500 Meter with a time of 5.55.13.

The Lakeland League Junior Track and Field was established in 1969 encouraging and supporting young athletes in Morris and Sussex County to get experience training and competing in track and field events.  Cross-country athletes are also nurtured through this program.

Their mission is to “promote running in Morris County and its surrounding communities.  Our Promise is to provide; a positive running atmosphere, competitive and participatory events for runners and to promote physical and mental toughness.”promote running in Morris County, NJ and its surrounding communities. Our promise is to provide; a positive running atmosphere, competitive and participatory events for runners, and promote physical and mental toughness.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net