By: Ken Weingartner – Special Writer
The phrase "jumping for joy" has taken on a new meaning with Mariah Browne.
For Browne, the jumping isn’t a result of happiness; the joy is the result of jumping.
Browne, who just completed her junior year at South Brunswick High, became the talk of the state – and beyond – thanks to her performances this spring in the long jump. Browne jumped 19-feet, 5.25 inches to win the NJSIAA Group IV Championship and followed up by jumping 19-1.5 to win the Meet of Champions.
Her 19-5.25 was the longest jump since 1983 and the seventh-longest leap in state history. It also set the Middlesex County record.An honors student, Browne is receiving interest from colleges across the nation.
Prior to the Group IV meet, Browne never jumped 19 feet despite an already accomplished career that included three Greater Middlesex Conference titles.
"It felt like a good jump, but it’s kind of hard for me to tell," Browne said. "I heard somebody say, ‘Oh wow,’ and I knew maybe it was further than I thought it was. I was so excited. I wanted 19 feet the entire year, so I was going crazy. That was my first. And I jumped it again at the Meet of Champions."
Browne, who became the fourth girl in South Brunswick history to win at the MOC, claimed her gold medal on her final jump. Keeping her mind focused on her next jump, regardless of what has happened previously, is one of the keys to success.
"It’s hard, but it’s easier with experience," Browne said. "As the years have gone by, it’s become easier for me to push the other jumps out of the way. My last jump has nothing to do with my next jump."Hard work in the weight room during the offseason also helps, as well as the desire to compete.
"Jumping over 19 feet the last two meets was amazing. That’s something that doesn’t happen in Jersey very often," Vikings coach Stefan Moorhead said. "And to win coming from behind showed she’s a real tough competitor. She is going to improve. These girls achieve great things and they want more. Mariah is a great example. She’s a super hard worker. She does anything we ask of her in practice and she loves competing.
"When you love what you’re doing, especially the competition aspect, it really produces great results."
Browne began competing in the long jump when in seventh grade. Her best jump then was 15 feet. Next year, she’s taking aim at 20.
"This year I came into the season a lot faster and stronger," Browne said. "I’m planning on getting even faster and stronger for next year. I think the most important thing is the leg strength because that carries through the whole jump. The leg strength will take you fast, and it will also take you high and take you far."
How far? Stay tuned. Browne will be jumping for joy.
RUNNING ON: Eleven of the 12 seniors on the South Brunswick track-and-field team plan to compete next year in college. They are: Melissa Dardani (Rider), Sophia Ginez (Stanford), Trish Langone (Kutztown), Jamielyn Samper (Lebanon Valley), Lyndsey Sample (St. Joe’s), Emily Skalko (TCNJ), Amanda Smilgis (Moravian), Jennifer Smilgis (Moravian), Lauryn Strebeck (Rider), Jamie Thompson (Rowan), and Ginelle Walker (St. Augustine’s).
As it turns out, though, the season is not yet finished. South Brunswick will compete July 2 in the inaugural Nike Track Nationals at the University of Oregon. The Vikings were one of 12 teams selected through an online "virtual" competition throughout the season. Teams received points based on actual performances and were ranked regionally. South Brunswick was second in the Northeast, but ninth in the nation and got an at-large invitation.
Nike pays all expenses, including tickets to the July 3 Prefontaine Classic.The top scorers for South Brunswick were Browne (long jump), Thompson (hurdles), Ginez (800 and 1,600), Rachel Johnson (100), Alicia Osley (400), Walker (shot put), Amber Brown (discus) and Amanda Smilgis (pole vault).