Howell High School senior Rachel Kern made up falling short by a few inches when she claimed the championship in the javelin throw at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Meet of Champions (MOC).
Kern captured the MOC championship with a throw of 145-4 June 10 at Northern Burlington County Regional High School in Columbus.
Oakcrest High School sophomore Brielle Smith placed second to Kern with throw of 141-2.
“It is an awesome way to end [my] senior year. Since last year I came to the Meet of Champions and I lost by like 3 inches, so it is a big comeback for me,” Kern said.
At the 2016 MOC, Kern finished second with a throw of 134-7. Cherokee High School senior Kaela Schrier won the title last spring with a throw of 134-10.
After winning big at this year’s meet, she plans to continue her athletic career next year in college.
“I plan on going to Wake Forest next year, so I am excited to compete at that higher level,” Kern said.
Kern joined Howell’s track and field team in the middle of her sophomore year. Before becoming a champion in javelin, she played shortstop for the school’s softball team.
“The whole experience with javelin has been great for me. It is something I did not expect to do and I did not expect to do so well in it either,” Kern said.
Kern’s teammate, senior Niamh Hayes, finished third in the girls’ 3,200-meter run with a time of 10:51:83. Sophomore Alex Westley of Warren Hills Regional High School won the title in the 3,200 with a time of 10:35:41.
In 2016, Hayes placed fifth in the 3,200 when she ran 10:37.72 at the MOC. Southern Regional High School senior Kaitlyn Mooney won the 2016 MOC title in the 3,200 with her finish in 10:28.25.