Charles Daye
Staff Writer
Jackson Liberty High School was well-represented at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Meet of Champions (MOC), highlighted by senior Danielle Notarfrancesco’s second-place finish in the girls’ shot put.
Notarfrancesco recorded a throw of 47-3¾ at the state event that was staged on June 10 at Northern Burlington County Regional High School in Columbus.
“I was surprised with how nervous I was actually [heading into the MOC],” Notarfrancesco said. “It was an intimidating meet. I really wanted to reach where I wanted to throw, so thinking about that made me extra nervous, but it was all great in the end.”
This year’s MOC performance was an improvement from last year’s showing when Notarfrancesco threw 44-9¼ to place fifth.
“I was happy with my performance [this year]. Of course, I wish I could have done better, especially when I know I could have. But overall, it was a solid performance,” Notarfrancesco said. “It meant a lot to me, with it being my last MOC, placing second under the national champion was incredible.”
Donovan Catholic High School senior Alyssa Wilson successfully defended her state title with a throw of 54-0¼ to wrap up a historic athletic career.
Notarfrancesco plans to continue her athletic career when she attends the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
“For college, I just plan on working hard and getting better at everything I do. I hope to reach the level I know I can get to,” Notarfrancesco said.
Her Jackson Liberty teammate, junior Aniyah Russell, placed fourth in the girls’ long jump at the MOC event. Despite not winning the state championship, Russell jumped a personal best of 19-1¼.
“That was my goal jump [in the 19’s], and I made it,” Russell said.
The championship was won by Union High School senior Nyamekye Opoku-Agyemang after she jumped 19-10½.