TheJournalNJ.com | JULY 2021 31
TRAINING
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“D1 IS THE ONE!”
Middletown South’s Rosie Shay
Claims State Sectional 3,200-Meter Title
BY LES PIERCE
Middletown South distance runner Rosemary “Rosie” Shay experienced the greatest moment of her
athletic career in capturing the 3,200-meter crown at the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 3 State Sectional
Championships. If you were to ask what inspired her, she just might say something about
following in her sister’s footsteps.
Her older sibling, Kathleen, was the Monmouth County Indoor champion at this same 3,200 distance
and went on to join the Ohio State cross country and track teams. It should be pointed out, however, that the
younger Shay is just a freshman who is now looking at a bright future.
Rosemary’s only previous postseason track appearance was at the Monmouth County Championships
on May 14 where she placed third. In winning the State Sectional title more than two weeks later, she posted
a time of 11:37.51. In close pursuit were a pair of Colts Neck runners, Presslie Mariner (11:42:44) and
Ava Wilmot (11:44.61).
A greater achievement was accomplished by Shay, ironically in defeat, a week later. The top sectional
statewide, including other sectional champs.
Shay improved her time by nearly 25 seconds in this race, a gain that is unheard of in the span of a
week. Her clocking of 11:12.69 was good for a silver medal behind Lara Cota (11:07.03), of Summit. In addition,
the performance punched the rookie’s ticket to compete in the coveted Meet of Champions – pretty
exciting stuff for a frosh runner.
“Rosie is obviously a tremendous runner,” stated South Head Coach Vic Bayers Jr. “She is kind and fun
with a great sense of humor when with her teammates. But when it's time to train and race, she is determined,
focused and hungry to get after it. Rosie has a monster work ethic and the talent to back it up. Her
victory at the State Sectional thankfully went as planned, and I and her teammates could not be happier for
Rosie. She earned it!”
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