June 12. (Photos by Mark Zimmaro)
Shaelan McNally and Shawn Brady were already state champions and had received their diplomas before competing in their last high school track and field meet in New Jersey. But there was still plenty of time to learn.
McNally, a 2024 Paul VI High School graduate, and Brady, a 2024 Bishop Eustace Preparatory School grad, had one more chance to grab glory at the state Meet of Champions. And although neither won gold, they both lugged away a medal and some valuable experience against New Jersey’s most fierce competition.
After breaking a meet record (10:24.00) and winning her first state championship in the 3,200 run June 8 at the Non-Public A championship at Stockton University, Galloway, McNally was the top seed in the event at the Meet of Champions at Pennsauken High School on June 12. The runners and the venue were different and the conditions were much warmer than just a few days prior. McNally finished second in the race (10.36.55), about three and a half seconds behind Rosemary Shay of Middletown South. McNally led the way through seven of the first eight laps.
“It was very hot, and I did not listen to the plan my coach gave me,” said McNally, who will run at Bucknell University next year. “He told me to stay behind and not to take the lead. But I did, and I definitely felt that throughout the race. I honestly just didn’t have it in my last lap. I’m a little disappointed because I try to never lose a race on the last lap, and that’s the first time it’s ever happened to me. It’s an important lesson that I’ll take with me to my collegiate career.”
McNally’s high school running career has been nothing short of brilliant. She’s Paul VI’s first state champion since Aliya Rae Garozzo, who won both the 100 and 400 hurdles in 2019. She’s also the Haddonfield school’s first female distance runner to win a state title since Davana Medina in 1992. McNally was hoping to be just the second female Paul VI athlete to win a Meet of Champions title after high jumper Priscilla Frederick in 2007.
“No one in high school running shows up more ready to work than McNally,” PVI track coach Mike Rankin said. “She’s a deeply serious person when it comes to the sport, and her passion for it is palpable when you watch her boldly compete. It’s fun to show up to the track when you’ve got a kid putting that much into it.
“Paul VI running as a collective is very proud of her,” he continued. “She has been a devoted program builder and a productive role model to younger athletes. Her career is a monument to our daring ambitions and collective grit.”
At the same time McNally was racing around the track, Brady was competing against the best discus throwers in the state, which included Benjamin Shue of Bergen Catholic. Shue was the heavy favorite entering the event. Shue didn’t disappoint, throwing a whopping 205 feet, four inches to take gold. Brady threw 179-7, which took bronze behind Anthony Liakhnovich of Hammonton, who posted 181-3.
“I’ve been consistent, but I’ve been waiting to clear that 181 barrier again,” Brady said. “I love being out here with this competition, I feel like they bring me up. Throwing 205 is obviously tough. You can’t beat that, but it was a great experience.”
Brady’s best throw of the season was 181-10 at the Nike South Jersey Track Coaches Association Track and Field Meet at Delsea High School on May 2. He beat Liakhnovich that day by seven inches, but Liakhnovich got revenge at the Meet of Champs.
“It’s OK, I’m satisfied,” Brady said. “I wish I could have PR’d but you can’t ask for too much.”
Brady hit his stride last year and credits Bishop Eustace throws coach Adam Hunt for his success. “He came here my junior year and really helped me out,” Brady said. “I was in need of a throws coach, and he was awesome. He really brought out the best in me and motivated me.”
Brady leaves Bishop Eustace as a state champion after he won the Non-Public B discus with a throw of 179-1 at Stockton University on June 8. He will continue his academic and athletic career at Rutgers University in the fall.
“I’m excited to get to Rutgers and learn some new things about throwing,” Brady said. “I also started picking up new events, too, like the hammer throw.”
Both Brady and McNally said they will miss the high school season.
“I’m going to miss my teammates and racing at meets like this,” McNally said. Today [June 12] was actually my 18th birthday, so it feels like a nice way to wrap things up with a silver medal at the Meet of Champs. This was the celebration. Being here with my teammates and everybody is as special as it can be.”
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