Newton Runners Show the Need for Speed at High School Nationals

Newton's runners finished the season by showing they can compete with the nation's best high school athletes.

The Tigers traveled to Greensboro, N.C. for the New Balance High School Outdoor Nationals over the weekend. The meet is divided into different division - the Championship Division (the top athletes), the Emerging Elite and Freshman.

Newton South's Jung Park competed in the Championship Division and finished 19th in the 110 hurdles, and his teammate, Ryan Kim, finished 18th in the Championship shot put.

Newton native Annika Gompers, who attends the Gann Academy in Waltham, competed in two events in the Championship Division. She finished 15th in the 5,000 meters and 25th in the 2 mile.

The Newton North boy's 4 x 800 relay finished second in the Emerging Elite category. The team included Mike Schlichting, Jared Freedman, Nick King and Gabe Montague. 

Schlichting also finished second in the Emerging Elite 2 mile race.

Competitors in the freshman division:

Rebecca Grusby, Newton South - 11th in the mile

Lizzie Walkes, Newton South - 17th in 100 meters

Jared Prior, Newton North -  third in the long jump and 18th in the 400 meters