CJ Licata's All-America Designation Crowns a Phenomenal Season

 

Expectations ran high as CJ Licata entered his final season of track and field with Gill St. Bernard's. In the spring of his junior year, the thrower claimed the shot-put and discus titles at several meets, including a dual win at the NJSIAA Non-Public B Championships. This past winter, he took the top spot for shot-put at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions and was named athlete of the year by NJ.com. 

 

As impressive as those showings were, they paled in comparison to the Princeton-bound senior's spring season. Licata established his dominance early on with a shot-put throw of 62-6.25 and a discus throw of 176 at the Skyland Conference Relays in April. He went on to claim both events at the Somerset Relays, the Prep B Championship, the Skyland Conference Championship, the Glenn Loucks Games, the NJSIIA sectional finals and the NJSIAA group championships! At the Meet of Champions, Licata's shot-put throw of 64-6.75, a personal best, secured him yet another first-place finish. 

 

The best shot-put thrower in the state, Licata also earned recognition at regional and national competitions. At the Penn Relays in April, Licata garnered the top American finish with a shot-put throw of 63-1.25. He earned second overall, with the top spot going to a thrower from Jamaica. 

 

Most recently, Licata competed in the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he launched a 65-1.5 shot-put throw. The distance marked a new personal record for Licata and also earned him All-America designation. After so much hard work, Licata is now enjoying a few days of vacation with his family. When he returns, his focus will be on training for next season, when he joins the Division I Princeton Tigers.

 

Congratulations CJ and go Knights!