Julia Ashley Shines At Track Championships

For the first time in the history of the Verona High School girls winter track program, an athlete took first place in two events at the Essex County Winter Track & Field Championships.

Julia Ashley, who returned to running after being sidelined for more than a year due to knee injuries, had what Coach Gene Leporati hailed as “an incredible performance” at the county event, which was held Sunday at The Jersey City Armory.

In the first race of the day, Ashley won the 400m at 58.49. She returned to the track later in the meet and won the 800m in 2:20, running the last 200m by herself.

There was strong running by another Ashley as well: Julia’s younger sister Maggie got fifth in the 400m at 61.5 and then set a new school record in the 200m with a 27.4.