PHILADELPHIA, PA. – The Princeton men's track and field team kicked off the 2025 outdoor season in style, emerging victorious in five events during the prestigious Penn Challenge held on March 22, 2025. The event took place at the University of Pennsylvania's historic Franklin Field, where athletes showcased their prowess and set personal records.
Highlighting the day was junior Casey Helm, who excelled in both the discus throw and shot put. Helm's performance was nothing short of exceptional, as he launched a personal best in the discus throw, achieving a remarkable distance of 59.90 meters (196 feet 6 inches). This noteworthy accomplishment surpassed his previous best of 58.72 meters (192 feet 8 inches) recorded just last April.
Helm didn't stop there; he also claimed victory in the shot put with a throw measuring 18.17 meters (59 feet 7.5 inches). His dominating performance set the tone for the Tigers throughout the competition.
The sprinting events were equally thrilling, as the Tigers demonstrated their speed and agility on the track. In the 100-meter dash, Princeton delivered a stunning 1-2-3 finish, with Jadon Spain taking the top spot with a time of 10.53 seconds. Following closely behind were Zach Della Rocca in second place at 10.68 seconds and Charles Sexton, who secured third in 10.77 seconds.
Easton Tan continued Princeton's winning streak in the 200-meter sprint, capturing first place with a time of 21.71 seconds. His performance was complemented by teammate Kavon Miller, who finished a close second at 21.80 seconds.
Avery Keith also shone brightly during the meet, winning the 3000-meter race with an impressive time of 8:29.53. Additionally, Keith set a new personal record in the 1500-meter event, clocking in at 3:54.50.
It wasn’t just the stars of the day who made their mark; several other Tigers also achieved personal bests. Jacob Emerson excelled in the pole vault, achieving a height of 4.88 meters (16 feet 0 inches). Phil Kastner threw a distance of 43.33 meters (142 feet 2 inches) in the discus, while Chris Paige made an impressive run in the 400 meters, finishing in 49.78 seconds.
The sense of camaraderie and competitive spirit among the team was palpable as they celebrated each other's successes. The team’s coach remarked on the depth of talent present, stating that their performance was an indicator of a promising season ahead.
Looking ahead, the Tigers are set to return to the track next weekend, marching into West Long Branch, N.J. for the Monmouth Season Opener on March 28th and 29th. With their strong start, expectations are high as they prepare to compete against a new set of challengers.
The outstanding performances at the Penn Challenge underscore Princeton's commitment to excel in track and field, signaling their determination to make a significant impact this outdoor season. As more events unfold, the Tigers aim to further enhance their reputation as a formidable force in collegiate athletics.
