NOR/MAN Week in Review: December 29, 2025
Welcome back to the NOR/MAN Week in Review, your one-stop shop for all the latest high school track and field news and recruiting updates. As we head into the final days of 2025, the recruiting scene is heating up, and athletes are putting in work to prepare for the indoor season. Let’s dive into the highlights from the past week.
Quick Hits
- Quincy Wilson, a 5-star recruit from Bullis School, commits to the University of Maryland.
- Distance standout Elizabeth Leachman of Boerne Champion announces her commitment to Stanford University.
- Caleb Winders, a highly sought-after mid-distance runner, will be heading to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Mariyah Robinson, a sprint sensation, commits to the University of Florida.
- Several top athletes make their college decisions public, adding to the already exciting 2026 recruiting cycle.
- Training reports are surfacing from top track clubs around the country, hinting at some impressive early-season form.
Men's Spotlight
The men’s recruiting scene continues to be fiercely competitive, with several top athletes announcing their college destinations this week. The biggest news of the week comes from Maryland, where Quincy Wilson, a 5-star prospect from Bullis School, committed to the University of Maryland. Rated at 1243 NOR/MAN points, Wilson is expected to make an immediate impact for the Terrapins. His versatility across multiple sprint distances makes him a valuable asset, and his commitment marks a major recruiting win for Maryland.
Adding to the excitement, Caleb Winders of Bloomington North High School chose to take his talents to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This 5-star recruit boasts a NOR/MAN score of 1118, solidifying his position as one of the top mid-distance runners in the nation. Davis DeGroot (Unattached - UT) is heading to the University of Kentucky, adding another highly-rated (1117 NOR/MAN points) athlete to the Wildcats' roster. The University of Georgia snagged Kendrick Joshua (Coastal Georgia Track Team), who also carries a 5-star rating and 1117 NOR/MAN points. Finally, Joshua Shelton (BeastMode Track Club) will be joining the Texas A&M University Aggies, bolstering their sprint program with his 1116 NOR/MAN point, 5-star potential. These commitments underscore the high level of talent in the class of 2026 and the intense competition among college programs to secure top recruits.
Women's Spotlight
The women's side of the sport saw its share of exciting news this week, headlined by the commitment of Elizabeth Leachman to Stanford University. Leachman, a distance phenom from Boerne Champion, is a 5-star recruit with an impressive 1147 NOR/MAN points. Her addition to the Cardinal roster promises to make an immediate impact on their cross country and track programs. The University of Florida secured a significant commitment from sprint star Mariyah Robinson, a 5-star athlete with 1125 NOR/MAN points. Robinson’s blazing speed will undoubtedly strengthen the Gators' already formidable sprint squad.
North Carolina also made waves in women's recruiting, securing commitments from two highly-rated athletes: Ellie Barada of Bloomington South High School and Jane Hickey from Ursuline School. Both athletes carry 5-star ratings (1118 and 1111 NOR/MAN points, respectively) and are expected to contribute significantly to the Tar Heels' program. Rounding out the major commitments, Lily Alder of Timpview High School has committed to Brigham Young University, adding a talented distance runner (5-star, 1108 NOR/MAN points) to the Cougars' roster.
Recruiting Watch
This week was dominated by commitment announcements for the class of 2026. With many athletes making their college choices public, the recruiting landscape is becoming clearer. While the focus remains on track and field, cross-country athletes have also started to make their intentions known, especially those who excel in both disciplines. We expect to see more commitments rolling in over the next few weeks as athletes finalize their decisions before the indoor season gains momentum. Keep an eye on the NOR/MAN commitment boards for the latest updates and expert analysis on how these signings will impact college programs.
Performances of the Week
Although it's the off-season, many athletes are participating in early indoor meets or time trials. Here are a few standout performances that caught our attention:
Unattached Athlete (Male) - 60m Dash Time Trial: An unnamed athlete from the Pacific Northwest clocked a blazing 6.70 seconds in a 60m dash time trial. While not an official meet result, this time is noteworthy as it would place him among the top early-season performers nationally if it were in-season. This is an impressive indicator of pre-season form.
Distance Runner (Female) - 3k Time Trial: A standout female distance runner from Colorado reportedly ran a solo 3k time trial in 9:50. This unofficial mark is a strong indicator that she's on track for a successful indoor and outdoor season. The altitude in Colorado adds another layer of impressiveness to this performance.
Tip of the Week
Focus on Consistency in Training: As the competitive season approaches, it's crucial to prioritize consistent training over chasing exceptional individual workouts. A well-structured plan adhered to consistently will yield better results in the long run than sporadic bursts of high-intensity training. Consistent training builds a solid foundation of strength, endurance, and technical proficiency. This consistency is key to avoiding injuries and maximizing your potential when it matters most. Work closely with your coach to develop a realistic and sustainable training plan that addresses your individual needs and goals. Remember, consistent effort compounds over time, leading to significant improvements and long-term success.
That’s all for this week’s NOR/MAN Week in Review! Stay tuned for more updates as the high school track and field scene continues to evolve.