NOR/MAN High School Track & Field: Week in Review (December 23, 2025)
Welcome back to the NOR/MAN weekly digest! This week saw some blazing early-season performances, exciting recruiting news, and athletes laying down the foundation for a stellar year. Let's dive into the highlights!
Quick Hits
- Issam Asinga commits to Texas A&M! A huge signing for the Aggies.
- Evan Bradshaw throws down a hot 1:09.30 in the 500m, early season!
- Shawnti Jackson follows up her commitment to Arkansas, one of the premier sprint programs.
- Quincy Wilson, the Class of 2026 phenom, is locked in with the University of Maryland. Early commitment secured!
- Zylaia Ramsey blazes a 7.66 in the 55m at the Dominion meet, racking up 834 WA points.
- Remember the name, Jane Hedengren (Class of 2025), who is already committed to BYU!
Men's Spotlight
The men's side this week was highlighted by some early indoor track meets providing a glimpse of what's to come. Virginia athlete, Evan Bradshaw of Cosby, posted a blazing 1:09.30 in the 500m at the Dominion meet. This is a significant early-season mark that establishes him as a name to watch in the mid-distance events. With early speed like that, we'll be closely watching to see how that develops in the 800m later in the season.
Recruiting also dominated the headlines this week on the men's side with a couple of high-profile commitments being announced. Texas A&M picked up a major sprint talent in Issam Asinga. Asinga, a Montverde Academy standout, is bringing his 5-star rating to College Station. Further east, the University of Maryland landed a huge verbal commitment from Quincy Wilson, a Class of 2026 star from Bullis School. This is a massive early get for the Terrapins and shows the impact Wilson already has on the recruiting landscape.
Looking ahead, the early indoor season is the perfect time for athletes to experiment with different events and work on strength and conditioning. These early results often don't tell the whole story, but they give us glimpses of potential breakout stars.
Women's Spotlight
On the women's side, the Dominion meet in Virginia also produced some strong performances. Notably, Zylaia Ramsey of Clover Hill clocked a swift 7.66 in the 55m dash. This performance, which translates to 834 WA points, is an impressive early-season mark and shows Ramsey is ready to be a force in the sprints this year. It also puts her near the top of the early-season Virginia rankings in the event. Also at Dominion, Madeline Montgomery of Monacan High School, put in a solid early season effort in the 1600m, running 5:31.44.
Adding to the excitement, Shawnti Jackson made her much-anticipated commitment to the University of Arkansas official. Jackson, a Run U Xpress athlete, is a game-changing addition to the Razorbacks' already-strong sprint squad. Her blazing speed and competitive fire are exactly what Arkansas needs to challenge for national titles. We are always excited to see athletes like Jackson continue their career in the SEC.
The women's early indoor season provides the opportunity to make a statement before the heart of the season begins. Keep an eye on these early performers to see who will carry this momentum into the bigger meets.
Recruiting Watch
This week was dominated by commitments, specifically by sprinters. As mentioned, Issam Asinga, a top-ranked male sprinter, made the decision to join Texas A&M, adding to their already impressive track and field program. The Aggies are building a sprint powerhouse! Meanwhile, in the Class of 2026, Quincy Wilson cemented his future with the University of Maryland, marking an unusually early commitment for such a high-caliber athlete. Finally, Shawnti Jackson's commitment to Arkansas provides another huge boost for the Razorbacks, signaling their intent to remain a national force.
It is important to remember that recruiting never stops, even during the season. Coaches are constantly evaluating talent and building relationships, so athletes should always be focused on improving and making a strong impression.
Performances of the Week
- Evan Bradshaw's 1:09.30 500m: This early-season mark is incredibly impressive. While indoor track rankings are still taking shape, Bradshaw has immediately put himself in the conversation as one of the top 500m runners in the country. It is a personal best, and sets him up for a great year to come!
- Zylaia Ramsey's 7.66 55m: Ramsey's performance at the Dominion meet shows she's ready to compete at a high level this year. That time, in December, provides a strong base to build upon, indicating a potential for significant improvement as the season progresses.
Tip of the Week
Prioritize recovery! With the indoor season kicking off, athletes need to focus on recovery just as much as training. Adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and active recovery (light stretching, foam rolling) are crucial for preventing injuries and maximizing performance. Coaches, emphasize the importance of recovery in your training plans. A well-rested athlete is a faster athlete!