Senior Reanda Richards cemented her position in the West Essex record books with the No. 1 time in the country for 400m hurdles at the New Balance Nationals meet in Greensboro, N.C., on June 17. Richards finished with a time of 58.91 seconds, which is also a personal record.

“To have such a prestigious title feels unreal,” Richards said, “and there’s no words to express how happy I am.”

Coach Anthony Emering lauded Richards’ accomplishment, emphasizing the amount of work needed to reach this high level.

“We had always hoped for good things, and we saw that Reanda was special in her work ethic and her willingness to learn,” Coach Emering said. “She was surrounded by some very supportive and exceptional teammates, so I think the climate was just right for her to thrive in.”

Richards beat out Adriana Shockley of Western Branch High School in Chesapeake, V.A. by 0.49 seconds.

With this national victory, Richards ends her high school track career on a high note, and her jersey will be retired and hung alongside other accomplished West Essex athletes. She will compete at the Division I level for Rutgers next year.