Princeton University Athletics
Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country Welcomes 15 Talented Newcomers to Class of 2028.
July 24, 2024 | Men's Track and Field
"We are extremely excited to announce the great class of 2028," said William M. Weaver Jr. '34 Head Coach of Men's Track & Field Jason Vigilante. "They represent another tremendous group of student-athletes who will be joining the Princeton Track and Field/Cross Country Team that won its 11th Ivy League Triple Crown in 2024."
The Tigers will welcome Jadon Spain, Jacob Emerson, Jon York, Karl Dietz, Caden Simmons, Steven Hergenrother, Franco Parra, Marco Parra, Yuki Hojo, Avery Keith, Jacob Nenow, Charlie Sexton, Reed McFadden, Alex Niemiec and Paul Kuhner.
Jadon Spain
James I O'Neill High School | Highland Falls NY
HS PRs: 55m 6.25; 100m 10.40
Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because of the incredible people and the many opportunities to pursue excellence both athletically and academically.
Jacob Emerson - Pole Vault
Sage Creek High School | Carlsbad CA
HS PRs: Pole Vault 16' 3"
Why Princeton: For the academic opportunities, the track team and the amazing campus.
Marcelo Parra - Distance
TMI- Episcopal of San Antonio, TX
HS PRs: 1600 4:10; 3200 8:55; 5000 14:37; 2000sc 5:51.
Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because it has everything that I ever wanted in a school: an outstanding faculty and academics, the best XC coaches in the NCAA, and an amazing team with the best culture. My official visit was the best mainly because I felt like I was already a part of a group of friends with the team. I feel like Princeton is a place where I'll fit right in.
Yuki Hojo - Hurdles
Mita International School | Tokyo Japan
HS PRs: 110H 14.14 (106.7cm); 13.59 (99.1cm)
Why Princeton: Princeton offers the best environment to balance academics and track and field. Additionally, I believe I can enjoy a rich student life with great relationships here.
Charlie Sexton - Sprints
Auburn High School | Auburn AL
HS PRs: 100 10.41 200m; 20.93
Why Princeton: The team culture here is supportive, collaborative and focused on success.
Reed McFadden - Multis
Lander Valley High School
HS PRs: 300H 38.54; Decathlon 6221
Why Princeton: I ultimately chose Princeton because of its team atmosphere. During my brief visit, it was clear how close-knit and supportive the team is. This sense of camaraderie and genuine support among the athletes, regardless of event group, was something unique to Princeton. This, combined with the program's success and great coaching staff, made choosing Princeton an easy decision.
Jon York - Sprints
Hall High School | West Hartford CT
HS PRs: 200m 21.39; 400m; 47.87; 800m; 1:55.91
Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because the team seemed fun, and Coach Abdullah kept telling me that I could be a "student first then an athlete". Princeton allows me to experience both the best athletically and academically.
Karl Dietz
Chardon High School | Chardon OH
HS PRs: 400m 46.62; 200m 22.07; 800m, 1:56.89
Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because of an inspiring and diverse study body, and the tradition of a successful track and field program.
Milton Academy | Milton MA
HS PRs: 10.87 100m; 200m 22.17 200m; 400m 49.47; HJ 6'6"
Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because ever since I was young, Princeton felt like home to me. When I was on my visit there, the environment of campus left me in awe and from then on, I knew I wanted to be here for the next 4 years. Princeton offers a tight knit community which is something I care deeply about, and at Princeton the community makes it feel as if you are in a family. After interacting with the people, the community, and the campus at Princeton I am beyond proud to be a Tiger and cannot wait to spend my collegiate career under the coaches at Princeton. Princeton offers amazing coaching and staff along with academics, and I am beyond blessed to attend a school here and be a Tiger.
Ridgefield High School | Ridgefield CT
HS PRs: 800: 1:49.40; 1000 2:23.88; Mile 4:03.46; 3200m 8:56.50; 5K XC 14:56.60
Why Princeton: Throughout the recruitment process, I could tell that Princeton has the balance of academics and athletics that I wanted. I also found it to have the best team culture.
Franco Parra - Distance
TMI- Episcopal of San Antonio, TX
HS PRs: 5000m 14:32.69; 1600m 4:14.68; 3200 8:55.15
Westfield High School | Westfield NJ
HS PRs: 1600 - 4:06.80; 3200 - 8:57.74
Why Princeton: I knew the team itself would have a huge impact on where I chose to go to school. On my visit I felt at home with the boys, and I felt a real sense of camaraderie. Coach Vig along with the team made me feel wanted at Princeton. I also like the location and proximity to my home. I can't wait for the next four years.
Jacob Nenow - Distance
Jesuit High School | Portland OR
Previous College/University: University of Tennessee
PRs: 10000m 29:57; 5000m 14:11; 3200m 8:47; Mile 4:11
Why Princeton: I chose Princeton due to the math program and the tight-knit team culture. Going to Princeton will allow me to achieve my full potential in both academics and running.
Canyon High School | Canyon TX
HS PRs: 1:51.75 800m; 4:17.90 1600m; 15:12.40 5K XC
Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because it is a school that will allow me to gain an amazing education while still competing at the highest levels for National Championships. The team is connected almost like a family and the coaches are very experienced, which allowed me to put a lot of faith in them. I have no doubt in my mind that I made the correct decision and I'm excited to represent the Tigers in the coming years.
Paul Kuhner - Sprints
Acalanes High School | Lafayette, CA
HS PRs: 100m 10.36; 200m 21.48
Why Princeton: I chose Princeton because it offers the chance to compete at the highest level with one of the best coaching staffs in the world, while also being at the number #1 academic institution in the nation. I felt that no other university could support my ambitions of becoming an Olympic athlete while setting me up for success later in life. I am extremely excited to compete for Princeton, with my new incredibly accomplished teammates and coaching staff!