BENCH/MARK Week in Review: January 12, 2026
Welcome back to the BENCH/MARK weekly digest, your one-stop shop for all the latest high school track and field news! Another week is in the books, and the indoor season is heating up as athletes across the country chase personal bests and secure their spots on college rosters. Let’s dive into the highlights from the week ending January 12, 2026.
Quick Hits
- Quincy Wilson, one of the nation's top sprint prospects, officially commits to the University of Maryland.
- Elizabeth Leachman, the distance phenom, announces her commitment to Stanford University.
- The Millrose Games Trials saw some blazing fast 55m times, particularly from sprinters looking to punch their ticket to the main event.
- Caleb Winders pledges his talents to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, bolstering their already impressive recruiting class.
- Several female athletes broke the 7.20 mark in the 55m at the Millrose Games Trials, setting the stage for an exciting sprint season.
- Recruiting battles are intensifying as top athletes make their college decisions. Stay tuned for more commitments in the coming weeks!
Men's Spotlight
The men’s side saw some impressive early season performances, particularly in the sprint events. The Millrose Games Trials served as a proving ground for some of the Northeast's fastest athletes. Kaeden Herbert stole the show, scorching the track with a blazing 6.34 in the 55m, followed by a 6.42! This performance firmly establishes him as a force to be reckoned with in the national sprint scene. Austin Benjamin also clocked a noteworthy 6.42 in the 55m, signaling his readiness for a strong indoor season.
Beyond the sprints, the distance crew also had some notable performances. Nathaniel Diemoz posted a solid 4:29.71 in the mile at the Millrose Games Trials, showing early season fitness. Keep an eye on him as the season progresses. A few other athletes also made names for themselves at the Millrose Games trials. Labrowne Brown blazed a 6.68 in the 55m, while Damion Gordon Jr. clocked a 6.58.
Women's Spotlight
The women's track scene is also off to a roaring start. The Millrose Games Trials highlighted some exceptional sprinting talent. Alexa Jacobs led the way with a swift 7.10 in the 55m, followed closely by Breanne Barnett, who crossed the line in 7.11. These performances are sure to turn heads and will be something for college scouts to keep an eye on. Sophia Savatgy rounded out the top three at the Millrose Games Trials, posting a 7.20.
In other news, distance star Elizabeth Leachman made headlines by committing to Stanford University. This is a huge win for the Cardinal, as Leachman is considered one of the top distance runners in the nation. Mariyah Robinson committed to the University of Florida. The future is looking bright for these young women!
Recruiting Watch
This week saw some major recruiting moves, highlighted by the commitments of Quincy Wilson to the University of Maryland and Elizabeth Leachman to Stanford University. Wilson's commitment is a huge boost for the Terrapins' sprint program, while Leachman's decision gives Stanford another weapon in their already formidable distance arsenal. Also of note is Caleb Winders heading to UNC Chapel Hill.
Other notable commitments include:
- Kendrick Joshua (Coastal Georgia Track Team) to the University of Georgia
- Davis DeGroot (Unattached - UT) to the University of Kentucky
- Joshua Shelton (BeastMode Track Club) to Texas A&M University
- Mariyah Robinson (Warrior Athletic TC) to the University of Florida
- Ellie Barada (Bloomington South High School) to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Jane Hickey (Ursuline School) to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Lily Alder (Timpview) to Brigham Young University
The recruiting landscape is constantly evolving, so be sure to check back next week for more updates!
Performances of the Week
Kaeden Herbert – 55m (6.34): Herbert's blazing 6.34 at the Millrose Games Trials not only secured him a spot in the prestigious meet but also placed him among the top high school sprinters in the nation. This is a significant personal best and a statement performance.
Alexa Jacobs – 55m (7.10): Jacobs's impressive 7.10 in the 55m at the Millrose Games Trials demonstrates her potential to contend for state and national titles. This time puts her among the elite sprinters to watch this indoor season.
Tip of the Week
Focus on Consistency: It's easy to get caught up in chasing personal bests every week, but consistency is key to long-term success. Consistent training, consistent sleep, and consistent nutrition will yield better results than sporadic bursts of high-intensity effort. Establish a routine and stick to it, even when you don't feel like it. This will not only improve your performance but also help you avoid injuries.
