Marshall Vernon’s 2024-25 campaign was a mix of triumph and setback.
The La Salle Academy senior capped a stellar cross-country season by winning his first individual state title and qualifying for Nike Cross Nationals. He followed with an equally impressive indoor campaign, highlighted by repeat victories in the 3,000- and 1,500-meter runs at the State Meet, along with PRs of 8:35.04 for 3K and 2:29.77 in the 1,000m.
But after making his mark in the fall and winter, Vernon spent the spring sidelined by injury, missing the entire outdoor season.
What’s in store this year for the recent Stanford signee? For starters, the injury appears to be behind him. Just a few weeks ago, Vernon proved that in a big way with a statement performance at the Injury Fund X-C Carnival. In the Mark Skinkle Race, he smashed the Deerfield Park course record with a time of 15:17.66 for the generous 5K, winning his crown by more than a minute.
We’re listing Vernon as the favorite to make it two straight at the State Meet in early November. But, as we’ve indicated before, it won’t be easy with legit contenders Sean Gray (Portsmouth) and Colby Flynn (Hendricken) returning. Prior to the states, we’ll get at least one chance to see how Vernon stacks up against his friendly rivals when all three toe the line in the championship race of the Shore Coaches Invitational (NJ) on Oct. 4. We’re also expecting him to make his mark at a few other high-level, out-of-state competitions like the prestigious Manhattan College Invitational at Van Cortlandt Park on Oct. 11.
As he demonstrated at last year’s indoor states—where, despite battling the effects of the flu, he courageously defended his 3K, and 1,500m titles—Vernon is a gritty and determined runner who rises to the occasion when the competition is at its best. That’s not expected to change this season. A healthy Vernon can be dangerous not only at the state level, but nationally, too.
