MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Middletown High School North is preparing to welcome athletes from across the region this Saturday, April 25, for the 36th Annual Lion Invitational, one of the school’s longest-running and most celebrated track and field meets.

Founded in 1988 by legendary Middletown North Coach Rocky Christopher and Coach Bob Welsh, the Lion Invitational has grown into a premier spring event, showcasing top talent in both boys and girls competition. This year’s meet will begin at 9:00 a.m. on the Middletown North campus and will once again operate as a password-entry-only competition to manage participation levels.

Meet directors Ray Convey and Brock Silvestri will oversee the day’s events, continuing the tradition of organization and competitive excellence that has defined the invitational for nearly four decades.

The meet features a full slate of running and field events, including signature races such as the Bob Welsh 400-meter dash and the Rocky Christopher 1600-meter run—both named in honor of the event’s founders. Competition will include varsity and freshman divisions, with varsity events limited in entries to maintain a high level of performance, while freshman events remain open to unlimited participants.

Among the highlights:

• Medals will be awarded to the top six finishers in each event and relay.
• Team plaques will go to the top boys’ and girls’ teams.
• Individual MVP honors will be awarded to one male and one female athlete, as selected by a committee.
• Standard scoring (10-8-6-4-2-1) will apply to all varsity events, while freshman events will be non-scoring.

Field events will include shot put, discus, javelin, high jump, pole vault, long jump, and triple jump, each with specific entry limits and minimum distance requirements. Running events will follow a structured order, beginning with the 3200-meter run and concluding with the 4×400-meter relay.

Teams interested in competing were required to submit entries online through NJ MileSplit by Thursday night, with entry fees set per team or individual and relay options available. Due to the meet’s popularity, organizers noted that registration could close early once capacity is reached.

As the Lion Invitational enters its 36th year, it continues to serve as a cornerstone event for high school track programs, blending tradition, competition, and school pride. With favorable spring conditions expected, spectators can look forward to a full day of high-energy performances and standout athletic achievements at Middletown North.