EDISON, NJ – In a remarkable display of raw talent and rapid adaptation, Edison High School junior Landen Cruz, who only picked up a javelin for the first time a month ago, launched himself into the record books, winning the 2025 Meet of Champions with a personal best and new school record throw of 198 feet, eight inches. The astounding victory at Pennsauken High School on June 4th caps an incredible whirlwind journey for Cruz, who spent the majority of the outdoor track season focused on 100-meter and 400-meter races.
Cruz’s path to javelin glory began unexpectedly when Edison’s lead javelin thrower dropped out, leaving a void the team desperately needed to fill. “Our coach needed another javelin thrower to step up, so I was like, ‘let’s do it; I’m ready,’” Cruz told NJ ADvance Media after winning the Meet of Champions on Wednesday. “I wanted to see what I can do on runway.” What he could do, it turns out, was dominate.
Since mid-April, Cruz has shattered Edison’s school javelin record four times. The previous record, a respectable 168 feet, was first surpassed by Cruz at the Group 4 Sectionals. Today, three of his throws at the Meet of Champions surpassed that old record by approximately 30 feet, firmly etching his name into Edison track history. “It feels great,” he said. “I knew it was coming. I persistently put in work at practice, and I knew I was due for a big throw.”
The competition saw some strong performances from other top throwers. Markos Hantsoulis of Highland Park took second place with a throw of 184 feet, while Brady Shine of Hasbrouck Heights claimed third with a distance of 179 feet. Cranford’s Alex Kessler took fourth with 178 feet, three inches, and Nick Vannatta of Pope John rounded out the top five with 177 feet, one inch.
Despite his meteoric rise, Cruz acknowledges the ongoing learning process. “Since this is only my first month of javelin, every meet is really trying to just gather where my flat line is right now. Consistently, every meet, I’m finding new beginnings.” He credits his background in football, and formerly basketball, and his current sprinting endeavors with aiding his javelin technique. “Running track helps my mobility on the runway by being able to build up speed and get power, like being on the block on the track.”
Cruz emphasized the critical role of mental preparation in his success. “You could have the biggest, strongest guy go out there, but if he is not ready mentally and he doesn’t take the proper preparation, there is going to be a significant difference in performance.”
Even with his impressive Tournament of Champions title in hand, Cruz remains focused on continuous improvement. He’s currently using a standard run-up distance and is still working on developing his speed as he approaches the javelin and enters the throwing area. Cruz aims to pinpoint his optimal distances and, with a few adjustments, expects to consistently hit those marks. His rapid ascent suggests the track and field world has much more to see from Landen Cruz.
