It took a few seconds of thought, but Union Catholic junior Keandre Kelly said he never had to come from behind in an 800-meter race.
He did on Wednesday, however.
Boxed in during much of the first 400 meters by a tightly packed field, Kelly made a made dash over the final 25 meters winning the NJSIAA Meet of Champions title at Pennsauken High School.
Kelly finished with a time of 1:51.01, just .27 seconds ahead of rapidly closing senior Taysaun Wilson of Toms River North (1:51.28).
Keandre Kelly Union Catholic (left) holds off Taysaun Wilson of Toms River North to win the Boys 800 meter run at the 2025 NJSIAA Meet of Champions, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Pennsauken, N.J. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Bernards junior Brody Watt, who led the first 600 mets was third in 1:52.76. Westfield’s Ryan Daly was fourth in 1:52.82.
Unhappy with his start, Kelly said he didn’t run the first lap like a No. 1 seed.
“Definitely not,” Kelly said.
Kelly was fourth after the second turn of the second lap.
“When I was passed and boxed in, it messed me up,” Kelly said. “I was being challenged.”
At that point, Kelly came to the realization he had to do something he’d never before.
“I found out I can come from behind,” Kelly said. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure I could pass them all. I just kept pushing.
Kelly pulled into second place after the final turn.
“I kept telling myself I could do it, I could do it,” Kelly said.
Finally with 25 meters to go he edged past Wilson, holding him off at the line.
“I wasn’t happy most of the race, but winning feels great,” Kelly said.