Jersey Mike’s Spring Senior Spotlight: Wall’s Abby Nonnenberg

With schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the high school sports season suspended, seniors who play spring sports are missing out on their final athletic opportunities. With that in mind, each week during the spring the Shore Sports Network will feature a senior athlete who would normally be making headlines on the field, diamond, track, golf course, tennis court or volleyball court. Each athlete will receive a $25 Jersey Mike’s gift card as the iconic Jersey Shore business continues its support of Shore Conference athletics.

Athlete: Abby Nonnenberg 

School: Wall High School

Spring sport: Track and field

Bio: A standout thrower of the discus, Nonnenberg had a perfect junior season, placing first in all New Jersey events and holding the highest finish of all New Jersey competitors at the Penn Relays. She culminated her fantastic 2019 season by winning the NJSIAA Meet of Champions with a personal-best throw of 143 feet, 10 inches on her final throw to become Wall's first M.O.C. winner since 1976 (Keri Camarigg, javelin). She threw a 137-6 to win the Monmouth County Relays title, tossed a 135-10 to claim gold at the Monmouth County Championships, thew a 137-5 to win the Shore Conference Championships, threw 135-6 to win the Central Jersey Group 2 title and hurled a 137-9 to place first at the Group 2 Championships. She also competed in the shot put and had a personal-best throw of 36-10 at the B North Divisional Championships. The Nonnenberg Family is track and field royalty in the Shore Conference. Her grandfather, Hank Nonnenberg Sr., was a legendary figure who starred at Asbury Park High School and was a longtime coach at Neptune where he built the program into a national power. The Monmouth County Championships are named in his honor. Abby's father, Hank Jr., was the Central Jersey Group 4 state champion in 1985 at Neptune.

Other sports: Basketball 

College plans: Cornell University to study biomedical engineering and compete on the track and field team 

How are you staying in shape/practicing your sport?: "My coaches send at-home workouts every day so I do those as well as practicing my technique in my backyard to help keep my technique sharp."

Hardest part of being out of school/sports: "I was set to break a lot of meet records this year so it is extremely disappointing that I will never get that chance."

One positive that has come from having to stay home: "I have been able to break down my technique for both shot put and discus and focus on the small things instead of just focusing on competing."

Favorite stay-at-home activity: "Movie nights with my family."

Coach's corner: "Abby is one of the most hard-working and determined athletes I have coached. She has progressed tremendously over the past three competitive seasons. She has the drive and the work ethic that most people don’t develop until well into adulthood. Last year alone, she was able to go undefeated in all 10 meets she competed at in New Jersey. She also had the opportunity to compete and excel at the prestigious Penn Relays. Abby earned numerous titles including Monmouth County champion, Shore Conference champion, Central Jersey Group 3 champion, NJ Group 3 champion, New Jersey Meet of Champions winner, First-Team All-Shore and holds the school record in the discus. In addition to being a tremendous athlete and team member, Abby excels in the classroom with her rigorous course load of advanced placement and honors classes. She is a well-rounded young lady and an asset to our program and school. - Jen Watson, Wall girls track and field head coach.

Managing editor Bob Badders can be reached at bob.badders@townsquaremedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Bob_Badders. Like Shore Sports Network on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the latest video highlights.