MHS Senior Obinna Obuba Commits to Run for the University of Pennsylvania

By Sam Bernardi | Posted March 25, 2026

There have been some drastic changes to Obinna Obuba’s life since his last athlete of the month nomination in May 2025. Namely: A commitment to run for the University of Pennsylvania’s track & field program next year.

The Montgomery senior spent his fall hauling in 21 catches for 534 yards and six touchdowns on the gridiron, helping the Cougars to a Section Two, Group Four championship appearance against Phillipsburg.

Montgomery High School Senior Obinna Obuba

However, his best work still comes on the track, where he owns the school record in the 55m hurdles, and lowered it in dramatic fashion during the Skyland Conference Championships.

“The way he won the 55 hurdles at the Skyland Conference Championships was awesome,” his coach, Sean Carty said. “There was a kid who had run faster in a previous meet, and it came down to a 100th of a second at the end, and basically photo-finished.”

While Obuba has cemented himself among the elites in the area, he still has eyes on a state championship. Sometimes, student-athletes who earn their college commitment can take a foot off the gas and coast through the high school campaign. Not Obuba.

“He’s really excited about the opportunity to compete at that level, and with such a storied track program, it’s definitely motivated him to do well here in New Jersey and finish out his high school career,” Carty said.

Obuba has elevated his game, taking even more care of his body, which has dealt with various hamstring, hip flexor, back, and knee problems over the years.

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“I definitely try to prioritize my recovery because injuries definitely have burdened me a lot throughout high school,” Obuba said. “Now I try to specifically prevent any injuries. I try to strengthen my hips and my back and my hamstrings.”

Obuba also takes a great deal of pride in dieting. It is not the strictest, most ruthless approach, but he prioritizes eating good, healthy foods, and investing the time into his physical health.

As he has matured, he is more in touch with his body’s limits and while he certainly pushes himself to lower his times, he recognizes there is only so much strain he can put on himself.

“It’s definitely learned because when you’re younger,” Obuba said, “you just want to go hard every day.”

Beyond UPenn’s academic prestige and dazzling campus, Obuba was drawn to the school’s dedication to keeping its athletes in tip-top shape:

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“The facilities blew me away. The cryochambers and the contrast therapy… I’m really excited to have access to facilities like those,” Obuba said.

He has already had a taste of Ivy League track & field. His sister, Adanna, is a sophomore sprinter and jumper at Brown, giving a new meaning to sibling rivalry.