Girls - steveu picks top 3s - Coward, Knight, Price, Tauro, King, Scott
are the stars of stars. The first two have national record aspirations; the others could scare records and the last two are favored to make the top of the podium twice. by Stephen (steveu) Underwood
DyeStat news editor
Hurdlers + Half Milers = Highlights of NIN - steveu's overall preview of NIN
60 Dash
The Top Seeds: Victoria Jordan 08 TX, Ashley Cruder 07 CO, Jasmine Russ 07 PA, Gabrielle Glenn 07 NC, Brittany Culver 07 TX, Amber Purvis 08 CA
The Buzz: Some of the biggest buzz of the season came early when Jordan beat Bianca Knight at 55 meters in the Jan. 6 LSU meet. Now we know that Knight has been training for the 200/400, but that doesn’t diminish the Texas junior, who went on to run a low-altitude HSR and US#1 7.24 in Houston.
The Breakdown: Jordan vs. defending champ Cruder will be a nice showdown, but the sprinters are divided, with stars like Gabby Mayo, Shayla Mahan, and Jeneba Tarmoh in New York (and Kya Brookins injured). It’s almost a tossup for 3rd with the next four seeds, but Texan LaKeidra Stewart could also make the final and be a factor.
The Record Threat: Jordan’s PR is superior to the meet record of 7.29 by Alexis Joyce in the first NIN in 99. Ashley Owens’ HSR 7.19 is within reach if Victoria can really put it all together.
The Medalists: 1. Jordan, 2. Cruder, 3. Glenn
200 Dash
The Top Seeds: DeAngela McDougald 07 KS, Victoria Jordan 08 TX, Jacquelyn Coward 08 TN, Shanneka Claiborne 07 VA, Shelise Williams 07 CA, Christie Verdier 08 NY
The Buzz: New record-holder Bianca Knight, of course, is running the 400 here. Again, some of those who have run under 24.50 are in New York, but the field here is headed by consistent mid-low 24 performers DeAngela McDougald KS, Victoria Jordan TX, and Jacquelyn Coward TN.
The Breakdown: McDougald (200/400), Jordan (60/200), and Coward (60H/200) all have individual doubles on the line, with the 200 being the latter event for all three, but the 200 is really not the specialty for Jordan or Coward. McDougald, on the other hand, is a pretty balanced 200/400 talent. She won the section 2 finals here last year and was 4th overall. She had a bad day in Kentucky, however, and was beaten by Coward in both events.
The Record Threat: Erica Whipple’s MR 23.78 from 2001 should withstand the challenge, and Bianca will rest easy on her 200 mark while she’s chasing the 400 standard.
The Medalists: 1. McDougald, 2. Jordan, 3. Coward
400 Dash
The Top Seeds: Bianca Knight 07 MS, Jessica Beard 07 OH, Ashlea McLaughlin 07 NY, Dominique Jordan 08 VA, DeAngela McDougald 07 KS, Christie Verdier 08 NY
The Buzz: It’s pretty amazing when a reigning US#1 and World Junior Champs finalist is in a race and not getting the big buzz, but that’s how it is for Jessica Beard OH as she gets ready for the NIN 400. Instead, it’s Bianca Knight’s bold move back to her 400 roots and declaration of going after the US record that has created the noise. And it’s certainly worth mentioning that Knight has been racing all winter, crushing the USR for 200 at Simplot, while Beard’s season is just getting rolling.
The Breakdown: Still, Beard’s PR of 51.89 outdoors is more than a second faster than Knight’s PR for the same. And with all Knight has accomplished, it’s been a long time since she raced the distance, including exactly zero times this winter. How will her 22.97 power translate over … on a flat track with no altitude? So it has to be said that while these two will almost certainly go 1-2, it’s hardly fair to give the win to Knight. It should be fascinating.
Behind them is a very solid field, headed up by outstanding long sprinter Ashlea McLaughlin NY, who has the next best time and has been leading her relay team and winning individually all winter at The Armory. The depth of the event is epitomized by the talent that’s outside the top six, like Takecia Jameson MD, Ebonie Cunningham NC, Paris Williams MD, and 8th-grade prodigy Dynasty McGee MI. So don’t forget to watch the prelims in this one.
The Record Threat: With all due respect to Knight and Beard, McCorory’s record is very, very good. It’s just .04 slower than Beard’s outdoor PR. But just how good is Knight at 400 now? We’ll find out Sunday.
The Medalists: 1. Knight, 2. Beard, 3. McLaughlin
800 Run
The Top Seeds: Chanelle Price 08 PA, Blaire Dinsdale 08 IA, Dominique Jackson 07 CA, Brooke Dinsdale 08 IA, LeighAnn Ganzar 07
The Buzz: It’s funny, but as solid as last year’s 800 runners were (in and out), the quality seemed like a letdown after what Bekah Noble (2:03.73) and Sarah Bowman (2:04.94) had done the previous two seasons. Wow, what a difference a few months can make. Now Price is ascending the ranks of the all-time greats and this year’s NIN 4-lapper could be the best-ever. Yeah, there’s buzz here.
The Breakdown: If Price is really on, she’ll probably be on her own after two laps. Yeah, she’s that good. To go out in 61 or so and maintain will be brutal for anyone else. That said, it won’t be easy for Price to PR again. Banked tracks don’t aid 800 runners like sprinters, but given what Price put out at PSU two weeks ago – well, it’s just tough to max out again.
Then there’s an awful lot of 2:07-2:12 talent behind Price. The next three seeds – the Dinsdales and Dominque Jackson CA – are lacking indoor experience and racing experience, period, so far this year. LeighAnn Ganzar CO, Shaniel Chambers PA, Ramzee Fondren MI, and frosh phenom Phyllis Francis NY have all put up good times and major wins. It’s scary when the #14 seed is someone as good as Blazin Raider (Eleanor Roosevelt MD) Tasha Stanley.
The Record Threat: Say goodbye to Katya Kostetskaya’s 2003 MR of 2:09.52. Four or five could top it, conceivably, if everyone commits to going fast and even. Now if Price somehow beat Mary Decker’s (now Slaney) HSR of 2:01.8, then we might have a new “Greatest NIN Performance Ever” to talk about.
The Medalists: 1. Price, 2. Ganzar, 3. Bl. Dinsdale
Mile Run
The Top Seeds: Danielle Tauro 07 NJ, Jillian Smith 09 NJ, Cory McGee 10 MS, Alex Kosinski 07 CA, Samantha McMillan 07 UT, Alexandra Banfich 08 IN
The Buzz: In most of her meets this year, with prominently featured miles, Danielle Tauro has been the absolute center of attention – and deservedly so, as she’s ruled the event now for 3 seasons. But the pressure should be off a bit, here, with all of the other stars, record attempts, etc. Still, she will have everyone’s full attention when she steps on the track. She will meet up with a very solid field.
The Breakdown: There will be familiar faces challenging Tauro, including her own teammate, soph sensation Jillian Smith. But her concerns should be with Cory McGee MS and Alex Kosinski CA. McGee, a freshman, is an exceptional talent who covered Tauro until the very end at Millrose and has the moxie to win a big one, as evidenced by her NSIC 4:49 win last year. Kosinski came into Boston from California several weeks ago and was a very solid 3rd in the Reebok mile, just half a second behind Smith. Plus her outdoor creds – 4:42 and Golden West runner-up – can match up with almost anyone.
McGee and Kosinski might be inclined to let Tauro do the work (and she often will), but that sets up her kick. If either of these challengers feels really, really fit, it might not hurt to try something different. Tauro and Smith will have each run the DMR the day before. Further down the list, don’t be surprised if Stephanie Morgan OH, Alison Smith MD, or Hannah Davidson NY achieve All-American performances.
The Record Threat: Katelyn Kaltenbach’s MR of 4:45.32 is very solid. Tauro can certainly get it if the pace is fast, but it may not be. Even the great Danielle, like those before her for 34 years, will have trouble with the prodigious 4:38.5 national mark by Debbie Heald.
The Medalists: 1. Tauro, 2. Kosinski, 3. Smith.
2-mile Run
The Top Seeds: Aurora Scott 08 VA, Hannah Davidson 08 NY, Ashley Brasovan 09 FL, Catherine White 07 VA, Kayla Hale 09 FL, Emily Infeld 08 OH
The Buzz: The buzz level of this event increased dramatically when Aurora Scott was added to the list. She’s also in the 5k and could run either or both. Her one foray on the indoor oval this winter produced a then-US#1 10:29.12 and she could certainly top that here. She is, of course, also a member of Team USA headed to the World CC champs. There are actually eight Foot Locker finalists in the race.
The Breakdown: If Catherine White shows her 2006 form, when she was runner-up here behind Nichole Jones, it could be a VA 1-2 with both in contention for the win. In fact, Virginians hold five of the top 11 seeds. Floridians Ashley Brasovan and Kayla Hale are also sub-10:40 performers. Expect a fast start for 3000m US#2 Hannah Davidson NY and a fast finish from recent 10:43 3200 runner Emily Infeld OH, who was runner-up in the 800 here last year.
The Record Threat: Melody Fairchild’s 9:55.92 USR will turn 16 this weekend and remain untouched. Carol Henry’s meet mark of 10:23.63 is solid, but Scott has the talent to get it if she’s fresh.
The Medalists: 1. Scott, 2. Brasovan, 3. Infeld
60 Hurdles
The Top Seeds: Jacquelyn Coward 08 TN, Teona Rodgers 07 FL, Jasmine Stowers 10 SC, Bianca Blair 07 TN, Tierra Brown 07 VA, Kali Watkins 07 VA
The Buzz: The Jackie Coward Show will begin with heats Sunday morning and the finals in the afternoon. How fast will she go? Will it be a good, but not record performance, like 8.25 or so? Or will she smash that 8.17 and wow a couple thousand fans? As long as she’s healthy and smooth over the hurdles, it’s her call.
The Breakdown: The race behind Coward is really very good, with at least 2/3 of the rest of the top 55/60 hurdlers here. Rodgers’ 7.88 over 55H has earned her the #2 seed, while Stowers (4th last year) is the #3 with her national freshman 60H record of 8.51. Rodgers has fewer races under her belt than the rest of the top six. A little further down the list, Tenaya Jones TX gave April Williams some real battles this winter, while talented Ryann Krais PA was a finalist last year is potentially much higher than her 10th seed.
The Record Threat: The meet record of 8.36 by Perdita Felicien and Nia Ali should be toast and Coward’s best competition is herself as she chases her own USR.
The Medalists: 1. Coward, 2. Stowers, 3. Rodgers
4x200 Relay
The Top Seeds: Uniondale HS NY, Blazin Raiders (Eleanor Roosevelt) MD, East Orange NJ, James Logan HS CA, McDonough TC (McDonough HS) MD, New Rochelle TC (New Rochelle HS) NY
The Buzz: Short relays don’t usually get a lot of buzz here, but Uniondale has been a pretty dominant team as it’s emerged from The Armory wars against Middle College-Medgar Evers in NY. They are one of three teams seeded in the 1:39s.
The Breakdown: With its lineup anchored by Ashlea McLaughlin, Uniondale has been very tough to beat. The Blazin Raiders are always solid, but their greatest strength is usually in the long sprint/middle-distance events. Still, they are the only team to have run 1:39 (high) on a flat track this year. There’s a good gap between 3rd and 4th here.
The Record Threat: Bethel’s meet record 1:39.52 from last year is in the ballpark of what the top three seeds have run, but those times are all from The Armory. Long Beach Poly’s US mark of 1:35.86 is out of reach.
The Medalists: 1. Uniondale, 2. Blazin Raiders, 3. East Orange
4x400 Relay
The Top Seeds: Blazin Raiders (Eleanor Roosevelt) MD, James Logan HS CA, Osbourn Park TC (Osbourne Park HS) VA, Uniondale HS NY, New Rochelle TC (New Rochelle HS) NY, Landstown HS MD
The Buzz: This is where the Blazin Raiders really start to get dominant. They have the best 3 banked track times of the year and the best two flat times, period. No one in the country is within 5 seconds of their best.
The Breakdown: By the third leg, it will likely be the defending champ Raiders against the clock, but it should be a good battle for 2nd. 2006 runner up Osbourne Park is the only other to run as fast as 3:53 indoors, while James Logan has the talent to hit that time or better.
The Record Threat: The 3:45.35 Long Beach Poly put up in 1999 could be in reach of the Blazin Raiders on this track if they really motor. The USR by the same school on a banked track in 2004 of 3:38.91 is out of reach.
The Medalists: 1. Blazin Raiders, 2. James Logan, 3. Osbourn Park
4x800 Relay
The Top Seeds: Blazin Raiders (Eleanor Roosevelt) MD, Mountain Brook TC (Mountain Brook HS) AL, Midlothian TC (Midlothian HS) MD, Westfield HS VA, Westfield Sisu TC (Westfield HS) IN, Adrenaline TC (Tatnall HS) DE
The Buzz: Again, the Blazin Raiders have put up the biggest buzz of the season here. They announced they were going after the HSR at the NB Collegiate Games and made a pretty fair bid, running a US#1 9:01.17 that has stood up all year. The event didn’t start out as deep as past years early on, but the fast times have been piling up, slowly but surely. Mountain Brook is the wildcard in the field with a fast little group of middle distance runners at their state meet. They were also 6th last year. But they have not done the event this year.
The Breakdown: The other two sub-9:10s have come in the past 10 days as Pope John XXIII won Eastern States in 9:06.94 and Midlothian took VA State in 9:07.27. The latter team is here, and they made the mark on a flat track. In the end, though, the defending champ Blazin Raiders are just too deep and talented.
The Record Threat: The Blazin Raiders should remove the 2001 meet mark of 9:11.82 from Boys & Girls. But the same school’s USR of 8:53.67 is going to be very tough to beat. The Blazin Raiders will go after this and the outdoor mark, though.
The Medalists: 1. Blazin Raiders, 2. Midlothian, 3. Mountain Brook
4 x 1 Mile Relay
The Top Seeds: Kinetic RC (Saratoga HS) NY, Midlothian RC (Midlothian HS) VA, Westfield Sisu TC (Westfield HS) IN, Adrenaline TC (Tatnall HS) DE, Blacksburg HS VA, Jenkintown OC (St. Basil Acad) PA
The Buzz: The buzz is down this year, as for the first time in ages at this meet, there isn’t a legitimate record-chaser. Defending champ Kinetic doesn’t have the veteran depth of the past.
The Breakdown: Still, Kinetic has a solid group of young up-and-coming distance runners that just missed NTN. Midlothian’s NTN distance group took Eastern States CC and have shown their talent already in the 4x800. They were runner ups last year, but should be much better. There have been no major races at this distance this year, so no one really knows what’s going to happen.
The Record Threat: Kinetic’s 19:59.24 national and meet record is safe.
The Medalists: 1. Midlothian, 2. Kinetic, 3. Adrenaline
Sprint Medley
The Top Seeds: Blazin Raiders (Eleanor Roosevelt) MD, Easton TC (Easton HS) MD, AJS Elite TC (Chester HS) PA, James Logan HS CA, The Potomac School HS MD, Lenape HS NJ
The Buzz: It has to be tough always being the hunted. That’s what the Blazin Raiders DMR faced last year and will again this year during the anchor leg (see below). Now the squad may feel the same heat in this event. They will need to make sure they build a big lead through 3 legs if they want to hold off the force that is Easton anchor Chanelle Price. If Price is within 6-8 seconds of the lead when she gets the stick, she should get Tauro-like buzz in the Sportplex.
The Breakdown: The defending champ Blazin Raiders are good, though, very good. There’s a reason why they’re seeded #1 by a good margin. Though they haven’t run it this year, the math puts them at sub-3:55 without much trouble. Easton will have to show sub-4 capability to be in the hunt.
The Record Threat: The meet record of 3:59.62 by Long Beach Wilson should be history this weekend, but that school’s 3:53.17 will be tough. If the Blazin Raiders are in top form, they could scare it.
The Medalists: 1. Blazin Raiders, 2. Easton, 3. AJS Elite
Distance Medley
The Top Seeds: Hammer TC (Southern Regional HS) NJ, Mountain Brook TC (Mountain Brook HS AL), Blazin Raiders (Eleanor Roosevelt) MD, Midlothian RC (Midlothian HS) VA, E-Squad (Whitman HS) MD, Jenkintown OC (Chester HS) PA
The Buzz: Although this event is missing some of the great Jersey and NY schools (at NSIC), it’s still what we call “loaded.” No one will forget what Danielle Tauro did on her anchor here last year in taking down the Blazin Raiders – including the Blazin Raiders. Don’t think they aren’t preparing to prevent that this year. The thing was, last year the winning time was slower than 12:00. But these squads lost nothing of consequence this year, so expect a similar chase, but much faster.
The Breakdown: The thing that hurt this race last year is that the 1200 runners really let the pace lag through the opening leg. Don’t expect that to happen this year with Jillian Smith opening for Hammer. Blazin Raiders will have to try and build a lead in the middle two legs. Meanwhile, Midlothian will be solid all the way through and Mountain Brook’s distance crew should keep them in the hunt.
The Record Threat: Rockford’s 11:56.87 should get slaughtered if Hammer goes for it. The USR of 11:35.43 is brutally tough, but if everyone maxes out for Hammer, they will scare it.
The Medalists: 1. Hammer, 2. Blazin Raiders, 3. Midlothian
4x55 Shuttle Hurdle Relay
The Top Seeds: Westside HS, Hammer TC (Southern Regional HS) NJ, New Rochelle TC (New Rochelle HS), Hillsborough HS NJ, Ann Arbor Youth TC (Pioneer HS) MI, Lenape HS NJ
The Buzz: Because of the infrequency of this event, it doesn’t get much buzz, and many squads haven’t run it or sometimes even run it with different #s of hurdles, making seeding difficult.
The Breakdown: When in doubt, go with who’s been there and done that. 2006 titlist New Rochelle achieved the best mark of the season at the Stanner Games and deserves some props.
The Record Threat: The Palm Beach Lakes USR of 32.02 is probably out of reach.
The Medalists: 1. New Rochelle, 2. Westside, 3. Hammer
High Jump
The Top Seeds: Ashley Gatling 07 VA, Briana Hudson 09 VA, April Sinkler 07 VA, Audrey Gariepy-Bogui 07 MD, Saniel Atkinson 09 MD, DeShana Briggs 09 VA
The Buzz: A VA state meet with 3 jumpers at 5-9 thrilled fans last weekend, and they are all here – in fact, they have 4 of the top six. Throw in two from MD in the top group and it looks like a Mid-Atlantic dual meet. But … where’s Patience Coleman?
The Breakdown: The defending champ and USATF Jr winner, whose talent took her to China last summer, has cleared “only” 5-8 this winter. There’s a logjam of jumpers at 5-8 and 5-9. Last year, Coleman broke from a similar pack to win and launch her season. Can she repeat? Ashley Gatling is probably the other most-experienced veteran out here. Still, this may be the toughest event to pick.
The Record Threat: Sheena Gordon’s meet record 6-0 is within reach, but probably won’t fall. Lisa Bernhagen’s USR 6-3 is safe.
The Medalists: 1. Coleman, 2. Gatling, 3. Hudson
Pole Vault
The Top Seeds: Shade Weygandt 09 TX, Stephanie Duffy 07 NY, Katie Veith 07 IN, Jessica Doyle 08 TX, Beki Finn 07 PA, Rachel Laurent 08 LA
The Buzz: Waygandt has certainly generated some buzz among PV fans, vaulting off her TX state outdoor title last spring as a freshman to become the #2 vaulter in the US. The meet didn’t get new US record-holder Tori Anthony, but in Weygandt and defending champ Katie Veith, they’ve got a good matchup, plus some good supporting players.
The Breakdown: Veith was the queen of the event most of last year, going 14-0 indoors. Her coach has said she’s starting the season more gradually in 2007, trying to avoid the late-season fatigue she battled when the outdoor title meets rolled around. Duffy’s a 13-foot talent, and Finn is a hot up-and-coming vaulter who recently won the PA state meet. Laurent, like Veith, is trying to regain previous form (over 13 feet).
The Record Threat: No one in the field is quite ready to challenge the USR or Mary Saxer’s meet record (14-02) this weekend.
The Medalists: 1. Weygandt, 2. Veith, 3. Finn
Long Jump
The Top Seeds: Karyn Dunn 09 CA, Jamesha Youngblood 07 CA, Brittni Finch 08 VA, Amber Purvis CA, Shakia Forbes 07 VA, Arantxa King 07 MA
The Buzz: This may be the best field event of the meet. The field is loaded with girls between 19-06 and 20-03 and it’s very hard to handicap with all in various stages of seasonal readiness. The field is also notable for having three Californians in the top four seeds.
The Breakdown: The depth of this field is ridiculous. While Dunn and Youngblood both have career 20-footers to their credit – and Dunn the US#1 19-10.25 from Simplot – keep your eye on the 6th and 10th seeds. Arantxa King is the #2 jumper in the country indoors (must have submitted a lower entry mark) and has back-to-back NON titles. When there’s a title to be won, you can count on her. And while Ryann Krais PA hasn’t popped a huge mark this winter yet, she has a windy 20-footer on her resume from last spring.
The Record Threat: As competitive as this field is, the meet record of 20-06.75 by Marshevet Hooker is pretty tough. Someone will need a big PR to get it. Carol Lewis’ 21-07.50 USR is starting to fade into mythology, it’s been so long since anyone’s come close.
The Medalists: 1. King, 2. Dunn, 3. Youngblood
Triple Jump
The Top Seeds: Jamesha Youngblood 07 CA, Stephanie McIntyre 07 NJ, Arantxa King 07 MA, Rachel Butler 07 VA, Gabrielle Gioia 07 TN, Ashley Orr 08 VA
The Buzz: Not quite as deep as the LJ field, but certainly good for the money. There are four 40-footers in the field, so there should be no repeat of last year when just one broke 39.
The Breakdown: Youngblood has a career 41-04 on her docket and McIntyre is the new force, having improved her PR from 39-05 to 40-11 at Eastern States. But again King, with a 42-00 outdoor PR and championship moxie, is the one to beat.
The Record Threat: The meet mark of 41-08.50 by Erica McClain should be threatened by this field. Juliana Yendork’s USR of 43-11.50 is a whopper, though.
The Medalists: 1. King, 2. McIntyre, 3. Youngblood
Shot Put
The Top Seeds: Kamorean Hayes 07 NC, Karen Shump 08 PA, Danica Haight 07 IA, Taryn O’Conner 07 NJ, DeAnne Hahn 08 NJ, Mary Angell 07 MI
The Buzz: If there’s any field where you can say “everyone’s here,” this has got to be it. All of this year’s 46-footers will step into the ring, plus Haight, who threw 47-10 outdoors last spring. This should be one of the best, competitive throws in an NIN meet ever.
The Breakdown: That said, the undisputed queen of this event is Hayes, who’s won every big meet since her sophomore year. The defending champ has battled with Shump for US#1, and hasn’t regained that 50-foot form yet, but it’s close. Shump is probably the only one who can push Hayes, but the battle for the 3rd medal should be very fierce. O’Conner will hope to avenge her tough Eastern States loss to Hahn.
The Record Threat: Good as Hayes is, she hasn’t risen to the Michelle Carter stratosphere yet, so the Texan’s meet and USR of 54-09.50 should survive.
The Medalists: 1. Hayes, 2. Shump, 3. O’Conner
Weight Throw
The Top Seeds: Allison Horner 08 GA, Casey Kraychir 10 CA, Cynthia Lloyd 07 NY, Brieanna Kennedy 08 DE, Kadine Johnson 07 NY, Robin Callan 08 NY
The Buzz: The deep group of Georgians from Throw 1 Deep is in New York – save for top seed Allison Horner, who was 3rd here last year. It should be a good three-way battle for gold.
The Breakdown: The top three seeds are well up on the rest of the field. 2nd-seeded Kraychir actually has the best mark of the year, at 53-09 – and she’s just an 8th-grader. Lloyd has been dominating on the East Coast
The Record Threat: The meet (60-08.75 by Kristen Michalski) and national (60-10.50 by Maureen Griffin) records should be safe.
The Medalists: 1. Kraychir, 2. Lloyd, 3. Horner
Pentathlon
The Top Seeds: Mindy Robins 07 UT, Indira Morton 07 NJ, Jacia Montgomery 07 MD, Saniel Atkinson 07 MD, Ryann Krais 08 PA, Alex Oszustowicz 08 PA
The Buzz/Breakdown: There are some lofty seeds and marks on the list, but Krais is the defending champ and has the multi-event experience.
The Record Threat: Krais was just 39 points off the meet record last year (3709 Gayle Hunter). The USR of 3924 by Shana Woods is not out of the question.
The Medalists: 1. Krais, 2. Robins, 3. Morton
1 Mile Racewalk
The Top Seeds: Leah Buletti 09 NY, Allison Snochowski 08 NJ, Olivia Lapham 08 NY, Michelle Ganbaum, Meg Patterson 07 NY, Miranda Melville 07 NY
The Buzz/Breakdown: Buletti was 7th here last year, then watched her sister go on to set records in the spring. Now she is the top seed in this year’s event. None of the top five performers this winter for the mile are here, but Buletti is the 1500 meter leader.
The Record Threat: Katy Hayes meet mark of 7:00.94 and Lisa Kutzing’s US mark of 7:00.94 will likely be out of reach.
The Medalists: 1. Buletti, 2. Lapham, 3. Ganbaum
5000 meter run
The Top Seeds: (extracted from 2M/5k lists) Aurora Scott 08 VA, Kristen McGlynn 07 CO, Rebekah Smeltzer 07 MI, Alexandra Banfich 08 IN
The Buzz: Aurora Scott. Aurora Scott. Aurora Scott. When she was announced this week for the new 5k event and 2M, the wattage for this event went way up. The question is if she’ll run both, or if not, which one she’ll do. The same is true with McGlynn (also on NSIC entry lists) and Banfich (listed for 3 events). All are Foot Locker Finalists, while Smeltzer is a past Finalist.
The Breakdown: If Scott is running this, and running it hard, it will be a solo run. She could go for a record or save something if she’s doubling.
The Record Threat: If Scott wants to go for Bri Jackucewicz’s USR 16:43.02, achieved at NSIC in 2004 when the current Colts Neck soph was a 7th-grader, she certainly has a good shot at it.
The Medalists: 1. Scott, 2. McGlynn, 3. Banfich
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