Start Lists (updated 6/20)
Jim Spier's Junior Lists (eligibles for Beijing; updated 6/20)
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Wednesday Previews
Overview: A generally quiet day starts out the meet, but watch for Shana Woods CA and Ryann Krais PA in the women’s heptathlon. Woods is one of the most talented in this event in a while. New 7197 (HS) scorer Shawn Schmidt TX and Wesley Bray TX will make things interesting in the Deca.
Otherwise, Emily Bernhardt GA actually is the best Beijing bet; her best hammer toss is #2 best in the meet. The distance events later tonight will be interesting, but don’t hold that much hope for the preps. Nichole Jones TX has the best chance in the women’s 5k.
Men’s 5000 Meters
The Top Preps: Danny Mercado CA (14:25.89), Brock Hagerman IN
The Top Collegiate Competition: Jordan McDougal – Liberty (14:03.63), Andrew Bumbalough – Georgetown (14:10.00).
The Buzz: Not a great field this year, but McDougal and Bumbi are tough, experienced runners. Bumbi made the World Jr. CC team this year.
Can They Make The Team? Mercado, at least, has an outside chance, but the leading college guys are the likely 1-2.
Men’s 10000 Meters
The Top Preps: No preps have leading qualifier times, but Diego Mercado CA, Issac Stoutenburgh WA, Landon Peacock MI, Mikias Gelagle MD
The Collegiate Competition: Jeremy Criscione – Florida (14:17.04 5k), Brian Medigovich – Adams State (30:11.01), Jake Schmitt – Cal (30:15.38).
The Buzz: Again, not a great field. It’s always interesting to see what the preps can do. Mercado, Stout, and Peacock could all conceivably get around 30-flat.
Can They Make The Team? A shot for any of the top three.
Women’s 5000 Meters
The Top Preps: Nichole Jones TX, Kate Niehaus SC, Alexandra Banfich IN
The Collegiate Competition: Sarah Hansen – BYU, Anissa Angelonsante – Okla. State
The Buzz: It’s more about who’s not here, than who’s here. Unfortunately, leading preps Megan O’Reilly WA and Nicole Blood CA are skipping the meet. In fact, O’Reilly has skipped the post-season. None of the top collegians are here, either.
Can They Make The Team? That said, Jones has proven both fast enough at 2M/3200 and with enough endurance to do well here. She could be top two, but is she old enough for Beijing?
Men’s Decathlon
The Top Preps: Shawn Schmidt TX (7197 HS), Wesley Bray TX (6987 HS)
The Collegiate Competition: Brent LaRue – Wake Forest (7066), Duane Hines – Princeton (6722 jr.), Vince Kinney – Portland State (6524)
The Buzz: Not a clear favorite, but Schmidt is the hottest coming in. Mike Morrison VA scored 6952 here last year, but is just doing the PV this time.
Can They Make The Team? Schmidt and even Bray have solid shots.
Women’s Heptathlon
The Top Preps: Brittany Williams TX (4815), Shana Woods CA, Ryann Krais PA
The Collegiate Competition: Buky Bamigboye – Georgetown (5410), Lauren Stewart – Stanford (5333), Shevell Quinley – Arizona (5304).
The Buzz: Shana Woods carries a big buzz … she’s starred in the indoor Pentathlon and the Intermediate JO Heptathlon the last two years. Krais is similarly talented.
Can They Make The Team? Hard to tell how their talents will translate to these implements, etc., but all three have at least a solid chance, especially Woods.
Men’s Javelin
The Top Preps: Preston Chatham LA (217-5)
The Collegiate Competition: Ryan Young – Cal (232-10), Matt Maloney – Oregon (231-5), Robert Lasko – UConn (210-9)
The Buzz: Young’s best throw came early this spring, while Maloney’s came last year.
Can They Make The Team? Chatham will probably have to PR to have a chance.
Men’s Discus
The Top Preps: Bo Taylor CA (213-7), Eric Werskey IN, Eric Thomas KS, Nick Robinson CA
The Collegiate Competition: A.J. Curtis – Iowa (173-11), Jeff Lachman – Yale (165-8), Jonathan Pullum – DePauw (164-0)
The Buzz: Taylor is the HS leader at 213-7 and new NON/GW champ. But how will he do with the larger implement and with big meets four weeks in a row?
Can They Make The Team? Taylor has a good chance.
Women’s Hammer
The Top Preps: Emily Bernhardt GA (180-9), Meagan Berg AZ (167-5), Allison Horner GA (167-5)
The Collegiate Competition: Megan Maloney – Oregon (181-2), Alana Cooten – Georgia Tech (174-2), Kimery Hern – Georgia Tech (172-5)
The Buzz: It’s Throw One Deep vs. the collegians … and will Berg be up to snuff after skipping the last two weeks of meets?
Can They Make The Team? Bernhardt has perhaps the best chance of anyone Wednesday to make Beijing. It would be an upset if she didn’t. A second prep qualifier is possible.
Note: To compete at the 2006 Finish Line USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships, athletes must be at least 14 years old on the day of competition but not turn 20 years old during 2006. The meet will serve as the selection meet for the 2006 IAAF World Junior Championships in Athletics to be held August 15-20 in Beijing, China, with the top two from each event qualifying. HOWEVER, athletes must be under the age of 20, but at least 16 years of age on December 31, 2006 (born in 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990), to compete in Beijing. |
