Ryan Deak was a phenom as an eighth
grader and 3 years later he still looks the part. But his diminutive
physique belies his huge stature on the course and track.
Deak ruled the Florida state meet
with fastest time of day while winning the 1A race by 50 seconds
in 15:12. It was Deak's fastest time of the year, showing he is
peaking for the Foot Locker championships.
A mid-season slump and an aching
stomach cost Deak his only loss of the seasonin the deja vu Invitational,
won by Steve Hassen, his chief rival for top ranking in Florida.
They ran in different divisions at state meet, with Hassen winning
3A impressively in 15:24, second best time of the day. So Deak
and Hassen will have to settle their argument at Foot Locker South
November 30, where both will be among the favorites to finish
in the top 8 and qualify for the national finals in San Diego
December 14. Deak just missed qualifying last year, but his 10th
place makes him the third highest ranking returnee in the South
region.
Deak is looking for a junior milestone
to go with his achievements as a freshman (national record for
the indoor 2 mile 9:29.10) and sophomore (winner of the Great
American cross country Race of Champions).
DyeStat Elite performances - Time
Dist Pos/Meet
15:45 5k 1 @ FSU Inv FL 9/14/2002
15:24 5k 1 @ FL-runners.com FL 9/21/2002
15:34 3.0m 5 @ déjà vu Inv FL 10/12/2002
14:56 3m 1 @ Panhandle Ch FL 10/26/2002
15:27 5k 1 @ District FL 11/9/2002
15:12 5k 1 @ State 1A FL 11/23/2002
