Click on Eastbay - purchases support DyeStatCal

Double Trouble in 2003!

Similar paths mapped out for top CA distance stars

By Richard Gonzalez, DyeStatCal

WALNUT -- "I think it's going to take sub-9 (to win state at 3200 meters)," quipped Michael Poe.

"It'll be a gutsy race. I think it'll be sub-8:50 for the winner," Mohamed Trafeh chipped in.

In a rare bend from pattern, these two Golden State megastars finally disagree. But the common threads between the two entering the upcoming 2003 outdoor season are intriguing...

Poe has possibly the best leg strength of any distance runner in the state --- yet he's looking to hone his speed as the key to success in the coming months. Trafeh courts the most impressive mileage log of any runner in the state in recent years, yet he too is slicing down the workload in search of more speed for his race-day battles.

Poe is a senior at Etiwanda High School, a Southern Section program located in the Inland Valley. Poe is a junior at Duarte High School, a small Southern Section program located in the adjacent San Gabriel Valley.

Poe is a soft-spoken youngster who has handled loads of success his great humility. Trafeh is even softer spoken, with his rapid improvements accompanied by a self-effacing nature.

Poe has been timed at 9:08.43 for 3200. Trafeh at 9:08.69.

Oh yeah, one more thing. They both relish the thought of going after TWO state titles.

"I look to do both at the state meet, if all goes well," said Trafeh. "If I get that far again, I wish to do as best as I can, whatever that may be -- hopefully first."

Well aware of his own strength, Poe admits to having considered doubling if everything plays out well, but he has bigger goals in store: "Yes, I've thought about (doubling) a little bit, but I want to win. If I need to only do one to improve my chances, then that's what I'll do."

Trafeh's approach will start out with races at the shorter distances, working his way up to the 5,000-meter challenge at next summer's USATF Jr. Nationals.

"First off, I'm going to start by focusing on the mile for training, with some 800s in there too. I might do the 800 at Irvine, if Michael Haddan runs in it. I want to race him," said Trafeh, a Moroccan mileage wonder who logged over 1200 summertime miles in 2001. "At Arcadia, I want to do the two-mile, because it should be real fast there. I look to do both (the 1600 and the 3200) at the state meet, if all goes well. Then the 5k at Jr. Nationals."

Poe conceded he'll do quite a few 1600-meter races as well, seeing if maybe it might develop into his specialty event. His 4:12.92 PR at that distance ranks second in the state (Rio Mesa's Phillip Reid leads at 4:12.25 and Trafeh is third at 4:14.36).

"We'll see, because I think I definitely improved a lot in that event last year," Poe added. "But the 3200 is something I was able to do pretty well at, too. I'm looking to do the 3200 at Arcadia, but then see from there for postseason."

Both athletes are well aware of the statewide challenges that await them, with individuals such as Liberty Christian's Tim Nelson, Rio Mesa's aforementioned Reid, and Buchanan megatalent Kyle Alcorn, the defending champion at 3200 (state-leading 8:56.76 conversion from two miles). They are also well aware of the return of Yong-Sung Leal (Arroyo HS, North Coast Section), and became intrigued when informed the bullodg talent has reportedly been logging 10 miles daily in recent weeks.

"I'm sure he'll run under 9:00," Trafeh said. "He's tough, but there are a lot of toug ones."

"Everyone's dangerous," Poe concurred. "You look around, there are really good guys everywhere."

Yep, and trying to win the 1600 and 3200 against such a field is going to be DOUBLE tough - at least double tough.

Back to DyeStatCal News

is published by

Editors: Doug Speck and Rich Gonzalez
Publisher: John Dye

�2002 by DyeStat