Billy Nelson races into Mt. SAC all-time listTaft Union CA senior
wins by 43 seconds in 14:48, twelfth best ever at Mt. SAC Sweepstakes
Results - Detailed Results
Nelson's
goal coming in was to run in the 14:40s. But when he came through the first mile
in 4:25, Ryan Hall's Mt. SAC record (14:28 last year) "crossed my mind. I
knew if I ran 4:50 and 4:50 the last two miles
I would be close." Nelson was running all alone the last two miles and cruised
home with something left, talking conversationally to reporters afterward with
no sign of stress and plenty to smile about (left). Nelson did not
think of himself as one of California's top runners at the start of the season,
but wins at Stanford and Clovis caused him to reevaluate. Now he is looking toward
the Foot Locker West regional December 1 with realistic hopes of being in the
top 8 that qualify for the national finals in Orlando FL December 8. Nelson fell
at the very start of last year's regional and could not recover. "I tried
to jump over a guy who fell in front of me, but I couldn't and I rolled over on
my side." This year should be different. Nelson is also into serious
college visits. He has been to California Poly and Air Force Academy, and is considering
Arkansas, Columbia, and Iona. Billy didn't stay around for the Saturday
races. He had to get back home to get ready to run a half-marathon! "I'll
just treat that as my Sunday long run," he said. Sun was setting
on Reservoir Hill and Nelson was all alone with half a mile to go.
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