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25th National Scholastic Indoor Champs

March 14-16, 2008

The New Balance Track and Field Center at The Armory, NY NY

DyeStat on-site with John Nepolitan, Matt Soja and Tony Jones


Capsule Previews (now complete)

SteveU Summarizes Every Event and Picks the Top Three

Sprints/Sprint Relays

Boys 60 Dash

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) D’Angelo Cherry GA, Ken Gilstrap GA, TJ Graham NC, Justin Murdock MD, Jeremy Rankin CO, Isaiah Sweeney TX

The Buzz: Half of the country’s top four dashers are entered, with Joe Morris CO and Rynell Parson TX sitting out the weekend. The Rankin-Cherry matchup, the 60 and 55 US leaders, is buzz-worthy.

The Record Threat: Could Rankin or even Cherry threaten the USR 6.57 of Casey Combest? Absolutely.

The Breakdown: Since losing his first race of the year to Morris, Rankin has been unbeatable. That should continue here.

The Medalists: 1. Rankin, 2. Cherry, 3. Graham.

 

 

 

Girls 60 Dash

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Erica Alexander TX, Nyosha Bryant NC, Ashley Collier TX, Whitney Fountain NY, Chalonda Goodman GA, Victoria Jordan TX, Candyce McGrone IN, Takeia Pinckney GA, Alex Pegram TX, Ashton Purvis CA, LaKeidra Stewart TX

The Buzz: Though the cast is very similar, not quite as intriguing as the girls 200. Many of these girls are simply better at that event.

The Record Threat: The 7.19 HSR is probably out of reach, but if someone like Jordan or Purvis is really primed, the meet record of 7.26 could get at least a mild scare.

The Breakdown: Last year, Jordan was the US leader at 7.24. She has not been in that form all winter, but 7.37 still leads the field. Purvis (7.38A) is next and Alexander is at 7.47 (7.40 last year). Those three have both speed and experience.

The Medalists: 1. Purvis, 2. Jordan, 3. Alexander.

 

 

 

Boys 200 Dash

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Mike Abelard NY, Spencer Adams NC, Brian Bucknor NJ, D’Angelo Cherry GA, Ken Gilstrap GA, TJ Graham NC, Demario House NC, Justin Murdock MD, Dominick Roberts CO, Robert Simmons TX, Shaquille Tubman TX, Kevin Wilbank PA

The Buzz: Not quite as strong as, say, the boys 400, but this is a very deep, solid field. There are 60 or 400 specialists moving up or down, as well as athletes like Abelard, who is the US#2 at 21.50.

The Record Threat: The 20.69 that the X-Man ran here four years ago is safe for another year.

The Breakdown: This is the last open sprint final (but relays still to go), so we’ll see who has the most left after a long weekend. Abelard is peaking at the right time, but Bucknor will be tough to beat.

The Medalists: 1. Bucknor, 2. Abelard, 3. Gilstrap.

 

 

 

Girls 200 Dash

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) (alpha order) Erica Alexander TX, Kendall Baisden MI, Nyosha Bryant NC, Vicky Caruso NJ, Jen Clayton NY, Ashley Collier TX, Chalonda Goodman GA, Victoria Jordan TX, Candyce McGrone IN, Akawkaw Ndipagnor CA, Takeia Pinckney GA, Alex Pegram TX, Ashton Purvis CA, Zoey Russell NY, LaKeidra Stewart TX

The Buzz: If this list looks almost identical to the 60 contenders, that because it is. But there’s even more top girls – like Clayton and Ndipagnor – and it’s a better distance for runners like Goodman, Alexander and Purvis. This is THE girls sprint of the meet.

The Record Threat: The field is awfully good, but maybe not quite at Sanya Richards-level (23.22 meet record). The 22.97A USR by Bianca Knight is out of reach. Don’t be surprised, though, if Purvis beats her soph record (23.54A) again.

The Breakdown: Can Purvis get double gold? It’s tempting to pick one of the others, but she just seems a slight level above the rest.

The Medalists: 1. Purvis, 2. Goodman, 3. Alexander.

 

 

 

Boys 400 Dash

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Akinto Boone NY, Garrett Ellis NJ, Khaliff Featherstone PA, Bernard Goodwyn DE, Tewado Latty NY, Kyle McIntosh CO, Dominick Roberts CO, Dennis Scruggs NY, Robert Simmons TX, Christian Taylor GA, William Wynne GA

The Buzz: It’s just ridiculous how loaded this field is. Definitely a centerpiece of the weekend with maximum buzz.

The Record Threat: As great as the competition is, there’s not someone at the national (45.92) or meet (46.11) record level.

The Breakdown: Many of the top contenders are going to have an adjustment to make, whether its their first indoor meet of the year, first on a banked track, or coming down from altitude. As much as anyone, Wynne seems to have that indomitable drive to win.

The Medalists: 1. Wynne, 2. Goodwyn, 3. Taylor

 

 

 

Girls 400 Dash

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Jasmine Joseph CA, Janet Mellor NY, Elizabeth Mott NY, Akawkaw Ndipagnor CA, Nadonnia Rodriques NY, Zoey Russell NY, Nijgia Snapp NJ, Turquoise Thompson CA

The Buzz: Not quite as deep as the 200 field, but holy cow, is it good at the top. Rodriques made eyes pop out when she broke 53 last month, topping a deep list of good New Yorkers. From California, however, comes the formidable trio of Thompson, Joseph, and Ndipagnor, who were 2-3-6 last year. In fact, with a few notable exceptions … can anyone say “New York-California dual meet? Defending champ Dalilah Muhammad appears to be running only relays.

The Record Threat: It’s hard to imagine Sanya Richards’ 52.10 MR or Francena McCorory’s 51.91 USR getting tagged, but this field is awfully good. Nadonnia is #4 all-time with her 52.83.

The Breakdown: Rodriques looks unbeatable right now. Thompson and Joseph have the talent, but not the recent marks. Ndipagbor, though, is a fast-rising freshman star. Look for another Eastern runner to get in the top three.

The Medalists: 1. Rodriques, 2. Ndipagnor, 3. Snapp

 

 

 

Boys 60H

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Spencer Adams NC, Robert Jackson GA, James Kehrer NY, Barrett Nugent LA, Chris Parker NY, D’Juan Richardson IN, William Wynne GA

The Buzz: Moderate. The top hurdlers are pretty divided between the two national meets, with US#1 Wayne Davis at NIN. But 2007 runner-up Wynne, known for his 400H work above all, is now all the way down to 7.73.

The Record Threat: Wynne could top the MR/USR of 7.62 by Deworski Odom … but Davis will have the best shot of a new mark by weekend’s end..

The Breakdown: Adams and Nugent have been fixtures near the top of the US lists all year, but the hottest hurdler right now might be Kehrer, who punched his PR down to 7.35 at 55H last weekend.

The Medalists: 1. Wynne, 2. Nugent, 3. Kehrer.

 

 

 

Girls 60H

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Leslie Aririguzo MI, Janice Jackson NY, Dahlys Marshall CA, Elizabeth Mott NY, Brianna Patton CO, Julian Purvis CA, Samantha Sharper NJ, Vashti Thomas CA

The Buzz: Another great event, despite the fact that the USR-holder Jackie Coward and other standouts are in MD, led by Californians Thomas and Purvis (2-3 last year).

The Record Threat: Like the boys 60H, the athlete with the best chance to beat the USR (her own) is Coward in MD, even though Thomas or Purvis could get to the current standard with a great race. Thomas is within .02 of Lindsay Rowe’s MR.

The Breakdown: Thomas will have to run the final during her triple jump, but she hasn’t lost to anyone besides Coward in a long time and should pull it off.

The Medalists: 1. Thomas, 2. Purvis, 3. Sharper

 

 

 

Boys 4x200

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Father Judge PA, Glasgow DE, Hempstead NY, Midwood NY, Newburgh Elite NY, Racer X NC, Ramapo NY, Speed City CA, St. Benedict’s NJ, Texas Tornadoes TX, Union Catholic NJ, Warren Central IN

The Buzz: If there isn’t a lot of advance buzz, there probably will be when some of these teams hit the track. A lot of schools are jammed near the top of the US list, including co-US#1 Union Catholic. But take note of the Tornadoes, which is the Hightower TX team that ran #4 all-time 1:23.92 last year outdoors at TX state. Three of the four come back from that quartet, with 46.40 400 man Robert Simmons filling in (which he also did, for the win, at NON last year).

The Record Threat: Though the 200 oval will be less familiar to the Tornadoes, you have to think they could give the 1:26.09 meet record/HSR a run.

The Breakdown: It’s always a question of whether teams unfamiliar with indoors can do as well as those who run it all winter. But it helps the Tornadoes that they are plenty used to each other with a veteran group.

The Medalists: 1. Texas Tornadoes, 2. Union Catholic, 3. Speed City

 

 

 

Girls 4x200

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Boys & Girls NY, Carnasie NY, Danbury CT, Long Beach Wilson CA, Middle College NY, Racer X NC, Speed City CA, Suffern NY

The Buzz: Not real high for this one; hasn’t been a super fast year for the 4x200.

The Record Threat: Long Beach Poly’s 1:35.86 MR/HSR is WAY out there.

The Breakdown: ‘With the group of teams clustered between 1:40-high and 1:41-high, it’s tough to call, almost in coin-flip territory.

The Medalists: 1. LB Wilson, 2. Boys & Girls, 3. Suffern

 

 

 

Boys 4x400

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) DeMatha Catholic MD, Fordham Prep NY, Motor City TC MI, Newburgh Elite NY, Racer X NC, Speed City CA, Woburn MA

The Buzz: Moderate. A solid field, but not spectacular or super deep.

The Record Threat: The 12-year-old 3:13.34 from Muir CA will not be approached.

The Breakdown: Newburgh has been consistently winning and running fast times almost all year. DeMatha and Speed City (Long Beach Poly) aren’t as strong as last year, but will still be tough, as will Motor City (Detroit Mumford).

The Medalists: 1. Newburgh Elite, 2. Motor City TC, 3. Speed City CA

 

 

 

Girls 4x400

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Boys & Girls NY, Long Beach Wilson CA, Motor City TC MI, Paul Robeson PA, Speed City CA, Suffern NY

The Buzz: Speed City (Long Beach Poly) had the potential of one of history’s great 4x4s with Akawkaw Ndipagbor starting school (53.73 outside as 8th-grader) and joining with 400 queens Jasmine Joseph and Turquoise Thompson. Thompson transferred out, though, but the current quartet will still be very good. The home team will also be exceptional, however, with Nadonnia Rodriques-led Boys & Girls already at 3:46.25 this year. Probably the best girls relay battle of the weekend.

The Record Threat: Again, Poly’s 3:38.91 MR/HSR is in another stratosphere, despite the very good teams out here.

The Breakdown: It should be a Speed City – Boys & Girls showdown, with the home team moving up a spot from last year.

The Medalists: 1. Boys & Girls, 2. Speed City, 3. LB Wilson

 

 

 

Boys Sprint Medley

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Colonie NY, East Forsyth NC, Mighty Mustangs NC, Motor City TC MI, Newburgh Elite NY, Racer X NC, Texas Tornadoes TX

The Buzz: Sprint Medleys don’t often get a lot of buzz, but the Tornadoes will preface their 4x200 efforts with this race. Defending champ Motor City should also be very good, with anchor Isaiah Ward.

The Record Threat: The meet and HSR of 3:24.69 is pretty stiff. Motor City, with a similar cast, won with 3:26.48 last year.

The Breakdown: If Ward is close enough, and he should be, he’ll run down everyone. He just has to not try and do it all in the first 400.

The Medalists: 1. Motor City, 2. Texas Tornadoes, 3. Newburgh Elite

 

 

 

Girls Sprint Medley

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Bay Shore NY, Benjamin Cardozo NY, Lake Braddock VA, Motor City TC MI, New Rochelle NY, Pope John XXIII NJ, Racer X NC

The Buzz: There will be local buzz with Cardozo defending its title and Dalilah Muhammad – only entered in relays – taking to the track.

The Record Threat: Another record-holding California team, Long Beach Wilson with its 3:53.17, will continue its stay atop the all-time list.

The Breakdown: Cardozo has the US#1 time coming in and there’s no reason to think they won’t defend. Look for New Rochelle to try and score from the next-to-fastest section

The Medalists: 1. Benjamin Cardozo, 2. Bay Shore, 3. New Rochelle

 

 

 

Boys 4x55 Shuttle Hurdles

The Top Contenders: Abraham Clark NY, Commack NY, Fordham Prep NY, Hunterdon Central NJ, Trenton Central NJ

The Buzz: Let’s be honest. You have to be really hardcore to handicap this event … but it’s always fun to watch.

The Record Threat: South Shore set the mark at 29.85 last year here and it’s all about clean races and good “exchanges.” Trenton Central, at least, has the talent to do it.

The Breakdown: When in doubt, look for a good anchor, like Trenton Central’s Devon Hill.

The Medalists: 1. Trenton Central, 2. Abraham Clark, 3. Hunterdon Central

 

 

 

Girls 4x55 Shuttle Hurdles

The Top Contenders: New Rochelle NY, Randolph NJ, Ridgewood NJ,

The Buzz: See above (boys shuttle hurdle comments)

The Record Threat: The meet record of 33.97 could go down.

The Breakdown: New Rochelle and Randolph should battle for first, with Elizabeth Mott perhaps making the difference for the former.

The Medalists: 1. New Rochelle, 2. Randolph NJ, 3. Ridgewood NJ



Field Events

Boys High Jump

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Tomarris Bell NY, Matt Berube CT, Eric Fontanez NY, Andy Kahl NY, Afolabi Omole NJ, Andrew Powell MA, Maurice Valentine Jr. CA, Ameer Wright NJ

The Buzz: Moderate. US#1 Erik Kynard is at NIN, but three 6-10 and 6-11 types are here.

The Record Threat: The US (7-05.25) and meet (7-04.25) records are safe.

The Breakdown: On the one hand, you have Kahl, who was 3rd here last year and stinging from an upset loss at NY State last weekend. On the other, you have Wright, who improved 4” to 6-10 in taking 2nd at NJ MOC. Valentine from CA is another at 6-10 who will be right there.

The Medalists: 1. Kahl, 2. Valentine, 3. Wright

 

 

 

Girls High Jump

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Allison Barwise CT, Maddie Buttinger (Canada), Tynita Butts VA, Jan Clayton NY, Kristin Judge MA, Hanna Muir MA, Monique Roberts NY

The Buzz: Definitely an event lacking buzz, with no US girls at 5-10 or better this year.

The Record Threat: No one is approaching Lisa Bernhagen’s 6-3 from 1984.

The Breakdown: The Canadian Buttinger is defending champ at 5-08.75. That may be enough to win again, but Roberts has the talent to top that, if she has a good day.

The Medalists: 1. Buttinger, 2. Roberts, 3. Clayton

 

 

 

Boys Long Jump

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Antoine Allen NJ, Daryl Baptiste CT, Tyler Edwards DE, Mike Hartfield CT, Albert Johnson NY, Antoine McGill NY, Wesley Smith VA, Christian Taylor GA

The Buzz: Two words: Christian Taylor. The GA leaper/runner is one of the biggest stars in NY and a strong favorite to win both horizontal jumps. But you can bet US#3 Albert Johnson, even if he’s a foot back, will be pumped up for the challenge.

The Record Threat: Even with talents like Taylor around, it’s been forever since the top of the all-time list in the LJ has changed. Dion Bentley holds the US (26-06.50) and meet (25-11.50) records. Christian’s not there … yet.

The Breakdown: Since he won World Youth TJ last summer, Taylor just seems to keep getting better. It’s hard to imagine the first two medals not going to form.

The Medalists: 1. Taylor, 2. Johnson, 3. Baptiste CT

 

 

 

Girls Long Jump

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Melanie Akwule VA, Nyosha Bryant NC, Tynita Butts VA, Jen Clayton NY, Whitney Fountain NY, Ashley Hendrix NY, Vashti Thomas CA,

The Buzz: This could potentially be a great 3-way battle between Butts, Clayton and Thomas. The big challenge for Thomas, who is going for the 60H/TJ/LJ triple, is getting into the 20-foot territory that the others occupy. She’s two inches away. This will be the first leg of the triple attempt for the Californian, who was runner-up last year.

The Record Threat: The USR by Carol Lewis at 21-07.50 has stood for 28 years and will continue to do so. But the 20-05 meet mark could be in danger.

The Breakdown: Key factors will be how Butts responds to the big meet pressure and if Clayton can get back over 20 after not breaking 19 since her big mark. Thomas is consistent and is big-meet savvy.

The Medalists: 1. Thomas, 2. Butts, 3. Clayton

 

 

 

Boys Triple Jump

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Shawn Carter NY, Omar Craddock TX, Steve Crouse NY, Albert Johnson NY, Jason Johnson PA, Christian Taylor GA, Jerome Wilson VA

The Buzz: Like the TJ, Taylor creates plenty of buzz; he’s #3 all-time here already. This is a top-heavy field with four big guns, including two from the home state in Johnson and Crouse. Craddock, also a stud at 50-10.50, is also scheduled for NIN the day before.

The Record Threat: Solid. The USR here was set in 88 by Keith Talley at 52-07.50. Bahamian Leevan Sands set the MR in 2000 at 52-08.

The Breakdown: Craddock may have a tough time challenging Taylor if he doubles up. But Johnson is 20 inches back, PR-wise, which may be too much to make up.

The Medalists: 1. Taylor, 2. Craddock, 3. Johnson

 

 

 

Girls Triple Jump

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Melia Cox CA, Amanda Hunter CA, Krystina Muhammad DE, Taylor Neeley (Canada), Vashti Thomas CA

The Buzz: Thomas’s 42-08.75 at Simplot put her #4 all-time. This is part of her hoped-for 60H/LJ/TJ triple – and should be the easiest, as she’s more than 2 feet up on the field. Most of the top seeds, in fact, are Californians. Thomas was runner-up last year.

The Record Threat: As great as Thomas is, she’s still a long way behind the incredible USR-setter from last year, Ke’Nyia Richardson (44-06.75).

The Breakdown: Thomas FTW.

The Medalists: 1. Thomas, 2. Hunter, 3. Cox

 

 

 

Boys Pole Vault

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Matt Alexander CT, Dan Batdorf NJ, Josh Cusick CA, Riley Egan FL, Brian McGovern NY, Rob Quiller NY, David Slovenski ME, Ryan Van Niekerk CA, Nico Weiler CA

The Buzz: There can’t help be some buzz when there’s a US#1 in the house, especially when it’s a 17-6.25 PVer. That’s what the charismatic Weiler did last year and he’s at 17-02 this year.

The Record Threat: Strong. Weiler’s outdoor PR, just outside the all-time top 10 outdoors, is just a quarter inch of the indoor USR. If he’s on …

The Breakdown: There’s a good group of 16 footers and 15-6 guys here, but no one will challenge Nico if he’s on. The battle for 2nd should be very good, though, with Slovenski (16-02.50), Quiller (big 16-01 PR at NY state), and McGovern (16-02, but trying to recover from illness). Slovenski (and Egan) are, however, entered at NIN the day before, as well.

The Medalists: 1. Weiler, 2. Quiller, 3. Slovenski

 

 

 

Girls Pole Vault

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Kathryn Barousse LA, Chrissy Finkel PA, Brooke Hamscher PA, Jen Holly NJ, Rachel Laurent LA, Morgann LeLeux LA, Nicole Pompei NJ, Abby Schaffer PA, Tory Worthen PA

The Buzz: Fans can enjoy half of one of this year’s best rivalries, as Laurent (but not Shade Weygandt) will continue her quest for 14 feet. Several others have jumped over 12 feet, with 13-footer Schaffer and freshman record-holder LeLeux among the best.

The Record Threat: Laurent’s already gone 13-10 outdoors, so don’t be surprised if she goes after the 14-02 HSR.

The Breakdown: Hard to pick against Laurent and Schaffer.

The Medalists: 1. Laurent, 2. Schaffer, 3. LeLeux

 

 

 

Boys Shot Put

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Mike Alleman NJ, Dominic Filiano NH, David Gross NY, Mike McPherson MA, Frede Spelleman VA, Nick Vena NJ, Wes Wright GA

The Buzz: If you haven’t seen Vena, the freshman record setter many times over and US#1, then make sure you’ve got a good seat by the ring. Most of the other 60-footers are at NIN, but weight/shot standout Wes Wright GA (62-10.50) will give him a battle. NJ’s Alleman, Vena’s great rival, is entered in both, but thought to be going to NIN only.

The Record Threat: Vena could certainly rebreak his freshman mark, but the meet mark of 70-11.50 (one of the oldest in the books, Arnold Campbell from 84) and USR of 74-11 (Brent Noon) are in another zip code. Of course, when Vena set his first mark, 66 feet was in another zip code, too.

The Breakdown: For all his aptitude, Vena is still a freshman – though he’s never really come up flat in a big meet this year. Still, he’ll need to be on to beat the very good Wright.

The Medalists: 1. Vena, 2. Wright, 3. Spelleman

 

 

 

Girls Shot Put

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Sarah Bella NJ, Lauren Chambers GA, Patrice Gates GA, DeAnne Hahn NJ, Melissa Kurzdorfer NY, Vanessa Stewart NY

The Buzz: With the big two at NIN, defending champ Hahn will likely battle Chambers for the title.

The Record Threat: The US and meet records are tough marks of 54-09.50 and 52-04.50, two that won’t be reached here.

The Breakdown: Chambers has been on a strong improvement curve in both the shot and weight this year, while Hahn has stayed in the 46s.

The Medalists: 1. Chambers, 2. Hahn, 3. Kurzdorfter

 

 

 

Boys Weight Throw

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Michael Gama Jr. RI, Mitchell Gormley GA, Conor McCullough CA, Patrick Onye RI, James Schwendtner NY, Wesley Wright GA,

The Buzz: There’s no Walter Henning to light up the weight circle this year, but there should instead be a terrific battle between an 80-footer, two 70-footers, and a hammer prodigy who’s a relative neophyte with the heavier ball undercover. Welcome to New York, Conor McCullough.

The Record Threat: Again, it’s hard to imagine Henning without the record, but Wright is less than five feet away and who knows how good McCullough – the soph class record-holder and #3 all-time in the hammer – can be?

The Breakdown: The experience of Wright and Onye, who’s dominated the East Coach this year, should win over – this time. Onye, however, will be competing at NIN the night before, as are Gama and Gormley.

The Medalists: 1. Wright, 2. Onye, 3. McCullough

 

 

 

Girls Weight Throw

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Lauren Chambers GA, Victoria Flowers RI, Patrice Gates GA, Karen Henning NY, Allison Horner GA, Melissa Kurzdorfer NY,

The Buzz: As good as the boys weight field is, the girls is even better. Flowers has two national records this winter and Chambers’ 60-10.75 outdoors last week exceeded the indoor mark going into this winter. Gates is the new soph record-holder, with 54-00 indoors and 57-08.50 out. Add in three more 50-footers, including boys HSR-holder Walter Henning’s sister Karen, and you have probably the best field ever.

The Record Threat: Pretty good, obviously, between Flowers and Chambers.

The Breakdown: The “X” factor, however, is that Flowers, Horner, Henning and some others are competing at NIN the day before, where the field is nearly as good. Chambers and Gates will be fresh. Still, it’s hard to pick against the USR holder …

The Medalists: 1. Flowers, 2. Chambers, 3. Gates

 

 

 

Boys Pentathlon

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Curtis Beach NM, Dan Gooris NM, Andrew Powell MA, Tim White NJ

The Buzz: Two of the nation’s top returning multi-eventers are from New Mexico, and Beach and Gooris will both be here. Beach was 4th in the World Youth Octathlon last summer and he and Gooris went 1-3 at Great Southwest’s decathlon last June. Gooris, on top of that, is a 16-foot vaulter.

The Record Threat: Beach’s 3785 here last year set a soph class record, but Donovan Kilmartin’s 4303 is still a ways off.

The Breakdown: Powell and White, who have racked up scores over 3500 this year, should push the New Mexico standouts, but not prevent them from a 1-2.

The Medalists: 1. Beach, 2. Gooris, 3. White

 

 

 

Girls Pentathlon

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Ann Marie Clarke CT, Kiersten Kirkland CA, Priscilla Trojano MA, Antoinette Toussaint MA, Morgan Wheeler NY

The Buzz: Not as high as the boys side, but Trojano (indoors) and Kirkland (outdoors) are the top returnees, nationally, among those in the field.

The Record Threat: Shana Woods’ USR of 3924 won’t be threatened here.

The Breakdown: Trojano, 4th here last year, gets the nod.

The Medalists: 1. Trojano, 2. Kirkland, 3. Wheeler


Distances/Distance Relays

Boys 5000

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Donn Cabral CT, Forrest Misenti NY, Roblet Muhudin CO, Zach Ornelas TX, Zach Rivers NY, Giovanni Signoretti NY, Matt Terry CT

The Buzz: The race has one top-level athlete in Cabral, who has not raced on the track yet this year. He did have a disappointing outing at USATF Junior XC last month.

The Record Threat: If Cabral is as fit and as “on” as he was at Foot Locker NE at Vanny last fall, his last trip to NY, he could certainly challenge the meet (14:36.57) or US (14:29.28) marks.

The Breakdown: Cabral should be a solid winner, but if he’s off, Terry – part of the Danbury powerhouse – could pull the upset.

The Medalists: 1. Cabral, 2. Terry, 3. Ornelas

 

 

Girls 5000

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Alexandra Banfich IN, Elizabeth Briasco NY, Caitlin Lane NY, Chelsea Ley NJ, Heather Stephens CT, Katie Sullivan NY

The Buzz: Moderate, though this non-traditional event will feature a solid field of athletes with 10:30-45 3200 talent. It’s popular enough that the top four returning finishers, led by Ley, have returned.

The Record Threat: The mark of Bri Jackucewicz, an amazing 16:43 from her 7th-grade year, should stand another year.

The Breakdown: Ley has a great chance to move up from 2nd to win, but in her way will be 3-time Foot Locker Finalist Banfich, who also has a long track nationals resume. She has not been racing all winter, like the others have, which could work for or against her.

The Medalists: 1. Ley, 2. Banfich, 3. Stephens

 

 

Boys Distance Medley

The Top Contenders: (alpha order) Arlington NY, Brookline MA, Christian Bros. NJ, Collegiate NY, Franklin NJ, Germantown Friends PA, Glastonbury CT, Half Hollow Hills West NY, Warwick Valley NY,

The Buzz: It hasn’t been a superlative year for the DMR, but it should be a good, competitive race, with former US leader Warwick Valley NY, Half Hollow Hills West NY (with anchor Kyle Merber), Shenendehowa NY, and Brookline MA (with anchor Robert Gibson) all in the running.

The Record Threat: No one will come close to the meet and US record of 9:59.94 by Gloucester MA. Glastonbury ran 10:08 last year with Cabral as a junior, but he’s only running the 5k this time.

The Breakdown: As long as its ‘A’ team is ready, Warwick should win. But Shen and HHHW will be waiting if they aren’t.

The Medalists: 1. Warwick, 2. Shen, 3. Half Hollow Hills West

 

 

Girls Distance Medley

The Top Contenders: Bronxville NY, Burnt Hills NY, Holy Names NY, Immaculate Heart NJ, Suffern NY, Warwick Valley NY

The Buzz: The field is loaded with about two-thirds of the top teams from the US list, led by #2 Warwick Valley. Warwick laid down an 11:49.59 at Eastern States to garner the favorite’s role, but four others at 12:01 or better will give them a fight.

The Record Threat: As good as the field is, the 11:35.43 by Mountain View UT for 2004 is too good.

The Breakdown: If Warwick’s standouts, Lillian Greibesland and Tori Pennings, are on, then everyone else will probably be fighting for 2nd.

The Medalists: 1. Warwick Valley, 2. Burnt Hills, 3. Suffern

 


Boys 4x1 Mile

The Top Contenders:  (alpha order) Collegiate NY, Danbury NY, Germantown Friends PA, Smithtown West NY, Warwick Valley NY

The Buzz:  Not a lot of hype here, but with Warwick Valley running top miler Brad Ackerman her and not in the DMR, this could be what they’re pointing for.  Danbury, with anchor Willie Ahearn, could be very tough.

The Record Threat:  Shen just missed its 2004 USR when it won last year in 17:26.12.  Don’t expect something quite that fast this time around.

The Breakdown:  Warwick and Danbury could have a great battle, with the former probably needing a lead after 3 legs to hold off the latter.

The Medalists:  1. Warwick, 2. Danbury, 2. Smithtown West

 

 

Girls 4x1 Mile

The Top Contenders:  (alpha order) Bronxville NY, Burnt Hills NY, Colts Neck NJ, Glastonbury CT, Roxbury NJ, Shenendehowa NY

The Buzz:  Not a really strong, deep event, but one with a few schools with a couple national level runners each battling it out.

The Record Threat:  Saratoga’s 19:59.24 USR is out of reach, but the 20:29.30 record, which is 5:07+ per runner, is potentially achievable by the first few teams.

The Breakdown:  Colts Neck brings the experience and talent of Allison Linnell and Bri Jackucewicz, while Burnt Hills counters with Meaghan Gregory and Sam Roecker.  These two went 1-2 last year and the biggest question is what order will they finish?

The Medalists:  1. Burnt Hills, 2. Colts Neck, 3. Roxbury

 

 

Boys Mile

The Top Contenders:  Omar Aden MA, Willie Ahearn CT, Chris Aldrich PA, Dylan Ferris NC, Robert Gibson MA, Cory Leslie OH, Joe LoRusso VA, Charles White CO

The Buzz:  Middle distance fans will be eager to see what Ferris, last year’s top returning miler and 800 man, can do here.  Three or four others in the race are probably capable of giving him a battle.

The Record Threat:  Alan Webb’s 3:59.86, of course, is out of reach.  But Ferris has the talent to chase Jon Riley’s 4:07.12 MR if he wants to.

The Breakdown:  If Ferris is healthy, fit, and in his groove, he’ll dominate.  Even if he’s not, he’s usually resourceful enough to win.  Defending champ White is a good strategist and kicker that can be dangerous in the stretch.  Ahearn, Leslie and Aden all seem to be in 4:13-14 shape, but Leslie ran 4:08.41 1600 last year.

The Medalists:  1. Ferris, 2. White, 3. Leslie

 

 

Girls Mile

The Top Contenders:  Suejin Ahn NY, Alex Banfich IN, Claudia Francis NY, Shelby Greany NY, Allison Linnell NJ, Jeanne Mack RI, Cory McGee MS, Keely Maguire MA, Sarah McCurdy NY, Jaclyn Marshall NY, Danielle Menlove UT, Kristin Reese NY

The Buzz:  How lame is it to list everyone on the fast heat as a “contender?”  Well, take a good look at the field.  All of these girls have had fast times and won big races in the last year or two.  There’s maybe a 6-8 second spread between them.  McGee on a good day is sub-4:50, and a few others are just under 5, but this is a very tight group.

The Record Threat:  The USR of 4:38.5 and meet record of 4:45.18 are beyond this field.

The Breakdown:  McGee and Reese, based off their times and major meet performances this year, have to be the favorites.  McGee has hardly raced this year, but won here two years ago.  Reese has been running well ever since Millrose and could close out a great season here.  Everyone in this race has a reasonable chance to medal.

The Medalists:  1. Reese, 2. McGee, 3.Marshall

 

 

Boys 2-Mile

The Top Contenders:  (alpha order) Ben Bizuneh IN, Chris Bodary PA, Everett Hackett CT, Max Kaulbach PA, Zach Orenlas TX, Giovanni Signoretti NY

The Buzz:  Pretty modest.  Most of the kids with sub-9:10 potential are at NIN.  Bodary was 2nd in a stunning 3k at the PA State meet, hitting 8:32 for 3k, which makes him the favorite.

The Record Threat:  None, with the 8:54.46 MR standing another year and Lindgren’s 8:40.0 HSR turning 44 years old.

The Breakdown:  It should be a PA 1-2.

The Medalists:  1. Bodary, 2. Kaulbach, 3. Hackett

 

 

Girls 2-Mile

The Top Contenders:  (alpha order) Alex Banfich IN, Malia Cali LA, Mary Kate Champagne NY, Shelby Greany NY, Claire Hardwick NY, Bri Jackucewicz NJ, Caitlin Lane NY, Chelsea Ley NJ, Danielle Menlove UT, Heather Stephens CT

The Buzz:  An interesting field, with a mix of expected Northeast standouts along with those from far-flung spots like Louisiana and Utah, and five Foot Locker Finalists.  Not a clear favorite at all, with most girls in the 10:40-45 range.

The Record Threat:  None – The USR/MR of 9:55.82 by Melody Fairchild will go unthreatened.

The Breakdown:  With Ley and Stephens already having hard 5ks under their belt from Friday, the top New Yorkers will probably battle for the crown.  Look for Lane to pick up the title.

The Medalists:  1. Lane, 2. Greany, 3. Harwick

 

 

Boys 800

The Top Contenders:  (in order) Dylan Ferris NC, Elliot Rhodes PA, Lance Roller NY, Isaiah Ward MI, Charles White CO

The Buzz:  With Ferris and Ward, you have potentially 2 of the best 3-5 runners in the country.  But will Ferris try and do both the mile and 800, just 90 minutes apart?

The Record Threat:  A fresh Ferris might have an outside chance at Michael Granville’s MR/USR 1:50.55, but with a race under his belt – no.

The Breakdown:  If Ferris runs a hard mile, he will have problems trying to beat Ward.  Rhodes and Roller should battle for 3rd, or even 2nd, if one of the favorites fades.  The field is hard to handicap after that.

The Medalists:  1. Ward, 2. Ferris, 3. Rhodes

 

 

Girls 800

The Top Contenders:  (alpha order) Phyllis Francis NY, Charlene Lipsey NY, Sarah McCurdy NY, Emma Miller-Bedell NY, Chanelle Price PA, Kristin Reese NY, Brianna Welch NY

The Buzz:  Any race with Chanelle Price has max buzz.

The Record Threat:  The meet record of 2:04.90 is just .06 faster than Price’s PR.  It’s another 3 seconds to the USR.

The Breakdown:  If Price takes it out hard, the rest of the field will fight for 2nd.  There’s a big group of girls between 2:11-2:14; in fact, there’s 5 New Yorkers in the final, 4 of whom have broken 2:14, plus US#1 600 girl Francis.  McCurdy is defending champ, but she and Reese are also both in the mile, which is 80 minutes earlier.  There’s enough talent in the next-to-last section that the “pack” from the final will have to watch their pace to make sure they don’t get lulled into a kicker’s race.

The Medalists:  1. Price, 2. Francis, 3. McCurdy

 

 

Boys Mile Walk

The Top Contenders:  (alpha order) Trevor Barron PA, Matthew Forgues ME, Tyler Sorensen CA, Ricardo Vergara, Roberto Vergara

The Buzz:  This year’s top walkers are all here, including the top four from the mile list and the 3k #1.  The Vergara brothers have dominated the male side of the sport the last three years.

The Record Threat:  Though both Vergaras are solid 6:25-30 milers, the US (6:11.00) and meet (6:11.90) records are still a level away.

The Breakdown:  The Vergaras will have their usual battle for first; the fight for 3rd should be interesting as Barron has not walked a mile race this year, but has a 6:47 from 2007 under his belt.

The Medalists:  1. Ri. Vergara, 2. Ro. Vergara, 3. Barron

 

 

Girls Mile Walk

The Top Contenders:  (alpha order) Catie Davis NY, Mary Dutkowski NY, Rebecca Katz NY, Emilija Vaskyte NY

The Buzz:  Neither national 1500 leader Leah Buletti or surprise NY state winner Olivia Lapham are here, so the favorite goes to US#3 and NY runner-up Emilija Vaskyte.

The Record Threat:  The meet (6:59.90) and US (7:00.90) records are more than 30 seconds beyond the PRs of this group.

The Breakdown:  Vaskyte should prevail in a close race.

The Medalists:  1. Vaskyte, 2. Davis, 3. Dutkowski





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