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DyeStat Cross Country 2000
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Midwest Regional |
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AR, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, OK, SD, WI |
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Dathan 14:35!
Splichal Romps!
by Moodyrunner
(one of the most intrepid posters on the DyeStat Message Board and fortunate enough to live just 10 minutes from UW Parkside)
Dathan Ritzenhein demolished yet another course record at the Footlocker Midwest Regional race at U-W Parkside's National cross-country course in Kenosha this morning. In what was Ritzenhein's last midwestern cross-country appearance as a high schooler, the Ritz led by 20 seconds at halfway, en route to a 33-second win over fellow Michigander Tim Moore.
Running fairly even mile splits despite the rolling hills, 35 degree weather and a chilly 12 MPH wind from the northeast that made things feel like the upper 20's, Ritz ran an uphill 4:37, a downhill 4:39, and an uphill 4:44, before closing out his 14:35 finish. Unbeknownst to many, Ritz suffered a side stitch at the mile mark, or he might have gone even faster. Closing out the Midwest squad behind Ritz were junior Tim Moore (MI) 15:08; Jason Sandfort (MO) 15:10; Aaron Fisher (IN) 15:12; Erik Grumstrup (SD) 15:16; Sean Moore (MI) 15:17; Matt Esche (WI) 15:18; and Dan Glaz (IL) 15:20.
Ritzenhein blasted last year's mark of 14:55, and appears to have set a mark that will stand for the ages. It's a full 30 seconds ahead of what Donald Sage and Jorge Torres have run on the same course. Given a course with better footing than today's packed mud in Orlando on December 9th, and some stiff Webb/Hall (?) competition, many expect Dathan to go under 14:10, including his coach.
Esche and Glaz more than made up for disappointing state meet finishes by beating their victors convincingly this time around. Not only that, but they even occasionally post on DyeStat!
Last year, the Midwest boys team set the all-time record for lowest team score at Orlando (23 points), and this year's eighth man finished four seconds up on last year's eighth man, so prospects for another formidable showing at Orlando look good.
In the boy's state team competition, the Michigan boys (big surprise) took the team title.
On the girl's side, Penny Splichal of Dickinson, ND continued her stellar season after having the second best time at the GACCF by winning impressively in 17:23. Splichal led most of the way, ahead of Illinois state champ Maria Cicero (17:38); Michigan state champ Katie Boyles (MI) 17:45; sophomore Michelle Sikes (OH) 17:48; Rockford teammates Kalin Toedebusch and Linsey Blaisdell, 17:49 and 17:50; Coloradoan sophomore Megan Kaltenbach 17:54; and Chelsea Holman 17:54 from Ohio. The top eight were somewhat separated from the rest.
In the girl's state team competition, the Michigan girls (big surprise) took the team title.
Of special note would be the impressive performances of four freshman girls who finished in the top 20: (13) Nicole Bohnsack, Rockford, MI 18:18; (14) Elisa Zemlick, Kalamazoo, MI 18:19; (16) Alexandra DeVinny, Racine, WI 18:25; and (19) Staci Honeyman, Reeder, ND 18:27. Amazing!
Keeping in mind that both 1-2 girl finishers finished ahead of national runner-up Victoria Jackson's 17:39 last year, and eighth place this year finished a whopping 15 seconds ahead of last year's eighth place time, the Midwest girls appear to be able to give the West girls a good run this year in Orlando. Look for five in the top twelve.
The day was more than just another Dathan scorcher and Splichal romp. Rockford, MI sent an unprecedented three runners on to nationals. "We claim the mythical national girls championship," said Rockford coach Brad Prins. "But on any given day . . ." he said, undoubtedly referring to the Saratoga, NY girls. "We accomplished our goals for this season. This bunch of (Rockford) girls can break 20 for the four mile relay." (looking ahead to the Nike Indoor Classic and the Foot Locker Outdoor nationals already, perhaps?)
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