Copyright © 2010 Ed Bagley

These marks are for United States high school athletes as of 6-2-10. All races and field events are in meters except the mile and 2-mile runs. Only fully automatic times are listed for sprints and high hurdles. Leaders are based upon being marked verified as wind legal in sprints, hurdles and horizontal jumps. Symbols are: i = mark set indoors, y or m = record set at equivalent yards or metric distance.

Highlighted marks indicate a new, better time by a new athlete, a better time by the same athlete, or the same mark by a new athlete or team.

Trust me, these marks will change in the next few weeks as state meets and prestigious invitational meets are held following the regular season competition. I will be updating this list in the weeks ahead before we arrive at the National Prep Leaders for 2010.

100 – 10.37 by Keenan Brock of Washington Carver High School (HS) in Alabama.

200 – 20.82 by Sheroid Evans of Dulles HS in Texas.

400 – 46.17 by Josh Mance of Don Lugo HS in California and

46.17 by Robert Woods of Serra Gardens HS in California.

Mile – 4:08.07 by Pat Schellberg of Delbarton HS in New Jersey.

3000 – 8:17.37 by Justin Vilhauer of Redwood HS in California.

3200 – 8:49.76 by Jake Hurysz of Eastern Alamance HS in North Carolina.

2 Mile – 9:02.00 by Matthew Jablonski of Loyola Blakefield HS in Maryland.

5000 – 14:19.82 (i) by Kirubel Eassa of Grayson HS in Georgia.

2000 Steeplechase – 6:02.00 by Kevin McKenna of Suffern HS in New York.

3000 Steeplechase – 9:28.29 by Ben Wallis of Dover HS in New Hampshire.

110 Hurdles – 13.46 by Eddie Lovett of Palm Beach Lakes HS in Florida.

300 Hurdles – 36.44 by Cody Riggs of St. Thomas Aquinas HS in Florida.

4 x 100 – 40.66 by Ellison Relay of Ellison HS in Texas and

40.66 by Serra Gardena Relay of Serra Gardena HS in California.

4 x 200 – 1:24.19 by DeSoto Relay of DeSoto HS in Texas.

4 x 1 Mile – 17:22.12 (i) by Memorial HS in New Jersey.

Sprint Medley – 3:27.36 by Lancaster Relay of Lancaster HS in Texas.

Distance Medley – 10:05.15 – Loyola Relay of Loyola HS in California.

High Jump – 7'04.00" by David Smith of Lovejoy HS in Georgia.

Shot Put – 72'10.50" by Nick Vena of Morristown HS in New Jersey.

Discus – 205'10.00" by Sam Crouser of Gresham HS in Oregon.

Javelin – 244'02.00" by Sam Crouser of Gresham HS in Oregon.

Hammer – 245'04.00" by Justin Welch of Eastwood HS in Ohio.

Decathlon (HS Implements) – 7,573 Points by Gunnar Nixon of Santa Fe HS in Oklahoma (No. 2 All-Time).

100 – 11.30 by Octavious Freeman of Lake Wales HS in Florida.

200 – 23.42 by Jessica Davis of Highland HS in California.

400 – 52.92 by Diamond Dixon of Westside HS in Texas.

800 – 2:05.76 by Laura Roesler of South Fargo HS in North Dakota.

1500 – 4:25.05 by Marielle Hall of Haddonfield Memorial HS in New Jersey.

Mile – 4:48.12 by Joanna Stevens of Blacksburg HS in Virginia.

3000 – 9:27.25 by Katie Flood of Dowling Catholic HS in Iowa.

2 Mile – 10:17.47 by Joanna Stevens of Blacksburg HS in Virginia.

2000 Steeplechase – 6:50.52 by Mary Kate Anselmini of Ward Melville HS in New York.

3000 Steeplechase – No Girls Competition in This Event.

100 Hurdles – 13.39 by Lauren Blackburn of Sunset HS in Texas.

400 Hurdles – 59.15 Leah Nugent of Abington HS in Pennslyvania.

4 x 200 – 1:35.75 by Westbury Relay of Westbury HS in Texas.

4 x 400 – 3:41.62 by Benjamin Cardozo Relay of Benjamin Cardozo HS in New York.

4 x 800 – 9:00.72 by Polytechnic Relay of Polytechnic HS in California.

Sprint Medley – 3:53.70 by Columbia Relay of Columbia HS in New Jersey.

Distance Medley – 11:38.69 by Blacksburg Relay of Blacksburg HS in Virginia.

High Jump – 6'01.00" by Hannah Willms of Dike-New Hartford HS in Iowa.

Long Jump – 20'03.00" by Alexus Brannon of Ozen HS in Texas.

Triple Jump – 42'00.75" by Alexus Brannon of Ozen HS in Texas.

Pole Vault – 13'08.25" by Merritt Grace Van Meter of Country Day HS in Louisiana.

Shot Put – 49'11.00" by Kearsten Peoples of Ottawa HS in Kansas.

Discus – 180'09.00" by Alex Collatz of Stockdale HS in California.

Javelin – 171'09.00" by Hannah Carson of Chandler HS in Arizona.

Hammer – 194'11.00" by Casey Kraychir of Twentynine Palms HS in California.

The primary source of these statistics are from dyestat.com, the most visible and authoritative source on the Internet.

May 31, 2010

What It Takes to Be the Best

Copyright © 2010 Ed Bagley

Having the best indoor prep track and field performance during the 2010 season is a huge accomplishment considering our population (the current U. S. Census Bureau estimate is 309+ million).

Among the 28 marks (14 each for boys and girls), the one name that jumps out is Alan Webb. Webb holds the best marks in 4 events—the 1500, Mile, 3000 and 2 Mile. Polytechnic Relay has 3 best marks—in the boys 4 x200, and the girls 4 x 200 and 4 x 400.

Webb also became the first American high schooler ever to run a sub-four minute mile indoors with his 3:59.86 effort. He currently holds the American record for the mile in 3:46.91.

Seven other athletes show up twice—Casey Combest in the 55 and 60, Robby Andrews in the 800 and 1000, Michael Coe in the 1600 and 3200, Wayne Davis in the 55 and 60 hurdles, Francena McCorory in the girls' 300 and 400, Chanelle Price in the 500 and 800, and Jacquelyn Coward in the 55 and 60 hurdles.

Six of the 28 marks have also been set this year by Nick Vena in the shot put, Alec Faldermeyer in the weight throw, Emily Lipari in the Mile, Emily Sisson in the 3200, Megan Goethals in the 2 Mile, and Shelby Ashe in the weight throw.

200 – 20.69 by Xavier Carter from Palm Bay HS in Florida at the National Scholastic Meet in 2004.

300 – 33.21 by Sean Holston from Lee HS in Virginia at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in 2007.

400 – 45.92 by Elzie Coleman from Newburgh Free Academy in New York at the Simplot Games in 2004.

500 – 1:02.80 by Karjuan Williams from New Bern HS in North Carolina at the Virginia Tech Invitational in 2006.

600 – 1:17.90 by Shaquan Brown from John F. Kennedy HS in New Jersey at the Varsity Classic in 2005.

60 Hurdles – 7.60 by Wayne Davis from Southeast Raleigh HS in North Carolina at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2009.

4 x400 – 3:13.06 by the New Bern Relay from New Bern HS in North Carolina at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in 2009. (That's 4 prep runners averaging 48.4 in the 400.)

4 x 800 – 7:36.99 by Albemarle Relay from Albemarle HS in Virginia at the Nike Indoor National Meet in 2009. (That's 4 prep runners averaging 1:54.25 in the 800.)

Sprint Medley – 3:25.51 by East New York Transit Technical Relay from East NY Transit Technical HS in New York at the National Scholastic Meet in 2003.

Distance Medley – 9:59.94 by Gloucester Relay from Gloucester HS in Massachusetts at the National Scholastic Meet in 2000.

High Jump – 7'5.25" Scott Sellers from Cinco Ranch HS in Texas at the Nike Indoor Championships in 2004.

Long Jump – 25'6.75" by Christian Taylor from Sandy Creek HS in Georgia at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2008.

Triple Jump – 52'08.00" by Leevan Sands from Florida Air Academy HS in Florida at the National Scholastic Meet in 2000.

Pole Vault – 17'05.00" by Maston Wallace from Clear Brook HS in Texas at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2007.

Shot Put – 71'05.00" by Nick Vena from Morristown HS in New Jersey at the Randolph Shot Put Invitational in 2010.

Weight Throw – 82'10.50" by Alec Faldermeyer from Minisink Valley HS in New York at the New Balance Collegiate Meet in 2010.

55 – 6.73 by Kya Brookins from Seneca HS in South Carolina at the University of Florida Diet Pepsi Invitational in 2007.

60 – 7.19 by Ashley Owens from Liberty HS in Colorado at the Simplot Games in 2004.

200 – 22.97 by Bianca Knight from Ridgeland HS in Mississippi at the Simplot Games in 2007.

600 – 1:29.27 by Janine Davis from Queen of Peace HS in New Jersey at the MAC Record Assault Meet in 2005.

1000 – 2:43.40 by Sarah Bowman from Fauquier HS in Virginia at the AA State Meet in 2005.

1500 – 4:22.10 by Molly Huddle from Elmira Notre Dame in New York at the Finger Lakes Runners Club Meet in 2002.

1600 – 4:45.02 by Nicole Blood from Saratoga Springs in New York at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational in 2006.

Mile – 4:42.64 by Emily Lipari from Roslyn HS in New York at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2010.

3000 – 9:25.70 by Emily Sisson from Parkway Central HS in Missouri at the Jayhawk Classic in 2010.

3200 – 10:06.74 by Jordan Hasay from Mission Prep HS in California at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2009.

2 Mile – 10:10.14 by Megan Goethals from Rochester HS in Michigan at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2010.

4 x 800 – 8:53.67 by the Boys & Girls Relay from Boys & Girls HS in New York at the USA Nationals in 2002.

Sprint Medley – 3:53.17 by Wilson Relay from Wilson HS in California at the National Scholastic Meet in 2001.

Distance Medley – 11:35.43 by Mountain View Relay from Mountain View HS in Utah at the National Scholastic Meet in 2004.

High Jump – 6'00.25" by Hannah Willms from Dike-New Hartford HS in Iowa at the Dickinson Relays in 2009.

Long Jump – 20'10.00" by Shana Woods from Polytechnic HS in California at the National Scholastic Meet in 2005.

Triple Jump – 44'06.75" by Ke'Niy Richardson from Holy Names HS in California at the National Scholastic Meet in 2007.

Pole Vault – 14'02.50" by Tori Anthony from Castilleja HS in California at the Husky Classic Invitational in Seattle (WA) in 2007.

Shot Put – 54'09.50" by Michelle Carter from Red Oak HS in Texas at the Nike Indoor Championships in 2003.

Weight Throw – 65'04.25" by Shelby Ashe from St. Pius X HS in Georgia at the National Scholastic Meet in 2010.

The primary source of these statistics are from dyestat.com, the most visible and authoritative source on the Internet.

May 29, 2010

Copyright © 2010 Ed Bagley

High school athletes from two of the 50 states—New York and Virginia—captured 30 of 56 marks (53%) during competition to determine the best prep track and field performances for the 2010 indoor season in the United States.

To show their dominance, all athletes with top marks from New York (21) and Virginia (9) are highlighted.

Want to know what it takes to compete indoors with the best high school athletes in the America? Here is what it takes:

200 – 21.22 by Brady Gehret of Altoona Area HS in Pennsylvania.

300 – 33.51 by Brady Gehret of Altoona Area HS in Pennsylvania.

400 – 47.55 by Sheroid Evans of Dulles HS in Texas.

1000 – 2:26.78 by Kevin Byrne of Red Bank Catholic HS in New Jersey.

1600 – 4:09.53 by Colby Alexander of Strongsville HS in Ohio.

3000 – 8:32.11 by Shane Moskowitz of Central Kitsap HS in Washington.

3200 – 8:58.81 by Jonathan Vitez of Haddonfield Memorial HS in New Jersey.

2 Mile – 9:00.36 by Jim Rosa of West Windsor-Plainsboro North HS in New Jersey.

60 Hurdles – 7.65 by Keyunta Hayes of Robert E. Lee HS in Texas.

4 x 200 – 1:28.75 by Coolidge Relay of Coolidge HS in Washington, DC.

4 x 400 – 3:16.12 by Trotwood-Madison Relay of Trotwood-Madison HS in Ohio.

Distance Medley – 10:07.58 by Hamden Relay of Hamden HS in Connecticut.

High Jump – 7'01.00" by Zack Riley of Herrin HS in Illinois and also by Derrick Hill of Anderson HS in Indiana.

Long Jump – 24'11.00" by Carlton Lavong of Methacton HS in Pennsylvania.

Triple Jump – 51'11.00" by Mark Jackson of Taylor HS in Texas.

Pole Vault – 17'01.75" by Michael Woepse of Mater Dei HS in California.

Shot Put – 71'05.00" by Nick Vena of Morristown HS in New Jersey.

60 – 7.36 by Ashton Purvis of St. Elizabeth HS in California.

200 – 23.22 by Ashton Purvis of St. Elizabeth HS in California.

400 – 53.23 by Kendall Baisden of Country Day HS in Michigan.

3200 – 9:25.70 by Emily Sisson of Parkway Central HS in Missouri.

3200 – 10:19.85 by Kathleen Stevens of Blacksburg HS in Virginia.

2 Mile – 10:10.14 by Megan Goethals of Rochester HS in Michigan.

60 Hurdles – 8.29 by Trinity Wilson of St. Mary's Berkeley HS in California.

High Jump – 5'11.00" by Emily Kianka of Hopewell Valley HS in New Jersey.

Pole Vault – 13'07.00" by Morgann Leleux of Catholic New Iberia HS in Louisiana.

Weight Throw – 65'04.25" by Shelby Ashe of St. Pius X HS in Georgia.

The primary source of these statistics are from dyestat.com, the most authoritative source on the Internet.

May 28, 2010

Top Prep National Leaders in High School Outdoor Track and Field as of May 28, 2010

May 22, 2010

May 16, 2010

Best Marks Come From Crouser, Welch and Kraychir

Copyright © 2010 Ed Bagley

There are 8 double winners that highlight the current list of United States high school national leaders in prep track and field, but the spotlight should fall first and foremost on Sam Crouser of Oregon, Justin Welch of Ohio and Casey Kraychir of California.

All three athletes are not only leading the nation in their individual events, but also have recorded the best marks in the last 11 years (1999 to 2009).

Crouser heaved the javelin 244-feet-and-2-inches. Welch heaved the hammer 245-feet-and-4-inches. Kraychir heaved the girls hammer 194-feet-and-11-inches. Crouser also leads the nation in discus with a 205-foot-and-10-inch throw; he is one of the 8 double winners who are currently on top.

Among the boys, the Lancaster Relay team from Texas ran 3:12.41 in the 4 x 400 (48.10 average), and 3:27.36 in the sprint medley relay. Among the girls, the Polytechnic Relay team from California ran 9:00.72 in the 4 x 800 and 3:56.03 in the sprint medley.

Five other double winners among the girls were outstanding. Octavious Freeman of Florida went 11.30 in the 100 and 23.52 in the 200. Lauren Blackburn of Florida was 13.39 in the 100 hurdles and 41.08 in the 300 hurdles. Alexus Brannon of Texas long jumped 20-feet-and-3-inches, and triple jumped 42-feet-and-one-quarter-inch.

Two middle distance runners stood out. Joanna Stevens of Virginia ran a 4:48.12 mile and a 10:17.47 two-mile. Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas ran 4:45.24 for the 1600 and 10:07.15 for the 3200.

The only current leaders to repeat from the best prep marks of 2009 were Chelsey Sveinsson of Greenhill Addison High School (9:27.29 in the 3000 and 10:01.08 in the 2-mile), Sam Crouser of Gresham High School (239-feet in the javelin), and Benjamin Cardozo High School (3:39.96 in the Girls 4 x 400 relay).

Here are the rest of the current leaders:

100 – 10.37 by Keenan Brock of Washington Carver High School (HS) in Alabama.

200 – 20.82 by Sheroid Evans of Dulles HS in Texas.

400 – 46.79 by Josh Mance of Don Lugo HS in California.

800 – 1:49.61 by Tom Mallon of Central Bucks South HS in Pennsylvania.

1500 – 3:50.84 by Cole Watson of Rogue River HS in Oregon.

1600 – 4:06.54 by Ben Johnston of North Central HS in Washington.

Mile – 4:09.07 by Pat Schellberg of Delbarton HS in New Jersey.

3000 – 8:17.37 by Justin Vilhauer of Redwood HS in California.

3200 – 8:49.76 by Jake Hurysz of Eastern Alamance HS in North Carolina.

2 Mile – 9:09.48 by Colin Mearns of Jamestown HS in Virginia.

2000 Steeplechase – 6:02.00 by Kevin McKenna of Suffern HS in New York.

3000 Steeplechase – 9:28.29 by Ben Wallis of Dover HS in New Hampshire.

110 Hurdles – 13.46 by Eddie Lovett of Palm Beach Lakes HS in Florida.

300 Hurdles – 36.44 by Cody Riggs of St. Thomas Aquinas HS in Florida.

400 Hurdles – 52.89 by Barry Bethea of Eastern HS in New Jersey.

4 x 100 – 40.66 by Ellison Relay of Ellison HS in Texas.

4 x 200 – 1:24.19 by DeSoto Relay of DeSoto HS in Texas.

4 x 800 – 7:41.77 by Warwick Valley Relay of Warwick Valley HS in New York.

Distance Medley – 10:05.15 – Loyola Relay of Loyola HS in California.

High Jump – 7'04.00" by David Smith of Lovejoy HS in Georgia.

Long Jump – 24'08.50" by Rusty Borne of South Lafourche HS in Louisiana.

Triple Jump – 51'05.75" by Mark Jackson of Taylor HS in Texas.

Pole Vault – 17'06.00" by Michael Woepse of Mater Dai HS in California.

Shot Put – 72'10.50" by Nick Vena of Morristown HS in New Jersey.

Hammer – 245'04.00" by Justin Welch of Eastwood HS in Ohio.

400 – 52.92 by Diamond Dixon of Westside HS in Texas.

800 – 2:05.76 by Laura Roesler of South Fargo HS in North Dakota.

1500 – 4:25.05 by Marielle Hall of Haddonfield Memorial HS in New Jersey.

3000 – 9:34.52 by Emily Lipari of Roslyn HS in New York.

2000 Steeplechase – 6:57.20 by Brianna Nerud of North Shore HS in New York.

3000 Steeplechase – No Girls Competition in This Event.

400 Hurdles – Leah Nugent of Abington HS in Pennslyvania.

4 x 100 – 45.68 by Rancho Verde Relay of Rancho Verde HS in California.

4 x 200 – 1:35.75 by Westbury Relay of Westbury HS in Texas.

4 x 400 – 3:41.62 by Benjamin Cardozo Relay of Benjamin Cardozo HS in New York.

Distance Medley – 11:38.69 by Blacksburg Relay of Blacksburg HS in Virginia.

High Jump – 6'01.00" by Hannah Willms of Dike-New Hartford HS in Iowa.

Pole Vault – 13'08.25" by Merritt Grace Van Meter of Country Day HS in Louisiana.

Shot Put – 49'11.00" by Kearsten Peoples of Ottawa HS in Kansas.

Discus – 180'09.00" by Alex Collatz of Stockdale HS in California.

Javelin – 171'09.00" by Hannah Carson of Chandler HS in Arizona.

Hammer – 194'11.00" by Casey Kraychir of Twentynine Palms HS in California.

These marks are for United States high school athletes as of 5-16-10. All races and field events are in meters except the mile and 2-mile runs. Some of these marks are wind-aided; I am not fussing with this factor as these marks are, in many cases, temporary.

The primary source of these statistics are from dyestat.com, the most authoritative source on the Internet.

It should come as no surprise that among the 57 marks, the Top 5 states represented include Texas with 14, California 9, New York 5, and a three-way tie between New Jersey, Florida and Virginia with 4 apiece.

Why? The population in California is 40 million, Texas 25 million, New York 20, Florida 19, New Jersey 9 and Virginia 8. Put them together and that's 121 million, easily more than a third (39%) of the total United States population of 307 million.

The state with a representative with the smallest population was North Dakota, a scant 647,000. Only two states—Vermont and Wyoming—have a smaller population among the 50 states.

March 18, 2010

Breaks Eamonn Coghlan's Record

Copyright © 2010 Ed Bagley

There are certain moments in track and field history that merit our attention, and this is one of them.

An obscure runner from Kenya—Bernard Lagat—comes to America, and graduates from Washington State University in 2000. He wins the Bronze Medal in the 1500 meter run for Kenya at the 2000 Olympics, wins the Silver Medal in the 1500 meter run for Kenya at the 2004 Olympics, and becomes a naturalized citizen of the United States in 2004.

Now he owns the Wanamaker Mile, and has become "The Chairman of the Boards" at Madison Square Garden, home of the greatest indoor track meet in the world—the Millrose Games.

Last year Lagat tied Irishman Eamonn Coghlan's 7 Wanamaker Mile wins at the Millrose Games. This year he smashed it at the 103rd Millrose Games in a race that looked close until Lagat unleashed an awesome kick on the first turn of the final lap and blew by 2008 1500-meter Olympic Silver Medalist Asbel Kiprop of Kenya.

Lagat's move was so stunning, so quick and so dominant that Kiprop had no answer, and Englishman Andy Baddeley, who could have been a threat, was not. Lagat coasted home unrivaled in 3:56.34. Two years ago he rocketed past Aussie Craig Mottram to win his 6th race, and last year he blew by New Zealander Nick Willis to tie Coghlan's 7-win career record.

Speed has never been an issue for Bernard Lagat. In another race, Lagat said, "I was very confident when it came down to my kick. I knew I could kick even a 25 (second split) for the last 200." In a middle distance race, that, folks, is speed.

You must also realize that the famous Madison Square Garden track is only 145 meters, and is made of wood with steep banks. Without phenomenal speed, it is almost impossible to pass from the outside lanes, especially on the turns. But Lagat is a savvy veteran of the boards, and with his win, rightfully claims the well-deserved title of "The Chairman of the Boards" at the world's most famous track during the world's most famous indoor track competition.

A week after his triumphant 8th Wanamaker Mile victory, Lagat set the American indoor record for the 5000 meters—13:11.50—while winning at the Boston Reebok Indoor Games. If you are wondering, that's averaging 4:15 a mile (5000 meters is 3.1 miles).

The ever-improving American Galen Rupp, a graduate of the famous University of Oregon program, would finish 4th in 13:14.21, a personal best in the 5000. Rupp is 11 years younger than Bernard Lagat, and light years behind Lagat in international, world-class running experience.

Lagat also holds the American indoor record for the mile in 3:49.89. In that same race, he smashed the American indoor 1500-meter record by posting a 3:33.34; he would later set the American outdoor 1500-meter record by running 3:29.30. Lagat's best outdoor 5000-meter run is 12:59.22 (that's averaging 4:11 a mile).

Lagat's best outdoor mile is 3:47.28 (that's running an average of 4 consecutive quarters in less than 57 seconds).

So meet American citizen Bernard Lagat—he's fast, famous and fatal to competition on the last turn. Kenya's loss in this case is America's gain. We do not currently have a finer middle-distance runner than Bernard Lagat, and he is not finished competing.

December 21, 2009 – 2nd Article

The Frank Litsky Saga

Marc Bloom Pays Tribute to The New York Times' Legendary Track and Field Writer

(Ed's Note: Frank Litsky, legendary sportswriter for the New York Times who covered track and field for more than a half-century, has officially retired from the news business, and his long association with the New York Track Writers Association. Marc Bloom wrote a tribune to Litsky that I am posting here. Litsky's retirement letter follows Bloom's tribute to Litsky, and Frank's contributions to the world of track and field.)

Forty-some years ago, when I was a young reporter barely out of high school, I would walk through the Penn Relays press box furtively glancing at the copy of the masters like Jesse Abramson of the Herald Tribune and Frank Litsky of The New York Times.

I would take note of Frank's crisp, staccato style--which thankfully he maintained throughout his career despite the influence of other, less compact styles—but, learn as I did, I could never manage to write with such pure thrift.

I got to see more of Frank in action when Jim Dunaway took me under his wing and made sure I attended the weekly luncheon meetings of the New York Track Writers Association at Mama Leone's restaurant.

As a teenager with eyes wide open, I was mesmerized by the search-for-the-truth tenor of the gathering, which, in those days, served as an honest-to-goodness press conference with hard questions being asked, and harder follow-ups.

Watching how pros like Frank approached track and field, then a major sport, was illuminating to a cub reporter in the mid-sixties. Seeing the reporters debate the issues, or the finer points of a long lost record, was also illuminating.

Those early luncheons were my Woodward-and-Bernstein moment: I had to be a track writer. Besides, where else was a Jewish kid from Brooklyn going to get prosciutto-and-melon and spaghetti with real marinara sauce?

Within a few years I got to work with Frank when he supervised the Times Sunday sports pages and I contributed columns on various subjects (including why I disdained the Super Bowl) plus meet coverage.

I remember being at Randalls Island one Saturday for a meet and calling Frank for instructions on story length and so forth. I felt like I was talking to Abe Rosenthal himself. As my work progressed at the Times, Frank always had words of support and a nice comment about something I'd written.

I continued attending the track luncheons regularly for decades, letting go a few years ago when they seemed to be mostly PR events with little journalistic inquiry. Frank never had much patience for PR, and I can recall his eye-rolling expressions even years ago when a promoter would go on forever with his schpiel.

But perhaps my greatest thrill way back when came at a mid-sixties Penn Relays that I covered for my college newspaper. I was late finishing up and needed a ride home. I ended up having dinner with Jesse, Frank and others, hanging on every word while just trying to keep my mouth shut. And somehow or other, after being dropped off, Frank and I ended up on the New York subway together around midnight, after the early editions had already hit the street.

Here is Frank Litsky's Letter:

Since the mid-1930's or even earlier, the New York Track Writers Association and its members have played an effective role in telling the world of the glories of the sport and of its occasional dark side.

In weekly luncheon meetings at Mama Leone's, the New York Athletic Club, Carnegie Deli, DaTommaso's Ristorante and other places, news has been created and disseminated.

The greats of the sport have been our guests and newsmakers: Jim Ryun, Mary Slaney, Igor Ter-Ovanesyan, Valery Brumel, Harrison Dillard, Fanny Blankers-Koen, Jumbo Elliott, Bob Giegengack, Dr. LeRoy Walker, Fred Schmertz, Madeline Manning, Billy Mills, Al Oerter, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, John Woodruff, Eamonn Coghlan, Bernard Lagat, and, as a bonus, Prince Albert of Monaco. These are from memory. There are many more.

Under the firm hand of Jesse Abramson of The New York Herald Tribune, the consummate track and field writer and the mentor to all of us of a certain era, the organization thrived. But then there were seven daily newspapers in the city, five meets on five successive winter weekends at Madison Square Garden, high-level relay meets galore in the spring and weekly meetings from January to June.

The landscape has changed. Now there are fewer meets, fewer newspapers, more pro teams in more sports leading to less space for track and field. Attendance at Track Writers Association luncheons has dropped over the years, partly because of the diminished interest in the sport and diminished outlets. The sport and its public image need many shots in the arm.

Meanwhile, I have been spending less time with the sport. I retired last year after 50 years with The New York Times and 61-1/2 years in the business over all. Last month, I underwent quadruple bypass surgery.

I still love the sport and will stay with it forever, but the Track Writers Association needs as much revitalization as possible. That is for younger people to achieve. Accordingly, after 40 years as president of the Track Writers Association, I am retiring as of this date.

I thank all of you for your help and interest and encouragement over the years.

Frank Litsky

August 30, 2009

Track and Field:

Bernard Lagat Fails to Win, But Does Gain Back Some Respect at World Championships

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

After winning both the 1500 meter and 5,000 meter titles at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan, Bernard Lagat set his sights on a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. At Osaka he became the first athlete to double in the 1500 and 5,000 at a world championship meet.

The Kenyan-born Lagat had become a naturalized U. S. citizen in 2005, and was ready to win gold for his newly adopted country. An injured Achilles tendon left him with no medals at Beijing. His next target was the recently completed 2009 World Championships at Berlin.

Unfortunately, his fellow Kenyans and many other African runners were not happy with his becoming a U. S. citizen, and showed their displeasure in the 1,500-meter run at Berlin, purposely blocking in Lagat against the rail when it came to final finish. Ten runners had a chance to win in the final stretch. Lagat had to fight his way away from the rail and still finished 3rd in 3:36.20 to claim the Bronze Medal.

Yusuf Saad Kamel of Bahrain won in 3:35.93, and Deresse Mekonnen of Ethiopia was runner-up in 3:36.01. Two Kenyans followed Lagat. There were 8 Africans among the 12 runners (not including Lagat); such is the state of middle and long-distance running in world competition.

Lagat was spiked in the prelims of the 5,000, but ran in the finals anyway with a bandaged leg and ankle, picking up the Silver Medal, and almost beating Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele, who won in 13:17.09. Both Lagat and Bekele ran the last lap of the 5,000 in 53 and change.

For one brief, fleeting moment, Lagat pulled ahead in the stretch but Bekele's foot speed was better as Lagat was nipped by 24-hundredths of a second, finishing in 13:17.33. For the record, Bekele is 27, and Lagat is 34, 7.5 years older.

America's middle distance runners have not had many moments to celebrate. Former University of Oregon star Galen Rupp, a favorite of American fans, is an example.

Rupp ran a season-best 27:37.99 in the 10,000 meters, but finished 8th and was 51 seconds behind Kenenisa Bekele, who won in 26:46.31. Bekele became the first runner to double in the 5,000 and 10,000 at a world championship meet.

While Lagat and Rupp did not win gold at Berlin, other American competitors did.

Among the men, Christian Cantwell won the shot put, Dwight Phillips the long jump, Hardee Trey the decathlon, Kerron Clement the 400-meter hurdles (47.91), LaShawn Merritt the 400 meters (44.06), and the American 4x400 relay team won in 2:57.86 with Angelo Taylor, Jeremy Wariner, Kerron Clement and LaShawn Merritt.

Among the women, Brittney Reese won the long jump, Allyson Felix the 200 meters (22.02), Sanya Richards the 400 meters (49.00), and the American 4x400 relay team won in 3:17.83 with Debbie Dunn, Allyson Felix, Lashinda Demus and Sanya Richards.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt proved his 2008 Beijing Olympic world-record wins in the 100 and 200-meter dashes were no fluke. Bolt lowered both of his world records by taking the 100 in 9:58 (becoming the first man to ever run under 9.6) and the 200 in 19.19 (becoming the first man to ever run under 19.2).

Is Usain Bolt THE greatest sprinter of all time? Well, yes, without a doubt. His only doubters might be the runners he beat on the way to the records.

August 5, 2009

Roger Vergin and Carol Bichon Jackson Shine at the 2009 West Sound Senior Games

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Two young at heart athletes—Roger Vergin and Carol Bichon Jackson—came not just to compete but to win events at the 2009 West Sound Senior Games in Bremerton (WA).

Vergin (competing in the 70-74 age group) won gold medals in the Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, 50-meter dash, 100, 200 and 400. His 27-09 (27-feet-9-inches) in the Triple Jump was the best leap of the day among all competitors in all age-groups, and every one of his events were contested.

Carol Bichon Jackson (60-64) took home 5 gold medals for the Discus, Shot Put, 50, 100 and 200, and was runner-up in the 400.

Bob Sheedy (65-69) was the only athlete of the day to make a clean sweep of all 5 field events, winning gold in the Shot Put, Discus, Long Jump, Triple Jump and High Jump. His 4-07 High Jump leap was the best mark of the day. He was also contested in all 5 events.

John Lax (50-54) won the most gold—8 medals in the Shot Put, Discus, High Jump, 50, 100, 200, 800 and 1,500—but only 3 of his 8 victories were contested.

Ruggles Larson (75-79) deserved an Iron Man Award after winning the Shot Put, Discus, Long Jump and Triple Jump, being runner-up in the 50 and 100, and finishing 3rd High Jump and 200. He was contested in 6 of his 8 events.

Among the other top event performances of the day for the men included Christopher Penoyar (55-59) in the Shot Put (43-07) and Discus (106-07), Rick Tomlinson (50-54) in the Long Jump (13-09), Steven Joyner (55-59) in the 50 (6.9) and 100 (12.4), Michael LaPointe (55-59) in the 200 (29.2), and Daryl Schruhl (55-59) in the 400 (70.2), 800 (2:48) and 1,500 (5:54.2).

For Schruhl, it was a clean distance sweep in the 400, 800 and 1,500, and all victories were top performances of the day.

Among the other top event performances of the day for the women included Jennifer Hogan (50-54) in the Discus (65.11) and Shot Put (27-09.5), Susan Hesselgrave (50-54) in the 800 (3:38.5) and 1,500 (7:37.3), Fran Melzer (70-74) in the Long Jump (9-04), and Debbie Dohrmann (55-59) in the 100 (17.7).

Melzer also won the Discus and Shot Put, and was contested in all events. Dohrmann won gold in the Discus, Shot Put and 50, but was uncontested in all 4 events.

One of the more contested events of the day was the 800 which Hesselgrave took in 3:38.5. Carol Mus was runner-up to Hesselgrave in 3:38.7, a scant two-tenths of a second—that is a close finish in the 800.

August 3, 2009

Henry James Led All Performers at the 2009 Washington State Senior Games' Track & Field Meet

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Let there be no doubt about who was the star in the Track & Field venue at the 2009 Washington State Senior Games. Henry James literally knocked the socks off of his 50-54 age-group competition in the 400 and 800-meter runs, clocking 55.17 for the 400, and 2:03.55 in the 800.

James electrified onlookers with his performance, smashing Bob Prather's 2:11.11 mark in the 800 to set a new Senior Games record. Last year James set the record in the 400 with a 54.83 clocking.

James, who lives in Bellingham, is a late bloomer. He apparently was middle distance runner who attracted little attention while running for Everett High School. He graduated from Western Washington University in Bellingham with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Computer Science and Business Administration, but did not compete in college.

He began running again in 2001, thinking he would try a marathon, and joined a training group where he met and made some friends. One of his friends pointed out to him that he had some foot speed. He stopped training for a few years and then started again last year. This year was his second effort in seniors' competition.

James said he knew he was rounding into shape at the right time as he ran the 800 in 2:16 three weeks ago, followed that up with a 2:07 a week ago and then unleashed his 2:03.55 record-setter at this year's Games in Tumwater (WA).

In chatting with Henry James after his performance, he was effusive about the camaraderie he has experienced being around older runners who just cannot give up the sport they love.

Charles Brocato (65-69 age group) of Gig Harbor had a great day as he went triple gold, turning in some great times while winning the 50 (7.62), 100 (13.68) and 200 (29.14).

Among the men, the other best times of the day were recorded by David Ortman (50-54) of Seattle in the 50 (6.74), Steve Worley (55-59) of Salem (OR) in the 100 (13.27), Steve Joyner (55-59) of Bremerton in the 200 (27.06), and Ray Prentice (50-54) of Normandy Park in the 1,500 (4:39.64).

Among the women, best times of the day were recorded by Lynne Clewell (65-69) of Seattle in the 50 (8.75) and 100 (17.07), Shannon Houlihan (50-54) of Olympia in the 200 (36.79), and Susan Hasselgrave (50-54) of Vashon in the 400 (1.29.44), 800 (3:21.39) and 1,500 (7:41.6). Both Clewell and Hasselgrave went triple gold as Clewell also won the 200 in her age-group.

Joyce Trader (70-74) of Seattle also went triple-gold, winning the 50, 100 and 200.

Best times in the 5,000 (5K) were recorded by Rand Iversen (60-64) of Elma (20:00—6:27 per mile) and Jacqueline Jordan (55-59) of Bellevue (24:03—7.45), and in the 10,000 (10K) by Russ Otani (50-54) of Lynnwood (39:56—6:26) and Karen Schoessel (55-59) of Olympia (46:46—7:33). Jordan also was triple gold after winning the 400 and 800 in her age-group.

Among the men jumpers, best leaps of the day were recorded by Steve Worley (55-59) of Salem (OR) in the Long Jump (16-04), Richard Neidhardt of Olympia (50-54) in the Triple Jump (30-04.25), Dan Cole (60-64) of Olympia in the High Jump (4-11.75), and Louis Baucom of La Center and William Shugart of Seattle (both 50-54) in the Pole Vault (13-0).

Among the women throwers, best efforts of the day included Jennifer Hogan (50-54) of Tacoma in the Discus (65-0), Hogan again in the Javelin (63-02), and Hogan again in the Shot Put (25-10.50)—and yes, Hogan went triple gold, and Susan Hinz (60-64) of Pullman in the Weight Throw (33-07).

Fran Melzer (70-74) had two outstanding throws of 60-05 (60-feet-5-inches) in the Discus and 32-11 in the women's Weight Throw; she won both events in her age-group. Melzer is an Olympia-area track supporter, participator and organizer of the first order. She is also a member of the Diehards Track & Field Club, which is primarily made up of jumpers and throwers but will also accept runners.

Debbie Dohrmann (55-59) of Olympia picked up 5 gold medals in the Discus, Javelin, Shot Put, Weight Throw and Superweight Throw. Dohrmann was the iron-woman of the day, having been runner-up in the 50 and 100. She is also a member of the Diehards Club.

Among the men throwers, best efforts included absolutely outstanding throws by Peter LaBarge (70-74) of Dallas (TX) in the Discus (134-01), and by Robert Ward (70-74) of Portland (OR) in the Shot Put (46-11)—notice their age, Gary Stenlund (65-69) of Battle Ground in the Javelin (151-0), George Matthews (65-69) of Hayden Lake (ID) in the Weight Throw (60-11.75), and another absolutely outstanding throw by Harvey Lewellen (80-84) of Springfield (OR) in the Superweight Throw (32-01.25).

If you think seniors are an easy mark, I would not suggest trying to beat up aging Harvey Lewellen; he just might throw his attacker several feet though the air, and then slap them silly for even thinking about attacking him.

July 29, 2009

Current USA High School Boys Track and Field Records Through July 2009 – Part 1

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Here are the current USA High School Boys Track and Field Records through July 2009. This list gives every high school runner, jumper and thrower an idea of what it takes to become a world-class athlete at the prep level.

Some of these record-holders have just completed their senior season and are likely headed for college competition somewhere. They include hurdler Reggie Wyatt, long jumper Marquis Goodwin, discus thrower Mason Finley, hammer thrower Conor McCullough, decathlon athlete Curtis Beach, and relay speedsters Andrew Hendrix and brother Anthony Hendrix.

The list of names from the past and their performances is amazing, and they have become household names in the track and field community worldwide. They include Alan Webb, Galen Rupp, and more recently German Fernandez.

USA Boys High School Boys Track and Field Records

100 Meters – 10.01 in 2008 by Jeff Demps of South Lake High School in Groveland (FL).

200 – 20.13 in 1985 by Roy Martin of Roosevelt High School in Dallas (TX).

400 – 44.69 in 1982 by Darrell Robinson of Wilson High School in Tacoma (WA).

800 – 1:46.45 in 1996 by Michael Granville of Bell Gardens (CA) High School.

1,000 – 2:24.79 in 2003 by Bobby Curtis of St. Xavier High School in Louisville (KY).

1,500 – 3:38.26 in 2001 by Alan Webb of South Lakes High School in Reston (VA).

Mile – 3:53.43 in 2001 by Alan Webb of South Lakes High School in Reston (VA).

2,000 – 5:18.50 in 2004 by Galen Rupp of Central Catholic High School in Portland (OR).

3,000 Steeplechase – 8:50.10 in 1979 by Jeff Hess of Eugene (OR) High School.

3,000 – 7:59.83 in 2008 by German Fernandez of Riverbank (CA) High School.

2 Miles – 8:34.40 in 2008 by German Fernandez of Riverbank (CA) High School.

5,000 – 13:37.91 in 2004 by Galen Rupp of Central Catholic High School in Portland (OR).

10,000 – 28:32.70 in 1976 by Rudy Chapa of Hammond (IN) High School.

110 Hurdles – 13.30 in 1990 by Chris Nelloms of Dunbar High School in Dayton (OH).

300 Hurdles – 35.02 in 2009 by Reggie Wyatt of La Sierra High School in Riverside (CA).

400 Hurdles – 49.38 in 2002 by Ken Ferguson of Mumford High School in Detroit (MI).

4x100 Relay – 39.76 in 1998 by Milton Wesley, Montie Clopton, Michael Franklin and DeMario Wesley of Wyatt High School in Ft. Worth (TX).

4x200 Relay – 1:23.31 in 1998 by Milton Wesley, Montie Clopton, Michael Franklin and DeMario Wesley of Wyatt High School in Ft. Worth (TX).

4x400 Relay – 3:07.40 in 1985 by Michael Graham 48.1, Mike Marsh 47.7, Sean Kelly 47.1 and Henry Thomas 44.5 of Hawthorne (CA) High School.

4x800 Relay – 7:30.67 in 2009 by Garrett Bradley 1:55.43, Zach Vrhovac 1:50.57, Luke Noble 1:55.34 and Anthony Kostelac 1:49.33 of Albemarle High School in Charlottesville (VA).

4x1,500 Relay – 16:03.70 in 2002 by Eric Mason 4:05.6, John Chambers 4:05.1, Will Kimball 3:58.5 and Matt McGuirk 3:54.5 of South High School in Eugene (OR).

4xMile Relay – 17:06.6 in 1976 by Dirk Lakeman 4:16.9, Chris Nielsen 4:19.7, Bill McChesney 4:11.8 and John Gustafson 4:18.2 of South High School in Eugene (OR).

Sprint Medley – 3:19.58 in 2009 by Fuquawn Greene 21.5, Miles Sparks 21.8, Andrew Hendrix 46.6 and Anthony Hendrix 1:49.7 of New Bern (Track East Carolina) High School in New Bern, NC.

Distance Medley – 9:49.78 in 2001 by Richard Smith 3:03.2, Justin Smyser 50.2, Kanda Karmo 1:56.6 and Alan Webb 3:59.80 of South Lakes High School in Reston (VA).

4x110 Hurdles – 56.32 in 2004 by Dennis Martin 13.9, Brandon Brown 13.8, Martez Brown 14.2 and Mauricus Brown 14.4 of Westside High School in Anderson (SC).

High Jump – 7-07 in 2002 by Andra Manson of Brenham (TX) High School.

Pole Vault – 18-02.75 in 2003 by Tommy Skipper of Sandy (OR) High School.

Long Jump – 26-10 in 2009 by Marquis Goodwin of Rowlett (TX) High School.

Triple Jump – 54-10.25 in 2004 by Kenny Hall of Tara High School in Baton Rouge (LA).

Shot Put – 81-03.25 in 1979 by Michael Carter of Jefferson High School in Dallas (TX).

Discus – 236-06 in 2009 by Mason Finley of Buena Vista (CO) High School.

Hammer – 260-00 in 2008 by Conor McCullough of Chaminade High School in West Hills (CA).

Javelin – 241-11 in 1988 by Tommi Viskari of Amsterdam (NY) High School.

Decathlon – 7,909 in 2009 by Curtis Beach of Academy High School in Albuquerque (NM).

Marathon – 2:23.47 in 1973 by Mitch Kingery of San Carlos (CA) High School.

(Editor's Note: This is Part 1 of a 2-Part Series.)

July 30, 2009

Current USA High School Girls Track and Field Records Through July 2009 – Part 2

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Here are the current USA High School Girls Track and Field Records through July 2009. This list gives every high school runner, jumper and thrower an idea of what it takes to become a world-class athlete at the prep level.

Some of these record-holders have just completed their senior season and are likely headed for college competition somewhere. They include middle distance runner Jordan Hasay, steeplechaser Shelby Greany, high jumper Toni Young, and discus thrower Anna Jelmini.

The list of names from the past and their performances is amazing, and they have become household names in the track and field community worldwide. They include Allyson Felix, Sanya Richards, Kim Gallagher, Polly Plumer, and more recently Christine Babcock.

USA High School Girls Track & Field Records

100 – 11.11 in 1998 by Angela Williams of Chino (CA) High School.

200 – 22.51 in 2003 by Allyson Felix of Los Angeles Baptist HS in North Hills (CA). Felix also had a 22.11 at altitude in Mexico City, Mexico.

400 – 50.69 in 2002 by Sanya Richards of St. Aquinas HS in Ft. Lauderdale (FL).

800 – 2:00.07 in 1982 by Kim Gallagher of Upper Dublin HS in Ft. Washington (PA).

1,500 – 4:14.50 in 2008 by Jordan Hasay of Mission HS in San Luis Obispo (CA).

Mile – 4:35.24 in 1982 by Polly Plumer of University HS in Irvine (CA).

3,000 Steeplechase – 10:15.26 in 2006 by Mel Lawrence of Reno (NV) HS.

3,000 – 9:08.60 in 1975 by Lynn Bjorklund of Los Alamos (NM) HS.

2 Miles – 10:01.08 in 2002 by Molly Huddle of Norte Dame HS in Elmira (NY).

5,000 – 15:52.88 in 2004 by Caitlin Chock of Granite Bay (CA) HS.

10,000 – 32:52.5 in 1979 by Mary Shea of Cardinal Gibbons HS in Raleigh (NC).

100 Hurdles – 12.95 in 1979 by Candy Young of Beaver Falls (PA) HS.

300 Hurdles – 39.98 in 2001 by Lashinda Demus of Wilson HS in Long Beach (CA).

400 Hurdles – 55.20 in 1984 by Leslie Maxie of Mills HS in Millbrae (CA).

4x100 Relay – 44.50 in 2004 by Shana Solomon, Jasmine Lee, Chanda Picott and Shalonda Solomon of Poly HS in Long Beach (CA).

4x200 Relay – 1:33.87 in 2004 by Shana Solomon 24.2, Jasmine Lee 23.3, Shana Woods 23.4 and Shalonda Solomon 23.0 of Poly HS in Long Beach (CA).

4x400 Relay – 3:35.49 in 2004 by Shana Woods 55.7, DeShanta Harris 55.6, Jasmine Lee 52.6 and Shalonda Solomon 51.6 of Poly HS in Long Beach (CA).

4x800 Relay – 8:43.12 in 2008 by Dominique Lockhart 2:13.0, Amirah Johnson 2:08.6, Brittany Ogunomokun 2:11.9 and Tasha Stanley 2:09.6 of Roosevelt HS in Greenbelt (MD).

4x1,500 Relay – 18:52.5 in 1982 by Laura Sauerwein 4:48.7, Polly Plumer 4:28.1, Judy McLaughlin 4:55.7 and Terea Barrios 4:40.5 of University HS in Irvine (CA).

4xMile Relay – 19:56.75 in 2006 by Christy Goldman 5:08.7, Shelby Greany 5:01.8, Caroline Heidt 4:52.3 and Kara McKenna 4:53.9 of Suffern (NY) HS.

800 Medley – 1:38.73 in 2003 by Shana Solomon, Dominique Dorsey, Jasmine Lee and Shalonda Solomon 51.4 of Poly HS in Long Beach (CA).

Sprint Medley – 3:51.90 in 2007 by Afia Charles, Doris Anyanwu, Takecia Jameson and Marika Walker 2:06.7 of Roosevelt HS in Greenbelt (MD).

Distance Medley – 11:31.81 in 2008 by Tori Pennings 3:33.2, Kristen Jados 57.3, Claire Pettit 2:11.3 and Lillian Greibesland 4:50.0 of Warwick Valley HS in Warwick (NY).

4x100 Hurdles – 57.49 in 2003 by Gayle Hunter, Dominique Manning, Lili Calhoun and Ashlee Brown of North HS in Riverside (CA).

High Jump – 6-04 in 2009 by Tori Young of Del City (OK) HS, and in 1993 by Amy Acuff of Calallen HS in Corpus Christi (TX).

Pole Vault – 14-01.25 in 2007 by Tori Anthony of Castilleja HS in Palo Alto (CA). Anthony also had an indoor vault of 14-02.50 in 2007.

Long Jump – 22-03 in 1976 by Kathy McMillan of Hoke County HS in Raeford (NC).

Triple Jump – 44-11.75 in 2004 by Brittany Daniels of West HS in Tracy (CA).

Shot Put – 54-10.75 in 2003 by Michelle Carter of Red Oak (TX) HS.

Discus – 190-03 in 2009 by Anna Jelmini of Shafter (CA) HS.

Hammer – 201-07 in 1998 by Maureen Griffin of Pocatello (ID) HS.

Javelin – 176-05 in 2005 by Rachel Yurkovich of Newberg (OR) HS.

Heptathlon – 5,533 in 2006 by Shana Woods of Poly HS in Long Beach (CA).

Marathon – 2:34.24 in 1984 by Cathy Schiro of Dover (NH) HS.

(Editor's Note: This is Part 2 of a 2-Part Series.)

July 27, 2009

Best 2009 USA High School Track and Field Performances Feature 10 New Records

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Ten new records were set this season when the automatic timers finally stopped and the best 2009 USA high school track and field competitive performances were in the books.

The only double record-setter was not an individual, but the Track East Carolina relay team made up of New Bern High School sprinters from Raleigh (NC). Their 3:19.58 effort in the 1,600 sprint medley relay swept away the old mark of 3:21.1 with Fuquawn Greene's 21.5 and Miles Sparks' 21.8 in the 200, Andrew Hendrix's 46.6 in the 400 and brother Anthony Hendrix's 1:49.7 in the 800.

Track East Carolina also set the 800 sprint medley relay record with a 1:28.20 clocking that erased the old mark of 1:28.43. The absolute dominance of the Track East Carolina team was shown as they also ran the nation's fastest times in the 4x200 relay and the 4x400 relay.

Albemarle High School's 4x800 relay team also got into the act by setting a new standard of 7:30.67, wiping out the old mark of 7:32.89. Albemarle's 800 runners were fast and deep—Garrett Bradley went 1:55.43, Zach Vrhovac 1:50.57, Luke Noble 1:55.34 and Anthony Kostelac 1:49.33.

The other 7 new USA high school records were set by Reggie Wyatt in the 300 hurdles (35.02), Marquise Goodwin in the long jump (26-10), Mason Finley in the discus (236-06), Curtis Beach in the decathlon (7,466), Shelby Greany in the 2,000 steeplechase (6:33.7), Toni Young in the high jump (6-04), and Anna Jelmini in the discus (190-03).

Last year the two dominant athletes were German Fernandez and Jordan Hasay. Fernandez set new records in the 3,000 and 3,200 and led all comers in the 1,500, 1,600 and mile. Hasay set a new record in the 1,500 and led all comers in the 3,000, 3,200 and 2 mile.

This year college recruiters saw more quality athletes emerge. Among of the boys were Andrew Springer who led everyone in the 1,500, 1,600 and mile; Trevor Dunbar who was first in the 3,000 and 2 mile; Lucas Verzbickas, a freshman who led the 3,200 and 2 mile; and Marquise Goodwin in the long jump.

Among the girls were Chelsey Sveinsson, a sophomore who led the nation in the 3,000 and 2 mile; Kori Carter who swept the 100 and 300 hurdles; and Ciarra Brewer, a sophomore in the triple jump.

Two of last year's outstanding graduates—German Fernandez and Christine Babcock—continued to perform at a national caliber level as college freshmen. Fernandez went to Oklahoma State and promptly became the NCAA Division 1 champion in the 1,500, running 3:39.00 compared to his high school best of 3:44.8.

Babcock went to the University of Washington and, combined with incoming freshman and Canadian junior national cross-country champion Kendra Schaaf, led the Huskies to their first ever NCAA Division 1 Cross-Country Championship. Babcock finished 5th in 20:02 in team competition at the 2008 NCAA Championship meet and Schaaf finished 9th.

Babcock ran 4:33.82 last year to set the new national high school record for the 1600-meter run and clocked 4:35.41 in the mile, the 2nd best high school time ever (the national record is 4:35.24).

Here are the current United States high school track and field records through 2008 followed by the best performances by high school competitors during 2009:

USA Boys High School Track and Field Records and Best 2009 Performances:

100 Meters: – 10.01 - 10.30 by Randall Carroll of Cathedral High School in Los Angeles (CA).

200 – 20.13 - 20.58 by Dentarius Locke of Chamberlain High School in Tampa (FL).

400 – 44.69 - 45.48 by Tavaris Tate of Starkville (MS) High School.

Other elite prep sprinters include Andre Carter, Kenneth Gilstrap, Prezel Hardy, Blake Heriot, Qunicy McDuffie, Ryan Milus and Clayton Parros.

800 – 1:46.45 - 1:48.66 by Robby Andrews of Manalapan (NJ) High School.

1,500 – 3:38.26 - 3:45.46 by Andrew Springer of Westerly (RI) High School.

1,600 – 3:53.43 - 4:01.06 by Andrew Springer of Westerly (RI) High School.

Mile – 3:53.43 - 4:02.70 by Andrew Springer of Westerly (RI) High School.

3,000 – 7:59.83 - 8:14.11 by Trevor Dunbar of Kodiak (AK) High School.

3,200 – 8:36.30 - 8:50.70 by Lucas Verzbickas of Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox (IL).

2 Mile – 8:34.40 - 8:49.79 by Trevor Dunbar of Kodiak (AK) High School.

Other elite prep distance runners include Mac Fleet, Elijah Greer, Patrick McGregor, Zachary Mellon, Chris Stogsdill and Zachary Wills.

2,000 Steeplechase – 5:43.90 - 5:53.13 by Alex Dier of Honeoye Falls (NY) High School.

3,000 Steeplechase – 8:50.01 - 9:09.97 by Joe Whelen of Hamburg (NY) High School.

5,000 – 13:37.91 - 14:18.42 by Lucas Verzbickas of Lincoln-Way Central High School in New Lenox (IL).

10,000 – 28:32.7 – 31:18.13 by Parker Stinson of Cedar Park (TX) High School.

110 Hurdles – 13.30 - 13.31 by Wayne Davis of Southeast High School in Raleigh (NC).

300 Hurdles – 35.28 – 35.02 by Reggie Wyatt of La Sierra High School in Riverside (CA). New USA High School Record.

400 Hurdles – 49.38 - 49.78 by Reggie Wyatt of La Sierra High School in Riverside (CA).

Other elite prep hurdlers include Kelby Dias, Kendall Hayes, Camern LaCour, Dale Morgan, Cody Riggs, Jordan Rispress, Tyler Stephenson and Neamen Wise.

4x100 Relay – 39.76 - 40.54 by Monsignor Pace High School in Miami (FL).

4x200 Relay – 1:23.31 - 1:24.80 by Track East Carolina of New Bern (NC) High School.

4x400 Relay – 3:07.40 - 3:08.05 by Track East Carolina of New Bern (NC) High School.

4x800 Relay – 7:32.89 - 7:30.67 by Albemarle High School of Charlottesville (VA). New USA High School Record.

4x1 Mile Relay – 17:06.06 - 17:17.21 by The Woodlands (TX) High School.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:28.43 - 1:28.20 by Track East Carolina of New Bern (NC) High School. New USA High School Record.

1,600 Sprint Medley Relay – 3:21.10 - 3:19.58 by Track East Carolina of New Bern (NC) High School. New USA High School Record.

4,000 Distance Medley Relay – 9:49.78 - 9:55.17 by The Woodlands (TX) High School.

High Jump – 7-07 - 7-05.75 by James White of Grandview (MO) High School.

Pole Vault – 18-03 - 18-00.25 by Jack Whitt of Norman North High School in Norman (OK).

Long Jump – 26-09.25 - 26-10 by Marquise Goodwin of Rowlett (TX) High School. New USA High School Record.

Triple Jump – 54-10.25 - 52-06.25 by Bryce Lamb of Chandler (AZ) High School.

Other elite prep jumpers include Chase Cooper, Damar Forbes, Ricardo Jaquite, Erik Kynard, Ricky Robertson and Hammed Suleman.

Shot Put – 81-03.50 - 72-08 by Nick Vena of Morristown (NJ) High School.

Discus – 234-03 - 236-06 by Mason Finley of Buena Vista (CO) High School. New USA High School Record.

Javelin – 241-11 – 239-00 by Sam Crouser of Gresham (OR) High School.

Hammer – 260-00 - 256-09 by Conor McCullough of Chaminade High School in West Hills (CA).

Other elite prep throwers include Hayden Baillio, Devin Bogert, Matt Kosecki, Stephen Saenz, Justin Shirk and Cameron Tabor.

Decathlon – 7,359 – 7,466 by Curtis Beach of Academy High School in Albuquerque (NM). New USA High School Record Using International Implements and Hurdles.

USA Girls High School Track and Field Records and Best 2009 Performances:

100 – 11.11 - 11.30 by Chalonda Goodman of Newnan (GA) High School.

200 – 22.11 - 22.94 by Chalonda Goodman of of Newnan (GA) High School.

400 – 50.69 - 52.07 by Ebony Eutsey of Southridge High School in Miami (FL).

Other elite prep sprinters include Tasha Allen, Michelle Brown, Jessica Davis, Octavious Freeman, Akawkaw Ndipagbor, Briana Nelson, Ashton Purvis and Robin Reynolds.

800 – 2:00.07 - 2:04.67 by Jillian Smith of Southern Ocean High School in Manahawkin (NJ).

1500 – 4:14.50 - 4:16.80 by Jordan Hasay of Mission Prep High School in San Luis Obispo (CA). Hasay Set the USA High School Record last year.

1600 – 4:35.24 - 4:44.97 by Amanda Winslow of Collins Hills High School in Suwanee (GA).

Mile – 4:35.24 - 4:37.34 by Jordan Hasay of Mission Prep High School in San Luis Obispo (CA).

3000 – 9:08.60 - 9:27.29 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Greenhill High School in Addison (TX).

3200 – No Recognized Record - 10:05.29 by Jordan Hasay of Mission Prep High School in San Luis Obispo (CA).

2 Mile – 10:01.08 - 10:04.85 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Greenhill High School in Addison (TX).

Other elite prep distance runners include Claudia Francis, Shelby Greany, Megan Goethals, Charlene Lipsey, Stephanie Morgan and Laura Roesler.

2000 Steeplechase – 6:35.63 - 6:33.70 by Shelby Greany of Suffern (NY) High School. New USA High School Record.

3000 Steeplechase – 10:15.26 - 10:55.51 by Aylssa Allison of Festus (MO) High School.

5000 – 15:52.88 - 16.34.36 by Emily Sisson of Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield (MO).

100 Hurdles – 12.95 - 13.59 by Kori Carter of Claremont (CA) High School.

300 Hurdles – 39.98 - 41.09 by Kori Carter of Claremont (CA) High School.

400 Hurdles – 55.20 - 57.93 by Turquoise Thompson of Serra High School in Gardena (CA).

Other elite prep hurdlers include Amber Allen, Lauren Blackburn, Ugonna Ndu, Leah Nugent, Bridgette Owens-Mitchell, Jasmin Stowers, Taylor Wheaton and Trinity Wilson.

4x100 Relay – 44.50 - 45.24 by Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt (MD).

4x200 Relay – 1:33.87 - 1:36.54 by Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt (MD).

4x400 Relay – 3:35.49 - 3:39.96 by Benjamin Cardozo High School in Oakland Gardens (NY).

4x800 Relay – 8:43.12 - 8:52.80 by Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin (NJ).

4x1 Mile Relay – 19:56.75 - 20:28.14 by Newton South High School in Newton Centre (MA).

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:38.73 - 1:41.73 by Withrow High School in Cincinnati (OH).

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 3:51.90 - 3:55.58 by Miami Northwestern of Florida.

4000 Distance Medley Relay – 11:33.42 - 11:41.05 by Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin (NJ).

High Jump – 6-04 – 6-04 by Toni Young of Del City High School in Oklahoma City (OK). New USA High School Record.

Pole Vault – 14-01.25 - 14-0 by Shade Weygandt of Mansfield (TX) High School.

Long Jump – 22-03 - 20-07.25 by Brittany Porter of Towers High School in Decatur (GA).

Triple Jump – 44-11.75 – 43-04.25 by Ciarra Brewer of James Logan High School in Union City (CA).

Other elite prep jumpers include Alitta Boyd, Shanay Briscoe, Jennifer Clayton, Karynn Dunn, Andrea Geubelle and Ellie McCardwell.

Shot Put – 54-10.75 - 54-04.75 by Anna Jelmini of Shafter (CA) High School.

Discus – 188-04 - 190-03 by Anna Jelmini of Shafter (CA) High School. New USA High School Record.

Javelin – 176-05 - 162-08 by Heather Bergmann of Concordia (KS) High School.

Hammer – 201-07 - 201-06 by Lauren Chambers of Kell High School in Marietta (GA).

Other elite prep throwers include Daniella Bunch, Alex Collatz, Ashlynn Halvorson, Alyssa Hasslen, Casey Kraychir, Fawn Miller and Erin Pendleton.

Heptathlon – 5,533 - 4,963 by Shaye Maurer of Cedar City (UT) High School.

Performance results in track and field are easy to understand through time zones and cultures around the world. Unlike words and their pronunciation in different languages, numbers need no explanation to understand. It also helps that the metric system of measurement for distances is dominant worldwide. Track and field competitors around the world are interested in comparing their performances with the performances of athletes in other countries.

July 22, 2009

It's About the Camaraderie

A Senior Moment – Dinner with 3-Time Olympian and American-Record Hammer Thrower Ed Burke

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Almost every athlete who attends the annual U. S. National Track & Field Outdoors Masters Championships has had their day in the sun. Maybe it was in high school, college, or on the professional circuit, but almost all of these men and women have experienced success at some level of competition.

It is why more than 1,000 masters and senior runners returned to this year's National Championships in Oshkosh (WI), to step back on the track or field once again and test themselves. To try and catch a firefly in a Mason jar on a hot summer night.

Ed Burke is one of those athletes. Burke was a standout at San Jose State University from 1960 to 1962, setting a school record with a throw of 192-feet-3.5-inches in 1962 that would stand for 16 years.

He competed for the United States in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and 1968 Mexico City Olympics, and then retired. After 12 years, he came out of retirement and failed to make the U. S. team that was boycotted from the 1980 Moscow Olympics. In 1984, at the age of 44, he made the team for the Los Angeles Olympics.

It had been 20 years since his first Olympic competition in Tokyo, and perhaps more important, Burke was selected by the U. S. team captains to carry the American flag during the opening ceremonies. It was truly an Olympic moment that Burke will never forget.

His personal record of 243-feet-11-inches was thrown at Stanford in 1984, and remains as the American record for the 40-44 age group.

After retiring a second time, Ed Burke is back at it again. In his first competition in 21 years, he threw the hammer 175-09, breaking the world and American records for the 65-69 age-group. Burke, now 69, won the hammer throw at this year's National Track & Field Masters Championships in Wisconsin.

Burke is from Los Gatos, California. I flew from Lacey, Washington to Midway Airport in Chicago, was met by my best friend John Shaw of Davison, Michigan, and we drove to the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh for the meet. John and I have been friends for 49 years.

We both ran cross-country and track for Flint Central High School and Michigan State University. John is the former cross-country and track & field coach at Goodrich High School, where he experienced a lot of team success and produced some great college talent.

We blew into Oshkosh and, after cruising around a bit, pretty quickly determined that the best place for dinner the night before the meet was Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant on the scenic Fox River. With a microbrewery, boat dock, live music and outdoor dining, it was THE place to be in Oshkosh.

Having been born and raised in Michigan my first 21 years, it did not take me long to remember my Midwest roots. The people of Wisconsin were friendly, casual, confident and purely Midwest.

You remember the Midwest. It was the same place that gave us Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, John Wayne, Ernest Hemingway, Walt Disney, Abraham Lincoln, Warren Buffett, Paul Harvey, Charles Schultz, Carl Sandburg, James Dean, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Qunicy Jones, Ronald Reagan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Johnny Carson, the Wright Brothers, Benny Goodman and Bob Newhart. No wonder the Midwest is a special place; some call it the salt of the Earth.

We liked Fratellos so well we returned 4 consecutive nights for dinner. On the last night, we were chatting with our food server Jon, a recent University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh grad looking for a job, and Ed Burke strolled in alone. Burke overheard our conversation (turns out Jon was a runner in high school), and asked if he could join us.

We had never met Ed Burke before, but he was clearly a masters competitor, especially when you found out he threw the hammer, saw the size of his hands, and checked out the Olympic ring on his finger, which could have easily been mistaken for a Super Bowl ring.

Both John and I had a great time swapping war stories with Ed Burke. We talked a lot about the great San Jose State track coach "Bud" Winter, who coached Burke and earned San Jose State the nickname "Speed City". Winter developed Olympic medalists and social activists Lee Evans, John Carlos and Tommie Smith. Carlos and Smith are perhaps best remembered for giving the raised fist salute from the medalist's podium during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.

We also talked about how growing old is not fun, that getting into shape to compete and recovering from injury at our age takes so much more time. A high school athlete can get into great shape in 12 weeks; it takes us at least 12 months to achieve the same kind of progress.

As we talked and consumed more liquid refreshment, the sun began to set above the Fox River. John and I were celebrating his silver medal in the 2,000-meter steeplechase, but our after-dinner time spent with Ed Burke reminded us again just what the U. S. National Meet was really all about—camaraderie. You come for the competition and stay for the camaraderie.

July 19, 2009

6 World and 21 American Marks Set

Karen Steen Shatters World Steeplechase Record at the 2009 National Masters Meet

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Karen Steen traveled from Olympia (WA) to the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh intent on setting a world record in the 2,000-meter steeplechase, and did exactly that in one of the most exciting races at the 2009 USA Masters Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Six world records and 21 American records were set at the meet.

Steen, an outstanding runner at Pacific Lutheran University and now one of the premier runners in the Pacific Northwest, bolted to the front at Titan Stadium when the gun sounded to start her 45-49 age-group event. It was clear from the outset that if Steen set a world record under the scorching Wisconsin heat, she would run alone at the front.

She was among the more than 1,000 athletes ages 30 to 95+ who competed in this 4-day meet to determine the best of the best among the nation's runners, jumpers and throwers.

The onlookers at Steen's record effort, including myself, were immediately aware of her presence as the track announcer was quick to point out that—after the first 400 meters of this grueling 5-lap test over 3 hurdles and a water barrier each lap—Steen was on world-record pace.

Watching her progress for 3 more laps the fans were screaming words of encouragement as she passed by, and then a rousing crescendo greeted her in the final stretch as she realized the record was hers for the taking, and roared home in 7:07.49 to break the old record by more than 9 seconds (7:16.90 by Julie Leonard of Switzerland in 2004).

Almost lost in the moment of Karen Steen's triumphant performance was the fact that both the runner-up in the race—Andi Camp (30-34 at 7:17.28) and 3rd place finisher Lisa Valle (40-44 at 7:17.36)—were within 1 second of breaking the world record.

Steen, who averaged approximately 5:42 per mile, is no stranger to world records. In 2005, she set the world mark for 2,000-meter steeplechase in the 40-44 group by running 7:05.06.

Steen, who runs for Club Northwest, would return 2 days later to win the 1,500 in an American-record time of 4:48.08. Her individual performance was arguably the best among pure times of any track athlete at the Nationals, with a 98.85% age-grade rating.

A close second to Karen Steen's effort came from Sabra Harvey of Houston, running in the 60-64 group. Harvey matched Steen's world record with one of her own, winning the 800 in 2:34.66, and then returned to capture the 1,500 in an American-record 5:22.50.

Harvey is a graphic designer who started jogging 9 years ago and only began competing in masters competition last year, proving once again that you never know what you can do until you try.

Other world records were set by Audrey Lary (75-79) in the 400 (1:27.41), Florence "Flo" Meiler (75-79) in the 80-meter hurdles (18.63), Frank Levine (95-99) in the 5,000 (50:10.56), and Leland McPhie (95-99) in the Long Jump (1.93 meters/6-04).

American records were also set by Flo Meiler in the 200 hurdles (46.68) and pentathlon (4,783 points); Becky Sisley (70-74) in the 80 hurdles (17:32), 200 hurdles (43.87) and javelin (26.09m/85-07); Leland McPhie in the 3 kilogram shot put (6.87m/22-06.5) and triple jump (4.00m/13-01.5); Max Springer (95-99) in the 100 (29.31) and 400 (2:45.36); and Audrey Lary (75-79) in the triple jump (7.43m/24-04.25) and weight throw (10.40m/34-01.5).

More American records in the field events were set by Bruce McBarnette (45-49) in the high jump (1.93m/6-04); Robert Ward (75-79) in the discus (41.18m/135-01); Harriett Bloemker (75-79) in the javelin (22.54m/73-11.5); and 4 others in the weight throw—Jennifer Stephens (35-39) at 10.49m/34-05, Myrle Mensey (60-64) at 15.73m/51-07.75, Lillian Snaden (80-84) at 6.92m/22-08, and Ronald Summers (55-59) at 18.18m/57-07.75.

Two American 5,000-meter race walk-records were set by Shirley Dockstader (75-79) at 34:34.60 and John Starr (80-84) at 33:57.72.

Kathryn (Kathy) Martin (55-59), who dominated last year's meet while winning gold medals in the 800, 1,500, 5,000, 10,000 and 2,000-meter steeplechase, again won the 4 events she entered this year—the 1,500 (5:22.93), 5,000 (19:46.47), 10,000 (40:04.03) and the 2,000 steeplechase (8:26.86) She finished 5th overall in the steeple and 1st in her age group. Last year Martin set the American record in the steeple with an 8:23.20 clocking.

Among the non-record performances that caught my eye were Lonnie Hooker (45-49) in the 100 (10.93) and 200 (22.46); Bill Collins (55-59) in the 100 (11.56) and 400 (54.87); Steve Robbins (65-69) in the 100 (12.66); Antwon Dussett (30-34) in the 400 (47.17); Steve Gallegos (50-54) in the 800 (2:10.70) and 1,500 (4:22.47); Christine Olen (40-44) in the 1,500 (4:45.98); Jan Frisby (M65-69) in the 1,500 (5:09.25) and 5,000 (19:20.54); and Tom Bernhard (55-59) in the 5,000 (17:06.84).

Others were Richard Cochran (70-74) in the discus (47.79m), Cochran won the bronze medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics; and Ed Burke (65-69) in the hammer (50.62), Burke was a 3-time Olympian and flag bearer for the United States team at the Opening Ceremony of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

July 3, 2009

Track and Field:

Preps Joe Whelen, Aylssa Allison, Turquoise Thompson and Alitta Boyd All Set New Leading Marks - 6-28-09

(Ed's Note: These are the top track and field performance marks for United States high school athletes through 6-28-09. AlI of the races are in meters except for the mile and 2-mile runs. Some of these marks may change as elite, post-season invitational meets are being held.)

Four new preps set national leading marks in track and field last week. Joe Whelen of New York ran 9:09.97 in the 3000 steeplechase, Aylss Allison of Oregon ran 10:55.51 in the 3000 steeplechase, Turquoise Thompson of California ran the 400 hurdles in 57.93, and Alitta Boyd of California triple jumped 42-11.75.

Twelve other athletes or teams lowered marks in other events, many of them became new junior American records for athletes who already had set new high school American records.

High School Boys:

100 – 10.30 by Randall Carroll of California.

200 – 20.58 by Dentrius Locke of Florida.

400 – 45.48 by Travaris Tate of Mississippi.

800 – 1:48.66 by Robby Andrews of New Jersey.

1500 – 3:45.46 by Andrew Springer of Rhode Island.

1600 – 4:01.06 by Andrew Springer of Rhode Island.

Mile – 4:02.70 by Andrew Springer of Rhode Island.

3000 – 8:14.11 by Trevor Dunbar of Alaska.

3200 – 8:50.70 by Lucas Verzbicas of Illinois.

2 Mile – 8:49.79 by Trevor Dunbar of Alaska.

2000 Steeplechase – 5:53.13 by Alex Dier of New York.

3000 Steeplechase – 9:09.97 by Joe Whelen of New York.

5000 – 14:32.36 by Solomon Haile of Maryland.

110 Hurdles – 13.31 by Wayne Davis II of North Carolina.

300 Hurdles – 35.02 by Reggie Wyatt of California, a new American record.

400 Hurdles – 49.78 by Reggie Wyatt of California.

4x100 Relay – 40.54 by Monsignor Pace of Florida.

4x200 Relay – 1:25.20 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina.

4x400 Relay – 3:08.05 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina.

4x800 Relay – 7:30.67 by Albemarle of Virginia, a New American Record.

4x1 Mile Relay – 17:17.21 by The Woodlands of Texas.

4x1600 Relay – 17:26.42 by The Woodlands of Texas.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:28.20 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina, a New American Record.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 3:19.58 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina, a New American Record.

4000 Distance Medley Relay – 9:55.17 by The Woodlands of Texas.

High Jump – 7-05.75 by James White of Missouri.

Pole Vault – 18-00.25 by Jack Whitt of Oklahoma.

Long Jump – 26-10 by Marquise Goodwin of Texas.

Triple Jump – 52-06.25 by Bryce Lamb of Arizona.

Shot Put – 72-08 by Nick Vena of Texas, and 66-01.50 of Colorado, a New Junior American Record.

Discus – 236-06 by Mason Finley of Colorado, a New American Record, and 204-03, a New Junior American Record.

Javelin – 238-11 by Sam Crouser of Oregon.

Hammer – 256-09 by Conor McCullough of California, and 247-00, a New Junior American Record.

Decathlon – 7,909 by Curtis Beach of New Mexico, a New American Record using high school implements; 7.466, another New American Record using international implements; and 7599, a New Junior American Record.

High School Girls:

100 – 11.30 by Chalonda Goodman of Georgia, and 11.17 wind-aided.

200 – 22.94 by Chalonda Goodman of Georgia, and 22.74 wind-aided.

400 – 52.07 by Ebony Eutsey of Florida.

800 – 2:04.67 by Jillian Smith of New Jersey.

1500 – 4:16.80 by Jordan Hasay of California.

1600 – 4:44.97 by Amanda Winslow of Georgia.

Mile – 4:40.24 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

3000 – 9:27.29 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

3200 – 10:05.29 by Jordan Hasay of California.

2 Mile – 10:04.85 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

2000 Steeplechase – 6:33.7 by Shelby Greany of New York, a New American Record.

3000 Steeplechase – 10:55.51 by Aylssa Allison of Oregon.

5000 – 16.34.36 by Emily Sisson of Missouri.

100 Hurdles – 13.59 by Kori Carter of California and Jasmine Stowers of South Carolina.

300 Hurdles – 41.09 by Kori Carter of California.

400 Hurdles – 57.93 by Turquoise Thompson of California.

4x100 Relay – 45.24 by Eleanor Roosevelt High School of Maryland.

4x200 Relay – 1:36.54 by Eleanor Roosevelt of Maryland.

4x400 Relay – 3:39.96 by Benjamin Cardozo of New York.

4x800 Relay – 8:52.80 by Southern Regional of New Jersey.

4x1 Mile Relay – 20:28.14 by Newton South in Massachusetts.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:41.73 by Withrow of Ohio.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 3:55.58 by Miami Northwestern of Florida.

4000 Distance Medley Relay – 11:42.94 by Collins Hill of Georgia.

High Jump – 6-foot-4 by Toni Young of Oklahoma, a New American High School Record.

Pole Vault – 14-0 by Shade Weygandt of Texas.

Long Jump – 20-03.50 by Brittany Porter of Georgia.

Triple Jump – 42-11.75 by Alitta Boyd of California, 43-08 wind-aided.

Shot Put – 54-04.75 by Anna Jelmini of California.

Discus – 190-03 by Anna Jelmini of California, a New American Record.

Javelin – 162-08 by Heather Bergmann of Kansas.

Hammer – 201-06 by Lauren Chambers of Georgia.

Pentathlon – 4,963 by Shaye Maurer of Utah.

July 1, 2009

Nothing Happens Without Desire

The Problem With USA Track & Field: There Simply Is No Fire in the Belly

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

The U. S. National Track & Field Championship meet came and went recently with hardly a notice by its fan base and the nation's press. This happened because basically there is no fan base of marketing value, and the nation's traditional media (newspapers, television and radio) can hardly keep their doors open for business by covering a nonevent.

America used to be all about sports, and still is in some sports, but not track and field. Track and field is the orphan no one wants to adopt and nurture, mostly because its professionals are overpaid, underperformed and often dependent on banned substances (the fancy way of saying illegal drugs).

The American runners who used to dominate the world track scene have become so few and so lame as to be almost nonexistent. Our middle distance runners could muster only 1 of 36 possible medals from 800 meters to the marathon in last summer's 2008 Beijing Olympics. We can't even dominate the sprints anymore. Usain Bolt and the "Jamaica Me Fast" crowd has taken over track's sprint world.

Apparently, the most covered events of the recent national championship meet revolved around LaShawn Merritt, Sanya Richards and Dwight Phillips. To wit:

LaShawn Merritt took the 400 in 44.50. Merritt won the Gold Medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, beating rival Jeremy Wariner, then ranked No. 1 in the world. Wariner did not compete in the nationals this year. Wariner is apparently waiting for the right moment to sneak up on Merritt and run by him. Despite Merritt's success, he is far off of Michael Johnson's world and American record of 43.18 in 1999.

Sanya Richards won the 400 in 50.05, far off of her American record of 48.70 set in 2006. Richards holds the American high school record of 50.69 set in 2002. In other words, her victory at the nationals this year was 64 one-hundredths of a second faster than 7 years ago. You decide how much progress is being made.

Dwight Phillips won the long jump with a leap of 28-01.50 (8.57m). Phillips won the Gold Medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and is chasing Mike Powell's world record of 8.95m set in 1991.

Hazel Clark won the 800 in 2:00.79. The American high school record is 2:00.07 by Kim Gallagher in 1982. The American record of 1:56.40 is held by Jearl Miles-Clark, set in 1999.

Lopez Lomong won the 1500 in 3:41.68, a time that pales next to Hicham El Guerrouj's world record of 3:26.00 (1998) and Bernard Lagat's American record of 3:29.30 (2005). Alan Webb, the American record-holder in the mile at 3:46.91 (2007), qualified in the 1500 prelims at 3:42.35, but apparently did not run in the finals. Webb could not even qualify for the U. S. team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A high schooler—Andrew Springer—has run 3:45.46 for the 1500 this year.

Enough examples of what is not happening. American track and field is not drawing any attention and media coverage because its athletes cannot compete at a level deserving of more attention and coverage.

If the performances by our athletes get any more underwhelming, track and field will not only enter a low point in American history, but may camp out there in the extended future.

One thing is for sure: Jeremy Wariner and Alan Webb have talent and conditioning but no one will ever figure that out unless they step onto the track to compete and, once there, believe they can win again.

Watching track and field in America right now is like giving the barn a fresh coat and then watching the paint dry. Even worse, track and field right now has the personality of an ashtray, and will soon be the butt of too many jokes among world's elite performers.

June 29, 2009

Oregon Ducks Set School Records Aplenty in Sweeping Pac-10 Track and Field Championships

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

The Oregon Ducks made school history at the 2009 Pac-10 Conference Track and Field Championships by sweeping both the men's and women's titles for the first time ever.

Oregon's women scored their most points ever (165.5) and left Stanford a distant runner-up with 138, and Oregon's men tallied their most points ever (158) to easily breeze past runner-up Southern California's 117 points. The men's victory marked their 3rd straight Pac-10 track title, also a school first.

Among Duck women who won individual titles were Keshia Baker in the 400 (51.74), Zoe Buckman in the 800 (2:05.39), Melissa Gergel in the pole vault (a personal best 14-02), Jamesha Youngblood in the long jump (a school-record 21-01.25) and triple jump (another school record in 43-02,25), and a 1-2 finish by Brianne Theisen (5986) and Kalindra McFadden (5780) in the heptathlon. Nicole Blood was also runner-up in the 5000 (16:16.56).

The Washington Husky women, the NCAA's defending national champions in cross-country, made their presence felt as well as Katie Follett won the 1500 (4:26.62), Anita Campbell took the 10,000 by more than a full minute (34:13.27), and Marie Lawrence won the 3000 steeplechase (9:54.13). Lawrence was also 4th and Campbell 5th in the 5000.

Charonda Williams of Arizona State doubled in the 100 and 200, and as defending champion in both events became the first woman ever to win the 100 and 200 in back-to-back years.

The Duck men were in no mood to fool around either. Andrew Wheating took the 800 in 1:49.83, winning by two-hundredths of a second. Freshman Matthew Centrowitz won the 1500 in 3:51.00, beating teammates Galen Rupp (3:51.18) and Wheating (3:51.27 as Oregon went 1-2-3.

Rupp won the 10,000 (29:01.73) over teammate and runner-up Shadrack Biwott (29:03.47) as teammates Danny Mercado and Diego Mercado were 7th and 8th. Biwott was also runner-up in the 5000 in 13:52.79, losing by six-hundredths of a second. Other winning Ducks included Chris Winter in the 3000 steeplechase (8:51.48), Cyrus Hostetler in the javelin (250-05), and Ashton Eaton in the decathlon (8091) as teammate Marshall Ackley (7337) was runner-up in a 1-2 sweep.

Ahmad Rashad of Southern California doubled in the 100 and 200, and Luis Rivera-Morales of Arizona doubled in the long jump and triple jump. Washington Husky men did show up for the meet as Jordan Boase won the 400 (45.64), and Scott Roth took the pole vault (18-04.50).

June 27, 2009

Are California’s Prep Track & Field Athletes The Best in the Nation? Well, Yes, Absolutely

(Ed's Note: These are the top track and field performance marks for California high school athletes only through 6-21-09. The races are in meters. Many of these marks may change as elite, post-season invitational meets are still being held.)

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

There is a reason why California is continually the top-producing state in the nation for track and field talent. That reason would be a population of 36+ million people, the highest in the nation.

When you know that the second most populous state in the nation is Texas with 24 million, and then New York with 19 million, well, you get the point.

So just how big is California’s 39 million population? Well, you could take the total population of Wyoming, Vermont, North Dakota, Alaska, South Dakota, Delaware, Montana, Rhode Island, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, Idaho, Nebraska, West Virginia, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Iowa and the result will still be a combined state smaller than California’s 36+ million people.

In other words, the combined population of 21 states would not exceed the population of California.

All of which makes the California talent pool the best of the best if not ahead of the rest in every event. Among the 49 boys and girls events shown below, California has the current national leader in 12 (24%) as well as 2 new American high school record holders this season.

Among the 25 California individual boy leaders, Reggie Wyatt is on top in 3 events, the 400, the 300 hurdles and the 400 hurdles. Randall Carroll doubled in the 100 and 200, Mac Fleet doubled in the 800 and 1600, and Mason Finley doubled in the shot put and discus.

Among the 24 California individual girl leaders, Jordan Hasay is on top in 3 events, the 1500, 1600 and 3200. Ashton Purvis doubled in the 100 and 200, Kori Carter doubled in the 100 and 300 hurdles, and Anna Jelmini doubled in the shot put and discus.

All of the athletes in the individual events are seniors except where noted after their name. There are 6 juniors, 1 sophomore and no freshmen.

Among the boys and girls relay teams, Dana Hills High School is tops in 5 events, the boys 4x800, 4X1600 and the 4000 distance medley relay, and the girls 4000 distance medley relay and 4x100 shuttle hurdle relay. Serra High School leads in 4 events and Rancho Verde High School in 3. Here is the complete run-down:

State of California Only – High School Boys:

100 – 10.30 by Randall Carroll of Cathedral – Current National Leader.

200 - 21.06 by Randall Carroll of Cathedral.

400 – 46.13 by Reggie Wyatt of La Sierra.

800 – 1:50.31 by Mac Fleet of University City.

1600 – 4:01.49 by Mac Fleet of University City.

3200 – 8:51.60 – Chris Schwartz of Foothill.

110 Hurdles – 13.76 by Dale Morgan of Taft – Junior.

300 Hurdles – 35.02 – Reggie Wyatt of La Sierra – Current National Leader and a New American High School Record.

400 Hurdles – 49.78 by Reggie Wyatt – Current National Leader.

4x100 Relay – 40.67 by Serra High School.

4x200 Relay – 1:27.32 by Rancho Cucamonga High School.

4x400 Relay – 3:13.75 by Rancho Verde High School.

4x800 Relay – 7:40.30 by Dana Hills High School.

4x1600 Relay – 17:21.67 by Dana Hills High School.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:31.18 by Serra High School.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 3:27.49 by Rancho Verde High School.

4000 Distance Medley Relay – 10:01.50 by Dana Hills High School.

4x110 Shuttle Hurdle Relay – 61:11 by Valhalla High School.

High Jump – 7-03 by Nick Ross of Vista Mountain.

Pole Vault – 16-09 by Michael Woepse of Mater Dei Catholic – Junior.

Long Jump – 25-02.25 by Chase Wheeler of De La Salle.

Triple Jump – 50-04 by Hammed Suleman of Deer Valley.

Shot Put – 69-06.25 – Mason Finley of Buena .

Discus – 207-02 by Mason Finley of Buena.

Hammer – 256-09 by Conor McCullough of California – Current National Leader.

State of California Only – High School Girls:

100 – 11.48 by Ashton Purvis of St. Elizabeth – Junior.

200 – 23.46 by Ashton Purvis of St. Elizabeth – Junior.

400 – 53.10 by Turquoise Thompson of Serra.

800 – 2:07.45 by Aly Drake of Valencia in Ventura.

1500 – 4:16.80 by Jordan Hasay of Mission Prep – Current National Leader.

1600 – 4:42.63 by Jordan Hasay of Mission Prep – Current National Leader.

3200 – 10:05.29 by Jordan Hasay of Mission Prep – Current National Leader.

100 Hurdles – 13.59 by Kori Carter of Claremont – Junior, and Monisha Davis of Etiwanda – Both are in a 3-Way Tie as Current National Leader.

300 Hurdles – Kori Carter of Claremont – Junior – Current National Leader.

4x100 Relay – 45.50 by St. Mary’s Academy.

4x200 Relay – 1:37.30 by Serra High School.

4x400 Relay – 3:42.91 by Serra High School.

4x800 Relay – 9:01.89 by Poly High School in Long Beach.

4x1600 Relay – 20:31.56 by Sagus High School.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:45.08 by Rancho Verde High School.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 4:01.37 by Poly High School in Long Beach.

4000 Distance Medley Relay – 11:47.39 by Dana Hills High School.

4x100 Shuttle Hurdle Relay – 1:02.09 by Dana Hills High School.

High Jump – 5-11 by Tara Richmond of Poly High School in Long Beach – Junior.

Pole Vault – 13-04 by Kortney Ross of Westview – Junior.

Long Jump – 20-02 by Alitta Boyd of Moreau Catholic.

Triple Jump – 42-11.50 by Ciarra Brewer of Logan James – Sophomore – Current National Leader.

Shot Put – 54-04.75 by Anna Jelmini of Shafter – Current National Leader.

Discus – 190-03 by Anna Jelmini of Shafter – Current National Leader and New American High School Record.

June 26, 2009

State Championships and Elite Meets Net 24 New Marks Among Prep Track Athletes – 6-21-09

(Ed's Note: These are the top track and field performance marks for United States high school athletes through 6-21-09. AlI of the races are in meters except for the mile and 2-mile runs. Many of these marks may change as elite, post-season invitational meets are being held.)

A whopping 24 new season-leading high school track & field marks were established last week due to fierce competition in state championship and elite meets. Bursting onto the middle distance running scene were Trevor Dunbar of Alaska and Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

Dunbar captured spots in the 3000-meter run (8:14.11 set enroute) and 2-mile with a sizzling 8:49.79. Sveinsson took over 3 spots among the girls: the mile in 4:40.24, the 3000 in 9:27.29 and the 2-mile in 10:04.85. Her mile time replaced Jordan Hasay’s 4:44.28. Hasay was considered the top prep girl middle distance phenom in the country; Hasay now has company at the top.

Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina took over the 800 sprint medley relay with a 1:28.20 clocking that set a new American record. Track East Carolina lowered its 4 x 400 relay mark to 3:08.05 from 3:12.82, a 4.77 second improvement, and still leads the nation in the 1600 sprint medley relay with a 3:19.58 that set another new American record.

The Woodlands High School of Texas took over leadership in the 4 x 1 mile relay (17:17.21) and the 4000 distance medley relay (9:55.17). New marks also went to Alex Dier of New York (2000 steeplechase), Solomon Haile of Maryland (5000), Wayne Davis II of North Carolina (110 hurdles), and Reggie Wyatt of California (400 hurdles in 49.78). Wyatt also has the 300 hurdles mark at 35.02, a new American record set earlier this season.

Among the girls, Chalonda Goodman of Georgia (100 and 200), Ebony Eutsey of Florida (400), Eleanor Roosevelt High School of Maryland (4 x 200 relay), and Newton South High School of Massachusetts (4 x 1600 relay) all lowered their national-leading marks.

Other newcomers besides Chelsey Sveinsson included Emily Sisson of Missouri (5000), Jasmine Stowers of South Carolina (100 hurdles), Southern Regional High School (4 x 800 relay), Withrow High School of Ohio (800 sprint medley relay), Miami Northwestern High School (1600 sprint medley relay), and Collins Hill High School of Georgia (4000 distance medley relay).

High School Boys:

100 – 10.30 by Randall Carroll of California.

200 – 20.58 by Dentrius Locke of Florida.

400 – 45.48 by Travaris Tate of Mississippi.

800 – 1:48.66 by Robby Andrews of New Jersey.

1500 – 3:45.46 by Andrew Springer of Rhode Island.

1600 – 4:01.06 by Andrew Springer of Rhode Island.

Mile – 4:02.70 by Andrew Springer of Rhode Island.

3000 – 8:14.11 by Trevor Dunbar of Alaska.

3200 – 8:50.70 by Lucas Verzbicas of Illinois.

2 Mile – 8:49.79 by Trevor Dunbar of Alaska.

2000 Steeplechase – 5:53.13 by Alex Dier of New York.

3000 Steeplechase – 9:13.92 by Michael Kiley of New York.

5000 – 14:32.36 by Solomon Haile of Maryland.

110 Hurdles – 13.33 by Wayne Davis II of North Carolina.

300 Hurdles – 35.02 by Reggie Wyatt of California, a new American record.

400 Hurdles – 49.78 by Reggie Wyatt of California.

4x100 Relay – 40.54 by Monsignor Pace of Florida.

4x200 Relay – 1:24.76 by DeSoto of Texas.

4x400 Relay – 3:08.05 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina.

4x800 Relay – 7:30.67 by Albemarle of Virginia, a New American Record.

4x1 Mile Relay – 17:17.21 by The Woodlands of Texas.

4x1600 Relay – 17:26.42 by The Woodlands of Texas.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:28.20 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina, a New American Record.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 3:19.58 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina, a New American Record.

4000 Distance Medley Relay – 9:55.17 by The Woodlands of Texas.

High Jump – 7-05.75 by James White of Missouri.

Pole Vault – 18-00.25 by Jack Whitt of Oklahoma.

Long Jump – 26-01.25 by Marquise Goodwin of Texas.

Triple Jump – 52-06.25 by Bryce Lamb of Arizona.

Shot Put – 72-08 by Nick Vena of Texas.

Discus – 236-06 by Mason Finley of Colorado, a New American Record.

Javelin – 238-11 by Sam Crouser of Oregon.

Hammer – 256-09 by Conor McCullough of California.

Decathlon – 7,909 by Curtis Beach of New Mexico, a New American Record using high school implements, and 7.466, another New American Record using international implements.

High School Girls:

100 – 11.30 by Chalonda Goodman of Georgia.

200 – 22.94 by Chalonda Goodman of Georgia.

400 – 52.07 by Ebony Eutsey of Florida.

800 – 2:04.67 by Jillian Smith of New Jersey.

1500 – 4:16.80 by Jordan Hasay of California.

1600 – 4:44.97 by Amanda Winslow of Georgia.

Mile – 4:40.24 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

3000 – 9:27.29 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

3200 – 10:05.29 by Jordan Hasay of California.

2 Mile – 10:04.85 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

2000 Steeplechase – 6:33.7 by Shelby Greany of New York, a New American Record.

3000 Steeplechase – 11:16.10 by Megan Fristoe of Oregon.

5000 – 16.34.36 by Emily Sisson of Missouri.

100 Hurdles – 13.59 by Kori Carter of California and Jasmine Stowers of South Carolina.

300 Hurdles – 41.09 by Kori Carter of California.

400 Hurdles – 58.44 by Amber Allen of New Jersey.

4x100 Relay – 45.24 by Eleanor Roosevelt High School of Maryland.

4x200 Relay – 1:36.54 by Eleanor Roosevelt of Maryland.

4x400 Relay – 3:39.96 by Benjamin Cardozo of New York.

4x800 Relay – 8:52.80 by Southern Regional of New Jersey.

4x1 Mile Relay – 20:28.14 by Newton South in Massachusetts.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:41.73 by Withrow of Ohio.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 3:55.58 by Miami Northwestern of Florida.

4000 Distance Medley Relay – 11:42.94 by Collins Hill of Georgia.

High Jump – 6-foot-4 by Toni Young of Oklahoma, a New American High School Record.

Pole Vault – 14-0 by Shade Weygandt of Texas.

Long Jump – 20-03 by Brittany Porter of Georgia.

Triple Jump – 42-11.5 by Ciarra Brewer of California.

Shot Put – 54-04.75 by Anna Jelmini of California.

Discus – 190-03 by Anna Jelmini of California, a New American Record.

Javelin – 162-08 by Heather Bergmann of Kansas.

Hammer – 201-06 by Lauren Chambers of Georgia.

Pentathlon – 4,963 by Shaye Maurer of Utah.

June 22, 2009

Runs National Best Time

Michael Kiley Most Impressive Performer at New York Prep Track & Field Championships

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Senior Michael Kiley of Chaminade High School toured the 3000-meter steeplechase in 9:13.92 at the 2009 New York State Track & Field Championship Meet to set a new national leading time.

Kiley joined another New York national leading times leader as a winner at the meet when senior Shelby Greany of Suffern won the 2000 steeplechase in 6:36.90. Greany had set her national leading time of 6:33.7 earlier in the year.

The other national leader from New York, Benjamin Cardozo High School in the 4 x 400 relay (3:39.96), could not lower its mark at the state meet as Hempstead won in 3:50.59 with Charlene Lipsey, Donna-Lee Hylton, Velma Morant and Asheka Gibson. Lipsey also won the 800 in 2:08.67.

Junior Alex Hatz of Fayetteville-Manlius set a new state meet record of 4:06.11 in the boys 1600, and Senior Jeff Martinez of Johnson City pulled off an upset by beating Chris Stogsdill of Marcellus to win the 3200 in 8:57.60. It was a come from behind victory for Hatz; Stogsdill went out fast and then finished 4th in 9:08.84, beaten also by John Muller of Arlington (9:00.60) and Scott Anderson of East Aurora (9:03.91).

Two other state championship winners are worthy of note. Sophomore Chamique Francis of Cardozo went 53.42 in the 400, and Shenendehowa's 4 x 800 relay team of Danika Simonson, Alex Burtnik, Cara Janeczko and Lizzie Predmore ran 9:01.00.

Shenendehowa's time is significant because it is only 93 one-hundreds slower than national leader Thompson Valley of Colorado (9:00.07), and Burtnik is a sophomore and Predmore a freshman.

Megan Ptrignelli of Monroe-Woodbury won the 1500 in 4:25.65, the 3rd fastest time in the nation this season.

There were also two double winners among the girl champions. Sophomore Ashley Fields of Amherst won the 100 (11.85) and 200 (23.66), and Junior Melissa Kurzdorfer of Lancaster won the shot put (48-03) and the discus (158-09). Here are the New York State champions in all events:

2009 New York State Combined Division Individual Champions – Boys

100-Meter Dash – 10.71 – Anthony Quezada of Sachem North High School.

200 – 21.62 – Mike Abelard of Rampo.

400 – 48.24 – John Thomas of Sheepshead Bay.

800 – 1:50.32 – Terrance Livingston of Great Neck South.

1600 – 4:06.11 – Alex Hatz of Fayetteville-Manlius (New State Meet Record).

3200 – 8:57.60 – Jeff Martinez of Johnson City.

110 Hurdles – 14.10 – Brett Harrington of Edison Tech.

400 Hurdles – 52.77 – Will Cole of Hamburg.

4 x 100 Relay – 42.05 – Sheepshead Bay (Richmond Ahadzi, Paul Fyffe, John Thomas and Naquan Alexander).

4 x 400 Relay – 3:17.17 – Newburgh (Robert Graham, Robert Robinson, Fred Locklary and Randy Patterson).

4 x 800 Relay – 7:44.46 – Liverpool (Zavon Watkins, Chris Clemons, Alex Wilke and Colin Savage).

3000 Steeplechase – 9:13.92 – Michael Kiley of Chaminade (New National Leading Time).

High Jump – 6-08 – Eric Fontanez of Hilton.

Long Jump –23-04 – Berfrantz Charles of North Babylon.

Triple Jump – 47-04.25 – Sam Ludgood of Web Schroeder.

Pole Vault – 15-00 – Nick Gerardi of Queensbury.

Shot Put –57-01 – Chris Buck of Frontier.

Discus – 182-05 – Anthony Thomas of Holy Trinity.

Pentathlon – 3627 Points – Patric McLauglin of Oneida.

2009 New York State Combined Division Individual Champions – Girls

100 – 11.85 – Ashley Fields of Amherst (Sophomore).

200 – 23.66 – Ashley Fields of Amherst (Sophomore).

400 – 53.42 – Chamique Francis of Cardozo (Sophomore).

800 – 2:08.67 – Charlene Lipsey of Hempstead.

1500 – 4:25.65 – Megan Ptrignelli of Monroe-Woodbury (No. 3 Leading Time Nationally).

3000 – 9:38.66 – Emily Lipari of Roslyn.

100 Hurdles – 13.80 – Madalayne Smith of Saratoga.

400 Hurdles – 1:01.26 – NaTasha Greggs of Wilson Magnet.

4 x 100 Relay – 47.84 – Elmont (Cherrelle King, Valencia Hannon, Toni-Ann Lawrence and Ashley McCarthy).

4 x 400 Relay – 3:50.59 – Hempstead (Charlene Lipsey, Donna-Lee Hylton, Velma Morant and Asheka Gibson) – (Benjamin Cardozo Holds the National Leading Time of 3:39.96

4 x 800 – 9:01. 00 – Shenendehowa (Danika Simonson, Alex Burtnick, Cara Janeczko and Lizzie Predmore) – (Burtnick is a Sophomore; Predmore a Freshman).

2000 Steeplechase – 6:36.90 – Shelby Greany of Suffern (Set National Record of 6:33.7 Earlier in the Season).

High Jump – 5-08 – Sarah Palmer of Schuylerville (Sophomore).

Long Jump – 20-07 – Jennifer Clayton of Suffern.

Triple Jump – 40-05.25 – Olivia Weeks of Notre Dame in Elmira.

Pole Vault – 12-00 – Sydnie Leroy of Port Jervis.

Shot Put – 48-03 – Melissa Kurzdorfer of Lancaster.

Discus – 158-09 – Melissa Kurzdorfer of Lancaster.

Pentathlon – 3319 – Amber Passalaqua of Pine Bush.

June 19, 2009

(Ed's Note: These marks are for United States high school athletes through 6-14-09. AlI races are in meters except for the mile and 2-mile runs. Many of these marks may change as elite, post-season invitational meets are being held.)

Nine new season-leading high school track & field marks were set last week as 5 prep athletes competed in championship meets across in the United States. Topping the list of record breakers this week were Andrew Springer of Rhode Island and Lucas Verzbicas of Illinois.

Springer set new marks in the 1500-meter run (3:45.46), 1600 (4:01.06) and mile (4:02.70). Verzbicas lowered the records in the 3000 (8:20.15), 3200 (8:50.70) and 2 mile (8:53.98). Both runners picked up the 3 marks in the same race at the Midwest Distance Gala as electronic splits were taken at all 3 distances.

Jordan Hasay of California, the nation's premiere middle-distance runner this season, ran the mile in 4:44.28 to lower the mark by 2.57 seconds. Hasay also holds the girls' 3200 record for this season.

Michael Kiley of New York ran 9:13.92 for the 3000 steeplechase mark, and Sam Crouser of Oregon threw the javelin 238-11 to claim the other record. Crouser's heave ranks as No. 2 all-time and also an American Junior record.

High School Boys:

100 – 10.30 by Randall Carroll of California.

200 – 20.58 by Dentrius Locke of Florida.

400 – 45.48 by Travaris Tate of Mississippi.

800 – 1:48.66 by Robby Andrews of New Jersey.

1500 – 3:45.46 by Andrew Springer of Rhode Island.

1600 – 4:01.06 by Andrew Srpinger of Rhode Island.

Mile – 4:02.70 by Andrew Springer of Rhode Island.

3000 – 8:20.15 by Lucas Verzbicas of Illinois.

3200 – 8:50.70 by Lucas Verzbicas of Illinois.

2 Mile – 8:53.98 by Lucas Verzbicas of Illinois.

2000 Steeplechase – 5:58.88 by Zach Ornelas of Texas.

3000 Steeplechase – 9:13.92 by Michael Kiley of New York.

5000 – 14:33.96 by Trevor Dunbar of Alaska.

110 Hurdles – 13.48 by Cameron LaCour of Texas.

300 Hurdles – 35.02 by Reggie Wyatt of California, a new American record.

400 Hurdles – 51.89 by Jordan Rispress of Ohio.

4x100 Relay – 40.54 by Monsignor Pace of Florida.

4x200 Relay – 1:24.76 by DeSoto of Texas.

4x400 Relay – 3:12.82 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina.

4x800 Relay – 7:30.67 by Albemarle of Virginia, a New American Record.

4x1 Mile Relay – 17:27.75 by Dana Hills of California.

4x1600 Relay – 17:26.42 by The Woodlands of Texas.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:30.34 by Alexander of Georgia.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 3:19.58 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina, a New American Record.

4000 Distance Medley Relay – 10:01.13 by Westerly of Rhode Island.

High Jump – 7-05.75 by James White of Missouri.

Pole Vault – 18-00.25 by Jack Whitt of Oklahoma.

Long Jump – 26-01.25 by Marquise Goodwin of Texas.

Triple Jump – 52-06.25 by Bryce Lamb of Arizona.

Shot Put – 72-08 by Nick Vena of Texas.

Discus – 236-06 by Mason Finley of Colorado, a New American Record.

Javelin – 238-11 by Sam Crouser of Oregon.

Hammer – 256-09 by Conor McCullough of California.

Decathlon – 7,909 by Curtis Beach of New Mexico, a New American Record using high school implements, and 7.466, another New American Record using international implements.

High School Girls:

100 – 11.30 by Chalonda Goodman of Georgia.

200 – 23.32 by Chalonda Goodman of Georgia.

400 – 52.42 by Ebony Eutsey of Florida.

800 – 2:04.67 by Jillian Smith of New Jersey.

1500 – 4:16.80 by Jordan Hasay of California.

1600 – 4:44.97 by Amanda Winslow of Georgia.

Mile – 4:44.28 by Jordan Hasay of California.

3000 – 9:31.32 by Stephanie Morgan of Ohio.

3200 – 10:06.29 by Jordan Hasay of California.

2 Mile – 10:26.38 by Emily Jones of Massachusetts.

2000 Steeplechase – 6:33.7 by Shelby Greany of New York, a New American Record.

3000 Steeplechase – 11:16.10 by Megan Fristoe of Oregon.

5000 – 16.53.27 by Kayla Hale of Florida.

100 Hurdles – 13.59 by Kori Carter of California.

300 Hurdles – 41.09 by Kori Carter of California.

400 Hurdles – 58.44 by Amber Allen of New Jersey.

4x100 Relay – 45.24 by Eleanor Roosevelt of Maryland.

4x200 Relay – 1:36.55 by Eleanor Roosevelt of Maryland.

4x400 Relay – 3:39.96 by Benjamin Cardozo of New York.

4x800 Relay – 9:00.07 by Thompson Valley of Colorado.

4x1 Mile Relay – 20:28.14 by Newton South in Massachusetts.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:45.08 by Rancho Verde of California.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 4:00.39 by Sioux City East in Iowa.

400 Distance Medley Relay – 11:47.29 by Dana Hills of California.

High Jump – 6-foot-4 by Toni Young of Oklahoma, a New American High School Record.

Pole Vault – 14-0 by Shade Weygandt of Texas.

Long Jump – 20-03 by Brittany Porter of Georgia.

Triple Jump – 42-11.5 by Ciarra Brewer of California.

Shot Put – 54-04.75 by Anna Jelmini of California.

Discus – 190-03 by Anna Jelmini of California, a New American Record.

Javelin – 162-08 by Heather Bergmann of Kansas.

Hammer – 201-06 by Lauren Chambers of Georgia.

Pentathlon – 4,963 by Shaye Maurer of Utah.

June 18, 2009

Stephen Hill Long Jumps 25-08.75

Parkview Boys and Wesleyan Girls Crush Competition for 2009 Georgia State Track Championships

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Parkview High School got wins from Ethan Kasson, Julian Vann, Taron Squires, Davin Nash and Sean Stephenson and rode a bunch of depth in other events to dominate the competition and win the 2009 Georgia State Boys 5A Track Championship.

Kasson won the 400, Vann the triple jump and Parkview took the 4 x 400 relay as Mill Creek had to settle for the runner-up spot with 39 points to Parkview's 80.

In 4A competition, Kenneth Gilstrap won the 100 and 200 and was part of the winning 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 relay teams as Miller Grove High School took the title with 71 points to Alexander's 59. Not to be outdone, Stephen Hill added both a victory in the 300 hurdles and soared to the long jump title with a leap of 28-08.75. Hill's leap becomes the best prep performance in the United States this season.

Sir Paul Jones doubled in the 110 and 300 hurdles to lead Monroe to the 3A title over Elbert County, 57-45.

Westlake easily won the girls 5A title over runner-up Collins Hill, 65-48. Westlake's Zahra Thomas won the 400 in 55.34, Aubrielle Wright won the 800, Shani Chandler won the 300 hurdles, and Westlake took the 4 x 100 relay (with Thomas, Kinsley Lawson, Aminah Blount and Davita Washington) and 4 x 400 relay (with Thomas, Blount, Wright and Chandler).

5A competitor Chalonda Goodman of Newnan doubled in the 100 and 200 but did not exceed her leading times nationally in the 100 (11.30) or 200 (23.32). 5A competitor Amanda Winslow of Collins Hill doubled in the 1600 (4:44.97) and 3200 (10:42.70). Winslow's 4:44.97 time leads all runners nationally in the 1600.

Kia Jackson doubled in the 100 and 200, and Morgan Snow won the 100 hurdles to lead Southwest DeKalb to the girls 4A title over Starr's Mill, 61-54.

Monroe used wins by LaKeisha Jackson in the 100 hurdles, Mimieux Land in the high jump, and its 4 x 100 relay team (Jackson, Land, Alanesha McFarland and Kenza Bailey) to outlast Towers, 51-46, to capture the 3A championship.

Brittany Porter of Towers doubled in the long jump and triple jump. Porter is the top prep in the nation in the long jump with a leap of 20-03 and has another jump of 21-03.5.

In the 2A boys finals, Westminster ran away from runner-up Mitchell County 62 to 46 to win the championship with individual winners Maalik Reynolds in the high jump and LB Joel in the discus, and some depth that produced a lot of points that just kept adding up.

Warren County outscored runner-up Athens Christian 70.5 to 59 to win the 1A boys title as Warren County's Coby Reynolds doubled in the 100 and 200 and then anchored the winning 4 x 100 relay team with Kentrell Latimore, Andrew Webb and Antonio Benton.

One of the best individual performances of the day was by Raymond Higgs of Athens Christian who personally scored 30 of Athens Christian's 59 points by winning the high jump with an outstanding leap of 7-02.25 (the best of the day among all divisions), winning the long jump (24-04) and the triple jump (48-01).

Among the winning boys teams, it was both Westminster's and Warren County's 3rd state title. For the new kids on the block—Parkview, Miller Grove and Monroe—it was their first title ever. Legendary boys programs like Carrollton, with 24 state titles, and those with more recent success, like Landmark Christian with 7 straight titles, have had terrific success, but not this year.

The race for the title in the girls 2A Division was the closest of the day as Greater Atlanta Christian's 49 points was enough to outlast the Jordan and Decatur teams which both scored 46 to tie for runner-up. Greater Atlanta Christian rode to their championship on Lauren Kester's 3200 win and field victories by Jessica Tuggle in the triple jump and Claire Goodson in the pole vault.

Wesleyan amassed 83 points to run away with the girls 1A title as Darlington was runner-up with 51. The Wesleyan girls did not come to the meet to compete, they came to win with 1st place finishes by Erika Ramsey in the 1600, 4 x 200 relay (Emily Howell, Grace Leah Baughn, Caroline Miller and Chantel Kennedy), Anne Marie Armstrong in the high jump and Holli Wilkins in the shot put.

Wesleyan also had runner-ups in the 400 (Chantel Kennedy), and 4 x 100 relay (Elise Abernathy, Emily Howell, Erin Hall and Chantel Kennedy). Almost lost in the shuffle was an outstanding 400-meter winning time of 55.76 by Megan Malasarte while competing in the smallest school 1-A Division.

Among the winning girls teams, Southwest DeKalb won its 3rd straight title, Greater Atlanta Christian and Monroe won their 2nd, and Monroe and Wesleyan won their 1st. 1A powerhouse Landmark Christian, which had won 5 straight titles, 6 of the last 9 and tied in 2000 for 7 titles in the last 10 years, finished a distant 9th this year.

2009 Georgia State Champions – Boys 5A Division

Team Winner – Parkview with 80 Points – Runner-Up – Mill Creek with 39.

100-Meter Dash – 10.7 – Eric Harris of Kell High School.

200 – 21.18 – Eric Harris of Kell High School.

400 – 47.43 – Ethan Kasson of Parkview.

800 – 1:54.94 –Blair Obryant of Chapel Hill.

1600 – 4:17.36 – Kirubel Erassa of Grayson.

3200 – 9:21.99 – Tyler Anyan of Brookwood.

110 Hurdles – 13.93 – Aleec Harris of Duluth.

300 Hurdles – 37.95 – Justin Sims of Redan.

4 x 100 Relay – 41.46 – Stephenson (Raymond Sanders, Jonathan Blackley, Kerry Hartley and Richard Drake)

4 x 400 Relay – 3:16.98 – Parkview (Ethan Kasson, Taron Squires, Davin Nash and Sean Stephenson).

High Jump – 7-02 – David Smith of Lovejoy.

Long Jump – 24-06.5 –Demar Forbes of M. L. King.

Triple Jump – 47.01.25 – Julian Vann of Parkview.

Pole Vault – 14-06 – Michael Kopanski of Mill Creek.

Shot Put – 60-03.5 – Nabil Mubarak of Grayson.

Discus – 162.01 – Nabil Mubarak of Grayson.

2009 Georgia State Champions – Boys 4A Division

Team Winner – Miller Grove with 71 – Runner-Up – Alexander with 59.

100 – 10.44 – Kenneth Gilstrap of Miller Grove.

200 – 21.23 – Kenneth Gilstrap of Miller Grove.

400 – 46.85 – Andre Carter of Alexander.

800 – 1:53.2 – Vince Brown of McIntosh.

1600 – 4:27.21 – AJ Meyer of Northwest Whitfield.

3200 – 9:46.23 – Cameron Reed of Alexander.

110 Hurdles – 13.98 – Marcus Maxey of Clarke Central.

300 Hurdles – 37.91 – Stephen Hill of Miller Grove.

4 x 100 Relay – 40.95 - Miller Grove (Kendrick Ings, Johnathan Norris, Kenneth Gilstrap and Antione Hightower).

4 x 400 Relay – Miller Grove (Stephen Hill, Antonio Carter, Kenneth Gilstrap and Antione Hightower).

High Jump – 6-08 – Graylin Ward of Northgate.

Long Jump – 25-08.75 – Stephen Hill of Miller Grove.

Triple Jump – 47-05.5 – David Lee of Tucker.

Pole Vault – 14-00 – Jake Bridges of Northwest Whitfield.

Shot Put – 61-05.75 – Davis Fraker of McIntosh.

Discus – 181-01 – Davis Fraker of McIntosh.

2009 Georgia State Champions – Boys 3A Division

Team Winner – Monroe with 57 – Runner-Up – Elbert County with 45.

100 – 10.66 – Karl Williams of Eastside.

200 – 21.74 – Damian Johnson of Bruke County.

400 – 47.56 – Jamel Wood of Eagle's Landing.

800 - 1:55.71 – Kuaniyal Chol of Dunwoody.

1600 – 4:24.5 – Will Ficklin of Spalding.

3200 – 9:31.91 – Cody Barger of North Hall.

110 Hurdles – 14.37 – Sir Paul Jones of Monroe.

300 Hurdles – 38.11 – Sir Paul Jones of Monroe.

4 x 100 Relay – 41.47 – Washington (Qudral Forte, Sanchez McMullen, Antonio Goodwin and Branden Smith).

4 x 400 Relay – 3:15.87 – Cedar Grove (Stanley McBride, Vincent Dallas, James Hugley and Kaylan Jackson).

High Jump – 7-00 – Darius King of Riverwood.

Long Jump – 24-01.5 – Damian Johnson of Burke County.

Triple Jump – 49-05.75 – Damian Johnson of Burke County.

Pole Vault – 15-06 – Paul Malquist of Gainesville.

Shot Put – 57-06.5 – Daniel Drummond of Flowery Branch.

Discus – 169-06 – Daniel Drummond of Flowery Branch.

2009 Georgia State Champions – Girls 5A Division

Team Winner – Westlake with 65 – Runner-Up – Collins Hill with 48.

100 – 11.54 – Chalonda Goodman of Newnan.

200 – 23.91 – Chalonda Goodman of Newnan.

400 – 55.34 – Zahra Thomas of Westlake.

800 – 2:13.09 – Aubrielle Wright of Westlake.

1600 – 4:44.97 – Amanda Winslow of Collins Hill.

3200 – 10:42.70 – Amanda Winslow of Collins Hill.

100 Hurdles – 14.12 – Jasmine Edgerson of Campbell.

300 Hurdles – 43.33 – Shani Chandler of Westlake.

4 x 100 Relay – 46.77 – Westlake (Zahra Thomas, Kinsley Lawson, Aminah Blount and Davita Washington).

4 x 400 Relay – 3:36.11 – Westlake (Zahra Thomas, Aminah Blount, Aubrielle Wright and Shani Chandler).

High Jump – 5-06 – Keira Peak of Lowndes.

Long Jump – 18-08 – Tamala Daley of Redan.

Triple Jump – 38-03 – Tamala Daley of Redan.

Pole Vault – 11-07 – Lauren Hutchinson of North Cobb.

Shot Put – 47-03 – Lauren Chambers of Kell.

Discus – 130-07 – Emily Brewer of Brookwood.

2009 Georgia State Champions – Girls 4A Division

Team Winner – Southwest DeKalb with 61 – Runner-Up – Starr's Mill with 54.

100 – 11.63 – Kia Jackson of Southwest DeKalb.

200 – 24.86 – Kia Jackson of Southwest DeKalb.

400 – 57.17 – Morgan Williams of Northwest Whitfield.

800 – 2:18.09 – Morgan Williams of Northwest Whitfield.

1600 – 5:07.54 – Meghan Wetterhall of Lakeside DeKalb.

3200 – 11:07.16 – Meghan Wetterhall of Lakeside DeKalb.

100 Hurdles – 14.40 – Morgan Snow of Southwest DeKalb.

300 Hurdles – 43.53 – Sonni Austin of Miller Grove.

High Jump – 5-04 – Baiesha Johnson of Glynn Academy.

Long Jump – 18-04 – Baiesha Johnson of Glynn Academy.

Triple Jump – 38-06 –Cynia Clark of Lithonia.

Pole Vault – 10-0 – Jordan Cole of Alexander.

Shot Put – 42-11 – Patrice Gates of Villa Rica.

Discus – 133-09 – Katie Bragg of Starr's Mill.

2009 Georgia State Champions – Girls 3A Division

Team Winner – Monroe with 51 – Runner-Up – Towers with 46.

100 – 11.78 – Takeia Pickney of Columbia.

200 – 25.19 – Jawanda King of Therrell.

400 – 56.49 – Torrenzia M. Lyles of Shaw.

800 – 2:17/55 – Asia Palmer of Eastside.

1600 – 5:08.81 – Bret McDaniel of Riverwood.

3200 – 11:04.96 – Bret McDaniel of Riverwood.

100 Hurdles – 14.45 – LaKeisha Jackson of Monroe.

300 Hurdles – 44.74 – Pearline Walker of Baldwin.

4 x 100 Relay – 47.90 – Monroe (Alanesha McFarland, Kenza Bailey, LaKeisha Jackson and Mimieux Land).

4 x 400 Relay – Eastside (Kimberly Thomas, Asia Palmer, Shyanne Uguwibe and Whitney Martin).

High Jump – 5-07 – Mimieux Land of Monroe.

Long Jump – 19-07.5 – Brittany Porter of Towers.

Triple Jump – 38-11 – Brittany Porter of Towers.

Pole Vault – 11-03 – Sloan Bunting of West Forsyth.

Shot Put – 41-10 – J'Quyra Moncur-Blue of Eastside.

Discus – 126-05 – J'Quyra Moncur-Blue of Eastside.

June 15, 2009

Maria Mutola Was Sorely Missed

2009 Prefontaine Classic Had Exactly One Great Leap from Dwight Phillips

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

The 2009 Prefontaine Classic at legendary Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus came and went almost with a whisper. There was no bang and except for Dwight Phillips mighty 28-foot-8.25-inch long jump—the longest in the world this year—there was not too much to get excited about.

Mike Powell's world record 29-foot-4.5-inch leap in 1991 might now be within Phillips reach. Powell finished 4th in last year's U. S. Olympic Trials for the Beijing Olympic Games, and we will see just how ready he is for prime time at the World Championships in mid-August.

Rather than reporting on what of significance did not happen at the 2009 Prefontaine Classic (a bunch of ho-hum, workmanlike performances), here are some notes and comments on what did happen that went unnoticed and unreported by the nation's media:

1) The closeness of a race has nothing to do with how good the performance was, or how fast the race was won. Michelle Perry (USA) beat Damu Cherry (USA) in the 100-meter hurdles, yet both were officially clocked at 12.74.

Perry's time was actually 12.731 and Cherry"s time was 12.739, only 8 one-thousandths of a second separated the two. So how fast is 8 one-thousandths? Glad you asked. Take one second and divide it into 1,000 equal units, then think it is only 8 units among 1,000 units in one second. You could not blink your eyes in 8 one-thousandth of a second.

The American record holder for the 100-meter hurdles is the incomparable Gail Devers, who clocked 12.33 in 2000.

2) Nick Symmonds (USA), a member of the Oregon Track Club Elite and a favorite in Eugene, won the 800 in 1:45.86. Symmonds won the same race in the 2007 Prefontaine Classic, and won the U. S. Olympic Trials last year at Hayward Field in a personal best 1:44.10.

Finishing last at 8th place in the 800 was none other than Elijah Greer, one of the two best 800 runners in high school. Greer, a senior at Lake Oswego High School outside of Portland (OR), ran 1:49.15. Greer held the fastest time among high schoolers in the nation at 1:48.97 until Robby Andrews of Manalapan High School in Englishtown (NJ) ran a record-setting 1:48.66 to become the New Jersey state champion.

3) An American, Maggie Vessey, won the 800 in 2:00.18. It's not exactly an earth-shaking result, but anytime an American wins is a big deal today if the race is from 800 meters up to the marathon.

It is doubtful that Vessey would have won if Maria Mutola of Mozambique had been running. Last year Mutola won her 16th consecutive victory in 16 years of competing in the Prefontaine Classic. Maria Mutola is a legend at Hayward Field.

Her 1:59.24 winning time in the 800 last year would have won this year. Mutola, arguably the greatest woman runner Mozambique has ever produced, currently holds the All-Comer's record of 1:56.56 (set in 1993), the Prefontaine Classic record of 1:57.57 (set in 1997), and the Hayward Field record of 1:57.57 set in the same race.

The excitement she generated as her unbeaten record continued at the Prefontaine Classic year after year was sorely missed this season.

4) Jenny Barringer (USA) broke the 4 minute barrier in the 1500, finishing as runner-up in 3:59.90, a scant one-hundredth of a second behind Gelete Burka of Ethiopia (3:59.89). Barringer put on a terrific sprint down the final straightaway to all but beat Burka. Had the race been 2 yards longer, Barringer would have won.

At one point in the race, I believe Barringer was running in 11th place, but when the gun lap started, she was running 4th and held that position to the final straightaway where, from probably 5-7 yards back, put on a kick worthy of note. Her 3:59.90 time was the 3rd fastest among women in U. S. track and field history.

After crossing the finish line, Barringer appeared to have mixed emotions—disbelief and sheer happiness. It would be an understatement to say her confidence level rose at the Perfontaine Classic.

Barringer qualified for the first ever 3000-meter steeplechase in Olympic history last year at Beijing, finishing 9th in 9:22.26 against world competition, but setting an American record enroute.

And while we are talking about the 1500, let's give a big shout out to the greatest ever, Mary (Decker) Slaney. The little girl with pigtails we remember so well is still—repeat, still—the American record holder (3:57.12 in 1983), Hayward Field record holder (3:59.19 in 1984), and the All-Comer record-holder (3:58.92 in 1988).

The Mary Decker of 1983 has now held the 1500 American record for more than 25 years. There are many more legends than there are icons in American track and field. Mary Decker Slaney is an icon.

4) The mile run at this year's meet—one of the signature events—was underwhelming for American runners. Five foreigners raced home ahead of 6th-place Lopez Lomong, 7th-place Evan Jager and 10th-place Alan Webb, who could only manage a 3:55.99.

Webb, the American record-holder in the mile (3:46.91 in 2007), has not really returned to his 2007 form, especially after not even qualifying for the U. S. team at last year's Beijing Olympics.

Webb has talent and speed, but unless he starts listening and learning more, and building his confidence back up, he may have topped out in his career as America's best miler. After this year's Prefontaine Classic, one could argue that Webb is—at best—America's 3rd best miler.

5) LaShawn Merritt (USA) ran away with the seldom-run 300, winning in 31.30 to lower his own Hayward Field record of 31.31 set in 2006. It was Merritt, you will recall, that took down world-beater Jeremy Wariner in the 400 at the Beijing Olympics to win the gold medal. Wariner won the silver.

Wariner anchored America's Olympic record-setting 4 x 400 victory with a 43.18 split, and will be aiming for Merritt at the 2009 World Championships in mid-August.

6) American record-holder Sanya Richards won the 400, Prefontaine record-holder Paul Koech of Kenya won the 300-meter steeplechase, and Prefontaine record-holder Betty Heidler of Germany won the hammer throw. Richards, Koech and Heidler all had workmanlike performances.

That wraps it up for the 2009 Prefontaine Classic. Without the late, great and never-to-be-equaled Steve "Pre" Prefontaine and 16-time consecutive winner Maria Mutola, this year's classic named for Steve Prefontaine lost some luster. When Pre stepped on the track at Hayward Field, hearts beat faster and greatness lasted longer.

June 13, 2009

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Mead High School of Spokane, a legendary distance-running powerhouse, found a new way to win another title at the 2009 Washington State Track & Field Meet at Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma (WA) in late May.

Duran Ward of Todd Beamer was a double winner in the 100 and 200 and Todd Beamer won the 4 x 100 relay, but it was not enough to carry Todd Beamer to the 4A title. Shane Moskowitz of Central Kitsap was a double winner in the 800 and 1600, but it was not enough to carry Central Kitsap to the 4A title. Joe Zimmerman of Lewis and Clark set a new state meet record with a 208-04 effort in the javelin.

Andrea Geubelle of Curtis helped her team become runner-up by winning the 100-meter dash in 11.87, the long jump in 19-04 and the triple jump in 40-11.75. Kayla Stueckle of Emerald Ridge ran 42.13 in the 300 hurdles to set a new state meet record. Baylee Mires of Mead doubled in the 800 and 1600.

Michael Miller of Mt. Rainier was a double winner in the 800 and 1600. Robert Hintz of Bellevue set a new state meet record with a throw of 211-00 in the javelin.

In other 3A events, Germe Poston of Franklin Pierce was a double winner in the 100 and 200.

Lynden set a new state meet record in the 4 x 400 boys' 2A competition to win the title with 45 points. Wes Chamberlain of Ephrata set a new record in the pole vault and Nelson Westlin of Sehome set a new record in the discus.

Becca Friday of Bellingham won an 800 and 1600 double, running 5:01.87 in the 1600 to set a new 2A record. In what is perhaps a new national record, all 16 competitors in the 1600 final broke the old state record, with the 16th place competitor beating the old mark by more than 29 seconds.

400 – 49.01 – Jacob Sealby of Wenatchee. (State Record is 45.74 set by Darrell Robinson of Wilson in 1982).

800 – 1:52.57 – Derrick Daigre of Kent Meridian.

110 Hurdles – 14.23 – Steven Warner of Kentwood.

300 Hurdles – 38.46 – Adam Scalesse of Kelso.

4 x 100 Relay – 42.17 – Todd Beamer (Anthony Hogan, Travis Koch, Dominique Maxie and Josh Seals.)

4 x 200 Relay – No Information Available.

4 x 400 – 3:19.36 – Wenatchee (Cooper Helm, Chaese Sewell, Lucas Sealby and Jacob Sealby).

High Jump – 6-10.00 – Kasen Williams of Skyline.

Pole Vault – 15-06.00 – Keith Webber of Mead.

Long Jump – 24-05.00 – Justin Veltung of Puyallup.

Triple Jump – 48-01.00 – Zach Smith of Kentlake.

100 – 10.86 – Anthony Wright of Lakes.

200 – 21.47 – Markeem Adams of West Seattle.

400 – 47.93 – Michael Berry of Rainier Beach.

3200 – 9:08.39 – Andrew Kimpel of North Central.

110 Hurdles – 14.27 – Jaakko Malmivirta of Nathan Hale.

300 Hurdles – 38.80 – Rashaun Johnson of Foster.

4 x 100 Relay – 42.51 – Foster (George Le, Sharrod Cradle, Devonte Green and Taylor Gustman).

4 x 200 Relay – No Information Available.

4 x 400 Relay – 3:21.76 – Mt. Spokane (Chase Naccarato, Jack Cerenzia, Chris Mickeson and Jason Nokes).

High Jump – 6-07.00 – Joshua Armstrong of Mt. Rainier.

Pole Vault – 15-03.00 – Bryce Borer of Mercer Island.

Long Jump – 23-03.25 – Ronnielle Kelly-Battles of Renton.

Triple Jump – 46-01.25 – Kinsley Ojukwu of Union.

Shot Put – 59-01.50 – Andrey Levkiv of Hazen.

Discus – 175-05 – Armin Basic of Renton.

400 – 49.25 – Adam Candland of Cedarcrest.

800 – 1:55.88 – Dakota Parker of W. F. West.

1600 – 4:20.72 – Tim Bradley of Blaine.

3200 – 9:32.45 – Kevin Aubol of Ellensburg.

4 x100 Relay – 43.47 - Selah (Colin Anyan, Kyle Stone, Brendan Tice and Brett Blanshan).

4 x 200 Relay – No Information Available.

4 x 400 Relay – 3:21.12 – Lynden (Colby Biesheuvel, Dusty Duncan, Blair Bomber and Jordan Weeks.) New State Meet Record. Broke old record of 3:22.44 by South Widbey in 2001.

Shot Put – 60-01.25 – Johnathan Buchanan of East Valley-Yakima.

Javelin – 182-06 – Anthony Galaviz of Toppenish.

200 – 24.24 – Kelly Jacka of Bellarmine Prep.

400 – 56.56 – Jasmine Cho of Newport-Bellevue.

3200 – 10:30.47 – Sarah Lord of Redmond.

100 Hurdles – 14.19 – Shaquana Logan of Bellarmine Prep.

4 x 400 Relay – 3:54.55 – Mead (Alexa Banaugh, Krissy Hund, Jazmine Redmon and Baylee Mires).

High Jump – 5-10.00 – Christine Rice of Mountain View.

Pole Vault – 11-09.00 – Jessica Christian of Richland.

Shot Put – 41-01.00 – Kayla Adams of Thomas Jefferson.

Discus – 135-04 – Gabi Dixson of Battle Ground.

Javelin – 141-04 – Brooke Randall of Eastmont.

800 – 2:14.95 – Madeline Rathbun of Lakeside.

1600 – 5:08.82 – Phoebe Merritt of Mercer Island.

3200 – 11:00.51 – Carey Parker of Seattle Prep.

100 Hurdles – 14.66 – Tanya Bjornsson of Ferndale.

4 x 400 Relay – 3:56.48 – Camas (Sara Slayton, Megan Kelley, Seanna Pitassi and Dakota Forgey).

High Jump – 5-07.00 – Emily Corona of Shorecrest.

Pole Vault – 10-06.00 – Kaycee Smith of Mt. Spokane.

Long Jump – 17-06.50 – Diana Keller of Mt. Si.

Triple Jump – 40-08.50 – Olivia Ward of Cleveland.

Shot Put – 39-07.75 – Tiara Killmer of Bonney Lake.

Discus – 128-07 – Carolina Siofele of Union.

Javelin – 141-04 – Anna Adamko of Columbia River.

3200 – 11:12.41 – Shannon Porter of Hockinson. Porter, a senior, set the current state record of 10:50.00 as a sophomore.

100 Hurdles – 14.71 – Sarah Schireman of Archbishop Murphy.

300 Hurdles – 44.51 – Niina Al-Hassan of Pullman.

4 x 100 Relay – 49.65 – Burlington-Edison (Chelsea Genther, Callie Reff, Teira Graham and Michelle Kennedy).

4 x 400 Relay – 4:03.81 – Squalicum (Molley Rider, Sophie Curl, Jessica Wallace and Sheila Barton).

High Jump – 5-04.00 – Tasha Luu of Colville – Freshman.

Pole Vault – 11-00.00 – Robin Taylor of Blaine.

Long Jump – 17-03.50 – Zoe Moller of Sehome.

Triple Jump – 37-02.00 – Brandi Thomas of Elma.

Shot Put – 40-11.25 – Anna LaBeaume of Sequim.

Discus – 124-10 – Vanessa Garris of Washington.

Javelin – 151-10 – Christine Kirkwood of Othello.

June 12, 2009

Preps Set 17 New High School Marks in American Track & Field Competition - 6-7-09

(Ed's Note: These marks are for United States high school athletes through 6-7-09. AlI races are in meters except for the mile and 2-mile runs. Many of these marks may change as state championships are being held across the country.)

Seventeen new season-leading high school track & field marks were set last week as prep athletes competed in championship meets across in the United States.

Reggie Wyatt of California, the nation's recognized top hurdler this season, lowered the American record for the 300-meter hurdles by clocking 35.03, and Curtis Beach of New Mexico, an incredible all-around track and field athlete, set a new American record in the decathlon by amassing 7,466 points using international implements rather than high school implements.

Beach, apparently quick to recover from 13 decathlon events, came back the next day to run a 1:50 split on his 4x800 relay team, and clocked a 46.45 split (yes, 46.45 by a decathlon athlete) on his 4x400 relay team.

Jordan Hasay of California, the nation's premiere middle-distance runner this season, ran the 3200 in 10:05.29 to lower the mark by almost 7 seconds.

The nation's leader in the 800, Elijah Greer of Oregon at 1:48.97, chose to run in the Prefontaine Classic at Eugene, and lost his place as the top leader when Robby Andrews of New Jersey turned in a terrific 1:48.66. Greer, the talk of the high school track world at this distance, has some definite competition.

Emily Jones of Massachusetts ripped through the 2-mile in 10:26.38 to capture the new mark by more than 18 seconds. Shaye Maurer of Utah went 14-0 in the pole vault to up the girl's mark by 7 inches.

Tavaris Tate of Mississippi (400), Kori Carter of California (100-meter hurdles) and Ciarra Brewer of California (triple jump) all extended their national-leading marks. Here are the new top marks as of June 7, 2009:

High School Boys:

100 – 10.30 by Randall Carroll of California.

200 – 20.58 by Dentrius Locke of Florida.

400 – 45.48 by Travaris Tate of Mississippi.

800 – 1:48.66 by Robby Andrews of New Jersey.

1500 – 3:50.56 by Elijah Greer of Oregon.

1600 – 4:05.17 by Jeff Thode of Illinois.

Mile – 4:07.93 by Chris Stogsdill of New York.

3000 – 8:23.3 by Andrew Springer of Rhode Island.

3200 – 8:51.3 by Jeff Thode of Illinois.

2 Mile – 9:04.23 by Bobby Peavey of Virginia.

2000 Steeplechase – 5:58.88 by Zach Ornelas of Texas.

3000 Steeplechase – 9:19.31 by Joe Whelen of New York.

5000 – 14:33.96 by Trevor Dunbar of Alaska.

110 Hurdles – 13.48 by Cameron LaCour of Texas.

300 Hurdles – 35.02 by Reggie Wyatt of California, a new American record.

400 Hurdles – 51.89 by Jordan Rispress of Ohio.

4x100 Relay – 40.54 by Monsignor Pace of Florida.

4x200 Relay – 1:24.76 by DeSoto of Texas.

4x400 Relay – 3:12.82 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina.

4x800 Relay – 7:30.67 by Albemarle of Virginia, a New American Record.

4x1 Mile Relay – 17:27.75 by Dana Hills of California.

4x1600 Relay – 17:26.42 by The Woodlands of Texas.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:30.34 by Alexander of Georgia.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 3:19.58 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina, a New American Record.

4000 Distance Medley Relay – 10:01.13 by Westerly of Rhode Island.

High Jump – 7-05.75 by James White of Missouri.

Pole Vault – 18-00.25 by Jack Whitt of Oklahoma.

Long Jump – 26-01.25 by Marquise Goodwin of Texas.

Triple Jump – 52-06.25 by Bryce Lamb of Arizona.

Shot Put – 72-08 by Nick Vena of Texas.

Discus – 236-06 by Mason Finley of Colorado, a New American Record.

Javelin – 235-03 by Justin Shirk of Pennsylvania.

Hammer – 256-09 by Conor McCullough of California.

Decathlon – 7,909 by Curtis Beach of New Mexico, a New American Record using high school implements, and 7.466, another New American Record using international implements.

High School Girls:

100 – 11.30 by Chalonda Goodman of Georgia.

200 – 23.32 by Chalonda Goodman of Georgia.

400 – 52.42 by Ebony Eutsey of Florida.

800 – 2:04.67 by Jillian Smith of New Jersey.

1500 – 4:16.80 by Jordan Hasay of California.

1600 – 4:44.97 by Amanda Winslow of Georgia.

Mile – 4:46.85 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

3000 – 9:31.32 by Stephanie Morgan of Ohio.

3200 – 10:06.29 by Jordan Hasay of California.

2 Mile – 10:26.38 by Emily Jones of Massachusetts.

2000 Steeplechase – 6:33.7 by Shelby Greany of New York, a New American Record.

3000 Steeplechase – 11:16.10 by Megan Fristoe of Oregon.

5000 – 16.53.27 by Kayla Hale of Florida.

100 Hurdles – 13.59 by Kori Carter of California.

300 Hurdles – 41.09 by Kori Carter of California.

400 Hurdles – 58.44 by Amber Allen of New Jersey.

4x100 Relay – 45.24 by Eleanor Roosevelt of Maryland.

4x200 Relay – 1:36.55 by Eleanor Roosevelt of Maryland.

4x400 Relay – 3:39.96 by Benjamin Cardozo of New York.

4x800 Relay – 9:00.07 by Thompson Valley of Colorado.

4x1 Mile Relay – 20:28.14 by Newton South in Massachusetts.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:45.08 by Rancho Verde of California.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 4:00.39 by Sioux City East in Iowa.

400 Distance Medley Relay – 11:47.29 by Dana Hills of California.

High Jump – 6-foot-4 by Toni Young of Oklahoma, a New American High School Record.

Pole Vault – 14-0 by Shade Weygandt of Texas.

Long Jump – 20-03 by Brittany Porter of Georgia.

Triple Jump – 42-11.5 by Ciarra Brewer of California.

Shot Put – 54-04.75 by Anna Jelmini of California.

Discus – 190-03 by Anna Jelmini of California, a New American Record.

Javelin – 162-08 by Heather Bergmann of Kansas.

Hammer – 201-06 by Lauren Chambers of Georgia.

Pentathlon – 4,963 by Shaye Maurer of Utah.

Note: Some marks are faster but are also wind-aided and not listed here.

June 9, 2009

Current Best American Track & Field Marks for Preps - 5-31-09

(Ed's Note: These marks are for Untied States high school athletes through 5-31-09. AlI races are in meters except for the mile. Many of these marks may change in the next two weeks as state championships are being held across the country.)

Seven prep athletes set new marks last week to join other United States track and field leaders among the nation's top performers through May 31.

They include Jeff Thode of Illinois who ran 4:05.17 in the 1600 meters; Andrew Springer of Rhode Island ran 8:23.3 in the 3000; Joe Whelen of New York ran 9:19.31 in the 3000-meter steeplechase; and Justin Hunter of Texas leaped 25-03.75 in the Long Jump.

Among the girls, Ugonna Ndo of New Jersey ran 59.36 in the 400-meter hurdles; the team from Benjamin Cardozo of New York ran 3:39.96 in the 4x400 relay; and Heather Bergmann of Kansas threw the javelin 162-08.

Five athletes lowered their leading marks in 6 other events, including Anna Jelmini of California who increased her new U. S. high school record from 188-04 to 190-03 in the javelin. Following are all of the current leaders through May 31. Many marks may change in the next two weeks as state championships meets are being held.

High School Boys:

100 – 10.30 by Randall Carroll of California.

200 – 20.58 by Dentrius Locke of Florida.

400 – 45.71 by Travaris Tate of Mississippi.

800 – 1:48.97 by Elijah Greer of Oregon.

1500 – 3:50.56 by Elijah Greer of Oregon.

1600 – 4:05.17 by Jeff Thode of Illinois.

Mile – 4:07.93 by Chris Stogsdill of New York.

3000 – 8:23.3 by Andrew Springer of Rhode Island.

3200 – 8:51.3 by Jeff Thode of Illinois.

2 Mile – 9:04.23 by Bobby Peavey of Virginia.

2000 Steeplechase – 5:58.88 by Zach Ornelas of Texas.

3000 Steeplechase – 9:19.31 by Joe Whelen of New York.

5000 – 14:33.96 by Trevor Dunbar of Alaska.

110 Hurdles – 13.48 by Cameron LaCour of Texas.

300 Hurdles – 35.71 by Reggie Wyatt of California.

400 Hurdles – 51.89 by Jordan Rispress of Ohio.

4x100 Relay – 40.54 by Monsignor Pace of Florida.

4x200 Relay – 1:24.76 by DeSoto of Texas.

4x400 Relay – 3:12.82 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina.

4x800 Relay – 7:30.67 by Albemarle of Virginia, a New American Record.

4x1 Mile Relay – 17:27.75 by Dana Hills of California.

4x1600 Relay – 17:26.42 by The Woodlands of Texas.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:30.34 by Alexander of Georgia.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 3:19.58 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina, a New American Record.

4000 Distance Medley Relay – 10:01.13 by Westerly of Rhode Island.

High Jump – 7-05.75 by James White of Missouri.

Pole Vault – 18-00.25 by Jack Whitt of Oklahoma.

Long Jump – 25-03.75 by Justin Hunter of Texas.

Triple Jump – 52-06.25 by Bryce Lamb of Arizona.

Shot Put – 72-06.50 by Stephen Saenz of Texas.

Discus – 236-06 by Mason Finley of Colorado, a New American Record.

Javelin – 235-03 by Justin Shirk of Pennsylvania.

Hammer – 256-09 by Conor McCullough of California.

Decathlon – 7,909 by Curtis Beach of New Mexico, a New American Record.

High School Girls:

100 – 11.30 by Chalonda Goodman of Georgia.

200 – 23.32 by Chalonda Goodman of Georgia.

400 – 52.42 by Ebony Eutsey of Florida.

800 – 2:05.83 by Charlene Lipsey of New York.

1500 – 4:16.80 by Jordan Hasay of California.

1600 – 4:44.97 by Amanda Winslow of Georgia.

Mile – 4:46.85 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

3000 – 9:31.32 by Stephanie Morgan of Ohio.

3200 – 10:12.11 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

2 Mile – 10:44.74 by Lizzie Predmore of Georgia.

2000 Steeplechase – 6:33.7 by Shelby Greany of New York, a New American Record.

3000 Steeplechase – 11:16.10 by Megan Fristoe of Oregon.

5000 – 16.53.27 by Kayla Hale of Florida.

100 Hurdles – 13.67 by Kori Carter of California.

300 Hurdles – 41.09 by Kori Carter of California.

400 Hurdles – 59.36 by Ugonna Ndo of New Jersey.

4x100 Relay – 45.24 by Eleanor Roosevelt of Maryland.

4x200 Relay – 1:36.55 by Eleanor Roosevelt of Maryland.

4x400 Relay – 3:39.96 by Benjamin Cardozo of New York.

4x800 Relay – 9:00.07 by Thompson Valley of Colorado.

4x1 Mile Relay – 20:28.14 by Newton South in Massachusetts.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:45.08 by Rancho Verde of California.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 4:00.39 by Sioux City East in Iowa.

400 Distance Medley Relay – 11:47.29 by Dana Hills of California.

High Jump – 6-foot-4 by Toni Young of Oklahoma, a New American High School Record.

Pole Vault – 13-05 by Ellie McCardwell of Indiana.

Long Jump – 20-03 by Brittany Porter of Georgia.

Triple Jump – 42-03 by Ciarra Brewer of California.

Shot Put – 54-04.75 by Anna Jelmini of California.

Discus – 190-03 by Anna Jelmini of California, a New American Record.

Javelin – 162-08 by Heather Bergmann of Kansas.

Hammer – 201-06 by Lauren Chambers of Georgia.

Pentathlon – 4,558 by Kimmie Conner of California.

An interesting note: Of the 68 marks listed, only 25 of the 50 states can claim leadership in an event, and only 4 states lead in 5 or more events—California (14), Texas (8), Georgia (7) and New York (5). Florida has 4, Oregon 3, 8 states have 2 and 11 states have 1.

May 9, 2009

Track & Field - Current Best American High School Marks for Preps -5-4-09

(Ed's Note: These marks are for Untied States high school athletes through 5-4-09. AlI races are in meters. I am listing the field events first because they are always seen last. This time they will be seen first. I am also listing the girls first because they always come last. Not this time.)

High School Girls:

High Jump – 6-foot-4 (6-04) by Toni Young of Oklahoma, a New American High School Record.

Pole Vault – 13-03 by Rachel Fisher of Texas.

Long Jump – 20-03 by Brittany Porter of Georgia.

Triple Jump – 42-01.50 by Ciarra Brewer of California.

Shot Put – 51-02.25 by Anna Jelmini of California.

Discus – 188-04 by Anna Jelmini of California, a New American Record.

Javelin – 157-08 by Fawn Miller of Pennsylvania.

Hammer – 191-11 by Lauren Chambers of Georgia.

Pentathlon – 4,588 by Kimmie Conner of California.

100 – 11.30 by Chalonda Goodman of Georgia.

200 – 23.32 by Chalonda Goodman of Georgia.

400 – 52.42 by Ebony Eutsey of Florida.

800 – 2:05.83 by Charlene Lipsey of New York.

1500 – 4:16.80 by Jordan Hasay of California.

1600 – 4:45.05 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

Mile – 4:46.85 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

3000 – 9:31.32 by Stephanie Morgan of Ohio.

3200 – 10:12.11 by Chelsey Sveinsson of Texas.

2 Mile – 10:45.06 by Amanda Winslow of Georgia.

2000 Steeplechase – 6:33.7 by Shelby Greany of New York.

3000 Steeplechase – 11:50.0 by Megan Arnold of New Jersey.

5000 – 17:37.45 by Alexa Gellman of North Carolina.

100 Hurdles – 13.67 by Kori Carter of California.

300 Hurdles – 41.09 by Kori Carter of California.

400 Hurdles – 59.89 by Kori Carter of California.

4x100 Relay – 45.24 by Eleanor Roosevelt High School of Maryland.

4x200 Relay – 1:36.55 by Eleanor Roosevelt of Maryland.

4x400 Relay – 3:40.68 by Eleanor Roosevelt of Maryland.

4x800 Relay – 9:01.89 by Long Beach Poly of California.

4x1 Mile Relay – 20:38.75 by Saugus of California.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:45.08 by Rancho Verde of California.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 4:01.37 by Long Beach Poly of California.

400 Distance Medley Relay – 11:47.29 by Dana Hills of California.

High School Boys:

High Jump – 7-05.75 by James White of Missouri.

Pole Vault – 18-00.25 by Jack Whitt of Oklahoma.

Long Jump – 24-10.75 by Marquise Goodwin of Texas.

Triple Jump – 50-03 by Hammed Suleman of California.

Shot Put – 72-02.50 by Nick Vena of New Jersey.

Discus – 236-06 by Mason Finley of Colorado, a New American Record.

Javelin – 235-03 by Justin Shirk of Pennsylvania.

Hammer – 256-09 by Conor McCullough of California.

Decathlon – 7,909 by Curtis Beach of New Mexico, a New American Record.

100 – 10.39 by Ken Gilstrap of Georgia.

200 – 20.89 by Tavaris Tate of Mississippi.

400 – 45.78 by Travaris Tate of Mississippi.

800 – 1:50.31 by Mac Fleet of California.

1500 – 3:50.70 by Elijah Greer of Oregon.

1600 – 4:06.43 by Chris Stogsdill of New York.

Mile – 4:07.93 by Chris Stogsdill of New York.

3000 – 8:23.84 by Robert Micikas of Pennsylvania.

3200 – 8:55.19 by Erik Olson of California.

2 Mile – 9:13.28 by Zach Willis of Ohio.

2000 Steeplechase – 5:58.88 by Zach Ornelas of Texas.

3000 Steeplechase – 9:25.2 by Colin Siedl of New York.

5000 – 14:33.96 by Trevor Dunbar of Alaska.

110 Hurdles – 13.48 by Cameron LcCour of Texas.

300 Hurdles – 36.01 by Reggie Wyatt of California.

400 Hurdles – 51.89 by Jordan Rispress of Ohio.

4x100 Relay – 40.54 by Monsignor Pace of Florida.

4x200 Relay – 1:24.76 by DeSoto of Texas.

4x400 Relay – 3:12.82 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina.

4x800 Relay – 7:30.67 by Albemarle of Virginia, a New American Record.

4x1 Mile Relay – 17:27.75 by Dana Hills of California.

800 Sprint Medley Relay – 1:30.34 by Alexander of Georgia.

1600 Sprint Medley Relay – 3:19.58 by Track East Carolina (New Bern High School) of North Carolina, a New American Record.

4000 Distance Medley Relay – 10:01.50 by Dana Hills of California.

An interesting note: Of the 66 marks listed, only 18 of the 50 states can claim leadership in an event, and only 4 states lead in 5 or more events—California (20), Texas (8), Georgia (7) and New York (5).

May 8, 2009

12 Prep Athletes Set Six New American Records During the Last Week of April

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Perhaps it was the air, or perhaps the water, or even the fact that high school league, district, regional and state meets are fast approaching, but a dozen superb high school athletes set 6 American records during the last week of April.

It is noteworthy that 3 of the new records occurred in the oft-neglected field events which get pushed aside by the more glamorous and popular sprint competition and mile-run variations.

Topping the list was boy and girl discus throwers Mason Finley of Colorado and Anna Jelmini of California. Finley set a new U. S. high school mark with a 236-foot-6-inch effort (236-06) and Jelmini became the best ever with a 188-foot-4-inch effort (188-04). Anna Jelmini also leads the nation in the shot put with a 51-foot-2.25-inch mark (51-2.25).

Toni Young of Oklahoma set her new American record in the high jump with a 6-foot-4-inch (6-04) leap. Curtis Beach of New Mexico topped 7,900+ points (7,909 to be exact) to claim a new American record in the decathlon.

The always fast Track East Carolina team ran 3:19.58 to set a new American record in the 1600-meter sprint medley relay. Track East Carolina is made up of athletes from New Bern (NC) High School.

Leading off in the 200 for Track East Carolina was Fuqauwn Greene in 20.9 followed by Miles Sparks' 21.9 leg in the 200. Then Andrew Hendrix went 46.5 in the 400 and his twin brother Anthony Hendrix brought home the 800 in 1:49.7. It is interesting to note that the fastest open 200 among preps currently is 20.89 by Tavaris Tate of Mississippi, the fastest 400 is 46.38 by Reggie Wyatt of California, and the fastest 800 is 1:50.31 by Mac Fleet of California.

The New Bern speedsters are coached by "Big Dave" Simpson, who will get juniors Greene and Sparks back next year while the Hendrix twins will finish out their year as seniors. The same Track Eastern Carolina team also has the current high school best mark of 3:12.82 in the 4x400 relay.

New Bern has won 4 straight North Carolina state outdoor championships and Simpson is rounding his team into shape for a shot at its 5th straight title.

Albemarle High School of Charlottesville (VA) and Morris Hills High School of Rockaway (NJ) both broke the existing American high school record going head-to-head at the 2009 Penn Relays in arguably the most exciting 4x800 relay race in prep history.

Neither school led after the first leg as Bellefield Comprehensive of Jamaica's Kemoy Campbell ran an opening 1:52.53. Albemarle's Zach Vrhovac ran a 1:50.57 split on the second leg to put his school on top. Morris Hills' Sean Pohorence (1:53.56) ran down Albemarle's Luke Noble (1:55.34) on the third leg and Morris Hills' anchor leg Liam Tansey set a really brisk pace.

Tansey held really tough through 600 meters when Albemarle's anchor Anthony Kostelac edged ahead and then left nothing to chance by taking a commanding lead down the stretch to the finish. Tansey's split was 1:50.65; Kostelac's was 1:49.33.

Albemarle's team ran 7:30.67 and Morris Hills was 7:31.60. Albemarle's time broke the Penn Relays record of 7:35.89 by St. Jago of Spanish Town, Jamaica in 1990 by 5+ seconds, and the National High School record of 7:32.89 by Auburn (WA) High School by 2+ seconds. Morris Hills' team broke the same two records, but Kostelac's come-from-behind victory gave Albemarle the official record.

So what does it take to be one of the two best 4x800 teams in America? This is what is takes: Albemarle – Garrett Bradley (1:55.43), Zach Vrhovac (1:50.57), Luke Noble (1:55.34) and Anthony Kostelac (1:49.33). Morris Hills – Vincent Chiusano (1:55.22), Lucas Clybe (1:52.17), Sean Pohorence (1:55.56) and Liam Tansey (1:50.65).

As a spectator in the stands, you cannot appreciate how fast these high school athletes are running. When you are standing on the side of the track as they come by, you really begin to appreciate the expression "really good and REALLY fast".

All 12 of these national record-setters have a very bright future as emerging elite athletes. When you run with them or compete in field events against them, you are competing with the very best the United States has to offer.

April 29, 2009

Track & Field Heroes

Remembering Finland's Paavo Nurmi, the Greatest Distance Runner in His Era

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Finland's first great distance runner was Paavo Nurmi, who would burst onto the world scene in the 1920 Antwerp Olympics held in Belgium's northern port city on the Scheldt River.

Nurmi, then 23, took home 3 Gold Medals after winning the 10,000-meter run, the 8,000-meter cross-country event, and as a member of Finland's 8,000-meter cross-country team. Yes, there were actually cross-country events in the Olympics back then. He also picked up a Silver Medal as runner-up in the 5,000-meter race.

By 1924, in the Paris Olympic Games, he was unstoppable, winning no less than 5 Gold Medals against the world's best distance runners. Nurmi won the 1,500, 5,000, the 5,000 cross-country event, and was a team member for 2 more Golds as Finland swept both the 3,000 and 5,000 cross-country team events. Olympic competition in the cross-country team events ended with the Paris Olympics.

Extreme heat caused more than half of the runners to quit the cross-country team events, and Finnish officials, fearing for Nurmi's health, would not allow him to defend his 1920 Olympic title in the 10,000-meter run. Nurmi was furious and took out his frustration by immediately returning to Finland and setting a new world record in the event that would stand for another 12 years.

Many of today's runners and moviegoers remember the 1924 Olympic Games because the Oscar-winning best film "Chariots of Fire" was based on the same Paris Olympics, when Britain's Harold Abrahams won the 100-meter dash and Eric Liddell won the 400-meter dash.

A year after his triumphant 5 Golds in the '24 Paris Olympics, Nurmi toured the United States and ran 55 events in 5 months, winning 53 of the events while breaking 39 world records, many of them unofficial because there were no stringent requirements at every meet in those days.

That said, Paavo Nurmi did set 22 official world records in events from 1,500 to 20,000 meters (12.4 miles). He was a force to be reckoned with.

Nurmi would cap his career at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics by winning another Gold Medal in the 10,000 and two more Silver Medals in the 5,000 and 3,000-meter steeplechase. His 9 Gold Medal victories in track and field are only matched by the 9 Golds won by the great Carl Lewis, an American sprinter and long jumper who dominated the events during the 1980's and early 90's.

Nurmi, a vegetarian since age 12, was also an innovator of the first order. It was Nurmi who introduced progression runs as a training technique. Progression runs involve steady acceleration, starting at a comfortable speed and gradually getting faster and faster, finishing at a threshold or even interval pace.

Imagine a 30-minute run that gets progressively faster every 5 minutes. Progression runs increase the volume of your fast-paced miles without the added fatigue of a full-length quality workout.

By training with progression runs, Paavo Nurmi gained the strength to go out quickly and then, to the dismay of his competitors, keep increasing the pace throughout the race until he had run his opponents into the ground.

Nurmi also ran with a stopwatch, not trusting his competition to keep the proper pace. He did not care what his competitors did; he wanted to make sure he was running at his planned pace, which also happened to be much faster than normal. When he was satisfied that no one could catch him, he would toss the stopwatch away and continue to punish his competition.

While his world record time in the mile (4:10.4) in 1923 would not turn any heads today, you can bet that if he ran today, he would benefit from the same fast, composition tracks, scientific knowledge in training, and weight training. It would take another 31 years before Roger Bannister would break 4 minutes for the mile run in 1954.

With about the same build and temperament as the great Steve "Pre" Prefontaine, he would have been tough to beat. While Nurmi's records—like all records—were made to be broken, he arguably had as much heart and determination as the best runners ever.

Nurmi was one of the "Flying Finns" that included Hannes Kolehmainen and Ville Ritola.

Was Paavo Nurmi a great runner? In his day, there was no one better. Some think that Paavo Nurmi was the greatest distance runner ever.

April 27, 2009

Youth Track & Field

Where You Can Learn the Best Times Among Middle School Track Athletes

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

I recently received an email asking this question: Is there an Internet site that lists the best times in Washington for youth track and field performances other than high school?

Bill White of Kalama (WA) then added, "I am currently coaching my 14-year-old grandson and at his first school meet he ran 11.7 for 100 meters and 54.8 for 400 meters."

I immediately thought of >dyestat.com< as it is the best resource for tracking high school track & field and cross-country performances nationally. Dyestat.com offers a storehouse of information that it monitors very closely for accuracy and completeness. To submit an event result to dyestat.com you must be a recognized high school coach.

Because dyestat.com does not cover pre-high school performances it is not a useful site for learning what is happening among middle school athletes. To know what is happening at the middle school level, you can access >eliteyouth.com<. Eliteyouth.com publishes results for athletes Under 9 to 17-18, both boys and girls.

It is really very early in the track season, but the National Elite Youth Ranking System shows that for the Youth 13-14 section, the fastest time as of 4-25-09 in the 100-Meter Dash belongs to Vincent Saucer at 11.21.

Bill White's 14-year-old grandson would rank in a tie for the 7th best time nationally with Michael Adkins. Clearly, his grandson would be an elite runner nationally for his age group. Even comparing his 11.7 time to the Intermediate 15-16 section, his time would still rank in the Top 20 nationally, tied with Chris Walden at 19th.

His 54.8 time in the 400-Meter Dash would currently rank 10th nationally in the Youth 13-14 section, and 20th nationally in the Intermediate 15-16 section.

In my experience as a competitive runner at the high school and college levels, and in masters (40+) and seniors (50+) competition, I have learned that speed is a God-given gift. However fast you can run with sufficient training in a time trial is how fast you can go all out. If you can't break 12 flat for a 100-meter dash, you are not going to run 10 flat with the best coaching in the world.

Arthur Lydiard, arguably the best distance running coach in the world, has some interesting thoughts on the subject of speed. No less a coach than Bill Bowerman has said that "there is no better distance coach in the world" than Lydiard. In Lydiard's book, Running – The Lydiard Way, the grand master of coaching says this:

"Your basic speed—not your build, leg length, or weight—should determine what distance you run. If you can't run the 200 faster than 26 seconds, for instance, forget all about half-miling. All the training in the world won't make you a champion at it.

"(Murray) Halberg's best 200 was about 25 seconds. To run 800 in 1:52, he ran flat out all the way, and near his best sprinting speed. He just couldn't run any faster. However, his stamina was such that, soon after running one 800 that fast, he could run another just as fast again.

"A man who can run 22.5 for 200 is basically fast enough to become an Olympic 800-meter champion, if he has the stamina.

"If you can barely break a minute for 400 meters, you can't hope to succeed (in) 800 meters, no matter what you do. If you can't run a 400 in 51 seconds, you can't run an 800 in 1:50. And if you can't do that, you don't have a chance in today's racing circles.

"Athletes and coaches often do not appreciate the significance and permanence of basic speed. As a result, many runners are given distances they'll never master, and running soon sours on them." (Take note of the fact that Lydiard's book was published in 1978, more than 30 years ago.)

Having foot speed (quicker leg turnover) will do more than anything else to put you on top faster. And the faster, the better.

Bill White's 14-year-old grandson clearly has the potential to grow into even faster speed as he matures, and with good coaching to develop stamina training, he would have a future in running worth watching.

I would suggest that Bill White contact Bryan Hoddle at >bryanhoddle.com<. He lives in the Olympia (WA) area and was the Head Coach for the 2004 USA Paralympic Track & Field Team that competed in the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. He has some great resource materials for runners of all ages.

Hoddle has coached the two fastest paralympic sprinters ever—Tony Volpentest, the 1996 Paralympic 100-meter and 200-meter champion, and Marion Shirley, a triple world record holder, the world's fastest amputee, and the Paralympic 100-meter champion in the 2000 and 2004 Games. At the high school level, Hoddle has coached 26 state champions.

Among his other motivational speaking engagements, seminars and personal coaching of athletes both famous and just getting started, Hoddle is currently coaching 2012 Olympic candidate Jenny Brogdon, the former University of Oregon star high jumper who was the Pac-10 runner-up.

April 1, 2009

High School Track & Field

Yes, There Is Phenom Jordan Hasay, and Here Are Some of the Best Preps Left

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

It's good to be Jordan Hasay of Mission Prep in San Luis Obispo (CA). She captured the heart of America's running community by competing as a junior in the U. S. Olympic Trials last year, not qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics team but setting a national age-group and high school record by clocking 4:14.50 in a 1500-meter semifinal heat.

Hasay is a phenom, but there are other incredibly gifted high school track and field stars who will test their talent and skill in competition this spring. Here are some of the best of the rest:

Laura Roesler of Fargo South High School in Fargo (ND). Jordan Hasay wasn't the only high schooler at the U. S. Olympic Trials. Roesler (pronounced "Race-ler"), a sophomore, was there as well. She clocked 2:03.08 in an 800-meter semifinal heat.

Hasay is from California on the West Coast, the nation's largest state with a population of 35+ million. Roesler is from North Dakota in the Midwest, a state with not even a million population (641,000+ at last count). Roesler is a phenom too; she just has not received as much press. In her freshman and sophomore years, Roesler won state titles in the 100, 200, 400 and 800, not bad for a day's work.

Chalonda Goodman of Newnan (GA) High School. Goodman is on fast track to success, having ripped through the 100-meter dash in 11.31 and the 200-meter in 23.22. She is the 3-time defending state champion in both the 100 and 200 and is looking to capture the titles again during her senior year.

Donique Flemings of Saginaw High School in Fort Worth (TX). Donique is stepping out in style after her junior year, having set career best marks of 13.60 in the 100 hurdles, 40.96 in the 300 hurdles and 58.66 in the 400 hurdles. Her 300 time set the Texas high school record. Flemings is on the fly and will be tough to catch.

Top times of 5 fast 400-meter runners include two runners from Poly High School in Long Beach (CA), Jasmine Joseph (53.15) and Akawkaw Ndipagbor (53.35) and three runners from Florida, Robin Reynolds of Miami Beach (53.10), Ebony Eutsey of Miami (53.23) and Lanie Whittaker of Miami (53.25). How about any 4 of these gals on a 4x400 relay team?

Looking for stick-outs in the field events? Look no further, try these young women athletes:

Shanay Briscoe of Cypress Christian High School in Houston (TX) in the high jump, she went 6-1.25 as a sophomore while placing 10th in the World Juniors Meet in Poland last year. Shade Weygandt of Mansfield (TX) High School pole vaulted 13-10. Anna Jelmini of Shafter (CA) High School threw discus 183-11. Lauren Chambers of Kell High School in Marietta (GA) threw the hammer 184-9. Hannah Carson of Dobson High School in Mesa (AZ) threw the javelin 173-7.

Elijah Greer of Lake Oswego (OR) High School shines bright. Greer ran 1:47.68 as a junior last year during the World Juniors in Poland. He won the Oregon 1500 title in 3:57.76 as a sophomore and the 800 title in 1:50.60 as a junior before going to the Worlds. Zachary Melon of Buffalo (MN) High School ran 1:48.64. Unless you are down on the track when these guys run by, you cannot appreciate how fast they are moving for 800 meters.

Rynell Parson of Stevens High School in San Antonio (TX) ran 10.23 in the 100 meter. Randall Carroll of Cathedral High School in Los Angeles (CA) covered 200 meters in 20.91 last year. Tavaris Tate of Starkville (MS) High School toured 400 meters in 46.39.

Wayne Davis of Southeast High School in Raleigh (NC) ran 13.65 in the 110 hurdles and Reggie Wyatt of La Sierra High School in Riverside (CA) clocked 35.71 in the 300 hurdles and 50.10 in the 400 hurdles.

Connor McCullough of Chaminade High School in West Hills (CA) is dead serious about the hammer throw; you know because he cranked a 260-0 throw last year to set the national record.

Mason Finley of Buena Vista (CO) High School put the shot 68-0 and threw the discus 222-1. Marquise Goodwin of Rowlett (TX) High School jumped 25-4.75 in the long jump. Bryce Lamb of Chandler (AZ) High School jumped 52-2 in the triple jump. Jack Whitt of North High School in Norman (OK) pole vaulted 17-0.

Eric Kynard of Rogers High School in Toledo (OH) high jumped 7-3.75 and Ricky Robertson of Hernando (MS) High School cleared 7-3. Justin Shirk of Harrisburg (PA) threw the javelin 221-3 and Johann Swanepoel of Shawnee Mission (KS) recorded a 221-2 throw.

These are just some of the outstanding prep athletes in the United States. Every one mentioned in this article was a High School All-American last year and should be returning to competition this year.

Read my articles on track and field, cross-country and distance running, including:

"Updated USA Prep Track & Field Records and the New Best 2008 Top Performers"

"2009 Simplot Games Showcase the Nation's Top High School Track and Field Talent"

"National Indoor Middle Distance USA High School Track Records – What It Takes to Be the Best"

"Several Track and Field Girl Athletes Prove Their Great Sportsmanship and Substance – Playing Sports Builds Character"

"Running: There Is an Inescapable Correlation Between Your Weight and Your Cardiovascular Efficiency – Part 5"

"Arthur Lydiard, the World's Greatest Middle Distance Coach, on How to Train Effectively"

"Washington's 2 Freshmen Lead Women to the 2008 National Cross-Country Title"

"Kathryn Martin Dominates on the Track at the 2008 USATF National Masters Meet"

"USA Middle Distance Outdoor Records for Male Super Master Runners Ages 50-74"

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March 7, 2009

The "What Next?" Wonder Kid

High School Spring Track Features Prep Distance Phenom Jordan Hasay

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

You can call her "Destiny's Child" but the label would be inaccurate. Prep phenom Jordan Hasay understands that she will have to run her way to greatness, and would not have it any other way.

Hasay attends Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School (better known as Mission Prep in the running community) in San Luis Obispo, California.

She has been setting national records for running since she was 12, when she set the USA age-group 3000-Meter record (1.86 miles) by running 9:48.77. A year later she would break the 1500-Meter mark with a 4:28.61 clocking and the 3000 mark with a 9:35.12 effort.

At 14, she would break the 1500, 3000 and 3200-Meter records; at 15, the 1500, 1600, 3000 and 3200-Meters; and last year as a junior she ran a meet-record 9:52.13 to win her 3rd consecutive state title in the 3200-Meter, another national age-group record to go with her 3000-Meter record of 9:19.6. Her 3200-Meter state championship victory was the second fastest time ever by a high school girl.

Did I mention that she ran in the U. S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon as a 16-year-old junior? On the storied, remodeled Hayward Field track (the University of Oregon playground of Pre, the late, great Steve Prefontaine), Hasay set another national age-group and high school record by running 4:14.50 in a 1500-Meter semifinal heat.

Hasay's exploits spilled over to cross-country as well. She capped the start of her senior year by winning her 4th straight California high school Division V title, tying Sara (nee Bei) Hall's record of 4 straight titles.

She then went on the capture her 4th straight Foot Locker West Regional title, becoming the first athlete ever to do so. She won the prestigious, national Foot Locker Cross Country Championship for the second time, covering the 5000-Meter (3.1 mile) course in 17:22.

Last year Hasay was named the 2008 USA Track and Field's Youth Athlete of the Year, and also Track & Field News named Hasay as its 2008 Girls High School Athlete of the Year.

Hasay isn't the only prep phenom the United States has produced. Jim Ryan and Mary Decker Slaney were world beaters in the day. Alan Webb had his moment of greatness. There are many others.

Hasay's waist-length blond hair make her easy to spot while running in a pack. The entire track community is anxiously awaiting her performance this spring, wondering just how much she can lower her times.

Jordan Hasay is pretty savvy about her future. "My aim isn't to be remembered as the best high school runner ever," said Hasay in a recent interview, "but as one of the better U. S. distance runners in the future." And, my oh my, does that future shine bright.

Read my other articles on track and field, cross-country and distance running, including:

"Updated USA Prep Track & Field Records and the New Best 2008 Top Performers"

"2009 Simplot Games Showcase the Nation's Top High School Track and Field Talent"

"National Indoor Middle Distance USA High School Track Records – What It Takes to Be the Best"

"Several Track and Field Girl Athletes Prove Their Great Sportsmanship and Substance – Playing Sports Builds Character"

"Running: There Is an Inescapable Correlation Between Your Weight and Your Cardiovascular Efficiency – Part 5"

"Arthur Lydiard, the World's Greatest Middle Distance Coach, on How to Train Effectively"

"Washington's 2 Freshmen Lead Women to the 2008 National Cross-Country Title"

"Kathryn Martin Dominates on the Track at the 2008 USATF National Masters Meet"

"USA Middle Distance Outdoor Records for Male Super Master Runners Ages 50-74"

What It Takes to Be the Best

National Indoor Middle Distance USA High School Track Records

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

After receiving my 2009 All-Time World Indoor List of the records and best performances compiled by Ed Gordon, I asked myself, "What are the best United States high school middle distance indoor records?"

This question popped into my mind because I had just completed an article on the 2009 Simplot Games, the premiere high school indoor meet in the West, and one of the top gatherings of prep talent in the nation.

Gordon's 221-page book is an incredible collection of every world indoor record with an extensive listing of best times following the world-record performances. This sort of publication is a gold mine of information for a person like me, who just happens to be a member of the Track and Field Writers of America.

Having been a track fan, follower and participant for more than 58 years, reading the records brought back some great memories for me. Even the high school list is too long to publish all of the records in Gordon's compilation, so I focused on the middle distance events because that is my area of knowledge and expertise.

Two factors should be considered in sharing these impressive high school performances with you. First, there are very few indoor competitions compared to outdoor competitions, so there are a lot fewer opportunities to break records. Second, indoor tracks can vary from an old time 11-lap track made up of cinders like I used to run on, and a modern 8-lap, 200-meter track made up of banked-boards or an artificial, composition surface. That said, here are the athletes whose stars are still shining:

First is Alan Webb, who competed for South Lakes High School in Reston, VA. Webb holds the indoor records in three events—the 1000-Meter in 2:23.68, the 1500-Meter in 3:43.27 and the Mile in 3:59.86, all set in 2001. The 1500 record was set enroute to the Mile record. Running a sub-4 minute mile as a prep runner is no mean task, and doing it indoors is even more difficult.

Before he graduated from high school, Webb would also set the national prep record in the outdoor Mile (3:53.43) and outdoor 1500 Meter (3:38.26). Ultimately, he would set the American record in the outdoor Mile (3:46.91) in 2007.

Another running legend, Gerry Lindgren of Rogers High School in Spokane, WA, holds two of the records—the 3000 Meter in 8:06.3 and the 2 Mile in 8:40.0, both set in the same race in 1964, 45 years ago and never bested the best of the best since. After graduating from high school in 1964, Lindgren would gain worldwide notice by beating two seasoned Russian runners to win the 10,000-Meter event in the US-USSR Track Meet in Los Angeles.

While running for Washington State University, Lindgren would win 11 NCAA championships and to this day remains only 1 of 2 runners to ever beat Steve Prefontaine in an NCAA Championship, winning the 1969 NCAA Cross-Country individual title when Prefontaine finished 3rd.

Lindgren would ultimately share the world 6-Mile record (27:11.6) with Billy Mills, the 1964 Olympic 10,000-Meter Champion and Gold-Medal winner.

Dave Merrick of Lincoln-Way High School in New Lenox, IL set the 3-Mile record by running 13:37.0 in 1971. Brad Hudson of South Eugene (OR) High School set the 5,000-Meter record with a 14:29.28 in 1971. To really appreciate Merrick's indoor record, you only need to know that he ran back-to-back-to-back miles at a 4:32 pace; that is a lot of laps on a small track.

Two other records are of note. Michael Granville of Bell Gardens (CA) High School ran 1:50.55 in the 800 Meter in 1995, and Greg Gibson of Connell (WA) High School ran 2:10.1 for the 1,000 Yard in 1972.

Among the girls' records, no name shines brighter than Mary Decker of Orange (CA) High School. Decker still holds the 800 Meter (2:01.8) and 880-Yard (2:02.4) records set in the same race in 1974. Those two indoor marks were world records at the time; she also set the 1,000-Meter world record (2:26.7) that same year as a prep runner.

Decker (now Mary Decker Slaney) was very popular, very talented and a fierce competitor on the track. Decker would go on to set 36 national records and 17 world records. She is the only American runner, man or woman, to hold all American records from 800 to 10,000-meters at the same time.

Decker still holds the American records for 800 Meters, 1,500 Meters, 1 Mile, 2,000 Meters and 3,000 Meters.

Another high school indoor record-holder who would become even more famous was Lynn Jennings of Bromfield High School in Harvard, MA. Jennings set the 1,500-Meter mark by running 4:18.9 in 1978.

Jennings would go on to win 3 World Cross-Country Championships, 9 U. S. National Cross-Country Championships, and become the bronze medalist in the 10,000 Meters at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Her Olympic time (31:19.89) in the 10,000 Meters set an American record. Her American road-race record for the 10,000 (31:06) still stands.

Melody Fairchild of Boulder (CO) High School holds two national indoor high school records—the 3,000 Meter in 9:17.7 and the 2 Mile in 9:55.92, both set in the same race in 1992. She would go on to become a repeat Foot Locker National High School Cross-Country Champion and still remains the course record holder. Fairchild was the first high school girl to break 10 minutes for 2 Miles.

Other indoor girl records were set by:

Diana Richburg of Lansingburgh High School in Troy, NY in the 1,000 Yard—2:26.3.

Sarah Bowman of Fauquier High School in Warrenton, VA in the 1,000 Meter—2:43.40.

Debbie Heald of Neff High School in Miranda, CA in the Mile—4:38.5.

Cathy Schiro of Dover (NH) High School in the 3 Mile—16:20.9.

Brianna Jackucewicz of Howell North High School in Farmingdale, NJ in the 5,000 Meter—16:43.02.

"Running: There Is an Inescapable Correlation Between Your Weight and Your Cardiovascular Efficiency – Part 5"

"Arthur Lydiard, the World's Greatest Middle Distance Coach, on How to Train Effectively"

"Washington's 2 Freshmen Lead Women to the 2008 National Cross-Country Title"

"Kathryn Martin Dominates on the Track at the 2008 USATF National Masters Meet"

"USA Middle Distance Outdoor Records for Male Super Master Runners Ages 50-74"