So Magaha didn't look like Drew and Haneef Hardy gave up on the 800 a little faster than I expected, a 2:01 followed by a quick trip to the 200 at Burdette, but hey the kid will be good we will see. Magaha. Well. I don't know what happened exactly to him, maybe sickness, but if he can solo 1:54 flat track in flats than at the Armory he should be 1:51. Maybe he left himself too much ground and than gave up and didn't put in the furious kick? Well who knows but that's enough about him and enough about that meet, we are talking Burdette now friends!
So first we will talk about that pesky 800 where I saw Mike Palmisano, Paul Reilly, Alex Sheltzer and Hong Cho win the past 4. I was at all of those races and one thing I can say is that none of the winning times were under 1:58 but all those guys ended up being 1:54 or better by the time all was said and done. I like Horgan a lot this year, obviously 3:09 on that DMR in December is great BUT he just ran hard in that DMR and we will see if he has enough left to beat this field.
If Damiani stays fresh for the 8 and doesn't run the mile, he's a sleeper here. He ran 1:55 very quietly a year ago outdoors and he is a talented runner. Jake DeLehman ran a 1:57 at the meet of champions race a year ago and looked like a sleeper at states last year, but he didn't pull through. Sam Brooks has been hot and the SOL american league has quite a nice record of medals at this meet. W, W, 3rd and 4th, W. Perhaps a little biased here but Brooks is my pick to win in sleeper fashion.
1. Brooks 1:59.5
2. Horgan 1:59.8
3. DeLehman 2:00.8
4. Damiani 2:01.9
5. Willis 2:02.9
On to the mile now with Nico Metzler front running the field. He ran a nice 800 the other night and its hard to imagine him not coming back and running strong again. Field doesn't look deep enough to make a record push, but it should give some runners a chance to show case their talent. DeLehman and Damiani are both entered in this race as well, but something tells me they will bail and just go 800. But we will see about that. A couple guys with fast new 3k prs also are in the field in Ernie Pitone and Will McDermott. A 9:07 is no joke for 3k, so I like Pitone as a sleeper here. Pete Downs isn't a bad Xc guy, we will see how that translates over. Here's my picks:
1. Metzler 4:36.7
2. Pitone 4:37.8
3. Kardish 4:38.8
4. McDermott 4:39.4
5. Mullin 4:40.9
To the 3k. #Stacked. Yeah we are talking debuts at the 3k for Kelly, Willig and Wilson, all guys who were on my early watch list to mix it up for a 3k title. Now technically speaking Willig is the returning champion, but I think Wilson and Willig both remember Dillon Farrell running them down after they controlled a big lead for most of the 2nd half of the race. Only a Farrell disqualification kept him from being a surprise two time champion.
Brett Kelly is a front runner and he goes hard from the gun often, so is he next in the line to be run down in the final straightaway? Willig I think is in the best shape out of the group right now and I think if he runs smart (and the kid is going to Brown so ...) he will take down the victory. I got Brett Kelly surprising for second and Dustin Wilson not quite being back yet. He's a great runner don't get me wrong, but to expect him to beat two top runners who are in great racing shape when Wilson hasn't run this kinda pace in a while is tough.
Hey in theory I could even see Wilson at 4th or 5th, this field is very deep. I like Max Norris a lot. I haven't seen him race yet either, which worries me a bit, but he has at least not been XC training and racing into December.
And wait there's more! Francis Ferruzzi who hung tough with Kelly in the mile last time and ran 9:17 first week back after regionals, Zach Israel who has been hot although he has raced a lot and in longer races like the anchor of the DMR and the mile a week ago at the association meet so tired legs may be a factor. I like Israel as the season goes, not on board for this specific race. Than there is Billotta who looks to keep the O'Hara 3k gold streak alive with a win here at Burdette, state champion Dan Davis from a strong North Penn squad and Chris Berry who is an up and coming CB West runner who ran a 9:24 victory 3k early in the season.
This top 5 is easily the toughest to pick for me, but here's what I got.
1. Willig 8:55
2. Kelly 8:58
3. Wilson 8:59
4. Norris 9:10
5. Billotta 9:12
Now I'll talk briefly about the relays but this will be mostly speculation. First off it looks like Hibbs and Quinn are making their long awaited debut in the DMR, which may also feature A teams from North Penn, Strath Haven and Cardinal O'Hara. Haven't seen Savage yet this season, he's not on the entries, so maybe he will be running the DMR maybe he's hurt. We will see. I think North Penn and Strath Haven will go hot again, the Haven has kinda danced this dance before the last two weeks but with spikes on I am sure they want to get the states monkey off their back. I can't see Horsham winning in their first races back. We will see, they have a chance to prove me wrong, but I like the state champs North Penn to come out fast. If the 12 legs keep it moving, say Hibbs goes out hard through 800, Trimble could run very fast with fresh spiked legs. MacCauley also very talented on the anchor leg. Can't underestimate Strath Haven, they have potential to be under 10:50, they are clearly looking to hit that mark, I've got 1. North Penn 2. Strath Haven 3. Hatboro.
As for the 4x800, I have a sinking feeling it's going to be slow. I think North Penn will not run that hot which opens the door for CB South and Penncrest to take it down. I've learned in the past not to underestimate the squad from CB South, we will see if they surprise again with a fast time here at Burdette, but I'm not sure how much depth they have at 800. Dickson will have to get back to the shape he was in when he ran 1:56 or so last year. I think Penncrest has got a shot to make noise but I think they will take second behind CB South. Beyond that it is tough to predict but I suppose O'Hara and North Penn sneak in their for the next two spots although this race shouldnt be anything too fast.
-train
College Decisions (I'll Do My Best to Update)
Drew Magaha- Penn
Ned Willig- Brown
Andrew Kuchta- Bucknell
Dustin Wilson- Columbia
Sarah Holl- Cornell
Meghan McGovern- William and Mary
LJ Westwood- Bucknell
I'll do my best to update
Ned Willig- Brown
Andrew Kuchta- Bucknell
Dustin Wilson- Columbia
Sarah Holl- Cornell
Meghan McGovern- William and Mary
LJ Westwood- Bucknell
I'll do my best to update
Another Week of Action
So we didn't have the highlight reel Fireworks from Magaha and Willig Last Friday Night that would have made my Teenage Dream come true, but these guys had to end their seemingly Extraterrestrial streak eventually right?
Yes I do like Katy Perry.
The big individual names from the first weeks of the season Willig, Magaha, Brooks, MacCauley, Trimble, Kelly, and Harriman were all absent from the individual results this time around (with the exception of Brett Kelly, we will get to that).
Magaha I'm pretty sure was on that fast Upper Moreland 4x4. Probably ran like a 49 split on a Lehigh flat track which is worth 48s on a bank track. No big deal. I'm betting Willig didn't show up to the meet at all and Brooks ran on the DMR? Not anything super fast from that Wiss DMR, but maybe Brooks split fast? Who knows?
I'll tell you Strath Haven probably split pretty fast. Another solid sub 11 performance. Yeah, I'm sure they'd like to be down around states time, yeah this is the second straight week they are running it hot which is interesting, but I like this team. Strath Haven has never really opted for the DMR on the big stage at Indoor States, even when they had guys like Speare and Fink they usually ended up in the 4x8 finals. But this year to be consistently sub 11 this early in the season shows signs that this team can run around 1)10:30 at the end of the season. I don't think that's fast enough to beat Great Valley or a fresh North Penn (we will get to those guys shortly) but its a very nice time that will usually land you all state.
Potential for a pretty good DMR over in HGPrep land. Nice races by Horgan and Israel. Israel was my big sleeper at Districts, I bailed on him for states (as Brendan Shearn told me I should not have) and he proved to be pretty good there. He has potential for a nice 3k/mile kinda season. And heck 1:58.8 this early is pretty quick. It's a shame Magaha and Willig make it look like it sucks.
O'Hara three straight 3k wins. Neither of them named Billotta or Savage. If Pitone can run 9:07, I'd be surprised if Savage couldn't run 9:01 right now in the right race. I think O'Hara is showing why they were the best XC team in PA right now with a nice hot start. They will keep snagging golds as long as Dustin Wilson stays home.
Nice quarter by Haneef Hardy. If he hops on a banked track for an 800 I would be surprised if he is not at least 1:56.
On the D1 side, nice job by LaSalle and North Penn. LaSalle made it look easy. Coyle went out pretty slow and still dusted the field. Stone ran well on the anchor, pretty even splits from everybody on the squad, which had a pretty big lead from 2 laps in.
Trimble probably a little too comfortable at that 3:20 pace, probably had some room to drop, but hey he was by himself and he still ran solid. MacCauley without much competition besides the people he was lapping ran a pretty solid anchor leg. These guys have speed and they are a great 12-16 combination. Kind of reminds me of the CB South DMR from a year ago with developing middle legs and too very good end legs. Waddington was the best pure 1200 runner that I have seen in a while. He knew how to run that race very well.
Brett Kelly does it again, pretty solid even splits. Ferruzzi hung with him for about a k in 2:48ish but then Kelly broke away and Ferruzzi's spirit broke. Ferruzzi has the potential to run a little faster there. He ran about a 78 last 440. As for Kelly the 4:31 wasn't all that impressive but I think he is looking past this race towards Burdette. I would be if I were him. Imagine the possibility of getting to see Magaha or Willig rather than 4 guys who didn't break 4:40. No offense meant of course.
Nice race by a couple newbies to the top of the scene. Metzler, Wiseman, Felt and Logue. Metzler and Logue I've heard the names thrown around, I knew they were good, the other two were impressively fast. A bunch of guys who this time last year were nobodys and now all look like they will clinch a states spot before 2012.
Hopefully some good stuff goes down at Burdette. I'm pumped.
Yes I do like Katy Perry.
The big individual names from the first weeks of the season Willig, Magaha, Brooks, MacCauley, Trimble, Kelly, and Harriman were all absent from the individual results this time around (with the exception of Brett Kelly, we will get to that).
Magaha I'm pretty sure was on that fast Upper Moreland 4x4. Probably ran like a 49 split on a Lehigh flat track which is worth 48s on a bank track. No big deal. I'm betting Willig didn't show up to the meet at all and Brooks ran on the DMR? Not anything super fast from that Wiss DMR, but maybe Brooks split fast? Who knows?
I'll tell you Strath Haven probably split pretty fast. Another solid sub 11 performance. Yeah, I'm sure they'd like to be down around states time, yeah this is the second straight week they are running it hot which is interesting, but I like this team. Strath Haven has never really opted for the DMR on the big stage at Indoor States, even when they had guys like Speare and Fink they usually ended up in the 4x8 finals. But this year to be consistently sub 11 this early in the season shows signs that this team can run around 1)10:30 at the end of the season. I don't think that's fast enough to beat Great Valley or a fresh North Penn (we will get to those guys shortly) but its a very nice time that will usually land you all state.
Potential for a pretty good DMR over in HGPrep land. Nice races by Horgan and Israel. Israel was my big sleeper at Districts, I bailed on him for states (as Brendan Shearn told me I should not have) and he proved to be pretty good there. He has potential for a nice 3k/mile kinda season. And heck 1:58.8 this early is pretty quick. It's a shame Magaha and Willig make it look like it sucks.
O'Hara three straight 3k wins. Neither of them named Billotta or Savage. If Pitone can run 9:07, I'd be surprised if Savage couldn't run 9:01 right now in the right race. I think O'Hara is showing why they were the best XC team in PA right now with a nice hot start. They will keep snagging golds as long as Dustin Wilson stays home.
Nice quarter by Haneef Hardy. If he hops on a banked track for an 800 I would be surprised if he is not at least 1:56.
On the D1 side, nice job by LaSalle and North Penn. LaSalle made it look easy. Coyle went out pretty slow and still dusted the field. Stone ran well on the anchor, pretty even splits from everybody on the squad, which had a pretty big lead from 2 laps in.
Trimble probably a little too comfortable at that 3:20 pace, probably had some room to drop, but hey he was by himself and he still ran solid. MacCauley without much competition besides the people he was lapping ran a pretty solid anchor leg. These guys have speed and they are a great 12-16 combination. Kind of reminds me of the CB South DMR from a year ago with developing middle legs and too very good end legs. Waddington was the best pure 1200 runner that I have seen in a while. He knew how to run that race very well.
Brett Kelly does it again, pretty solid even splits. Ferruzzi hung with him for about a k in 2:48ish but then Kelly broke away and Ferruzzi's spirit broke. Ferruzzi has the potential to run a little faster there. He ran about a 78 last 440. As for Kelly the 4:31 wasn't all that impressive but I think he is looking past this race towards Burdette. I would be if I were him. Imagine the possibility of getting to see Magaha or Willig rather than 4 guys who didn't break 4:40. No offense meant of course.
Nice race by a couple newbies to the top of the scene. Metzler, Wiseman, Felt and Logue. Metzler and Logue I've heard the names thrown around, I knew they were good, the other two were impressively fast. A bunch of guys who this time last year were nobodys and now all look like they will clinch a states spot before 2012.
Hopefully some good stuff goes down at Burdette. I'm pumped.
I'm Sick ... Not in the cool way
So I've been sick over the past few days, I still managed to make it to the association meet on friday night, but the next morning I woke up with an 102 degree fever so... needless to say my posting ability has been restricted. Plus one of the comments a little farther down on this page I missed, asking about why I called this XC season a "huge down year". Perhaps "huge" was a little bit of an overexaggeration, but heck I'm going to stand by what I said. I commented back on the post itself but just to make sure that whoever said commenter was sees my response I figured I'd post it up here for you guys to lay into me about how wrong I am. Read away:
First of all, you said it yourself, the times on the whole were down. If Juniors are that dominate at the top of the states results that is a sign that it is a down year. The Junior class is good, they will be fast at states next year, yes, yes I agree, but the Senior Class is the clear indicator of how good the state was really. Unless the Jr class is Ed Cheserek, Joe Rosa, Craig Lutz good, the state can't be that great and be dominated by Jrs, really across the board. Conner Quinn wasn't even the top guy on his team for most of the year, let alone the state. The top guys were incredibly inconsistent besides Wilson and a few AA guys. There was no dominance, there was no Brad Miles or Paul Springer.
As for Beveridge take note of how much he won that race by and what the conditions were like that day. It was hot out that day, it was a beautiful day this year. Weather is a huge factor in XC, its like trying to compare the 2 mile at states each year, you can't really do it. Fischer's year the weather was way better and the pace was much faster than this past year with Glenn and Hebda. No disrespect to Fischer of course, he still ran 9:03 and that's fast regardless of the condition outside, but I think favorable conditions helped him edge out guys like Dennin and Weller and Aldrich's 3200m times at states.
For further proof just look at our results on a national level, we had 3 guys qualifiers last year, the year before that we had 3 and the year before that (down year again, we just had 1), then the year before that we had 3 again (possibly could have had 4). So I'm just saying this year was a down year. Especially for AAA boys which, not to be rude, is where the depth of the state that year is really determined.
-train
ps sorry for the late response hope you see this
First of all, you said it yourself, the times on the whole were down. If Juniors are that dominate at the top of the states results that is a sign that it is a down year. The Junior class is good, they will be fast at states next year, yes, yes I agree, but the Senior Class is the clear indicator of how good the state was really. Unless the Jr class is Ed Cheserek, Joe Rosa, Craig Lutz good, the state can't be that great and be dominated by Jrs, really across the board. Conner Quinn wasn't even the top guy on his team for most of the year, let alone the state. The top guys were incredibly inconsistent besides Wilson and a few AA guys. There was no dominance, there was no Brad Miles or Paul Springer.
As for Beveridge take note of how much he won that race by and what the conditions were like that day. It was hot out that day, it was a beautiful day this year. Weather is a huge factor in XC, its like trying to compare the 2 mile at states each year, you can't really do it. Fischer's year the weather was way better and the pace was much faster than this past year with Glenn and Hebda. No disrespect to Fischer of course, he still ran 9:03 and that's fast regardless of the condition outside, but I think favorable conditions helped him edge out guys like Dennin and Weller and Aldrich's 3200m times at states.
For further proof just look at our results on a national level, we had 3 guys qualifiers last year, the year before that we had 3 and the year before that (down year again, we just had 1), then the year before that we had 3 again (possibly could have had 4). So I'm just saying this year was a down year. Especially for AAA boys which, not to be rude, is where the depth of the state that year is really determined.
-train
ps sorry for the late response hope you see this
NCAA PA Early Performances
Sam Negley 1:53.88
Jaleel Rodgers 1:54.87
Matt McGarvey 1:55.51
Oliver Dugas 1:57.15
Paul Reilly 4:14.98
Zach Hebda 8:45.97
Jacob Kildoo 14:38.02
Rad Gunzenhauser 14:39.94
Ian Quinlan 14:44.04
Jaleel Rodgers 1:54.87
Matt McGarvey 1:55.51
Oliver Dugas 1:57.15
Paul Reilly 4:14.98
Zach Hebda 8:45.97
Jacob Kildoo 14:38.02
Rad Gunzenhauser 14:39.94
Ian Quinlan 14:44.04
etrain at Lehigh
I'm going to be at the next two high school indoor track meets at Lehigh (only the Division one meet this coming Friday, sorry D2 guys) and I just wanted to throw this out there: Anyone who sees me, feel free to come over say hi and talk track. If you need to know what I look like, feel free to stalk me on facebook. My name is Jarrett Felix and I love have extra facebook friends who are runners. And don't feel weird, I probably have stalked your times at some point or another, so stalking what I look like is really not a big deal.
Last year at Burdette, I had some people talk to me and it made me look really famous in front of my friends even though I'm not so that was pretty sweet. I have expectations for this meet to top that. Just like last year as the "track guru" I am willing to sign coloring books and meet up and coming penntrack posters like runthrowjump and have awkward facial interactions with future 4:11 milers while said 4:11 miler reads his book and laughs about me signing coloring books and meeting up and coming penntrack posters. So yeah, Great Valley knows what I'm talking about.
Any who, come talk to me please! It will make me feel less weird about being at a high school meet when I'm 20 years old.
-train
Last year at Burdette, I had some people talk to me and it made me look really famous in front of my friends even though I'm not so that was pretty sweet. I have expectations for this meet to top that. Just like last year as the "track guru" I am willing to sign coloring books and meet up and coming penntrack posters like runthrowjump and have awkward facial interactions with future 4:11 milers while said 4:11 miler reads his book and laughs about me signing coloring books and meeting up and coming penntrack posters. So yeah, Great Valley knows what I'm talking about.
Any who, come talk to me please! It will make me feel less weird about being at a high school meet when I'm 20 years old.
-train
Week 2 Analysis
So another week of Indoor Track and another week of craziness goes down. So where should I start this week's analysis? Hmmmmm .... How about the duo of Drew Magaha and Ned Willig.
So I said all those nice things about Ned last week for dropping that quick of an 800, and hey Drew the same thing applies to you now. Unreal first 800 of the season. 1:55 this early on a flat track is unprecedented. To have two guys that fast is amazing.
I'll be frank here, this past XC season was a down year for PA. Probably one of the biggest down years I've seen in the past couple years. But this track season has started out as one of the most talented years we will ever see. Ned and Drew look like could push each other at the end of the season to sub 4:10 indoors.
Nice 4:17 for Ned. I'm honestly not too surprised with that kind of time after that 800. I'm hoping Ned and Drew get their first duel at Millrose Games. Drew definitely would have a shot to win if Cheserek isn't it/leaves the race to a kick. But I mean Cheserek is already in 4:09 shape and he just finished XC, so there is no reason to think he won't run fast at Millrose.
I'm hoping when I make my guest appearence at the Burdette Invitational I get to see a Drew v. Ned dual. Maybe through Brett Kelly in their just for kicks. See how fast he can go if he hangs on.
Now there are other runners besides the big two in the state. Props to a nice DMR from Strath Haven, Sam Brooks with a really big win and fast time, it looks like he has taken the next step, and O'Hara has a second straight gold medalist in the 3k, neither of which were named Savage or Billotta.
Haneef Hardy, Jonathan Stiles and Ryan Horgran all look like sleepers this year. Hardy especially. He has an outside shot at the 800 title against a tired Drew. Drew has yet to prove to me his a dynamic doubler. He still has time to do that obviously, but he has to improve in that area. Wade could always do it, we will see what Drew has got.
I still haven't seen too many relay performances that make me excited for the relays indoors, which are honestly my favorite thing about most indoors meets. I love the DMR and I want to see a battle shape up. North Penn and Great Valley the only squads I've seen with real potential so far. Strath Haven will be good but I don't see them being state champ good.
Lastly, it's sprints but hey you gotta mention him, nice work by Eric Fucht, he straight killed that 300m and his 4x4 came back with a nice 3:23 flat. Fucht is going to be scary this year. He's a crazy fast sprinter, but remember his event is even on the indoor states itenerary. Come outdoors, we may ever be talking top 10 all time and national record kind of times in the 300m Hurdles. 35.0x is the record. Keep it in mind.
Good work PA for proving PA don't play.
-train
So I said all those nice things about Ned last week for dropping that quick of an 800, and hey Drew the same thing applies to you now. Unreal first 800 of the season. 1:55 this early on a flat track is unprecedented. To have two guys that fast is amazing.
I'll be frank here, this past XC season was a down year for PA. Probably one of the biggest down years I've seen in the past couple years. But this track season has started out as one of the most talented years we will ever see. Ned and Drew look like could push each other at the end of the season to sub 4:10 indoors.
Nice 4:17 for Ned. I'm honestly not too surprised with that kind of time after that 800. I'm hoping Ned and Drew get their first duel at Millrose Games. Drew definitely would have a shot to win if Cheserek isn't it/leaves the race to a kick. But I mean Cheserek is already in 4:09 shape and he just finished XC, so there is no reason to think he won't run fast at Millrose.
I'm hoping when I make my guest appearence at the Burdette Invitational I get to see a Drew v. Ned dual. Maybe through Brett Kelly in their just for kicks. See how fast he can go if he hangs on.
Now there are other runners besides the big two in the state. Props to a nice DMR from Strath Haven, Sam Brooks with a really big win and fast time, it looks like he has taken the next step, and O'Hara has a second straight gold medalist in the 3k, neither of which were named Savage or Billotta.
Haneef Hardy, Jonathan Stiles and Ryan Horgran all look like sleepers this year. Hardy especially. He has an outside shot at the 800 title against a tired Drew. Drew has yet to prove to me his a dynamic doubler. He still has time to do that obviously, but he has to improve in that area. Wade could always do it, we will see what Drew has got.
I still haven't seen too many relay performances that make me excited for the relays indoors, which are honestly my favorite thing about most indoors meets. I love the DMR and I want to see a battle shape up. North Penn and Great Valley the only squads I've seen with real potential so far. Strath Haven will be good but I don't see them being state champ good.
Lastly, it's sprints but hey you gotta mention him, nice work by Eric Fucht, he straight killed that 300m and his 4x4 came back with a nice 3:23 flat. Fucht is going to be scary this year. He's a crazy fast sprinter, but remember his event is even on the indoor states itenerary. Come outdoors, we may ever be talking top 10 all time and national record kind of times in the 300m Hurdles. 35.0x is the record. Keep it in mind.
Good work PA for proving PA don't play.
-train
Top PA XC Runner's of my Generation
It was supposed to just be up to 50 but I got carried away :/
1. Brad Miles
2. Mark Dennin
3. Jason Weller
4. Paul Springer
5. Max Kaulbach
6. Dustin Wilson
7. Ryan Gil
8. Vince McNally
9. Chris Aldrich
10. Kyle Dawson
11. Jimmy Tarsnane
12. Ben Furcht
13. Joe Beveridge
14. Zach Hebda
15. Rad Gunzenhauser
16. Wade Endress
17. Conner Quinn
18. Will Kellar
19. Dan Lowry
20. Chris Campbell
21. Jacob Kildoo
22. Matt McCullough
23. Dan Jaskowak
24. Patrick DeSabato
25. Neal Berman
26. Juris Silenieks
27. Chuck Lockwood
28. Lucas Zarzeczny
29. Brett Kelly
30. Joe Kush
31. Gus McKenzie
32. Drew Magaha
33. Josh Izewski
34. Tyler Jones
35. Alfredo Santana
36. Logan Steiner
37. Sam Bernitt
38. Reece Ayers
39. Brendan Shearn
40. Isaac Dunkleberger
41. Jim Spisak
42. Nick Crits
43. Scott VanKooten
44. Tom Panulla
45. Owen Dawson
46. Sean Ward
47. Dan Savage
48. Sam Hibbs
49. Kyle Hurston
50. Dave Adley
51. Bud Plaszesnki
52. Dan Krystek
53. Bobby Micikas
54. Matt Gregory
1. Brad Miles
2. Mark Dennin
3. Jason Weller
4. Paul Springer
5. Max Kaulbach
6. Dustin Wilson
7. Ryan Gil
8. Vince McNally
9. Chris Aldrich
10. Kyle Dawson
11. Jimmy Tarsnane
12. Ben Furcht
13. Joe Beveridge
14. Zach Hebda
15. Rad Gunzenhauser
16. Wade Endress
17. Conner Quinn
18. Will Kellar
19. Dan Lowry
20. Chris Campbell
21. Jacob Kildoo
22. Matt McCullough
23. Dan Jaskowak
24. Patrick DeSabato
25. Neal Berman
26. Juris Silenieks
27. Chuck Lockwood
28. Lucas Zarzeczny
29. Brett Kelly
30. Joe Kush
31. Gus McKenzie
32. Drew Magaha
33. Josh Izewski
34. Tyler Jones
35. Alfredo Santana
36. Logan Steiner
37. Sam Bernitt
38. Reece Ayers
39. Brendan Shearn
40. Isaac Dunkleberger
41. Jim Spisak
42. Nick Crits
43. Scott VanKooten
44. Tom Panulla
45. Owen Dawson
46. Sean Ward
47. Dan Savage
48. Sam Hibbs
49. Kyle Hurston
50. Dave Adley
51. Bud Plaszesnki
52. Dan Krystek
53. Bobby Micikas
54. Matt Gregory
Indoor Thoughts
The season is young, not much has gone down, but I have some things I noticed over the past weekend which excited me in a bunch of different ways. So here's what I got.
A lot of guys are still getting back from regionals, Wilson was actually at Nationals busy being an All-American and all that jazz, so we didn't get to see all of the talent we thought we might.
That being said, Brett Kelly came out the gates firing. He just ran regionals a couple weeks ago and he already wins easily in the mile over Trimble, leading from the gun. Trimble and MacCauley (both also just had regionals) ran great races on Saturday as well.
Kelly is one of my early picks to make serious noise at states. I'm talking around top 3 in the 3k indoors. I think the mile field is too deep right now on paper for him to finish as high there as he would in the 3k. Here's the thing you have to remember: Kelly has been very good indoors the last two seasons, he had easily his best xc season this past fall, and he has no DMR to tie him down and take away his chances at individual glory. Boyertown was a few seconds away from pulling a pretty big upset and winning the DMR at states last year, and that had a lot to do with Brett Kelly on the anchor. Watch out for this kid this year.
As for the North Penn boys, they are the state champs in XC so obviously there is a lot of talent there. I heard they are going to be sticking to the relays indoors which will be interesting because Trimble has to be an early pick to mix it up for the top 3-5 spots in the 8 at states, maybe even higher if guys like Willig and Magaha drop it (and I do think Willig isn't even really considering the 8 at states, but I'll get to that later). I assume they will be looking DMR over 4x8 which would be the first time I can remember North Penn being a legimate state title contender in the DMR, usually they are all about the 4x8 (and rightfully so, they have quite the history).
A couple other things from the D1 meet I'll throw out there:
Fucht is good, should be fun to watch this year even for us distance guys. Pennwood has some potential to hav some nice relays as well.
Brad Rivera, slow time but he got the win, so I'll take it. Hoping to see more from Ryan Dickson in the coming weeks. I think he has potential to follow in Gregor and Waddington's footsteps from a year ago.
Connor Harriman will bounce back, he went out a little too hard, but this was supposed to be the big name in the 3k at this meet, Ferruzzi and MacCauley both had regionals they were training for and Glatts isn't a recogonizable name for most people (unless you're last name is train). Still a pretty quick opener for all those guys. 5 under 9:20 at the first meet is sick.
CR North and CB West. At it again.
Now on to the D2 meet. This was the meet with the big names. A couple of track guys at heart who are happy to have shed their XC coats and hop on to the oval and run fast. Magaha ran a nice solid mile. Its quick for this early, without a doubt, but he's a 4:07 miler (closing in 58 I should add) so it's really not a surprise to see that race out of him.
On the other hand Ned Willig dropped a frickin bomb on the indoor track world. Look, I believe in this kid, I know he's good. 4:11 last year, 1:51 speed, 15:30s in the 5k, 9:20s in the 2 mile blah blah blah. But nobody runs 1:55 this eary. Nobody. Not even the Abington kids going to the armory and dropping fast times, not Tom Mallon, the state record holder, nobody.
1:55, flat track, no competition, no spikes, in December. Wow.
So I look at this time and in most cases my first instinct is simple: Peaking too early, gonna burn out around Febuary 25th. And if you get lucky, you will make it to the end of March.
But with Ned, I don't know if I can use that explanation. This guy is a hard worker and a smart kid, probably bound for an Ivy League school next fall, and he hasn't had problems with peaking to early in the past.
If he holds up with the kind of times he's running right now in December the mile at states could be truly epic. Magaha will have his hands full with a Willig who is in this kind of shape.
At states, I'd imagine Willig is going to stick with that DMR. The team is pretty passionate about trying to win states after their disappointing finish last year (they were my pick to win, I think) where Ned sacrificed all his individual events for the relay. I don't know if anyone can honestly expect him to sacrifice his individual event this time around, but he probably won't need to.
I can't see another DMR anchor runner under 4:20 in the race, and at this rate Willig is going to be running a Dan Lowry like 4:12 split, even on the double.
Only time will tell.
Quick shout out to Horgan and Brooks for some nice 2nd place finishes behind two of the best in the state.
Both those times are very solid for the first meet of the season.
Oh and of course big shout out to loyal blog reader and penntrack poster Demetrius McCary on the big win. Good job bud.
A lot of guys are still getting back from regionals, Wilson was actually at Nationals busy being an All-American and all that jazz, so we didn't get to see all of the talent we thought we might.
That being said, Brett Kelly came out the gates firing. He just ran regionals a couple weeks ago and he already wins easily in the mile over Trimble, leading from the gun. Trimble and MacCauley (both also just had regionals) ran great races on Saturday as well.
Kelly is one of my early picks to make serious noise at states. I'm talking around top 3 in the 3k indoors. I think the mile field is too deep right now on paper for him to finish as high there as he would in the 3k. Here's the thing you have to remember: Kelly has been very good indoors the last two seasons, he had easily his best xc season this past fall, and he has no DMR to tie him down and take away his chances at individual glory. Boyertown was a few seconds away from pulling a pretty big upset and winning the DMR at states last year, and that had a lot to do with Brett Kelly on the anchor. Watch out for this kid this year.
As for the North Penn boys, they are the state champs in XC so obviously there is a lot of talent there. I heard they are going to be sticking to the relays indoors which will be interesting because Trimble has to be an early pick to mix it up for the top 3-5 spots in the 8 at states, maybe even higher if guys like Willig and Magaha drop it (and I do think Willig isn't even really considering the 8 at states, but I'll get to that later). I assume they will be looking DMR over 4x8 which would be the first time I can remember North Penn being a legimate state title contender in the DMR, usually they are all about the 4x8 (and rightfully so, they have quite the history).
A couple other things from the D1 meet I'll throw out there:
Fucht is good, should be fun to watch this year even for us distance guys. Pennwood has some potential to hav some nice relays as well.
Brad Rivera, slow time but he got the win, so I'll take it. Hoping to see more from Ryan Dickson in the coming weeks. I think he has potential to follow in Gregor and Waddington's footsteps from a year ago.
Connor Harriman will bounce back, he went out a little too hard, but this was supposed to be the big name in the 3k at this meet, Ferruzzi and MacCauley both had regionals they were training for and Glatts isn't a recogonizable name for most people (unless you're last name is train). Still a pretty quick opener for all those guys. 5 under 9:20 at the first meet is sick.
CR North and CB West. At it again.
Now on to the D2 meet. This was the meet with the big names. A couple of track guys at heart who are happy to have shed their XC coats and hop on to the oval and run fast. Magaha ran a nice solid mile. Its quick for this early, without a doubt, but he's a 4:07 miler (closing in 58 I should add) so it's really not a surprise to see that race out of him.
On the other hand Ned Willig dropped a frickin bomb on the indoor track world. Look, I believe in this kid, I know he's good. 4:11 last year, 1:51 speed, 15:30s in the 5k, 9:20s in the 2 mile blah blah blah. But nobody runs 1:55 this eary. Nobody. Not even the Abington kids going to the armory and dropping fast times, not Tom Mallon, the state record holder, nobody.
1:55, flat track, no competition, no spikes, in December. Wow.
So I look at this time and in most cases my first instinct is simple: Peaking too early, gonna burn out around Febuary 25th. And if you get lucky, you will make it to the end of March.
But with Ned, I don't know if I can use that explanation. This guy is a hard worker and a smart kid, probably bound for an Ivy League school next fall, and he hasn't had problems with peaking to early in the past.
If he holds up with the kind of times he's running right now in December the mile at states could be truly epic. Magaha will have his hands full with a Willig who is in this kind of shape.
At states, I'd imagine Willig is going to stick with that DMR. The team is pretty passionate about trying to win states after their disappointing finish last year (they were my pick to win, I think) where Ned sacrificed all his individual events for the relay. I don't know if anyone can honestly expect him to sacrifice his individual event this time around, but he probably won't need to.
I can't see another DMR anchor runner under 4:20 in the race, and at this rate Willig is going to be running a Dan Lowry like 4:12 split, even on the double.
Only time will tell.
Quick shout out to Horgan and Brooks for some nice 2nd place finishes behind two of the best in the state.
Both those times are very solid for the first meet of the season.
Oh and of course big shout out to loyal blog reader and penntrack poster Demetrius McCary on the big win. Good job bud.
Footlocker Nationals
So I was wrong. Cheserek didn't scare the course record today at Balboa Park, but man was that one heck of a race. I feel extremely priveleged to say I got to see both races on live webcast today (both were awesome, especially the guys) and got to watch two PA runners work their way up to All-American status. PA don't play.
Now Angel may have left a little bit too much ground early and had to play too much catch up, but that was probably better. A fast pace at that course would have hurt her bad. Meanwhile, she ran in the 17:40s at that course so that's pretty legit.
Dustin just ran solid and kept his head about where 15th place was. Great job by Dustin, 2nd Northeast finisher behind only Eddie Ches. Nice company.
But on to the race out front. All hope I had for the record went out the window when Cheserek sat back the first mile and waited to see what Futsum would do, so then it was just on to who would win the title. The two battled it out hard core over the whole stretch with a huge move at the hill, probably the fastest I have seen anyone take that hill since Matt Withrow.
That being said the time wasn't all that fast. Verzbicas ran 14:59 the year before basically walking the last stretch and having run a horrible conditioned course at NXN just a week prior. So maybe I have to rethink Cheserek as the greatest XC runner of my generation. LV is still pretty darn good.
Come track we will see what kind of gears Cheserek has to go after Lukas's records and chase down marks like 8:30 and 4:00 and 14:00, each more likely than the mark prior.
13:37, 8:29, and 3:53. All pretty legit, but the way Cheserek ran this year, in the right race he could scare some of these.
And heck if not, he's got a whole other year after this.
Somebody get me a birth certificate please.
-train
PS I'm working on a rankings board for the top 50 XC runners over the past 6 years (since I started following the sport) for the PA boys. I'll hear some opinions and such and you all can let me know what you think before/during/after I finish the process. Keep in touch and get pumped because now it's officially track season.
Now Angel may have left a little bit too much ground early and had to play too much catch up, but that was probably better. A fast pace at that course would have hurt her bad. Meanwhile, she ran in the 17:40s at that course so that's pretty legit.
Dustin just ran solid and kept his head about where 15th place was. Great job by Dustin, 2nd Northeast finisher behind only Eddie Ches. Nice company.
But on to the race out front. All hope I had for the record went out the window when Cheserek sat back the first mile and waited to see what Futsum would do, so then it was just on to who would win the title. The two battled it out hard core over the whole stretch with a huge move at the hill, probably the fastest I have seen anyone take that hill since Matt Withrow.
That being said the time wasn't all that fast. Verzbicas ran 14:59 the year before basically walking the last stretch and having run a horrible conditioned course at NXN just a week prior. So maybe I have to rethink Cheserek as the greatest XC runner of my generation. LV is still pretty darn good.
Come track we will see what kind of gears Cheserek has to go after Lukas's records and chase down marks like 8:30 and 4:00 and 14:00, each more likely than the mark prior.
13:37, 8:29, and 3:53. All pretty legit, but the way Cheserek ran this year, in the right race he could scare some of these.
And heck if not, he's got a whole other year after this.
Somebody get me a birth certificate please.
-train
PS I'm working on a rankings board for the top 50 XC runners over the past 6 years (since I started following the sport) for the PA boys. I'll hear some opinions and such and you all can let me know what you think before/during/after I finish the process. Keep in touch and get pumped because now it's officially track season.
Indoor Season
Here's the thing to remember folks, things aren't going to be fast right away. I mean the SQS is only around 2 flat for the 800 so you can't expect too many guys in December to straight kill it. It's about winning races and beating people at this point.
Looking over the states times its interesting to see where times have been sped up and where things are slow. For starters, making the 3k at states is tough man. 9 flat on a flat track is crazy fast, I know 9:30s for 32 doesn't seem that fast, but you have understand most years at the state championships on a bank track its hard to find 8 guys who are way under 9. The DMR time I think has been made a little easier, 4x8 is about the same. But please PTFCA, don't have these strict standards and then change your standards halfway through the season and let teams in that haven't hit the time. It's not really fair.
Now I'm not trying to say that the first races are going to be boring, but let me just make some things clear. Gilmore opening meet of the season only ran 50.4. The winning 800 and Mile times were in the 4:40s and 2:03 range in the D1 TFCAofGP meet.
But to be fair guys in these races ended up being fast later on. Kodi Burns ran 2:13 first meet, 1:56 by the end of spring. Brad Rivera ran 2:06, by the end of indoors 1:58, by the end of outdoors 1:53. Austin Gregor, eventual 4 teens miler ran just 9:20 in the 3k. And of course Hong Cho ran 2:03 and finished 4th in his race. He went on to do some big things btw (1:50, state champ).
Drew Magaha lost to Nick Libbi in the mile 4:34-4:35.
So don't go too bold with big predictions time wise. But the winners will probably be big names. Maybe names on the rise.
MacCauley, Trimble, Gonzaga, Gilmore, CB West, Boyertown, Okezie, Timmins, Libbi, Wilson, Strath Haven and Great Valley
don't make too much out of a performance in the first meet.
Looking over the states times its interesting to see where times have been sped up and where things are slow. For starters, making the 3k at states is tough man. 9 flat on a flat track is crazy fast, I know 9:30s for 32 doesn't seem that fast, but you have understand most years at the state championships on a bank track its hard to find 8 guys who are way under 9. The DMR time I think has been made a little easier, 4x8 is about the same. But please PTFCA, don't have these strict standards and then change your standards halfway through the season and let teams in that haven't hit the time. It's not really fair.
Now I'm not trying to say that the first races are going to be boring, but let me just make some things clear. Gilmore opening meet of the season only ran 50.4. The winning 800 and Mile times were in the 4:40s and 2:03 range in the D1 TFCAofGP meet.
But to be fair guys in these races ended up being fast later on. Kodi Burns ran 2:13 first meet, 1:56 by the end of spring. Brad Rivera ran 2:06, by the end of indoors 1:58, by the end of outdoors 1:53. Austin Gregor, eventual 4 teens miler ran just 9:20 in the 3k. And of course Hong Cho ran 2:03 and finished 4th in his race. He went on to do some big things btw (1:50, state champ).
Drew Magaha lost to Nick Libbi in the mile 4:34-4:35.
So don't go too bold with big predictions time wise. But the winners will probably be big names. Maybe names on the rise.
MacCauley, Trimble, Gonzaga, Gilmore, CB West, Boyertown, Okezie, Timmins, Libbi, Wilson, Strath Haven and Great Valley
don't make too much out of a performance in the first meet.
College Running- Andrew Gourlay
So it is college application time and for runners that means we have to decide whether or not we want a school that we can run at, or a school with a club team, or a school where we just run on our own. My friend and former teammate Andrew Gourlay offered up his experience as a runner who attends LaSalle, but does not run for their team or any organized club. Here is what he had to say:
My high school running experience was not very typical. I graduated from Upper Dublin High School in 2009. I ran cross country, indoor, and outdoor every year. The highlight of my running career was by far my 438 mile as a sophomore. After that I didnt really do anything more. I was competitive enough to run in varsity races but didnt win any awards or districts or anything like that. Some of this can be attributed to lack of effort, distractions, lack of skill, and well, peeing blood.
My junior year of cross country I peed blood after one of the runs. As many people probably would, I was freaked out. We called the doctor and he said let me know if it happens again. It soon began happening very often and so I went to the doctor. He said it was a result of not drinking enough water. He said my bladder didnt have any water in it so the walls would bang up against each other and eventually bleed. So from then on I drank water like a mad man. I would load up on water before every run.
The problem would come and go but for the most part it was gone until winter of senior year when it kept happening. This time the doctor didnt know what was wrong and told me to stop running. It was a weird feeling. I was upset that what i had done all of high school was over but relieved in a sense. I still wanted to be on the team so I threw javelin and shotput and discus. All 135 pounds of me. I was awful at discus and shotput, getting last nearly every meet. I wasnt good by any means at javelin but was able to score points at league meets and feel part of the team. By the time I had surgery and got everything wrong with me fixed my high school running career was over.
The greatest thing about running in high school had nothing to do about running. I made my best friends through running. I looked forward to running everyday because I could hang out with my friends and joke around and what not. It made my love hate relationship with running much easier. That is the biggest reason why I chose to stay on the team and throw javelin and shot put, as bad as I was at that.
Out of high school I never thought about running in college. I enjoyed running in high school but wanted to concentrate on school work and knew that college running would be a huge commitment. When I would have off practice in high school or there was a break in between seasons I was so relieved and enjoyed it so much that I wanted all of college to be like that.
I ended up going to La Salle University. Two of my friends, who ran at Upper Dublin, went as well, Pat and Paul Reilly. Pat also chose not to run in college but Paul did and has been relatively successful as a DI athlete. Good job Paul.
I was fortunate enough to be part of a mistake. La Salle thought Pat was going to run so they put him in the track dorm. Pat and I decided to be roommates before school started so I was put in there to. Soon enough my best friends were all on the track team. I have become a track groupie. Many people consider me on the team. With a school so small like La Salle everyone knows everyone. At party's (YEA COLLEGE!) people will say oh yea youre on the track team. I know all their times, all the courses, all the team drama, all the opponents, and some consider me more on the team than many of the people that actually are. I even go to the track formal every year. I lucked out.
All of this is what makes me still run. Feelings of regret in high school of not trying hard enough and thinking what could have been make me wanna run now. Also, living with and basically being on the team here at LaSalle I feel obligated to run. I run with the team very often, when they arent working out or running to long. Seeing them running and hearing them talk about it make me wanna run even more. And of course, there is always the goal of staying in shape and not putting on the freshmen fifteen. ex: Ian McGrath.
Running at La Salle is difficult. Its in the city and the neighborhoods arent to great. So much so that my one friend got jumped while he was running. However, being the idiot I am I often run through the neighborhoods with my Ipod on, by myself. Probably not the smartest idea but what are ya gonna do. Around here if I am going for a long enough run I can run to Valley Green, the opposite side of where we would go in high school. However, most of my runs are at night and consist of me doing loops upon loops around campus and on the track. It gets annoying but its doable.
I have not done any races or competitions since high school. I would have liked to but i suffered my first ever legit injury in April when i sprained my ankle trying to be jordan on the basketball court. 6-7 months later and my ankle is still bothering me and will probably be for life. Although I just run "for fun" running now means a lot to me and this injury was devastating. I remember looking down at my ankle and thinking, when can i run again.
A few weeks ago i started running again and it was exhilarating. Running for the first time in 6 months was the most amazing feeling. Despite being out of running shape I was flying up hills and running as fast as I could. I felt it bad the next day but ran that day and the next day doing the same thing. As of now Ive slowed down and am trying to get back into shape. However, the ankle is still nagging and it sucks.
Running has become a big part of my life and I am thankful. I have made best friends that I will have for life from high school and now in college. If I can give any high school runners on advice on whether to run in college it would be this. Do whatever you want. Dont listen to anyone. if you wanna run in college, no matter your skill, do it. But if you dont, dont feel pressured to. Ill tell ya, not running in college is pretty great to. Long live etrain.
Gourlay
My high school running experience was not very typical. I graduated from Upper Dublin High School in 2009. I ran cross country, indoor, and outdoor every year. The highlight of my running career was by far my 438 mile as a sophomore. After that I didnt really do anything more. I was competitive enough to run in varsity races but didnt win any awards or districts or anything like that. Some of this can be attributed to lack of effort, distractions, lack of skill, and well, peeing blood.
My junior year of cross country I peed blood after one of the runs. As many people probably would, I was freaked out. We called the doctor and he said let me know if it happens again. It soon began happening very often and so I went to the doctor. He said it was a result of not drinking enough water. He said my bladder didnt have any water in it so the walls would bang up against each other and eventually bleed. So from then on I drank water like a mad man. I would load up on water before every run.
The problem would come and go but for the most part it was gone until winter of senior year when it kept happening. This time the doctor didnt know what was wrong and told me to stop running. It was a weird feeling. I was upset that what i had done all of high school was over but relieved in a sense. I still wanted to be on the team so I threw javelin and shotput and discus. All 135 pounds of me. I was awful at discus and shotput, getting last nearly every meet. I wasnt good by any means at javelin but was able to score points at league meets and feel part of the team. By the time I had surgery and got everything wrong with me fixed my high school running career was over.
The greatest thing about running in high school had nothing to do about running. I made my best friends through running. I looked forward to running everyday because I could hang out with my friends and joke around and what not. It made my love hate relationship with running much easier. That is the biggest reason why I chose to stay on the team and throw javelin and shot put, as bad as I was at that.
Out of high school I never thought about running in college. I enjoyed running in high school but wanted to concentrate on school work and knew that college running would be a huge commitment. When I would have off practice in high school or there was a break in between seasons I was so relieved and enjoyed it so much that I wanted all of college to be like that.
I ended up going to La Salle University. Two of my friends, who ran at Upper Dublin, went as well, Pat and Paul Reilly. Pat also chose not to run in college but Paul did and has been relatively successful as a DI athlete. Good job Paul.
I was fortunate enough to be part of a mistake. La Salle thought Pat was going to run so they put him in the track dorm. Pat and I decided to be roommates before school started so I was put in there to. Soon enough my best friends were all on the track team. I have become a track groupie. Many people consider me on the team. With a school so small like La Salle everyone knows everyone. At party's (YEA COLLEGE!) people will say oh yea youre on the track team. I know all their times, all the courses, all the team drama, all the opponents, and some consider me more on the team than many of the people that actually are. I even go to the track formal every year. I lucked out.
All of this is what makes me still run. Feelings of regret in high school of not trying hard enough and thinking what could have been make me wanna run now. Also, living with and basically being on the team here at LaSalle I feel obligated to run. I run with the team very often, when they arent working out or running to long. Seeing them running and hearing them talk about it make me wanna run even more. And of course, there is always the goal of staying in shape and not putting on the freshmen fifteen. ex: Ian McGrath.
Running at La Salle is difficult. Its in the city and the neighborhoods arent to great. So much so that my one friend got jumped while he was running. However, being the idiot I am I often run through the neighborhoods with my Ipod on, by myself. Probably not the smartest idea but what are ya gonna do. Around here if I am going for a long enough run I can run to Valley Green, the opposite side of where we would go in high school. However, most of my runs are at night and consist of me doing loops upon loops around campus and on the track. It gets annoying but its doable.
I have not done any races or competitions since high school. I would have liked to but i suffered my first ever legit injury in April when i sprained my ankle trying to be jordan on the basketball court. 6-7 months later and my ankle is still bothering me and will probably be for life. Although I just run "for fun" running now means a lot to me and this injury was devastating. I remember looking down at my ankle and thinking, when can i run again.
A few weeks ago i started running again and it was exhilarating. Running for the first time in 6 months was the most amazing feeling. Despite being out of running shape I was flying up hills and running as fast as I could. I felt it bad the next day but ran that day and the next day doing the same thing. As of now Ive slowed down and am trying to get back into shape. However, the ankle is still nagging and it sucks.
Running has become a big part of my life and I am thankful. I have made best friends that I will have for life from high school and now in college. If I can give any high school runners on advice on whether to run in college it would be this. Do whatever you want. Dont listen to anyone. if you wanna run in college, no matter your skill, do it. But if you dont, dont feel pressured to. Ill tell ya, not running in college is pretty great to. Long live etrain.
Gourlay
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