I plan to cover briefly the results from this weekend in a post and then Forrest and I will be filming tomorrow to discuss the results and what they mean for the state meet going forward. We are also hoping to weigh in on debates and questions you guys have has readers so please comment away on this post. Still looking for a name for the show so also drop a comment for that as well if you've got it.
We will start up at the Armory where PA represented nicely on the entire Northeast stage with a big win from the LaSalle 4x8 in a state leading 7:48. The relay was arguably carried by their two stud legs of Tom Coyle and Andrew Stone who each split around 1:55-1:54 while their other legs split around 1:59-2:00 (Splits courtesy of Charles Stone: Magee 1:59.3, Stone 1:54.5, Bilotta 2:00, Coyle 1:54. 5), however, having watched the race all 4 of these guys raced really hard and all of them ran competitive enough to keep this relay fighting for the lead throughout. I think Magee came through 600m really quick and had trouble closing, if he can put that together he could be a 1:57 guy before you know it. LaSalle has to consider the state record in the 4x8 going forward.
Not a bad mark for Pennsbury either running a solid 7:59, but I think it is clear that their strength is the DMR. Guys like Webb and Harriman are built more for longer distances, probably both are true 3k guys at heart. Nice race for Sauer on the 4x8 for Pennsbury. He can mix it up with the other 800 legs in the DMR for sure. 7:59 is still far and away PA #2.
Bensalem's Brad Rivera ran a 1k in around 2:29 or so which is a solid mark but says to me this guy is an 8-4 guy more so than 12-mile guy. Obviously he can run great marks at the upper distances but this Bensalem team is probably most dangerous as a 4x8 squad. Although they have to really step their game up against this LaSalle squad.
We finally got to see what the guys out west had this weekend! A big win for Ethan Martin in the mile over Tyler Rigby, a guy who I feel is a big sleeper pick for indoors and outdoors this year. Both boys were in the 4:24s for a full mile on the slightly oversized track. Smathers was 3rd in a solid 4:28 and doubled back to win the 800m in 1:59. Looks like he will make that same double at states based on how he has raced this season. Jaskowak threw down a modest 4:31 clocking which was solid but I think he missed the SQS. Cordon Luoco ran a 4:32 for one of the surprises of the day and should prove to be a great piece for any NA DMR that they choose to run. Seeing this race indicates a bunch of more guys will likely qualify for the mile adding to an already stunningly large field.
Colin Martin came out of the woodwork to drop a 9 flat 3k which is a very nice, uncontested mark. Unforuntately because of the oversized track conversion he may not get into the state meet with that kind of time. But definitely keep an eye on Colin Martin as a sleeper pick to watch in the 3k going forward. He and his brother are very dangerous in the 3k medal competition and Ethan is a threat to take the win. Hunter Johnston ran a very nice 9:03 and Ryan Archer ran a solid 9:05. Both guys have a shot to drop their time low enough to qualify for states in the future. I wouldn't count out the NA boys either as Zemet and McGoey ran 9:12 and 9:14 respectively. A solid 11:01 DMR for Vincentian Academy (the Archer Bros school). May not be good enough for states, but it throws this team in the 4x8 conversation outdoors in A. Kiski also stepped on the track and broke the rust off. Just an 11:11 clocking for them, but it is nice to see Brent Kennedy's name in results again. Watch out for this bunch as they round into shape.
At the DELCO meet we saw a nice mark from Lucas Elek (1:59) over Jim Belfatto (2:00) in the open 8. Elek notches another impressive win to his resume. Nick Scarpato from the sleeper Springfield DELCO squad ran a nice open mile to put his name on the list for states (4:30 for 1600m). Ernie Pitone and Chris Pastore were 4:33 and 4:34 for 1600m following him. Last weeks big breakout performer at 800m Chandler Mattis tried his hand at the 1600m as well running 4:44.
Of course we also saw some nice DMRs at Poreda including a huge win by Bensalem as Kyle Francis ran an uncontested 4:23 anchor leg to bring home an impressive victory. According to coach Mary Ellen Malloy, the splits were Brad Rivera leading off with a 1200 of 3:13.4; Qhyle Elijah with a 400 leg of 49.6, Armand Cox-Finn covering the 800 leg in 2:00.5 and Kyle Francis anchoring the 1600 in 4:23.3. CBEast and UD finally got the state monkey off their back as well and St Joe's Prep came out of nowhere to a grab a state bid in the 4x8.
At the TFCAofGP meet there were the usual small amount of fast marks at Glenn Mills' track but there was a nice run by Freshman Patrick Grant of LaSalle who won the mile in 4:40. Conner Quinn took down Matt French of Bensalem in the 800m 2:04 to 2:05. Its Quinn's second win over 800m this year at Glenn Mills' track. Christian Sanders did jump up to the 800m and took the win in 2:01 at Glenn Mills for DII. He is still searching for a big breakout performance in the 800m before states but he has taken a few big wins already. The key players in a Wissahickon 4x4 came out to play with a big win by Dixon in the 400m and a solid run by Stellato in the 800m. Down the line Stellato may grow into a 1:56 guy this year. He has the speed from his 48. running last year outdoors. A nice win for Cumming in 4:39 as his DMR squad clocks another sub 11 mark.
Comment this bad boy up so we have stuff to talk about tomorrow!
i feel bad for rnicklas, he is the only one left who still reads the penntrack forums
ReplyDeletedefinitely a big weekend of action. moving forward, i feel like we will have to see some of the DMR built squads switch to the 4x8. it is too wide open and those school shooting for a state title would be ignorant not to try their hand. schools like pennsbury which may have guys doubling may choose to run a 4x8. bensalem and even WCH may choose to shy away from the DM despite fast clockings already this year. in my opinion though the 4x8 is la salles race to lose. with 4 solid legs and 2 of those legs capable of splitting 1:52 come states they seem virtually unbeatable. O'Hara and DTWEST are two other teams i expect to see in the 4x8. Then comes the DMR, where call me crazy, but i think we could potentially see Strath Haven take down the title. With stud 1200 and mile legs in Butera and Huemmler this team could be dangerous if they're close into the final exchange and they very well may be. Then there's a toss up for the other medal positions which will likely go to CRN, Central Bucks East, Upper Dublin, and maybe even Germantown Friends depending on which guys double. All of those teams have dangerous weapons including Ross Wilson, James Zingarini, Alec Brand, Jake Brophy, Francis Ferruzzi, and then Wistar and Aziz. Watch out as the posteseason is around the corner. PA Don't Play!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget about CV and State College! Both of those teams have wry strong DMRs potentially.
DeleteI agree with the above comment! I think we will be seeing changes from teams thought to be running the 4x8 to DM and vice versa. There are many solid teams that do have chance at gold for a relay. I cannot wait to see what La Salle decides they are going to do, especially after this weekend. With the possibility of two legs running 1:52 and the two other legs dropping a second or two, that makes a mean 4x8!
ReplyDeleteI still believe Lasalle will go for the DMR, I just seem to have a gut feeling about this. Their 4x8 time was very quick and they can still drop time if they put it together for one race, but I think the more distance Coyle and Stone run the better of Lasalle is. That's just my take.
ReplyDeleteNow, however, the question becomes will one race be incredibly stacked and the other wide open. We saw this happen in the 4x8 last year. Most of the teams that could go either way chose the 4x8 and 8:05 ended up being 10th place when it would've been a solid medal spot the year before. However, 10:48 took home a medal in the DMR, which is slower than the SQS.
ReplyDeleteEtrain, I want to point out one thing about your Vincentian Academy 4x800 comment. You said in A. There is no A for track. As runners, we have been used to keeping the same divisions for Xc and track, however PIAA only made XC 3 divisions and kept track at 2. Just a reminder to everyone who was getting used to their new divisions. Get ready to return to old come outdoor time.
ReplyDeletethank you for that point, didn't know that about that
DeleteAt TFCAofGP, Max Norris ran a 3:08-3:10 split on the 1200 for the DMR.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to do a preview for either the last chance meet or the relay carnival? They should put out some good times.
ReplyDeletewe are hoping to do a carnival video preview tomorrow if all goes right, but idk where to find a performance list for the last chance meet so i can't really do a preview for that ... certainly would be a great meet to do a preview for if someone can get me a performance list
DeleteThe performance list for the carnival is at the top of milesplit's weekend recap.
DeleteThere's no question that Coyle and Stone will be in the mile/800 respectively. The question is: which relay do they double back to to collect their gold medals? Nobody, and I mean nobody, is gonna surprise them with 1200/1600 credentials in the DMR, but the 4x8 this year is just begging for teams to come out of the woodworks. That being said, maybe they'll win it by 10 seconds, too. Assuming Henderson isn't doing a DMR hot. I have no doubt that they won't be doing one.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say its fair to think we've seen the true potential of most 4x8 teams so far this season, whereas DMR teams it's much easier to speculate with the 2 end legs being the major deciding factors. So, etrain: What 4x8 teams could go faster? By how much? Anyone out West? What teams will go 4x8 and ignore the DMR, just to get used to it for outdoor?
CV/State College have not even run a DMR yet,so p[lease until they post time leave Dmr to the big boys..
ReplyDeleteLooks like both will be running at the track classic against Strath Haven and Henderson (performance list is on Milesplit). That is assuming they all run their "A" teams
DeleteWho's running tonight? Couldn't find any info on Milesplit. It's at The Armory?
Deletehttp://www.jacobbrown.com/EntryForms/meetinfo.htm
DeleteScroll down to Varsity Classic, DMR entries.
This afternoon at the Armory. It is the NJ Varsity Classic under NY milesplit. The list of accepted teams is at the site webpage.
DeleteBe on the look out for Henderson tonight at the NJ Classic meet .... they will be running a DMR with a different order and a 4x8 that should include Russell on the double from the 1200 leg ... GFS went to this meet as well last year so keep an eye on them as well
ReplyDeleteGFS and DWest are in too
DeleteI think Russell and Barchet are going to surprise some people again very soon, possibly tonight. Even after his mile split at Yale there’s still been talk that Russell is strength runner and not a speed guy. It’s usually based 800 PR of 1:59 however, he ran that as a soph and I seriously doubt that’s his limit. Anyone who runs a 4:15 mile - in mid January or May, open or split, banked or flat track, indoor or outdoor - is a speed guy in my book. It’s just a matter of time before he drops a 1:55 or better. Barchet is overlooked a bit because of Russell, but he too is a mile and 800 PR just waiting to happen.
DeleteBoth of these guys had huge cross country seasons and are clearly at a level above their PR's from last spring. They probably backed off of the training in December and are now gearing up for the indoor championship run which should be including a fair amount of speed work. I would not be surprised to see 1:56-800 splits or better out of Russell/Barchet if/when either is in a 4x800 or 800 leg of the DMR. I think Barchet has low 4:20’s mile ability right now. And I still expect a big drop from one of WCH’s distance runners to round out that DMR by States.
Assuming they run their top guys, they could go under 10:20 in a fast race with CBA tonight. D-West is in it too and could drop under 10:30.
-RJJL
Although there is no performance list for Last Chance, anyone know who's running what at it?
ReplyDeleteFrom Kevin Kelly,
ReplyDelete10:22.0
Russell 3:02.0
Hall 52.7
Thompson 2:00.9
Barchet 4:26.7
WOW for that russell split, silencing the haters
Etrain, did you mean silence the doubters? There's no haters on this blog. :)
Delete-RJJL
Would anybody in their right mind still doubt Tony Russell?
ReplyDelete4x8 for henderson just got 8:00 with a full B squad. AJ Chaborek ran 1:56 split, I thought someone said he had mono?
ReplyDeleteB squad? Wasn't Russell running in that 4x8 for henderson too?
DeleteHe did. This is his first race back I think.
DeleteNo, russell did not run the 4x8
ReplyDeleteHe did, he split. 1:58, their lead off leg was bad and got him in a horrible position
Deletethe lead leg, Kevin Moy did fine, position was good, no need for excuses it was a solid time
DeleteIf you're referring to me about the doubting/haters... I didn't doubt/hate on him, I just said that he wasn't going to run a 3 flat... which he didn't. 3:02 is still moving though. I can only think of a hand full of runners in the last 5 years that could have pulled that off. Impressive double for Russell/Henderson squad too. Almost beating Pennsbury's time off the double. I assume the DMR was first... if not then running a PA#1 off the double. Either way, a great double for those guys. That team is still more built for the DMR in my opinion. If Chaborek is back, that DMR gets scary, even off the double. Him in the 800 gives them a 4-6 second boost (if they decide to run it). I'm starting to think they will run it... why else would they run the DMR twice and change up the order. They've kept Will Kellar fresh for the DMR, it wouldn't be a total surprise if they kept Russell fresh. Russell is faster, but the point was Kellar was their top dog, as is Russell. He's only a junior so why not let them run relays and do well then senior year let them go for the win, it'll much less competition for Russell on paper.
ReplyDelete-RTJ
Your logic makes no sense, "He's only a junior so why not let them run relays and do well then senior year let them go for the win, it'll much less competition for Russell on paper." The kid is a junior who is considered a favorite by many in both open events he'd run at states. Why wait until his senior year to win it when he can do it both years, seriously. That last comment made no sense at all. Russell is a JUNIOR who shouldn't be held back by relay's at a state meet, yeah he's on a good team but people need to understand that he's also an individual. You also have to understand that he's not just competing for medals at states but he already qualifies as a top prospect for many top college track teams. He's not running the Dmr at states, it would be a complete waist of talent and he still needs to build up his profile on the national level. Not running him in the open mile would be just like stealing a huge chance at an individual state gold which means 20 times more to college coaches then a team gold. And he ran 3:02 with no less than a 3-4 second lead, the kid was on his own for the last couple laps. Plus, i kinda have to call you out on the doubter part, i dont remember many comments of yours where he didnt end up doing twice as well as you expected. But that's fine, i guess it'll take more than a XC district 1 gold with the state # time by 8 or 9 seconds, an XC state gold, Nike XC Regional gold, 9:16 2 mile in xc season, 4:14.9 mile split, 8:38 3k time which is still US #3, a 1:58 800 split when he had a horrendous start because the lead off ran a 2:03 and put him in mid pack, and now a 3:02 1200, to prove that he's the best in the state, No one else has credentials like these in all of their years, and Tony did all of this is the past 3 and a half months. Name one kid that is capable of dropping every single one of these times. Not one can besides him. At this point Will Kellar doesnt compare to Russell, people need to forget that he's a junior because it's irrelevant when he's racing better than 95% seniors across the nation. His competition in the mile will be really good, but to say after all of this that he isn't the favorite to win it is ridiculous, who cares if he's the junior, it means nothing at this point. Am I wrong about any of this? Because if I am correct me please, because a lot of your picks are based off of past results like how he performed his sophomore year and what he was like as a runner then. I dont have any kind of connection with this guy, but choosing him as the favorite in the mile is very easy when you look at everyone's results from this year.
Delete-Somewhat Confused Reader
Dear Somewhat Confuded Reader, aka Henderson runner whose initials might be "TR", lighten up, ok?
DeleteHe's a seriously gifted runner-don't know how many times or how many ways it can be said to satisfy some. I was at the Armory last night & he was impressive, especially in the first 4-5 laps of the 1200, but honestly, he looked a little tanked laps 5-6 and to keep blaming a good 1:58 in the 4x8 on a teammate who got knocked around in a tough 1st leg makes him look like a diva. I wonder if we have come to expect so much from him that anything less than a stellar performance must be the fault of someone else? I've heard excuses from this camp before along the same lines. Hope for his own sake he can keep it real. No doubt or hate here.
Tony has historically signed his posts. He's a great runner and in great shape, but Coyle has to be the favorite in the mile. With his speed and strength, he's very dangerous. Add Huemmler to the mix and you have the makings for a great race. All 3 guys should be sub 4:11. Tom and Tony won't let the pace lag.
DeleteThere is absolutely no way all three go under 4:11. That is unbelievably fast and converted to 1600 that would be under 4:10 outdoors which none of them ran outdoors. I think there is a good shot for all of them breaking that time outdoors but at the state meet they will all be doubling later and that may dictate a tactical race and if it doesn't they might relax after if they end up out of position and unable to win it. Anyway i am skeptical that they would all go under 4:11 even in an all out race.
DeleteOh, and as for Cornell Dixon from Wissahickon... he is insane. He has been hurt since last may (didn't even run finals at States) and he just started practicing like a week ago and he's already running a 51.4 on Glen Mills' track with no competition. I've never heard of such a thing. When he actually gets a few more weeks of workouts under his belt and conditioning... I wouldn't be surprised if he grab another Indoor States medal.
ReplyDelete-RTJ
Enough about Russell. He had a good race, congrats to him. There are other runners in the state.
ReplyDeleteI think LaSalle has decided what their gameplan for States is. Bilotta came in big with that 2 flat. MaGee had a solid lead off, but he is definitely read to roll. His big PR is just ready to come.
-RTJ
Dixon has been practicing, but we've let him come along on his own. Sometimes he tags along with the slow group, or he jumps in for a rep or two with the top guys. But yeah, he's done virtually no hard workouts. We seeded him at 56.0 last meet just to see how he felt. The 51 was a shock to us really.... We're still taking it one day at a time. It's all about outdoors.
ReplyDelete-Coach Bett
Incredible talent. Can't wait to see what he's got come Spring.
Delete