4x8 Preview

Sorry for the lack of preview here folks I've been sick for the last few days to the point where I couldn't get out of bed. I'm still sick but I can get out of bed so I guess that is good enough health to go blog.

First off looking at these 4x8s I was surprised to see GFS run the 4x8 over the DMR. They would have been able to get in on time, their 10:21 or whatever they ran in Virginia was faster than both Pennsbury and Henderson unless I am mistaken. Their 4x8 squad could potential surprise with a fast time, but they are made up of a couple 2 mile guys in Wistar and Aziz so it will be interesting to see how they run in a speed relay such as this. Cheltenham and Upper Merion are also in the first heat. I can' t see either of these teams running all that fast but they both have great anchors in John Lewis and Christian Sanders. In the Penn environment with people to chase one of these guys could drop into the 1:53-1:52 range for an outdoor season best. Sam Ellison split a 1:52 on our squad way back when. In the other small school heat you always have to keep Penncrest in mind. They are consistently solid in the 4x8. However, I don't think they have shown enough fire power to get through to the COA.

I'm super excited to watch Bensalem face off with CValley in the first large school heat. Right now I'm riding the CV bandwagon, I think Bensalem is going to peak at the right time like they did indoors, but their focus is clearly states (not that CVs isn't). CV has run a boat load of 4x8s as of late and their guys are rolling with confidence. I think if Bensalem is ready to go both teams will make it through to the COA, however, CV is my pick for the most likely team to qualify. CB East, as has been mentioned, is a great sleeper pick here. I don't see them having enough fire power to run 7:50 and get to the finals but they could drop a nice 7:55. I'll be interested to see Caldwell's split as well for DT East.

In the final heat, Pennsbury is listed as a school competing? Odd and I think not accurate, but if Penn has changed their rules, it will be interesting to see how Pennsbury runs the 4x8. They have some nice pieces and of course could sneak into the championship with a low 7:50s mark. I think it is more likely they are running the DM, however, and this is just a type-o. State College is in this heat and they have the potential to really roll. They have a lot of nice pieces but I think they are a year away. They will go up this year, gain some valuable experience and maybe get close this year, but next year will be their big year. I could be really wrong here and I hope I am but I think these guys will have their big race this year at outdoor states. St. Joe's is an interesting team, I don't think they are going to run anything mind-boggling, but maybe down around 8 flat.

Should be fun.

Ultimately I got
CV
Bensalem
SC
Penncrest
CB East
DT East

for my top 6, after that who knows ...