New York, New York - It looks to be a stacked day in the New Year, as the Hispanic Games brings some of the best talent in the northeast to NYC. We'll be there all day providing updates, but here are some tidbits to whet your appetite.
Invitational Boys 400
Essentially a who's-who of the quarter mile, the Hispanic Games brings back together some of the names made famous at last year's NBIN. Michael Cherry (VA) looks to be the top seed with an indoor PR of 46.88, but Lamar Bruton (DE) has a 47.41 to his name. Richard Rose of Boys and Girls is a national champion in the 4x400m relay, and has the wheels to keep up, as he still holds the leading 600m time for 2013. Ayo Obadare of Elmont could be the dark horse winner here, as he has thrown down some very impressive times as well this season, particularly his US #1 34.42 in the 300m. Finally, it was Malik Jones of Roman Catholic who was half a tenth of a second behind Obadare when he set that mark just two weeks ago. If anything, this looks like the most stacked race of the day on the boys' end.
Invitational Boys Mile
Carmel's Eric Holt remains the top seed in the Boys Mile, but as of Wednesday, his coaches were undecided if it was to be his opening race. If he does indeed race, he will be challenged by Chris Hatler (NJ) and Bryce Kelly (RI), who also have sub 4:15 speed to their name. The rest of the field will include several XC standouts from NY, who all await popping a big time. Look for upstate Alex Campanella (Eldred), US #1 4x800m leg Sean Kelly (Chaminade), last week's RI Classic Invite Mile winner Sibby Hanson (Arlington), and a slew of Northport's finest. More than likely, this will become the fastest Millrose Auto-Qualifier race yet, as the top two spots will grab an invitational, meaning second place is just as valuable.
Invitational Boys 2 Mile
The two mile run may be a redo of the DMR Invitational last weekend that saw Chaminade overtake CBA NJ. Both anchor legs are back in the race, Jack Boyle and Thomas Slattery, and could again push the pace. Nick Costello (NJ), who pushed the pace in North Shore's Invitational Mile, is entered as well, and may dictate his own pace again. Ronaldo Ball of Curtis has been on a roll lately as well, and could very well challenge the field.
Varsity Boys Running Events
With 6 athletes seeded under 22 seconds, it could be a very fast day at the races. Tyroy Lawson of Sheepshead Bay leads the field, tackling Michael Cherry and Anton Porter of Mount St. Michael. The Clarke Twins of NJ look to battle again in the 800m, with Jonathan Greenwood of Freeport looking to take up the challenge.
Boys Varsity Relays
Newburgh and Samuel Tilden are both seeded sub 1:30 in the 4x200, and both have run that fast in the past. However, Newburgh is also entered in the 4x400, which also features Boys and Girls, Penn Wood, and Mount Saint Michael. All four are capable of sub 3:20, and could provide a great performance, if the race stays clean.
Boys Varsity Field
The boys triple jump could see the year's third leap over 48', as three athletes come in with personal best's of 47' or better. Two of those names are New Yorkers: Omari Buckmire (Bay Shore) and Jamal Bynum (Middletown). The shotput will provide a rematch between Ben Bonhurst (Smithtown West) and Will Pope (Iona). Pope has the better throw this season, but was only just edged out by Bonhurst in an earlier matchup. And finally, Mikhail Micheaux (PA) comes into the Long Jump pit, boasting a best of 24-2.5, and could very well repeat it.
Invitational Girls 400
Kadecia Baird (Medger Evers Prep) is nothing short of impressive. Running at last year's World Youth Juniors, she clocked a US #5 All-Time 51.02 in the 400m. She'll be returning to the event this friday, facing off against Deejah Stevens of Benjamin Cardozo, the bronze medalist in 2012's NBIN 200m. Throw in Caela Williams (PA), and you have three girls well capable of going 54 or under.
Invitational Girls Mile
Marissa Sheva (PA) and Sarah Gillespie (CT) look to be the morning line favorites for the two tickets to Millrose. However, New Yorker's will not let them go without a fight, as Megan Young (Nanuet), Catherine Malloy (Holy Names), Gianna Frontera (Newburgh), and Kelly Hayes (Pearl River) all have the ability to take this race by storm. With two spots up for grabs, a kickers race could play favorite to the home crowd, and some exciting action on the Armory Oval.
Invitational Girls 2 Mile
These girls have all met before. Megan Reilly (Warwick Valley) and Bella Burda (Arlington) are no strangers, as the two ruled Elma Meadows, going 1-2 at the 2012 State XC Championships. They won't be alone in the race, however, as the Guevera Twins of Miller Place are having a stellar early season, and are more than capable of capturing the crown. The out-of-towners are no slouches either, as Maddy Berkson (RI) is coming off an Invite Mile win last weekend, and Collette Richter (NJ) ran very well in the mile at the North Shore Invite last weekend as well. Added into the mix are locals Amanda Delacruz of Port Richmond and Victoria Ingram of Smithtown West, and you have hands down the best girls' race of the day.
Girls Running Events
Though not an Invitational, the 800m is nothing to be laughed at. Entered, you will find Emma Gallagher of Garden City, as well as her teammate Emily O'Neil. Also entered is sophomore standout Jazmine Fray of Kellenberg. These three ladies join 5 others who have gone under 2:14, making a very strong field. Another one to watch is the girls' racewalk, where Annica Penn (Westhampton Beach) will face-off with Katie Michta (Sachem North). Both have state and national credit to their names, and will start the show at 8:45.
Girls Varsity Relays
The relays are all about Medger Evers Prep. They are entered in the SMR, 4x200, and 4x400m. One thing is clear, whichever they choose, they will become the favorites. However, Cardozo has suddenly become very good, and could push them in the 4x200m. In the 4x400, Penn Wood and Newburgh have put together a solid shot at gold as well.
Girls Varsity Field
Anisa Toppin of Bay Shore is one of the top entrants in the triple jump, completing a pair of 5 girls over 38'. The shot put circle may find a new season leader, as Bowie's (MD) Antonella Taylor has a 46-9 throw to her record. Kara Snyder of Colonie returns to the Armory, and if she progresses as she has all season, her Section 2 record is in major jeopardy. Finally, Shayla Broughton of Medger Evers, only a freshmen, currently rests as US #1 with a jump of 5-8. However, she'll face off against NJ's Raven Thompson, who has cleared 5-9 last year. We'll have our own girl's high jump expert on the scene to call the action, and what action it will be.