High School Spotlight - From MileSplit NY
It looks to be a huge day tomorrow in the Big Apple, and we'll be on site bright and early. The meet will be highlighted by several invitational events, which could pull some record times and record numbers. Here is just a glimpse of what you may see.
Boys 400
Richard Rose (Boys and Girls) and Ayo Obadare (Elmont) look to head the assault of the national leading time of 47.97. Obadare has split well below that mark, and Rose still stands as US #1 in the 600m, proving he has the speed. Also entered is out-of-state's Malik Jones of PA and Naija Omari of NJ, who have all gone sub-49 this year.
Girls DMR
Bronxville has already proven they have the legs over the 3200m relay, and may very well put pressure on Benjamin Cardozo's US #1 in 11:55.96. Also in the hunt will be Pennsbury PA and Arlington, who could put pressure on the clock.
Boys 55m Hurdles
Look for the state leader Jay Hebert of Ticonderoga to take on Long Island's Luke Pascale of Roslyn. Both are strong candidates for the State Title in March.
Girls SMR
Here's one that could be special. Earlier in the week, we stated Benjamin Cardozo had the relays legs to possibly break the National Record for the Indoor SMR. They'll put that notion to the test on Saturday, as their race will look to close out the evening.
Boys Invite Mile
Senior Edward Cheserek of St. Benedict's Prep is a changed athlete this year. Running sparingly, and training often, this tactic could mean a huge mark, and assault of the 4-minute mile. Without any race fatigue, it would seem the senior could bring about a new national record indeed. behind him are a slew of out-of-state talent as well, including Connor Hariman (PA), Jack Huemmler (PA), Travis Ellis (NJ), and Jake Feinstein (CT).
Girls Invite Mile
Sara Seargent of PA just missed her automatic qualifying bid to Millrose at the 'Trials, but looks to be a favorite for the race tomorrow. However, Regan Ward of Oklahoma has traveled quite a lot of distance to get here, and she won't let the spot go easy. She has run sub-5 already this year on a flat track, and is poised to push the pace as well. In-state talent includes Section 9's Kelly Hayes of Pearl River and Megan Young of Nanuet. Both have shown prowess in the 1500 meter run, and will use that speed over the longer distance. The race is wide open, and could lead to some very fast personal best's
Elite Spotlight - From ArmoryTrack
New York, NY, January 25, 2013- One of the Armory's biggest events of the indoor track & field season takes place Saturday (January 26) with the New Balance Games, beginning at 9 a.m. The New Balance Games do not exclusively feature the high schools, but much of the program is dedicated to the young stars making a name for themselves before college recruiters. The New Balance Games also highlights elite professional fields. Past winners include Olympians Natasha Hastings and Jenny Simpson.
``This year's New Balance Games looks to be one of the best ever: record number of high school athletes in great races complemented by terrific fields in the elite miles and 400 meters, all a perfect kickoff to the feature part of our season,'' said Dr. Norb Sander, Armory Foundation Executive Director.
WHO: As many as 6,000 athletes will compete from 330 schools from 11 states - New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Oklahoma - and Washington D.C. Leading the way will be St. Benedict's Prep (N.J.) star Edward Cheserek, American distance running sensation and 2011 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship 800-meter winner Robby Andrews, featured showdowns in both men's and women's 400 meters as well as a talented women's elite mile that includes Sarah (Bowman) Brown, Australian Genevieve LaCaze, Canadian Nicole Sifuentes and Bronxville High School's Mary Cain. Cheserek will be in the boys' high school mile and recently was named Gatorade Runner of the Year. Cheserek, Andrews and Cain will compete in the 106th Millrose Games, February 16 at the Armory.
"The meet promises to be very exciting as always,'' said New Balance Games Meet Director Tim Fulton. ``We have teams from all over the East Coast coming here to run fast and get a full Armory experience. New Balance has done an amazing job of helping us put on a top flight meet. The awards and presentation of the meet will be top notch. With stars like Edward Cheserek running and the addition of an invitational distance medley relay and steeple chase the meet keeps getting better and better."
