Squalicum freshman Brittany Gappa ran a very fine time of 17:43 in the 5K at the New Balance Nationals on Thursday. Gappa placed second in the 1600 Meter Run in the 2A Division this year at State. She placed twelfth in a field of 44 starters in a race won by Ashley Erba of Indiana, who broke the meet record, which was held by former Foot Locker champion Ashley Brasovan in 2008. Erba’s time of 16:18.21 topped the former mark of 16:18.91. Finishing second was Danielle Anderson, who ran 16:43, while former Foot Locker qualifier Wesley Frazier of North Carolina came in third with 16:51.
Jake Leingang, a junior from North Dakota won the boys’ race with 14:27. Leingang, yet another Foot Locker qualifier, was just off the mark established by 2011 Foot Locker champion Edward Cheserek, who ran 14:25 last year. Earning second was Jacob Thomson of Kentucky, who ran 14:34. New Yorker Daniel Lennon claimed third in 16:37.