Eastern States Coverage: Vena Beats Alleman in Shot Put; Bergo Clears 7-00 in HJ Scott Bush Feb 26, 2008

While the weekend is still a few days away, the 71st Annual Eastern States Championships rock the Armory in New York Tuesday night.  Numerous marquee match-ups dot the entry lists and MileSplit will provide the deep coverage of the event.

***Nick Vena (NJ) beats Mike Alleman (NJ) in shot put.  Vena threw 63-02.5 to Alleman's 62-07, and continues his incredible momentum!!!

***Adam Bergo (NY) soars over 7-00 in the high jump, tying U.S. #2!!!

Eastern States Championships Live Results

Christopher Hunt's (ArmoryTrack.com) Articles: Boys / Girls

Eastern States Champs. Highlights

- Union Catholic (NJ) wins at the tape in the boys 4x2 in 1:28.35 

- Katie McCafferty (NJ) wins two-mile in U.S.#2 of 10:32.73

- Nijgia Snapp (NJ) runs U.S.#4 at 400m with 54.91 win 

- Kristin Reese (NY) wins 800m in 2:11.37, U.S. top five

- Steve Crouse (NY) leaps 48-09.25 to win TJ, U.S.#6 

- WW-PS (NJ) wins boys DMR in U.S.#1 in 10:18.76

- Clayton Parros (NJ) runs 48.26 to win 400m dash, U.S. top ten

- Warwick Valley (NY) wins girls DMR in U.S.#2 in 11:49.59

- Lenape (NJ) wins girls 4x8 in 9:11.94, U.S. top ten time

In Their Own Words: Derrick, Leung & Smith Discuss Their Amazing 3200m Performances Scott Bush Feb 26, 2008

Brian Leung (NJ) leads Doug Smith (NJ) at the NJ MOC's 3200m run 

Brian Leung (NJ), Doug Smith (NJ) and Chris Derrick (IL) ran the top three times in the nation for 3200m this past weekend.  Leung and Smith went head-to-head in Jersey, while Derrick ran tough at the Proviso West Invitational.  We talked to all three athletes, as they gave us their thoughts on their respective races.  See what each had to say.

Weekend Recap Feb. 23rd-24th Scott Bush Feb 26, 2008

With a plethora of meets to choose from this weekend many teams braved the winter weather to compete at meets this weekend.  Times are dropping and field event marks are going up as teams and athletes gear up for the OATCCC Indoor State Champtionship in a mere three weeks.  There are only two weeks left to qualify for the Indoor State Championship!

NSSF Press Release: Nike Indoor Nationals is Just Three Weeks Away Scott Bush Feb 26, 2008

Nike Indoor Nationals is three weeks away and the excitement is definitely starting to be felt across the country.  Top athletes are officially committing to either NIN or NSIC.  Earlier today we received an email from the NSSF, the company that puts on Nike Indoor Nationals.  Read who they have signed up already for their boys two mile run and girls pole vault.

MIAA All-State Meet; Jones (MA) Runs U.S. #1 in Two-Mile with 10:30.41 Scott Bush Feb 25, 2008

Despite the meet being pushed back to Monday, since the USATF Indoor T&F Championships took place in the same facility this past weekend, the MIAA All-State Meet provided some Monday night heat in the chilly Northeast!  Read the meet summaries inside.

MIAA All-State Meet Results: Boys / Girls

MIAA Top Performances

- Emily Jones (MA) runs 10:30.41 for two-miles, new U.S.#1

- Emily Mepham (MA) runs 2:53.09 for 1000m, U.S. #5 

- Ryad Bencheikh (MA) wins boys 600m in 1:21.93

- Hanna Muir (MA) jumps 5-07 in the high jump, U.S. top ten

- Reading beats Woburn in boys 4x2, 1:30.56-1:30.58

Monday News & Notes: Jared Hall (OH) Runs U.S. #1 at 800m in 1:52.19 Scott Bush Feb 25, 2008

 

Nick Vena (NJ) throws a new U.S. #1 in shot put with 66-00.75 toss

(Photo from NJRunner.com)

What a weekened it was!  Results poured in from all across the country, and an incredible amount of new U.S. #1's were achieved.  In this week's Monday News & Notes section, we highlight a few more top high school competitions, post a few tid-bit pieces and talk about the week ahead.

Monday News & Notes Highlights

- Ohio Summaries: Akron Rubber City & Kent State Open

- Chris Derrick runs 9:03.1 for 3200m at Proviso West Inv.

- Some top PA/NY stars compete at Kevin Dare Inv.

- UK H.S. Inv. video highlights are posted

- Bob Gourley's weight throw lists are out

- The Week Ahead: Big meets in NY, MA, VA, PA & MI

USATF Indoor Champs: Tasha Stanley Speaks Out Scott Bush Feb 25, 2008

USATF Weekend Wrap-Up: O\'Brien Places Sixth Among U.S.\'s Best Scott Bush Feb 25, 2008

 

Becky O'Brien (ME) throws new U.S. #1 in shot put with 50-11 toss

(Photo by Don Rich)

Three of the best prep athletes took to the USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships this past weekend in Boston to test their skills against the best professional athletes in the country.  Becky O'Brien (ME), Chanelle Price (PA) and Tasha Stanley (MD) all competed well, and PennTrackXC.com's Don Rich was there covering the action.

Becky O'Brien Post-Meet Interview - Results

Tasha Stanley Post-Meet Interview - Results

USATF Indoor Championships Photo Gallery

Complete USATF Indoor Championships Results

Becky O\'Brien Speaks Out Scott Bush Feb 25, 2008

Weekend Highlights: Laurent (LA) Vaults 13-09.25; Vena (NJ) Throws 66-00.75 in Shot Scott Bush Feb 23, 2008

The weekend started with some great results taking place at the University of Kentucky and the New Jersey Meet of Champions.  Head-to-head match-ups are the name of the game, and so many impressed.  See what is taking place across the country as the weekend rolls forward.

***Jared Hall (OH) beats Isaiah Ward (MI) 1:52.19-1:52.21 in Ohio!!!

***Brian Leung (NJ) runs 8:59.77 to Doug Smith's (NJ) 9:01.86 at 3200 in NJ, Chris Derrick runs 9:03.1 in Illinois at 3200m!!!

***Rachel Laurent (LA) vaults a U.S. #1 of 13-09.25 at Louisiana Indoor Champs!!!

***Nick Vena (NJ) throws SP 66-00.75 at New Jersey Meet of Champions, a big U.S.#1!!!

***Becky O'Brien (ME) throws U.S. #1 SP of 50-11 at USATF Indoor Champs, 6th Overall!!!

***Chanelle Price (PA) & Tasha Stanley (MD) don't advance to Sunday's 800m finals!!!

***William Wynne (GA) U.S. #2 for 60m hurdles in 7.73, U.S. #1 400m in 47.82!!! Video

***Christian Taylor (GA) jumps 25-00 in long jump at University of Kentucky!!! Video

Top Boys Highlights

- Jared Hall (OH) runs 1:52.19 at Akron (OH), a new U.S.#1 

- Brian Leung (NJ) runs 8:59.77, a U.S. #1, at NJ MOC in 3200m 

- Nick Vena (NJ) throws U.S#1 in NJ MOC with 66-00.75 shot put 

- Christian Taylor (GA) leaps 25-00 feat at Kentucky, furthers U.S.#1

- William Wynne (GA) runs U.S.#2 for 60m hurldes in 7.73 at UK, then comes back and run new U.S.#1 for 400m at 47.82.

- Erik Kynard (OH) jumps 7-00 in high jump at Kentucky

- Juan Steward (PA) runs U.S.#3 at 200m in 21.67 at Penn State

Top Girls Highlights

- Rachel Laurent (LA) vaults 13-09.25 at LA State Champs, U.S.#1 

- Becky O'Brien (ME) throws U.S.#1 at 50-11 in SP at USATF Indoors

- Chanelle Price (PA) & Tasha Stanley (MD) don't advance in 800 in MA

- Brittany Long (GA) speeds to U.S.#1 for 60m in 7.36 at Kentucky  

- Chalonda Goodman (GA) runs U.S.#2 for 200m in 23.70 at UK  

- Madeline Morgan (AL) runs 4:52.70 in the mile at Kentucky, U.S.#2

- Jacquelyn Coward (TN) runs 8.25 at 60m hurdles at UK

Big Match-Ups, Big Meets Highlight Weekend Competition Scott Bush Feb 22, 2008

 

Jasmin Stowers (SC) leads the way in Kentucky this weekend

(Photo by Don Rich)

A big weekend of stellar head-to-head match-ups and intense championship meets are upon us.  While the USATF Indoor T&F Championships will capture many of the national headlines this weekend, which include a handful of prep athletes, meets in Kentucky, New Jersey and Pennsylvania highlight the weekend.

Keep an Eye On...

- Coward (TN) v. Stowers (SC) in 60m hurdles at UK

- Alleman (NJ) v. Vena (NJ) in shot put at NJ MOC's

- Price, Rankin, O'Brien, Morris, Stanley at USATF Indoor T&F Champs.

- Krais, Shump, Lane compete at Penn State University

Jersey\'s Finest: Leung v. Smith, Clash at Meet of Champions Scott Bush Feb 22, 2008

 

Doug Smith (left) and Brian Leung clash in New Jersey this weekend

This coming weekend in New Jersey, two of the top distance runners in the country will go head-to-head for 3200m at the NJ Meet of Champions.  U.S. #1 Brian Leung (NJ) squares off against U.S. #2 Doug Smith (NJ), as both runners look to be atop the rankings and become the first athlete under nine-minutes this season.  We caught up with both athletes this week and talked to them about their early season success, their goals and much more.

Interview with Doug Smith (NJ)

Interview with Brian Leung (NJ)

NSIC Press Release #3: Championship Athletes Continue to Commit Scott Bush Feb 22, 2008

More big names have officially signed on to compete at the 25th Annual National Scholastic Indoor Championships, held March 14-16, 2008 in New York City.  This is the meet staff's third press release announcing top athletes committed to the event.

Ferris will not Compete at UK this Weekend Scott Bush Feb 21, 2008

Dylan Ferris (NC) (left), the top returnee at 800m this season, was scheduled to compete against Andrew Perkins (WI), the second-ranked returnee at 800m, at the University of Kentucky High School Invitational this coming weekend.  However, Ferris will not compete this coming weekend after coming down with an illness last week.  Despite this setback, Ferris will continue to push forward and is scheduled to compete at the NSIC meet in New York City according to NCRunners.com Ben Hovis.

Interview with Doug Smith (NJ) Scott Bush Feb 20, 2008

Interview with Brian Leung (NJ) Scott Bush Feb 20, 2008

NSIC Release: Twenty More Elite Prepsters Commit to New York Scott Bush Feb 20, 2008

With the National Scholastic Indoor Championship less than a month away, the NSIC staff announced in a press release that twenty more elite prep athletes have committed to their event, which takes place March 14-16, 2008 in New York City.  This announcement certainly helps build momentum towards what should be a fantastic weekend.

Midwest Distance Gala 2008 Announcement Scott Bush Feb 20, 2008

Midwest Distance Gala 2008 Announcement Scott Bush Feb 20, 2008

The staff of the Midwest Distance Gala sent out a press release today in regards to their 2008 event.  The 4th annual Midwest Distance Gala will take place on June 14 this year and will be held at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois.  Check inside to read the full press release, and make sure to check out the meet website at: www.midwestdistancegala.com.

Throwing the Shot with Brandon Pounds (IN) Scott Bush Feb 19, 2008

A name many of you may be unfamiliar with, but should start to learn, is that of Brandon Pounds.  Pounds, a senior from Lawrence North High School in Indiana, currently owns the U.S. #1 shot put throw.  His performance of 64-09.5 at the Indiana TC H.S. Open two weeks ago ranks him over a foot above his closest competition.  Check out what Brandon has to say, touching on his early season success, his college choice and his training methods.

Monday News & Notes: Taylor (GA) Leaps U.S.#1 at LJ in 24-09.75, USATF Cross Re-Cap Scott Bush Feb 18, 2008

 

Jordan Hasay (CA) runs away to win the Junior Women's XC title

(Photo by Fred Finke)

With the Simplot Games, USATF Cross Country Nationals and the Pepsi Classic all taking place this past weekend, it was easy to overlook a few performances that really shook up the high school track and field scene.  Read our Monday News & Notes section to find out the odds and ends of this past weekend.

Monday News & Notes Highlights

- Carolina Chick-Fil-A Inv.: Top Performances

- University of Washington Weekend Highlights

- USATF XC Nationals Wrap-Up/Pictures

- Bob Gourley's Weight Throw Rankings

- The Week Ahead: U. of Kentucky H.S. Inv.

Weekend Highlights: Coward (TN) New U.S. Record at 60m Hurdles, Rodriguez U.S.#4 all-time at 400m Scott Bush Feb 17, 2008

 

Jacquelyn Coward (TN) sets U.S. record in 60m hurdles

What a weekend it has been!  Not only did we see a new U.S. record set in the girls 60m hurdles by Jacquelyn Coward, but we also saw a few new U.S. top ten all-time performances and a rush of new U.S. #1 performances for the 2008 indoor season.  Read our highlights and results section to find out the top performances across the nation.

**Markus Henderson (TX) sprints to new U.S. #1 at 200m, winning event in 21.37 at Texas Tech!!!  

**Jacquelyn Coward (TN) sets a new U.S. record in 60m hurdles, with 8.16 at the Simplot Games!!!  Results

**Nadonnia Rodridgues (NY) blazes U.S. #4 all-time at 400m in New York with her time of 52.83!!!

**New Bern (NC) leads three teams under 7:48 in boys 4x8 in NY, winning in U.S. #10 all-time of 7:46.8!!!  

Top Boys Highlights

- Markus Henderson (TX) sprints U.S.#1 at 200m in 21.37 at TX Tech 

- Brian Leung (NJ) runs 9:02.61 in NJ, takes over U.S.#1 at 3200m 

- Omar Craddock (TX) jumps U.S. #2 50-10.5 in TJ at Simplot 

- New Bern (NC) runs U.S. #1 in 4x8 with 7:46.8 performance in NY

- Nico Weiler (CA) equals his U.S.#1 vault of 17-02 at Simplot Games

- Dominik Roberts (CO) runs 47.98 at Simplot for new U.S.#1 at 400m

- Luke Puskedra (UT) wins Simplot 1600m in 4:10.58

- Brandon Jarrett (NJ) runs 9:05.35 at two-mile at Pepsi (NY), U.S.#1

- Peter Dorrell (VA) runs U.S.#1 at 1000m in 2:28.59 at VA Tech

- Wayne Davis (NC) runs 7.17 at 55m hurdles to win at Pepsi (NY) 

- Wes Wright (GA) throws 77-03 to win the Simplot weight throw 

Top Girls Highlights

- Jacquelyn Coward (TN) sets U.S. 60m hurdles record in 8.16 in ID 

- Nadonnia Rodrigues (NY) runs U.S. #4 all-time at 400m in 52.83

- Emily Jones (MA) runs U.S.#1 at two-mile in 10:31.82 in MA

- Ashton Purvis (CA) sprints U.S.#2 in 60m dash at Simplot in 7.38, then comes back and runs U.S.#1 at 200m in 23.54 

- Vashti Thomas (CA) jumps 19-10.75 in long jump in ID, a U.S.#2, then comes back and jumps new U.S.#1 in TJ at 42-08,75 

- Shade Weygandt (TX) clears 13-01 to win exciting vault at Simplot  

- Lauren Chambers (GA) wins weight throw at Simplot in 58-10.5

- Patrice Gates (GA) throws soph. national record in WT at 54-00

USATF XC Nationals: Hasay (CA) Wins Again, Fernandez (CA) Takes the Boys Race Scott Bush Feb 16, 2008

USATF Cross Country Nationals took place Saturday in San Diego, California.  As expected in the junior women's race, Jordan Hasay (CA) won running away, defending her junior title won last year.  On the boys side, German Fernandez (CA) came away with a victory in a thrilling finish, kicking to the line for his first national title. The top six in each junior race qualify for the IAAF XC World Championships in Scotland and held in March.

*Indicates H.S. Athlete

 

Junior Women's World Qualifiers - Full Results

Emily Reese Places 3rd at XC Junior Nationals and Qualifies for IAAF Worlds Scott Bush Feb 16, 2008

Emily is on the way to Scotland.  Story by Scott Bush-Milesplit National Editor -https://www.milesplit.com/articles/16878- photo credit- Milesplit's Fred Finke.

USATF XC Nationals: Fernandez (CA) Takes the Boys Race, Emil Heineking Finishes Third Scott Bush Feb 16, 2008

Simplot Games: U.S. #1-3 in Girls 60m Hurdles, while Boys 400m, Boys & Girls PV Lead the Way Scott Bush Feb 13, 2008

The 30th annual Simplot Games take place this weekend in Pocatello, Idaho, bringing together many of the top athletes out west and a few from the east.  Nearly a dozen separate events highlight this incredibly event, which brings together more than 2,000 athletes.  See which events should steal the show this weekend.

Simplot Games: U.S. #1-3 in Girls 60m Hurdles, while Boys 400m, Boys & Girls PV Lead the Way Scott Bush Feb 13, 2008

Simplot Games: U.S. #1-3 in Girls 60m Hurdles, while Boys 400m, Boys & Girls PV Lead the Way Scott Bush Feb 13, 2008

 

The 30th annual Simplot Games take place this weekend in Pocatello, Idaho, bringing together many of the top athletes out west and a few from the east.  Nearly a dozen separate events highlight this incredibly event, which brings together more than 2,000 athletes.  See which events should steal the show this weekend.

Soaring High in Virginia: Copeland Clears 7 Feet in High Jump Scott Bush Feb 12, 2008

 

Chris Copeland (VA) leaps U.S. #2 in the high jump with 7-00 jump

(Photo by Brandon Miles)

At the Southeastern District Championships Tuesday night in Virginia, Chris Copeland (Lakeland, VA), a returning all-American in the high jump, became the second athlete to clear seven feet this season in the high jump.  Copeland jumped 7-00, earning himself the U.S. #2 spot in the MileSplit National Rankings, trailing only Erik Kynard (OH).

Video: Copeland Clearing 7 Feet + Interview

USATF XC Nats.: Hasay, Fernandez Lead Prep Harriers Scott Bush Feb 12, 2008

While the high school cross country season ended months ago, many of the top harriers in the country meet in San Diego this weekend at USATF XC Nationals.  Participants will try to qualify for the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, which take place in Edinburgh, Scotland on March 30.  See who has a shot to make the team.