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Distance Gala Weekly - Feb 1 - Feb 7
Published by Feb 9th 2010, 3:15am
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Week two of Distance Gala Weekly is in the books, where we wrap up the top five performances of the week, touch on where the top high school distance runners are headed next year and list some of the top articles of the week.
Top Five Performances of the Week
This week’s countdown has a distinct New York flavor to it, as four of our five top performances came from New York individuals and teams. Leading the way are the two Reebok Boston Indoor Games winners, while two relay teams bring up the 4-5 spots. See who made our list this week in our Weekly Top Five Countdown.
5. Saratoga Springs (NY) – In typical Saratoga Springs fashion, the squad pulled out a tight battle with in-state rival Shenendehowa (NY) at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational on Saturday, pulling away on the final leg to win the girls 4x800m relay in a new US#1 mark of 9:10.16. Shenendehowa dealt with a little bad luck, as their third leg tripped and fell, however, the runner got back and jumped right back into the race. Shenendehowa finished less than a second off in 9:10.75.
4. Liverpool (NY) – While the girls 4x800m relay at the NB Collegiate Invitational on Saturday produced a thrilling finish, the boys race was equally as entertaining. Liverpool (NY) and St. Joseph by the Sea (NY) battled much of the race, until Liverpool sophomore standout Zavon Watkins anchored in 1:55.3, crossing the line in a US#1 mark of 7:47.32. St. Joseph by the Sea finished second in 7:49.03. Watkins placed second in the 1,000m run on Friday night in a new national sophomore class record of 2:27.59.
3. Colby Alexander (Sr., Strongsville, OH) – While the Midwest is just starting to jump into their indoor track and field season, Colby Alexander didn’t use that as an excuse to run fast in early February. Alexander, who signed with the University of Oregon on Wednesday, won the mile in a fantastic mark of 4:14.30 at the TSTCA Indoor Meet #6. The Ohio standout won by over ten seconds in the mile, while also running 1:59.31 to win the 800m dash by over six seconds.
2. Alex Hatz (Sr., Fayetteville-Manlius, NY) – Do not overlook Alex Hatz the rest of the track season. The University of Wisconsin-bound senior used an impressive finish to win the boys mile race at the Reebok Boston Indoor Games in a new US#1 mark of 4:12.08. Hatz, who sat out much of the summer and fall after undergoing kidney surgery, showed that he’s in tremendous shape, beating the high-talent Reebok BIG field by two seconds. California’s Ammar Moussa (Jr., Arcadia, CA) placed second in 4:14.13.
1. Emily Lipari (Sr., Roslyn, NY) – After a disappointing performance at the Millrose Games, Emily Lipari bounced back in a big way Saturday, winning the girls mile race at the Reebok Boston Indoor Games. Lipari simply ran away from the competition over the final 400 meters of the race, winning by over three seconds in 4:46.77, the US#1 performance of the season thus far. Virginia’s Joanna Stevens (Sr., Blacksburg, VA) finished second overall in 4:50.02. Earlier in the week, Lipari signed a National Letter of Intent with the 2009 NCAA Cross Country Champions, Villanova University.
National Signing Day
This past Wednesday was National Signing Day, the first day senior high school track and field athletes could officially sign with colleges and universities, showing where they sign their national letter of intent stating where they will take their talents next fall. National Signing Day, and the two weeks following, are some of the most exciting times of the season for athletes and fans alike.
On the Distance Gala website this week, we plan on posting up a lot of good information on where the top athletes are taking their talents next year. Make sure to check it out.
Additional Reads
Megan Goethals Wins Gatorade National Award (Windy City Running)
An Interview with Emily Sisson (Big River Running)
Reebok Boston Indoor Games Full Results (Reebok BIG)
Bernard Lagat Breaks U.S. Indoor 5k Record (Running Times)
Ten Questions with Nike Designer Tinker Hatfield (WWD)
To submit an article or results to Distance Gala Weekly please contact Scott Bush at: [email protected]
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| The Midwest Distance Gala is one of the premier post-season high school track competitions in the United States. Through strong competition and a professional environment, the Midwest Distance Gala has continued a steady rate of growth and success. The fifth edition of the event takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. For more information please visit the Midwest Distance Gala website at www.midwestdistancegala.com. To receive more Midwest Distance Gala info follow us on twitter. Sign up here to receive the Distance Gala Weekly via email. |
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Distance Gala Weekly Copyright © 2010 Midwest Distance Gala, Inc. Printed with permission.
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