I apologize for my lack of posts as of late! Trying to get the new website started has been a bit more work than I expected. That said, if you haven't heard, I've launched my own website called thestridereport.com. Feel free to check it out!
Now let's talk about our PA alumni.
Every year (season, actually) we start discussing which PA alumni could potentially make nationals at the Division 1 level. I'm going to keep Division's 2 & 3 out of this conversation because they have repeatedly sent such a high number of individuals in the past (and I don't see that trend slowing any time soon). So let's break down who could make it to the Big Dance...
Ned Willig, Michigan, Senior (Graduate Student)
As most of you know, Willig was the sole PA alum to qualify for an individual distance event at nationals this past indoor season after running a strong 3:58 mile PR. Although he struggled at nationals, he is still one of the top middle distance runners in the nation. The Michigan graduate student will actually attempt a 1500 at Mount SAC this upcoming weekend. The field will include names such as Edward Cheserek and Jacob Thompson.
Despite Willig's recent success in the mile, I think it's very possible we see Willig drop down in distance and attempt a fast time in the 800. The half-mile has historically been Willig's best event. He was the Ivy League champion in the event last spring and owns a strong PR of 1:47.
Whatever event he ends up pursuing, Willig should be able to put himself in a position to make NCAA's. It just depends on how tactical or how fast the races get at Regionals.
Domenic Perretta, Penn State, Freshman
He may be a freshman, but this is a guy who has some incredible strength and speed. PR's of 1:48 (800) and 2:23 (1k) along with a 2:55 1200 split make Perretta one of the most underrated underclassmen in the nation.
He's got the talent, but the question now becomes how well can he handle the big stage and how well can he handle tactical races at the collegiate level.
Will he get to Regionals? Almost definitely. Will he make it to NCAA's? Eh...Maybe.
If Perretta is able to show progression (such as winning more races and consistently dropping time), then he could have the most momentum out of anybody in the field at Regionals. At the same time, he has nothing to lose. With three years of eligibility left, you can bet that Perretta will eventually make it.
Alek Sauer, Columbia, Sophomore
The Pennsbury alum is turning into one of the most consistent and underrated mid-distance runners in the nation. Sauer has accomplished more in his three (now four) seasons of track than some have in their entire careers. The Columbia sophomore qualified for the NCAA East Regional final in the 800, has run under 1:50 six times, and became the Ivy League 1k champion this past indoor season.
Sauer is the real deal and is on the rise to be the next great PA alumni. He was able to get to the regional final last year and I believe he can do it again.
Yes, it is true that he will need to improve his overall fitness. Those who are running 1:48 or slower don't have a strong chance of making it out of Regionals (it's possible, but unlikely). However, Sauer just opened his outdoor season with a 1:48.95 at Florida Relays, an excellent time for this early on in the season.
Like Perretta, Sauer needs to drop a little bit more time and grab a few wins. The upside about Sauer is that he's been on the big stage (Regionals) before and has seen some success. That experience will bode well for him come May.
John Lewis, Clemson, Sophomore
John Lewis is another mid-distance PA alum that is catching some attention this year for being part of a formidable Clemson 800 crew. Although Lewis has run an 800 only once this season, it was a time of 1:48.56 which currently has him tied at 19th in the current NCAA standings.
Remember how I mentioned that Alek Sauer had gone under 1:50 six times? Lewis has done it 13 times!!! That is absolutely incredible for Lewis who is just a sophomore and is often relied on for 400's and 4x4's.
This man has shown tremendous consistency and has matured his racing tactics over the past year or two. Just take a look at this past indoor season where he placed 5th at ACC's in one of the conference's fastest half-mile races ever.
There is a lot to like about Lewis, but he has to get around that barrier of 1:48. Once he can do that and consistently drop 1:47's, then I like his chances of making it through to nationals by the end of this spring season.
Sam Ritz, Columbia, Sophomore
Ritz is an absolute monster on the track and is a proven winner who just wants to gut-out fast times. In his very first race of the 2017 outdoor season (and only race so far), Ritz threw down a 3:45 1500 PR at the Florida Relays. He currently ranks 39th in the nation for that event.
But there is so much more to Ritz than a 3:45 1500. PR's of 1:50 (800), 2:24 (1k), and 4:06 (mile) make him a threat in nearly every aspect of racing. He's got plenty of speed and isn't afraid to stick with the best.
Like everyone else I've mentioned, Ritz will need to drop some time, but it seems to be within reason and reach. Keep in mind that we've seen some surprising names make it out of Regionals in the 1500 (especially last year). It's not uncommon to see those Regional races get tactical and left up to a kick. If that's the case, then Ritz could end up in an excellent position to potentially grab a spot to nationals.
Other Sleeper Picks
- Matt Wisner, Duke, Freshman
- Colin Abert, Penn State, Sophomore
- Nick Wolk, Pittsburgh, Freshman
- Nate Sloan, Pittsburgh, Junior,
- Matt McGoey, Pittsburgh, Sophomore
- Alec Kunzweiler, Duke, Senior
Think I missed any other contenders? Let me know below!
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