Piecing Together The District Picture: Quick Hits

So here is what I'm going to do for everyone today. This is my first time looking at a lot of these conference results from yesterday and such. So I'm going to literally give you my first impressions.

Chestmonts
In the 800m it was cool to see Tony Russell drop the 800m PR he deserves and he beat Billy Caldwell in the process. 1:54.22 for Russell is solid and he could be a 1:52ish leg on the right relay. Strongly doubt we see that relay happen, but it would be really cool if it did. Ricky Waltz got to 2 flat in the open just giving them another piece to run on the 4x8 while Collins takes a nice step forward with a 1:57 low. Avon Grove gets 3 at 2:01 or faster. Solid day for them.

Diestelow is on fire. He has looked very good in recent races and certainly has recovered from any injuries or fatigue in cross. The 16 is a very competitive event at the District One level, but Eric is rolling right now and he is going to be a tough out in the prelims and finals. What event is Matt Willig's best? 32? 16? I guess we find out what he thinks at Districts.

Hey Avon Grove ran an 8 flat as well! Very cool! DT East got the win but it didn't look easy. It will be interesting to see how this team handles the District Final in the 4x8. They didn't have their best race until states last year outdoors and this year indoors so who knows. A motivated and determined Caldwell should get them to states. After that he will need help.

Central League
Ramsey Kerkula is doing work this year. Consistent PRs from him and Emmanuel out of Penncrest. Penncrest has two really strong dudes leading the way, but I think they are looking for non Kazanjian pieces to fill out that 4x8 as Chris and Matt have 3200m goals to go after. That being said I'm not positive Matt has a district mark at the 32 so maybe it's going to have to be the 16 or the 4x8? Somebody would have to check that for me. Fowler emerges with a solid 1:58 (just another strong miler to add to the already stacked mile field) and Strath Haven gets two guys sub 2 to throw on the relay.

Connor Holm big time 1600 win. 4:20 in a solid field is impressive. I'm not sure what Radnor wants to try and do with that 4x8 but if Holm gets to chase individual marks he is dangerous in the 16 or the 8. Likely he does the 4x8-8 double and Watson tries the 4x8-16 double like they did a year ago, but that's no easy feat. Sjoreen and Marston are really solid. Conestoga looks ready for an impressive district meet just like in XC. 5 guys under 4:35 in the same race for Stoga. 4 of them are back next year. Perlman and Hare run 4:23 and 4:24 and are buried in this field. That's a state qualifying type mark for Perlman. As mentioned earlier: districts = mayhem in the 16.

Perlman nice 3200 win and Dylan Butera taking a strong step in the right direct for second in a District qualifying mark. Curious as to what happened to the big dogs Kazanjian and Marston.

Other Stuff
If Joe Espinol the sophomore from Wilson can make it to Districts healthy and strong he is going to be a very fun guy to watch out of D11.  Kyle Genoude is a factor in AA states 3200m conversations. Probably not going to beat Hockenbury or Molino, but definitely is a medal contender.

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Whitehall is a big time sleeper in the 4x8. When they actually get in a race with competition they will be sub 8 no problem. Colin Abert 4:19 for an easy win. 3200m, 1600m or both at states? I'm thinking he tries both.

Will Kachman. Humza Hnesh. I think both are going to have nice finishes to their years. Not exactly sure how nice, but I'll just throw their names up in a generic sentence so no matter what I can say I'm right.