The Armory had some strong showings for some of PA's top runners in addition to some under the radar quality performances.
The big performance was Sam Ritz's second straight bombshell, running 2:28 for 1k. He's now run 4:14 and 2:28 in December, which is really quick for this early. Hopefully he can continue to improve from here.
The 1k is a tricky event to project. Willig ran about 2:22ish in the 1k before his DQ which is right near the national record. Joe Logue ran in the 2:28 range a year ago in February before running 1:52 at states. I believe Rivera was in a similar spot or 1k before winning states in 1:52.4.
In other words I'd guesstimate that Ritz's fitness right now is at least 1:54-1:55 range. He has to seriously consider chasing the mile-800 double gold this year. If Lewis doesn't enter (or possibly even if he does) Ritz becomes the clear favorite. Plus he should be PA's best hope for a Millrose qualifier.
(Additional note, congrats to Sam on joining his brother at Columbia next fall!)
Alek Sauer had a very strong race for second in 2:31. I'd say that roughly equates to 1:57ish, which is right at his indoor PR and a nice place to start your season. Sauer's 1k is also encouraging because Pennsbury has serious DMR potential with him at the 12. No Webb this weekend for PB (hopefully just resting from Regionals and not another serious injury at Bowdoin after pulling out), but the team showcased some really intriguing mid distance pieces.
I don't know the order of events, but I'm assuming Pennsbury was able to run 8:20 in the 4x8 on tired legs from Sauer and crew. Pennsbury had Mulvaney and Yeger at 1:28 and 1:29 respectively in the 600m (putting them as potential sub 2 legs by 2015.
Penn Wood ran a state leading 4x4 time while also having some solid performances in the 600 and 1k. Conestoga too showed some nice pieces. Their varsity from cross has yet to run but they are showing signs that their depth could translate well to the track.
What are some of your thoughts on the early season? What are people looking forward to at Burdette? What did I miss? (Probably a lot)
Share your thoughts below as always
Jeff Kirshenbaum had a nice early season 4:38 mile
ReplyDeleteIs Ritz just getting his qualifying in off of XC conditioning or is he trying to impress colleges or is he actually in that great of shape with bigger goals for indoor? He certainly has the potential and did have a real nice XC. 4:10ish in the right race is definitely believable.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion Ritz is trying to train all the way through. He ran his mile at a college meet so that doesn't qualify for PTFCA states. Then he ran the 1000, which is a useless event in terms of qualifying for stuff. So unless he quits over this break and then comes back in January/February, I expect this is Ritz going for it all winter. It makes more sense for him too, because of all the runners, he can take the biggest break past indoor states.
DeleteWhatever happened to Willig?
ReplyDeleteNot much in the running world, just like most PA H.S. runners.
DeleteIf you mean Ned, he runs for Brown. Set school record in the 1000. Part of Hex winning 4x800 team
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