There are only 20 entries for the mile and if scratches occur that number could theoretically drop substantially. The big names, Jake Brophy and Casey Comber, just battled head to head last week and produced two of the best marks in the state in the process. I'm not sure either will actually lace up for the event, but when the two face off it usually ends with some fast times and general excitement so this could be a fun race.
Two other big names potentially out of the line up, Julian Degroot-Lutzner and Liam Galligan, have both run in the mid to high 4:20s this season and are improving consistently, especially JDL who has range from 8 to 3k in impressive fashion. Both men may be running crucial anchor legs on the DM just before this event, making things a very tricky double. That being said, both guys are talented and if they toe the line with fresh legs are going to be tough for anyone to defeat.
Two other names with potential DMR conflicts are Brian Arita and Rock Fortna. Arita started out this season quite strong, especially in the mile, and he has the potential to really surprise. Fortna has been excellent this year, running strong marks at 800m and the mile. If he runs mid to low 4:20s he will be in the medal hunt at states individually.
There are a ton of other names with potential in this race as well. Eric Diestelow has had a fantastic season and seems to be running a top flight time in the mile every week. He's looking to assure himself a spot in the fast heat at states with a strong time. Frosh Liam Conway will look to break under 4:40 and a slew of runners will try and stake their claim for a state qualifying spot. Among that group is Alex Knapp from Henderson, Tucker Desko of Pennridge and Jeff Kirshenbaum from Methacton. I'll be paying special attention to Jon Perlman as well. He ran fast in his debut last time out and could potentially make a big drop at MoC.
Should be a great race! Can't wait to see how it plays out!
Forgetting someone?
Yeah I'm not done. Of course I'm not done. Have to talk about Sam Webb. In my opinion Webb is the most underrated performer of the year this season. A strength guy at heart, Webb bought into the Pennsbury 4x8 goals, sacrificed the indoor 3k yet again and geared his training towards the team title. Not that he has much to complain about. He dropped into the 4:26 range at Lawerenceville, doubling back from the DMR incredibly in a winning effort. Then he threw down a huge negative split in a mile against John Daly (who has since run 4:23) and added a 1:55 split at Millrose for a massive PR.
The strength is there. The speed is there. He will be in the mile at states and heck he could win the whole thing! Ritz is the favorite without a doubt but the race around him is getting very, very interesting.
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