By Alex Fox
Before I get into this preview, I’d like to apologize for the delay in this post. I dislike doing actual work as much as the next guy, but it just couldn’t be avoided these past few days. I’m looking forward to putting off more work this weekend to enjoy one of the best meets of the year. Let’s look at some of the high school races.
Mile
The rematch: Burke v. Ritz. Pennsylvania’s golden boy against New York’s breakout star from indoor. Well, it’s a bit more than that, but Ritz and Burke are the top two seeds. Behind them, you’ve got the likes of New York’s Jemery Spiezio and Mikey Brannigan, along with Virginia’s Matthew Novak and Andrew Hunter, and don’t sleep on Joe Dragon or Phillip Hall. So, like all Penn Relay races, its loaded. So what’s gunna happen? If you followed Arcadia, you know that Sam Ritz didn’t quite produce in his last high profile race. This is different though. Ritz is defending his home turf, and he’s gotta have chip on his shoulder after Arcadia’s disappointment. James Burke is coming off a disappointing race of his own, as he failed to secure his place at the dream mile, running just a 4:20 at NY Relays this past weekend. This is a little surprising given the dude was virtually unbeatable during indoor, but one bad race shouldn’t impact him too profoundly this weekend. Mikey Brannigan, on the other hand, is coming off a very strong performance. The former national champ soloed a 9:03 last Friday night, and came back the next morning to run 1:53. a PR. Brannigan has run 4:07, and that double tells me he is fit. Andrew Hunter is the returning 3k champ from last year, and will look to continue his success at Penn. Novak doubled 4:11 and 9:15 earlier this season, and his 1:52 speed makes him a serious threat. Hall also has serious closing speed, and is coming off a sub 9 run at Arcadia. So, how will this loaded field sort itself out?
Top 3
1) Ritz
2) Brannigan
3) Novak
I know, I’m going against my heart in picking Ritz, but I think he’s going to come out with swagger and take the race. It’s his home state and he’ll be out there to make a statement. Brannigan and Novak are coming in with momentum, so I look for them behind Ritz in this competitive race.
3K
Maybe we don’t get the same high profile names in this race as we do the others, but this will be competitive and fast none the less. One guy is a huge reason for the whole fast thing, and his name is Alex Ostberg. I can’t say enough about this dude, and he should be able to provide plenty of fireworks over 3,000 meters. Behind him is Aidan Tooker, who burst onto the seen during indoor with his races at states and nationals. He’ll hold onto Ostberg for as long as he can, and hopefully that will correspond to nice a time for the junior. Behind those two are names without the same recognition, but Ostberg’s teammate inAmstrong Noonan (what kinda name is that?), along with guys like Kyle Christ will be gunning to makes names for themselves. You can never count out runners from Don Bosco prep, which means Pat Sullivan and David Rosas should be mixing it up, and of course I didn’t forget Kevin James. He’ll be gutting it out in the field as he always does.
Top 3
1) Ostberg
2) Tooker
3) Christ
400h
Having never hurdled and not knowing a ton about most of the guys in the race, there isn’t a lot for me to say about this race. I do know that the top two seeds from Jamaica in Jaheel Hyde and Marvin Williams are FAST. They should finish 1-2, and hopefully they can pull guys like Rai Benjamin and John Lewis along with them. Benjamin has already thrown down some serious times this season, and if he can PR in the hurdles, he’ll set himself up nicely for a run at another national championship. Lewis is a baller all-around, but I would say hurdles aren’t his forte despite his prowess in the event. A nice time here would hopefully set up some sick 400/800 times for the Cheltenham stud.
Top 3
1) Williams (why not?)
2) Hyde
3) Benjamin
Relays
I’ll start this with another disclaimer: I am very tired and there are a ton of teams in the 4x8 and DMR that I just don’t know. Jarrett has already written about the PA teams, so I won’t beat a dead horse in that regard. I have also covered many of the NY teams in the past, so here’s a little refresher: Arlington, Syosset, Sweet Home, and Chaminade will be fast in the 4x8, Fordham Prep, Collegiate, Xavier, and Liverpool will be competitive in the DMR. Here are just some other teams to look out for: La Salle Academy will be strong in the DMR, as they’ll probably have Jack Salisbury (4:07) on the anchor with three other strong legs. Lake Braddock and the McDonogh School both have teams with a lot of balance and should have enough talent to mix it up in the DMR, and never count out Christian Brothers, as they always have strong teams. In addition to the NY and PA teams in the 4x8, New Jersey will throw down for sure, and deep run has some talent to put around Novak in the race. I’ll hold off on predictions to avoid making a total idiot of myself. Have a happy Penn Relays weekend everyone!
No comments:
Post a Comment