As promised, I'm back to recap the action from this past week. Let's get straight to it ...
Rustin Invitational, Knights Invitational
Radnor's Andre Kelly took down the top PA spot in the 800m, finishing 2nd in 2:01. The Radnor boys have been attacking the 4x8 head on for the first few weeks of spring, resulting in 8:15 win at Rustin in the relay and another gold at PW this weekend. I'd imagine they are trying to secure a Penn Relays spot (and I also believe they technically have small school status, making it a bit easier to secure a spot). They have a strong team that returns most of the squad that competed there a year ago.
Also competing well in that Rustin 4x8 were WC East, Unionville, and Henderson, who all cracked 8:30 led by East's 8:23. Diestelow also ran a successful 3200m, taking the gold in 9:40 over Rustin's Jimmy Cook (9:43),Jack Carmody (9:51) and Spencer Voight (10:14). I was quite impressed with Cook's run (9:43 is one of the top times from the early spring) and I think this group of training partners can push each other to some top marks. Diestelow has begun to establish himself in the longer distances as well. He won a few 3ks indoors if memory serves and now wins this 3200m (possibly on the double, not sure of the meet order). The mile has always been his focus (and probably should be this spring considering the projected 3200m depth) but I think he could run a very fast 32 in the right circumstances (Henderson?).
For those wondering the D1 4x8 qual time is 8:15.0h/8:15.24 FAT.
At the Knights Invitational, Joe Piscano of St Joe's Prep won the 1600m. He would go on to run a strong 5k at Kiwanis. It appears Piscano didn't quite have the raw speed to join his teammates down south, but his strength is clearly paying dividends in his recent races. He had a strong, under the radar XC season and I believe he is a Junior this year, meaning he is an early candidate for a spot on the etrain top 50 for 2015.
Bruce Dallas Invitational
Brian Delaney of Manheim Township takes the win in the 1600m, returning to action for what I believe is the first time since XC. Delaney was a stud during cross who, unfortunately, ran into trouble during the back to back D3 and state championship periods at Hershey. But Delaney was sub16 at Carlisle and top 5ish at districts and is still just a junior. He opens with a 4:37 victory.
I'm very intrigued by this Mechanicsburg team. Morgan Cupp proved he was an excellent XC runner in the fall, as just a frosh, and produced a solid double in the 16 and 8. Alex Tomasko, a soph, was also strong during cross, barely missed individual qualifying in the loaded district 3 meet. And then there is Thomas Nicewicz, a junior, who was solid as well during XC, but is taking a sizable step forward thus far this track season. He was runner up to Delaney in the mile, breaking 4:40 and then came back with a 2:00 in the 800m for gold. He's had excellent back to back weekends to start the year and all 3 of these guys are back for next fall/spring if you like to think way ahead of the game.
Clay Stabolepszy may have a name that I can't spell right, but he also has been a productive runner for AA schulykill valley. He ran 4:40 and 2:01 this weekend and if memory serves SV was a strong AA 4x8 contender a year ago (they may have even been D3 champs last spring). He finished right next to Matt Gross from D3 AA powerhouse Trinity in the open 8. Trinity won the 4x8 at the meet.
Sean Weidner from Lower Dauphin continues his momentum with a 9:47 dominating 3200m win over CV's Josh Higgins and Freedoms Will Aplaugh (10:08/10:09). Weidner has now medaled in two straight championships (XC and indoor mile) and still has been relatively unchallenged on the track. If I'm not mistaken his only loss this year on the track came against Diestelow at the Carnival at Lehigh. Groh and Nissley were both sub 4:20 guys a year ago and I wouldn't be surprised to see Weidner join them in that club.
PW Colonial Relays
Not to be confused with the events down south, PW hosted its own relay meet on Saturday for some local PA action.
Impressive win by Arcbishop Ryan in the 4x4, cracking 3:30 and beating out Wissahickon who is an early outdoor medalist candidate. Radnor, as mentioned above, won their second 4x8 of the week, running 8:25 for gold over Boyertown. Boyertown was also second in the SMR, losing to a Wissahickon squad anchored by Kyaunde Johnson. Johnson may have been watched up with 800m stud Dylan Eddinger from Boyertown who has already run 1:57 this spring. The Haverford School finished 3rd in the SMR and placed well in the 4x2 and 4x4, showing an impressive array of sprinting depth.
In the DMR, the Spring Ford boys threw down an impressive run. SF won the title over Bonner 10:57 to 11:05. Unsure if this was Bonner's A squad, but keep in mind that Bonner ran a state medal worthy sub 10:40 run at PSU in less windy conditions. Spring Ford was likely anchored by Paul Power who appears to be off to a great start at 1600m. It will be interesting to see what the Rams can do in good weather, although a Penn Relays type mark would take a big time drop.
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