Monday News & Notes: Carson (AZ) Throws Javelin 165-09, Britton (NM) Dominates Hurdles Scott Bush Mar 24, 2008

While much of the country took off for either spring break or Easter weekend, a few meets around the country really took advantage of the great weather that marked much of the country.  In our Monday News & Notes section we talk about Hannah Carson (AZ) launching a U.S. top five javelin throw, the TCU Invitational and a few other tidbits.

Monday News & Notes Highlights
- Summary of Willie Williams Classic (AZ)
- Sprints & vault results at TCU Horned Frog Invitational (TX)
- Weekend highlights from Texas
- The Week Ahead

Weekend Highlights: Hasay (CA) U.S. #1 3k in 9:30.38 in CA, Shaw (TX) U.S. #1 at 800m in 1:49.41 Scott Bush Mar 21, 2008

Chalonda Goodman (GA) ran 11.43 for 100m this weekend in GA

The indoor season is quickly coming to an end, while the outdoor season continues to rev up.  See our weekend coverage as we cover numerous top meet throughout the nation this weekend.

Top Boys Highlights
- Blake Shaw (TX) blazes 1:49.41 in 800m at Texas Southern
- Brandon Tucker (TX) goes 14.76 (110H) & 37.59 (300H) in LA
- Ben Davis (IN) wins 4x2 at Hoosier Relays in 1:28.05, U.S.#1
- Brandon Pounds (IN) wins Hoosier State shot put in 64-03.25
- Corey Shank (IN) vaults 16-06.75 to win Hoosier State PV
- Kevin Havel (IL) runs 4:12.62 for 1600m at Proviso West Inv.
- Fort Bend (TX) runs 1:25.44 in 4x200m relay at Texas Southern
- Spring Westfield (TX) win 4x4 at Texas Southern in 3:16.85
Top Girls Highlights
- Chalonda Goodman (GA) runs 11.43 for 100m at Benson Rel. (GA)
- Jordan Hasay (CA) wins 3k at Easter Relays (CA) in 9:30.38, U.S.#1
- Kori Carter (CA) wins 300m hurdles at Cal Relays in U.S.#1 42.69
- Felicia Johnson (IN) wins Hoosier State shot put in 50-02.5
- Chelsey Sveinsson (TX) runs 2:08.46 to win 800m at Texas Southern
- Lancaster (TX) wins 4x4 at Texas Southern in 3:46.54
- Brittany Koziara (FL) runs 4:57.42/10:48.32 distance double in FL
- Brigetta Barrett (TX) leaps 5-10 to win high jump at Texas Southern

Laurent Soars to New Heights: Clears 14 Feet Scott Bush Mar 21, 2008

After her impressive NIN/NSIC pole vault sweep last weekend, Rachel Laurent (LA) (pictured right winning NSIC by Don Rich) continued her national domination of the event by clearing the magical 14 foot barrier at the Nollie Arcement Relays in Louisiana.  Laurent's performance leaves her 2.5 inches off the national record (of 14-02.5 set indoors) set last year by Tori Anthony and ranks her U.S. #2 all-time outdoors,.  After her 14-00 clearance, Laurent raised the bar to 14-1.75, half an inch above Anthony's record outdoors, barely missing it on her final attempt.

Puskedra's Standing Above the Rest Scott Bush Mar 20, 2008

Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, Luke Puskedra (wearing #1 on chest, photo by John Herzog) is an imposing figure.  Sunday at Nike Indoor Nationals, the Judge Memorial (UT) senior seemed even more imposing while running next to Colby Lowe (Sr., Southlake Carroll, TX), who is listed at a kind 5 feet 7 inches.  The race of the weekend, the boys two-mile, saw these two battle it out in similar fashion to their mile race earlier in the indoor season at the Reebok Boston Indoor Games.

Brown (IL) Beats Verplank (IL) at 800 in 2:08.10, U.S. #3 for 800m Scott Bush Mar 19, 2008

Stephanie Brown (IL) wins a blazing 800m in 2:08.10

In a great head-to-head match-up in Illinois, Stephanie Brown (Tri-Valley, IL) beat Ashley Verplank (Bloomington, IL) at 800m at Illinois Wesleyan University Wednesday night.  Brown took the lead from the gun, leading the whole way, and pulling off the victory 2:08.10 to 2:09.90.  Brown's time ranks her U.S. #3 currently.

Brown Beats Verplank at 800 in 2:08.10, U.S. #3 for 800m Scott Bush Mar 19, 2008

Stephanie Brown (IL) wins a blazing 800m in 2:08.10

In a great head-to-head match-up in Illinois, Stephanie Brown (Tri-Valley, IL) beat Ashley Verplank (Bloomington, IL) at 800m at Illinois Wesleyan University Wednesday night.  Brown took the lead from the gun, leading the whole way, and pulling off the victory 2:08.10 to 2:09.90.  Brown's time ranks her U.S. #3 currently.

News & Notes: Ohio State Meet Wrap-Up, Rodriques & Cherry Sign and the Year of the Weight Throw Scott Bush Mar 18, 2008

Christian Taylor (GA) was the athlete of the weekend at the NSIC

(Photo by Don Rich)

With NIN and the NSIC stealing most of the weekend's coverage, we wrap-up a few other happenings around the nation from this past weekend, starting with the Ohio Indoor State T&F Championships. 

News & Notes Highlights
- Ohio Indoor State T&F Championships Wrap-Up
- A Big Weekend in Texas
- Rodriques (NY) & Cherry (GA) commit to colleges
- The Year of the Weight Throw
- NTN / NSIC Wrap-Up

Nationals Coverage: Puskedra (UT) 8:49.58 2 Mile, Davis (NC) Ties U.S. 60mH record with 7.62 effort Scott Bush Mar 18, 2008

Luke Puskedra (UT) outruns Colby Lowe (TX) in the boys two mile

Sunday Wrap-Up: NIN / NSIC

Sunday Coverage: NIN / NSIC

Sunday Results: NIN / NSIC

Saturday Highlights: NIN / NSIC

Photo Galleries: NIN / NSIC

NIN Sunday Highlights
- Luke Puskedra (UT) wins stacked two-mile in 8:49.58
- Wayne Davis (NC) ties the national 60mH record in 7.62
- Michael Barbas (TX) wins boys shot put with 66-03 mark
- Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) wins girls 4x400m relay in 3:46.43
- Karen Shump (PA) throws U.S. #1 in girls shot put of 52-04
- Rachel Laurent (LA) wins girls pole vault in 13-08.75
- Becky O'Brien (ME) throws U.S. #2 in girls shot put, 51-05
- Marquise Goodwin (TX) equals U.S.#2 LJ of 24-07
- Wayne Davis (NC) runs fastest 60mH prelim in 7.73
- Maverick Darling (MI) wins boys "B" two-mile in 9:16.54
- Jacquelyn Coward (TN) runs fastest 60mH prelim in 8.56
NSIC Sunday Highlights
- Conor McCullough (CA) sets WT national record in 87-10.75
- Chanelle Price (PA) wins girls 800m in 2:05.93
- Christian Taylor (GA) runs 47.42 to win boys 400m dash
- Nadonnia Rodriques (NY) wins girls 400m in 52.85
- Nico Weiler (CA) vaults 17-00.75 to win boys PV
- Charles White (CO) runs 4:11.77 to win the boys mile
- Cory McGee (MS) wins girls mile in 4:51.13
- Vashti Thomas (CA) wins girls 60m hurdles in 8.42
- Spencer Adams (NC) wins boys 60m hurdles in 7.75
- D'Angelo Cherry (GA) wins boys 60m dash in 6.66
- Victoria Jordan (TX) blazes 7.38 to win girls 60m dash

NIN Sunday Wrap-Up: Puskedra (UT) Impresses in Two Mile, Shump (PA) Comes Up Big in the SP Scott Bush Mar 16, 2008

As the last events concluded Sunday in Maryland, fond memories dotted the mind as Nike Indoor Nationals wrapped up the indoor season nationally.  From the sprints, to the distance events (pictured left two mile 1-2 finishers Luke Puskedra and Colby Lowe), to the field events, athletes across the board competed with incredible tenacity.  Read about the top stories of NIN's final day.

Saturday National Coverage: Vena (NJ) Throw 66-07.25 in SP, Sveinsson (TX) Runs 4:49.37 Scott Bush Mar 15, 2008

While the NSIC started off Championship Weekend with a bang Friday night, Nike Indoor Nationals starts today with quite a line-up. MileSplit will be bringing you coverage of both championships throughout the day.

Championship Weekend Coverage: NIN / NSIC

Championship Weekend Results: NIN / NSIC

Video: NSIC

Saturday Wrap-Ups: NIN / NSIC

NIN Highlights & Coverage
- Erin Brooks (MD) wins girls long jump in 40-11.50, U.S.#2
- Jason Pelletier (AR) vaults 16-10.25 to win boys pole vault
- Ryann Krais (PA) wins girls pentathlon with 3823 points
- Gray Horn (OH) wins boys pentathlon with 3786 points
- Briana Nelson (SC), Ja-Vell Bullard (VA) lead 400m qualifiers
- Landstown (VA) beats E. Roosevelt (MD) 1:40.08-1:40.17 in girls 4x2
- Chelsey Sveinsson (TX) dominates girls fr. mile in 4:49.37
- Solomon Haile (MD) wins boys 5k in 14:53.93
- Michael Gama Jr. (RI) wins boys weight throw in 73-05.25, U.S.#3
- Anna Shields (CT) wins girls 5k in 17:38.57
NSIC Highlights & Coverage
- Nick Vena (NJ) launches shot 66-07.25, new U.S.#1
- Danbury (CT) runs 17:28.47 to win boys DMR, U.S.#3 all-time
- Christian Taylor (GA) runs 48.28 in 400m prelims
- Nadonnia Rodriques (NY) runs 53.22 in 400m prelims 
- Long Beach Poly (CA) runs boys 4x2 in 1:28.27 in prelims, U.S.#1
- Burnt Hills (NY) wins girls 4x1 mile relay in 20:14.24, U.S.#4 all-time
- Spencer Adams (NC) blazes 7.73 in 60mH semis
- Rachel Laurent (LA) vaults 13-05.75 in PV prelims
- D'Angelo Cherry (GA) sprints 6.65 in 60m semis
 

NSIC Friday Coverage

 

German Fernandez (CA) Runs 8:53.60 for 3200m Scott Bush Mar 14, 2008

Distance star German Fernandez (Sr., Riverbank, CA) (pictured above) ran 8:53.60 for 3200m Thursday at the WAC/TVL Challenge at Patterson High School in Patterson, California, lapping the entire field at least once.  Fernandez' 8:53.60 ranks him U.S. #1 in the event this season.  He ran that time after running 4:21.18 (1600m) and 1:58.40 (800m) earlier in the day, while closing his day with a 53.9 4x4 anchor leg.  This is a monster performance this early in the season.  Complete Meet Results

NSIC Friday Coverage: Taylor (GA) Leaps U.S. #5 All-Time in LJ, Cherry (GA) Goes U.S. #4 A-T in 60m Scott Bush Mar 14, 2008

The national championships are finally here!  MileSplit will be on-site bringing you top coverage of each event.

NSIC Friday Highlights - Live Results - NSIC Videos and Interviews
- Christian Taylor (GA) leaps 25-06.75 for new U.S.#1, U.S.#5 all-time
- D'Angelo Cherry (GA) (pictured left) runs U.S.#4 all-time of 6.64 in 60m dash prelims
- Lauren Chambers (GA) wins girls shot put in U.S.#3 49-01.5
- Donn Cabral (CT) wins boys 5k in 14:44.16
- Warwick Valley (NY) runs U.S.#4 a-t in girls DMR with 11:44.44 effort
- Spencer Adams (NC) 7.82 in 60m hurdle prelims
- Vashti Thomas (CA) 8.35 in 60m hurdle prelims, U.S. top ten all-time

 

Official Websites: NIN / NSIC 

Oddsmakers: Which National Records are in Jeopardy This Weekend Scott Bush Mar 13, 2008

Oddsmaker: 4-1 odds Wayne Davis (NC) breaks 60m hurdle record

(Photo by Ted Plunkett)

With so much talent assembling in New York and Maryland this weekend, one can only assume a national record or two will fall. We've marked ten national records that have a chance to be broken this weekend and given them odds to how likely they are to be broken. Check out our Championship Oddsmaker section.

Best Odds
- Girls Weight Throw (2-1)
- Girls 60m Hurdles (3-1)
- Boys 60m Hurdles (4-1)
Long Shots
- Boys Triple Jump (10-1)
- Boys 800m Dash (12-1)
- Boys Pole Vault (14-1)

Best of the Best at the NSIC: Boys 400, Girls Sprints Lead the Way in NY Scott Bush Mar 11, 2008

Vashti Thomas (CA) attempts to win three events this weekend

(Photo from EliteRunning.com)

Comparing the NSIC and NIN is like comparing two seperate Super Bowls.  Each major indoor championship offers fans spectacular fields to follow and the NSIC has some of the best athletes as well.  See which events and what top athletes to keep an eye on this weekend in New York City.

Best of the Best at NIN: Boys Two Mile, Girls Shot Put Highlight the Show Scott Bush Mar 11, 2008

Luke Puskedra (UT) headlines a talented and deep boys two-mile

(Photo from ArmoryTrack.com)

Nike Indoor Nationals is going to excite this weekend regardless of which events are your favorites.  Match-ups up and down the start lists are exciting, with some deep and impressive fields in a few events specifically.  See who we think are the top events and athletes to keep an eye on in Maryland.

More Meet Information

Official Start Lists: Boys / Girls

NSSF Article on Jillian Smith (NJ)

Ex-Illinois H.S. Athletes Competing at DI Nationals This Weekend Scott Bush Mar 11, 2008

The NCAA DI T&F Championships Performance Lists are out and there are a lot of ex-Illinois high school athletes on the lists.  Athletes like Evan Jager (Wisconsin/Jacobs), Adam Harris (Michigan/Wheaton North), Alexandria Anderson (Texas/Morgan Park), Brittany Riley (Southern Illinois/H-F) and Pat Whalen (Ohio State/Jacobs) lead the way.  See who else made the championship meet.

NSIC/NIN Coverage Begins Today Scott Bush Mar 11, 2008

The National Scholastic Indoor Championships and Nike Indoor Nationals take place this coming weekend, and we couldn't be more excited.  These past bunch of months have all led to this point.  From today until the first heats of the championships are run, MileSplit will bring you the best pre-meet coverage around.

Jasmin Stowers (SC) is entered in the NIN 60m hurdles

Jasmin Stowers Video Interview by SCRunners.com

Performance Lists: NIN Boys / NIN Girls / NSIC Boys & Girls

NIN Athlete Previews: Ryann Krais (PA) / Brandon Pounds (IN)

Mike Byrnes' NSSF NIN Previews: Boys / Girls

Monday News & Notes: Demps (FL) Blazes in 100/200, Texas Sprinters Get Rolling Scott Bush Mar 10, 2008

Jeff Demps (FL) blazes an impressive sprint double

(Photo from FLRunners.com)

The outdoor track and field season continued to heat up in warmer southern states this past weekend. In our weekly Monday News & Notes section, we talk about some fantastic sprint times that took place in Florida, Texas and Georgia, and what the week ahead brings us.

Monday News & Notes Highlights
- Jeff Demps (FL) blazes 10.60/21.90 double at Spruce Creek (FL)
- Texas sprinters/hurdles start burning up the track at Dallas Samuel
- Christian Taylor (GA) takes off from jumps, but runs 47.39 400m
- The NSIC and NIN highlight the week ahead

Weekend Highlights: Hasay (CA) Blazes 4:44.12 in 1600m, Muhammad (NY) Leaps 5-09 in HJ Scott Bush Mar 08, 2008

Kristin Reese wins the 1000m dash in 2:52.86 at NY Champs.

(Photo from ArmoryTrack.com)

While few meets mark the calendar this weekend, the New York Indoor State T&F Championships brings out many of the top ranked athletes in the nation, while a handful of other meets should provide some amazing highlights as well. See what's taking place this weekend in our weekly Weekend Highlights & Results section.

**Jordan Hasay (CA) kicks off her track season with a 4:44.12 1600m win at K-Bell Invitational!!!

Top Weekend Highlights
- Nico Weiler (CA) clears 16-07 in PV at K-Bell in tune-up before NSIC
 
- Mick Viken (IL) vaults 16-06 at Rolling Meadows PV Invitational
- Cameron Tabor (OK) throws 62-02 (SP) and 185-06 (D) at Norman
- Dalilah Muhammad (NY) leaps 5-09 at NY Champs. in HJ, a U.S.#1
- Nadonnia Rodriques (NY) run 38.72 for 300m dash, wins NY Champs
 
- Jaclyn Marshall (NY) runs 4:38.97 to win competitive 1500m run in NY
- Dennis Scruggs (NY) wins 600m in 1:21.83 at the NY State Champs.
- Albert Johnson (NY) leaps 49-02.25 TJ and 23-06 LJ at NY Champs.
- Robb Quiller (NY) joins the 16 foot club by vaulting 16-01 in NY
 

Weekend Preview: NY State Meet, K-Bell Inv. Lead the Way Scott Bush Mar 07, 2008

One more week until Nike Indoor Nationals and the National Scholastic Indoor Championships means few national caliber competitions this week. Friday night is a bit silent, while Saturday hosts a few bigger meets that should create some national news. On the east coast, the New York State Meet leads the way, while the K-Bell Invitational (CA) has the most top talent out west.

**TV Alert: WCSN is airing the IAAF World Indoor Championships for FREE this weekend online. Click Here for more information.

One Week to Go: Nike Indoor Nationals Press Release Scott Bush Mar 07, 2008

With one week to go until Nike Indoor Nationals, the staff of the championship meet continues to send out previews of certain events and other noteworthy tidbits.  This time the staff highlights the boys and girls 60m hurdles, ask for bio information and offer some medical advice.

Monday News & Notes: Laurent (LA) Clears 13-10 in Vault; BenJo Recovers from Injury Scott Bush Mar 03, 2008

While the indoor track season slowly comes to a close, our Monday News & Notes section rolls ahead with some interesting tidbits from the weekend. Read what we're talking about.

Monday News & Notes Highlights
- Rachel Laurent (LA) vaults U.S.#3 all-time with 13-10 effort
- Ben Johnson (NM) recovering from injury out in New Mexico
- College signings continue to roll in
- What's coming up...

Nike Indoor Nationals Press Release #2: Girls Two-Mile, Boys Pole Vault Previews Scott Bush Mar 03, 2008

FL champ Ashley Brasovan is defending champ in NIN two-mile

(Photo by John Herzog)

With less than two weeks to go, the staff of the NSSF released their second press release for Nike Team Nationals.  The release provides previews of their girls two-mile field and boys pole vault field, registration deadlines, their first-time usage of electronic starting blocks and few more topics.

York Inv. Race Recap: Smoody Runs 1:55.0, York Wins Team Title Scott Bush Mar 01, 2008

For years the York Invitational brings together many of the top track and field athletes in the state, in one of Illinois' best indoor invitationals.  This year, numerous performances highlighted the event, once again proving that the Joe Newton Field House brings out greatness in all that compete under its roof.

Top Highlights
- Mat Smoody runs 1:55.00 to win the 800m dash
- Steve Sulkin wins the 1600m run in 4:27.70
- Tim Williams wins LJ & TJ, anchors Palatine's winning 4x4
- Prospect runs 8:10.50 to win 4x800m relay
- Nick Busch leaps 6-05 to win the high jump

Weekend Highlights: O\'Connor (FL) Goes 20.93 in 200m Outdoors; Bullard (VA) runs 1:04.10 in 500m Scott Bush Feb 29, 2008

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Javell Bullard (VA) & Taylor Sykes (VA) run U.S.#1 & U.S.#2 for 500m

(Photo by John Herzog)

Four state championships (MA, PA, VA, WY) and the New England Championships highlight this weekend's track and field action.  See what's happening!

***Ebony Eutsey (FL) blazes 24.27 (200m) & 54.09 (400m) outdoors at Sam Burley (FL)!!!  
***Brandon O'Connor (FL) starts the outdoor season with a bang, running 20.93 for 200m at Sam Burley (FL)!!!  
***Javell Bullard (VA) & sophomore Taylor Sykes (VA) go U.S.#1-#2 in 500m with 1:04.10-1:04.11 in VA!!!  
***Peter Dorrell (PA) runs 4:14.69 (1600m) & 2:28.70 (1000m) at VHSL Group AA Champs!!!  
***Stephen Michael (WY) dominates in WY Indoor State Champs., winning four events (LJ, TJ, 200m, 55m)!!!  
Top Boys Weekend Highlights
- Dominic Smith (CT) runs U.S. top ten for 300m in 34.78 in MA
- Parker Bourdreau (CT) runs U.S.#1 in 1000m with 2:27.63 in MA
- Dwight Barbiasz (NH) leaps 6-09 in HJ at New England Champs.
- LaSalle (PA) runs U.S.#1 for DMR in 10:15.89 at PA Champs.
- Khaliff Featherstone (PA) runs 48.30 for 400m in PA
- Joe Wesley (MI) vaults 16-06 to win MITS Championships
- Matt Armstrong (MI) throws 61-06 to win shot put at MITS
- Roscoe Payne (MI) hurdles U.S. top ten in 8.00 at MITS
Top Girls Weekend Highlights
- Ariel Roberts (MI) jumps U.S.#1 in high jump in 5-09 at MITS 
- Becky O'Brien (ME) throws 48-10 in shot put at New Englands
- Karen Shump (PA) throws 48-10.25 in shot put in PA
- Ijeoma Iheoma (PA) runs U.S.#3 for 400m in 54.54 at PTFCA
- Abby Schaffer (PA) vaults 13-00.25 in PA, U.S.#4 mark
- Tynita Butts (VA) leaps U.S.#2 in LJ with 20-00 effort in VA 
- LaSalle (RI) wins 4x2 & 4x4 against deep competition in MA
- Eryn Wheeler (RI) runs U.S. top ten for 600m in 1:33.79 in MA
- Leslie Aririguzo (MI) wins 60m hurdles in 8.67 at MITS Champ.

Four Preps to Compete at NACAC XC Champs. This Weekend Scott Bush Feb 29, 2008

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Ben Johnson (NM) is running on the junior men's team this weekend

Just when you think the cross country season is over, bam!, another meet is upon us.  The NACAC Cross Country Championships take place this weekend in Orlando, Florida, bringing together 16 seperate North American, Central American and Caribbean countries.  Four high school athletes are involved in the junior races.

Participating High School Athletes
- Ben Johnson (NM)
- Kevin Williams (CO)
- Emily Reese (GA)
- Emilie Amaro (FL)

Weekend Preview: New England Champs., Four State Meets Dot the Schedule Scott Bush Feb 28, 2008

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The Western Branch (VA) relays should dominate in Virginia this weekend

(Photo by John Herzog)

The New England Championships and a handful of indoor state meets highlight the national calendar this weekend. In Boston, the New England Championships bring together six northeast states, always creating a lot of excitement. Meanwhile, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wyoming host their state meets. Come read which athletes and teams should highlight each event!