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Here’s a look at a few events that I’m extremely excited for today.  If they don’t get rained out, that is…

Men’s 10k

(Rescheduled for today at 4 p.m. after yesterday’s rain delay)

Picture one of the best fields of 10k runners ever assembled in the NCAA, locked in their hotel rooms, soaked to the bone, half of them sitting there trying not to think to themselves, “How the hell am I going to run the 5k?” 

Now imagine the loose cannons among them – all the anger, frustration and general irate attitude that come with weather delays.  A great deal of runners live and die by the structure that meets promise to provide…The race starts at 8:50 so I’ll run at 8:50….Coach said to hit 6:30 so I’ll hit 6:30…well maybe 6:25.  This is the mindset of the kind of man who spends his time logging near 100 miles a week some 49 weeks of the year.  Yet the finest of these athletes, rather than let any of the worries of the day affect them negatively, will take whatever lingering emotion they’ve managed to contain and release it unmercifully over the course of 25 laps.

On paper, this promises to be an incredible battle between some of the finest 10k runners the collegiate world has ever seen.  If you’d have told me this time last year that Liberty's Sam Chelanga wouldn’t be the hands down, walk away favorite I might have slapped you.  But in this sport, you’re only as good as your last race and frankly it’s hard to ignore the recent performances of Arizona's Stephen Sambu (first in the 10k, second in the 5k at PAC 10s) and Iona's Leonard Korir (won the 5k at indoor nationals).  And you can’t forget the astonishing finishing kick of Stanford’s Elliott Heath.

I’m curious to see how Oregon freshman Parker Stinson does, although I’m not sure I expect all that much from teammate Luke Puskedra.  Again, insert his name into the above equation and your face would have been red.  That kid ran a solo 3^rd place at Terre Haute and he’s not even on the radar.  Speaking of on the radar, watch out for Florida State’s Ciaran O’Lionaird and Michael Fout.  I apologize in advance for referencing German Fernandez in an article pertaining to a meet he’s not even in, but it’s interesting to see Fout (Fernandez' high school opponent) make his way back towards the top as German rests until his next assault.

But most importantly, watch out for Wisconsin’s Maverick Darling.  I have it on good authority that he is the man.

I could go on and on and on, but frankly nothing I write could do this race and all its fine competitors justice.  The rain delay, though inconvenient, has only added to the anticipation.  Can’t wait to see how this one plays out. Don’t be surprised if they’re coming down the finish straight four-abreast.

Men's 800

This could be the meet of the weekend. With so many sub 1:47 guys, and even 1:46 guys...it is one of the best 800's in recent memory. In our poll question earlier in the week, the consensus favorites were Charles Jock of UC Irvine and Robby Andrews. Somewhat surprising, considering Cory Primm has run 1:44 this year. Those results:



Buckle up and enjoy this one. Could be one for the history books!

Women’s 800m

I’ve seen some 10ks that could put the energizer bunny to sleep.  But the women’s 800, especially at the collegiate level, has always demanded more of my attention.  Perhaps it’s because I’m secretly waiting to see how many of them can run faster than I could in my “prime” (never could break 2:00).

The women’s 800 always promises a succinct and exciting race.  There’s no dawdling, no slow and painful series of laps – the runners clucking their heads like chickens as if to say, “Who’s going to make this thing scream already?”  The 800 is the exact opposite of everything I hate about tactical affairs such as the 10k.

I like Oregon’s Anne Kesselring’s chances tomorrow.  She’s put up some stellar times all season, like a 2:02 at Oregon Relays and 2:03 at regionals, and Oregon tends to execute nearly to a T at championship meets.  On a similar note, don’t be surprised to see mid-distance powerhouse Tennessee’s Chanelle Price making a run for it down the home stretch, chasing down Lea Wallace (Sacramento State), Cydney Ross (Duke), or any of the other usual suspects.  Whoever the victor, here’s looking forward to a thrilling 800.

Men’s 3k Steeplechase

The steeple looks to be a great match up between some pretty incredible runners.  I’m rooting for Temple’s breakout junior Travis Mahoney. Of course he’ll have his hands full with last year’s champ Matt Hughes (Louisville) among others.  Oregon’s Steve Finley will strike after a relaxed prelim.  Trust me…this kid can rally. 

It will also be interesting to see how Indiana University’s impressive 3-man crew will place.  Andrew Poore, Andy Weatherford, and De’Sean Turner all advanced to the final; which is impressive enough, but something tells me they won’t be content to hang their hats on simply making the final.  Also from the Big 10, it’s good to see Craig Forys representing Michigan on the national level.  Hopefully it won’t be too long until the Wolverines are flirting with the nation’s best yet again.

Women’s 5k

Jordan Hasay – check. Sheila Reid – check.

What more could you ask for?  Oh that’s right: Tulsa’s Paula Whiting, Villanova’s Bogdana Mimic, Michigan State’s Emily MacLeod, North Carolina’s Kendra Schaaf and a whole crew of other ladies looking to mix it up and maybe even dip under the elusive 16-minute mark. Loyola Marymount’s Tara Erdmann, who was a favorite in the 10k but finished second-to-last, will likely be looking to redeem herself tonight.  Also two true freshmen, Wisconsin’s Emily Sisson and Washington’s Megan Goethals, will look to stamp their foot on the national scene.     

What I’m looking forward to the most, as I’m sure many are, is the second of three showdowns this weekend between Sheila Reid and Jordan Hasay.  These two put on some stunning performances at indoor nationals and are both in the best shape of their lives.  In yesterday’s 1500m prelim, Hasay and Reid were third and fourth, both qualifying for tomorrow’s final. Reid sat comfortably on the young Duck’s shoulder to the finish line, as if to say, “You win for now."

Hope you enjoy the races as much as I will.