en-us Copyright 2006-2009 Flocasts Inc Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:18:53 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/assets/portal/simple30/images/logos/flotrack-logo.gif http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1562-jeff-schirmer-kwik-e <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Southern Illinois Saluki senior Jeff Schirmer is heading into his second NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, Indiana. Action kicks off on Monday, November 23, with races starting at 11:45 a.m. Schirmer was a qualifier in the 5,000 and 10,000-meter runs this past outdoor season and took 25th overall last year at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. He's got his eyes set on a top-10 finish after finishing second to Minnesota's Hassan Mead at the Regional Championships last weekend. Let's see how well he finishes! Photo courtesy of ShannonDigitalImaging.com You just got the official word about your team not making it to NCAAs. Yeah, unfortunately. They picked Auburn and Ohio State over us and Iowa. I would assume, based on what you guys had predicted, that we might have been the first team out. I'm not sure. I know we were real close. That always sucks. Sorry, man! Yeah, it's all right. You'll be going as an individual, though. Last year you took 25th overall, where are going to finish this year if things go according to plan? My personal goal is to be top-10. Last year, I was 25th and would like to be better or finish higher than that. The minimum, where I'd walk away and not be disappointed, would be top-10. I would really like to be top-five, but if I'm top-10, I won't be mad with my race and satisfied. If I'm anything lower than 10, depending on how much lower, I'm going to get more and more disappointed with my performace. How do you approach this next week of training before the big race? Are you the type of guy who's going to taper a good amount? I started running when I was a junior in high school. I was a late-start runner. I've never really done many miles, always in the 60s. I don't really really taper too much because I've never done many miles like some of my teammates who are up to 105-110. I don't taper much. What do we do? My coach will usually have us do some faster intervals and make them quicker and over shorter distances. What's a typical week like for you when your hitting the 60s? Any doubles? It's probably about two to three doubles a week. Two unless we do two workouts that week...then it's three. Why the late start to running? What were you doing before your junior year? From eighth grade to junior year, I played football. I never really thought much about running. In PE, you know you do that physical fitness thing? My sophomore year, it was the day we had to run the mile and most people are like, “oh, crap! We all have to run outside!” I ran 5:12 in Adidas Superstars. The track coach heard about that and asked me to come out for the team the next year. My junior year, I actually did football and cross country at the same time. I would just practice for football and on Saturday, I would just wake up and go to a cross country meet. We actually made it to States as a team and I ran like...15:54 at the State Meet. As a football player. As a football player. I never ran, I would just wake up on Saturday after a Friday night football game and run a race. Now that you are training as a serious runner—and it's hard to compare these things—but, are practices harder in pads as a football player or putting in mileage as a runner? It was just the high school level and I'm sure it gets harder through college and the professional league, but I would say running is a lot more challenging than football. In football, if you're in trouble, they make you run. They do that for a reason...it's because it's a lot more punishing. In football, there's a lot of standing around doing plays and stuff. What position did you play? Eighth grade and freshman year, I was a safety. And then sophomore and junior year, I was a reciever. Do you have wheels? Most of my teammates these days tell me that I'm pretty fast for a distance guy. I usually can close fairly well at the end of my races. I guess compared to all the teammates I've ever had, I've been faster. Do you think you could have pursued football a little further? No. I wasn't the best of receivers. We had a really great running back my junior year. So, the only thing our receivers really did all the time was block. I didn't have the best of hands, but I was quick. I was a pretty good blocker. I wasn't going to go anywhere with football. I'm really thankful for the opportunity that I was given to start running. Coming off of being a football player, were you aware of Illinois history with distance running? No, not really. Probably up until last year, my junior year, I just started learning people's names and knowing who people are. Now, I'm not by any means intelligent on knowing all those runners, but I know people a lot better than I did. I could tell you who German Fernandez is or Mead or some of those guys who I can think of off the top of my head because they're in my region. Before last year, I couldn't tell you who anyone was except maybe...Prefontaine. The only other runner I knew of in high school other than Prefontaine was Craig Virgin because he was from our area, he was from a half an hour from my house. He would talk to my high school coach and prep us up with speeches. He likes to talk a lot. I didn't know much about the running world up until a year or two ago. I started improving with my abilities. I ran 4:15 my senior year in track and gave up football and started training and all that. People would come up to me and say, “hey, Jeff, congratulations!” And I didn't know their names and I felt really bad. Over the last couple of years, I started to kind of educate myself in the world of running and know who some people are. You ran that 4:15 mile in Adidas Superstars, right? (Laughs) No, my senior year in track or starting in cross, I ran in Adidas Superstars. They're not running shoes at all and I remember having the worst shin splints. During PE, I would sit on the sidelines because I couldn't walk without my legs hurting. My very first pair of running shoes, I can remember, my high school coach game me a pair of his old ones and were Nike Pegasus. They made a world of difference. He gave me a used pair. It's kind of off subject, but I didn't have much money in high school. When I was 13, me and my siblings were put in foster care. Everything I had, I had to buy myself from working. That's why I didn't have running shoes or anything like that. How did it happen that you ended up in foster care? I have three siblings and we left my dad when I was two. I have a stepdad, but there was a bunch of stuff where my dad was always gone and my mom was always gone. My grandma lived with us and she was there off and on too. They were doing drugs and alcohol or whatever. When I was 13, the state got mad with all the stuff my mom and stepdad were doing and finally took us away. They split us all up and moved us all around. I was in two different foster homes and was in a boy's home in between those two. But, I was pretty lucky. I was in two foster homes and a boy's home, some of my siblings went through 10 different houses and that was pretty rough on them because they were so much younger. One thing I was lucky about was since I was 13, I was able to choose my last name. As bad as some of the things my mom did, I still love her and want to carry on my last name. I wanted to keep it and carry that on. Over the last few years, in everything I've accomplished, I've wanted to make a name for my family and be a good role model for my younger siblings and show them that they can do it. I'm the first kid in my family to graduate high school or go to college and I graduate this year with a degree in accounting. Are you in constant contact with your siblings now? I've talked to them throughout the whole system. I just turned 23 and I'm kind of older. We moved around so much when I was younger, always going from house to trailer...moving around with friends or whatever because we were really poor, that I missed a lot of school and did third grade twice. So, I'm a year older than most people in my grade. My mom had me when she was 13, had my other sibling at 15, one at 17 and one at 19. She had all four kids before she was 19. I told you that my mom was always gone. I always had to take care of my siblings. I made sure that they got ready for school, got something to eat. I was doing that since I was like eight. Like I said, I always wanted to be a good role model for them and keep in touch with them. I make sure they're doing the best they can do. I recently got my 21-year old sister to go back to school. She's going for something in nursing and I'm really happy about that. My brother graduates from high school this year and I'm happy about. He says he wants to go to college like me. Hopefully I can make some money with my degree and help him with that. Any runners in the bunch? No. There are no other runners in the family. Like I said about no one graduating high school before me, there are no real athletes in my family besides me. I don't really know how I got the running ability I did. Between running and your stellar grades, that's what got you to Southern Illinois? Before my late junior-senior year, I didn't think I was going to go to any university. I might have gone to Swic, which is a little community college next to my hometown...and that's if I was even able to afford it. When I ran 4:15 in the mile in high school, I started getting some college phone calls. Money was really important to me...because I didn't have any. I needed to try to get as much as possible. My coach, Sparks, offered me a full ride. I get a lot of financial aid money, but he told me he would cover all my other expenses if I came here and it was only two hours from my hometown. I said I would and I don't regret any of it. Sparks is a great coach and he's taken me from being 43rd my senior year in cross country to 25th in the nation last year. He's a great coach and he really knows what he's doing. With the talent that he's able to get...we're Southern Illinois and most people don't know about us. Even in your (Flotrack's) pre-ranking thing, of teams you thought would get in...someone on the video says, “we don't know much about Southern Illinois” and people ask me all the time what a Saluki is. Sparks isn't able to get the best athletes from high school, but I feel like the athletes he gets, if you see what they were compared to what they turn into...I would say he's one of the best coaches in the NCAA. There are no foreigners on our team. Mohamed Mohamed, some people think he's a foreigner, but he's been in America since he was six. I don't know if you knew but at Regionals the past two seasons, Mohamed has been in the top-14. He qualified for Nationals two years ago and redshirted last year. He was in the ER for six hours last week and had to drop out of the race. With him dropping out, we were still fifth. If you put him at 20th, just 20th with him being top-14 the past two seasons, we would have been third...in front of Iowa State and Minnesota and been in for sure. If was 36th, we would have been in front of Minnesota and probably have been in. That's with all kids who were really nobodies. It wasn't with kids from Stevens or Pope Joy or teams you would associate with running success. We're a bunch of small-town runners, who he's taken and really exploded our talented. He's a great coach and a great guy. I have all the respect in the world for the guy. It must be hard not to get down about the way the season ended for the team. Yeah. He's (Mohamed) a fifth-year senior, I'm a senior. His last year of cross, my last year of cross. We have two other seniors on the team and it's like, “we were this close!” We were all praying. We almost had given up after Regionals, happy with what we did even with him dropping out. We gave it the best we could. And then your (Flotrack's) pre-ranking had us in there and we got really excited. It was a really long day for us and none of us really slept that night. Even though I qualified as an individual, I was really hoping that the whole team could go and that's been our goal all season long. We're a really big underdog and nobody really knows about us and we wanted to change that. It kind of sucks that we were that close and everyone had a great race...but it was just fate that Mo was in the ER with infections and was on three different antibiotics. It sucks but we're going to try to make the best of it and come out in track and give it everything we've got. What are your goals for this coming track season? I really want to top what I did last year and stride to be All-American in track. Are you going to be able to head out to the West Coast to run some fast races early on? Yeah. We have Mt. SAC on our schedule again. Last year, it was just me and Sparks that flew out there. I was the only athlete on our team to go. This year, we plan on taking a bigger handful of runners, distance and sprinters. We plan on going to Mt. SAC and that's probably where I'll run the 10K again this year. If you could have any one meal, prepared by anyone, what would you have and who make it? Or just give me your go-to meal? I want to start off by saying that I'm not your typical runner-eater. My dinner tonight was an entire box of mac-n-cheese. I just got done eating it...and a soda (laughs). It was a Dr. Pepper and a box of macaroni and cheese. I really don't get into all that. I feel like running has a lot to do with your mentality and I just don't get bent out of shape over those little things. I know some runners who are really picky and they have to have this before every meal and have to carb load or whatever. The only time I really worry about what I eat is the morning of the race. I eat probably cereal. The morning before the Regional race, I went to McDonald's and got hot cakes. I could probably tell you what my favorite food is. I probably shouldn't have said that...because I don't really know (laughs). It will probably sound corny, but my favorite food that I eat most often would be a whole Tombstone Cheese Pizza and a Mountain Dew. I don't like paying attention to all those little details. The more things you try to perfect...if one of those little things go wrong, then your mentality is like, “oh, I forgot to drink three and a half cups of water the night before...” and you shut down. It's too much to worry about and I just run and stay focused. Can you give me a crazy running-related story? About the Running Warehouse: Last year we went camping as a team. We do a lot of activities like that. We live really close to a national park. There's a really big national park to the south of us...like 15-20 miles. We drove out there and set up camp and everything in the middle of the woods. It wasn't like a campground...we had to clear it and cut down some bushes and stuff and make room for our tent in the middle of the woods. We went on our run that night. It wound up that there were like four tornadoes within a 10-mile radius of where we were camping that night. It was just a really bad storm the entire night. As we were finishing our run this was all happening. The wind was blowing, trees were falling down. It was pretty crazy. Our coach was calling us, telling us we had to come home. We're telling him that we're men and we're going to tough it out. It was probably the worst night of my life for trying to fall asleep. Everything was soaked. It was pouring rain and haling. It was bad.   <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> About the Running Warehouse: My KWIK-Es are sponsored by runningwarehouse.com, located on the California coast in the small community of San Luis Obispo. The folks over there include one of the owners, Joe Rubio, a two hour, 18 minute marathoner and current head coach of the Asics Aggie RC. Jonathan Spiros oversees footwear buying and served many years as assistant coach at College Park High School helping Lindsay Allen. Erik Dube is in charge of accessories and helps with footwear buying. Erik has finished the Western States 100-Mile Race several times and was assistant coach at San Ramon Valley High School helping Scott Bauhs through high school. Erik’s wife, Tera, is in charge of customer service and is an ultra marathoner and former track star at Campolindo High School, where her brother Chuck Woolridge is currently head coach. Kara June handles web content. Kara was 6th at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in the steeplechase. Kara was also third overall at Last Fall’s USATF Club Cross Country Championships. The entire online and phone customer service representative staff at the Running Warehouse, including the staff listed above, have spent considerable time working the retail floor. This, along with the coaching and personal athletic experience, enables the company to have a unique perspective of understanding the needs of every level of runner from beginner to All-American. Check them out when you get a chance!     Tony Casey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1562-jeff-schirmer-kwik-e Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:30:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1568-gay-richards-win-2009-jesse-owens-awards INDIANAPOLIS - Tyson Gay and Sanya Richards on Thursday were named winners of the 2009 Jesse Owens Awards by USA Track & Field. This marks the second time in their careers that Gay and Richards have earned this prestigious distinction. Gay initially won the award in 2007, and Richards was the recipient in 2006. Established in 1981, the Jesse Owens Award is USA Track & Field's highest accolade, presented annually to the outstanding U.S. male and female track and field performers. This year's awards will be presented on Saturday, December 5 at the Jesse Owens Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind. The event is held in conjunction with USA Track & Field's 2009 Annual Meeting. Jesse Owens became one of the most iconic figures in sports history when he won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, while conducting himself at all times with grace and dignity. Owens, who with his remarkable performances forever destroyed Adolf Hitler's notions of Aryan supremacy, was remembered fondly at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin at the Olympic Stadium where he became an international star. All Team USA athletes who competed in the championships proudly wore the letters "JO" on their competition singlets to pay homage to Owens, and they also wore 1936-inspired throwback apparel provided by Nike.  Additionally, a USA Track & Field initiative brought Owens' granddaughter Marlene Dortch and family members of 1936 German Olympic long jump silver medalist Luz Long together to present the medals to the men's long jumpers in Berlin, an event won by American Dwight Phillips. "All of us at USA Track & Field congratulate Tyson and Sanya on winning the Jesse Owens Award, particularly in a year when the legacy of Jesse Owens was at the forefront of all our minds," said USATF CEO Doug Logan. "Like this award's namesake, Sanya and Tyson in 2009 conducted themselves like champions in both victory and defeat. Although still young, they already rank among this country's all-time great track athletes, and we look forward to watching them for years to come." Gay never better than in 2009 Although he suffered from a nagging groin injury that hampered him during the majority of the 2009 outdoor season, Tyson Gay put on an amazing display of sprinting that will not soon be forgotten. A triple gold medalist at the 2007 World Outdoor Championships in Osaka, Japan, Gay suffered a hamstring injury at the 2008 Olympic Trials that kept him from performing at his best at the Olympic Games in Beijing. Gay leaped back on to the world stage in a major way in 2009 by posting the then third-fastest time ever in the men's 200 meters with his win at the May 30 Reebok Invitational in New York in 19.58 seconds. Also last summer, Gay equaled or improved upon his American 100-meter record a remarkable three times within a three-month time frame. Gay equaled his American record of 9.77 seconds with his July 10 win at the Golden Gala in Rome, running the identical time he first posted at the 2008 Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. In capturing the silver medal at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Gay lowered his AR to 9.71 seconds before lowering it again to 9.69 seconds with his commanding win in Shanghai on September 20. In 2009, Gay posted the second, third and fourth-fastest 100m times in the world that season, and he is currently tied with Jamaica's Usain Bolt for the second-fastest time ever recorded in the men's 100 meters of 9.69 seconds. He also owns the third-fastest 100m time ever of 9.71. Gay's 200m time of 19.58 from the 2009 Reebok Grand Prix ranks as the fifth-fastest in history."After competing in Berlin's Olympic Stadium, I better understand what Jesse Owens accomplished and where and how he did it," said Gay. "I learned that he is not only a hero for Americans like me, but he is a guy that is still respected by people around the world for the way he acted on and off the track. This is why I am honored that the media and track fans chose me for this award and look forward to accepting it in Indianapolis next month." Richards wins world title 2005 World Outdoor Championships silver medalist Sanya Richards entered the 2009 campaign as the #1 world ranked women's 400m runner by Track & Field News over the last four years. Recognized worldwide as the dominant force in her event, Richards had yet to capture the elusive individual Olympic or World Outdoor Championships title needed to fill a nagging hole in her glittering resume. The 2008 Olympic Games bronze medalist, Richards was even with Russia's Antonina Krivoshapka with 200 meters to go in 400m final at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin. After leaving Krivoshapka behind, Richards still had to hold off a strong challenge from Jamaica's Shericka Williams down the final stretch. Richards broke away from Williams with 70 meters to go and ran by her lonesome the rest of the way to victory, crossing the finish line in the third-fastest time in the world this season of 49.00 seconds. With her victory, Richards joined Jearl Miles (2003, Stuttgart) as the only Americans ever to win the women's 400 meters at a World Outdoor Championships. Richards, who ran the anchor leg on Team USA's gold medal winning 4x400m relay team (3:17.83, World leader), finished the season with the four fastest women's 400m times in the world this year, and her world-leading time of 48.83 seconds from her win in Brussels, Belgium, earned her a share of the IAAF Golden League Jackpot for the third time in her career. Richards' performance in Brussels equaled the second-best time ever by an American first posted by National Track & Field Hall of Famer Valerie Brisco-Hooks in winning the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. "To be named the recipient of the Jesse Owens Award, having earned my first world title in the very same stadium where he became a legend, is an honor," said Richards. "His history-making accomplishments inspire me to continue to work hard at making my mark on the sport of track and field." About the Jesse Owens Award 2009 Jesse Owens Award winners were selected in balloting of members of the U.S. track and field media, and for the first time ever a fan vote was held on the USATF website that comprised 10% of the total vote. Other finalists for the men's Jesse Owens Award were Christian Cantwell, Kerron Clement, Trey Hardee, Bernard Lagat, LaShawn Merritt and Dwight Phillips. Women's finalists included Jenny Barringer, Allyson Felix, Carmelita Jeter and Brittney Reese. The permanent commemorative Jesse Owens Award is maintained at USATF National Headquarters, and a replica is provided to each of the winners. Previous winners are Edwin Moses (1981), Carl Lewis (1982 and 1991), Mary Decker (1983), Joan Benoit (1984), Willie Banks (1985), Jackie Joyner-Kersee (1986 and 1987), Florence Griffith Joyner (1988), Roger Kingdom (1989), Lynn Jennings (1990), Kevin Young (1992), Gail Devers (1993, 1996), Michael Johnson (1994, 1995, 1996), Allen Johnson (1997), Marion Jones (1997, 1998), John Godina (1998, 2001), Inger Miller (1999), Maurice Greene (1999), Stacy Dragila (2000 and 2001), Angelo Taylor (2000), Khalid Khannouchi (2002), Deena Kastor (2003), Tom Pappas (2003), Justin Gatlin (2004 and 2005), Joanna Hayes (2004), Allyson Felix (2005 and 2007); Sanya Richards (2006, 2009), Jeremy Wariner (2006), Tyson Gay (2007, 2009), Bryan Clay (2008) and Stephanie Brown Trafton (2008). For full biographies of Tyson Gay and Sanya Richards, visit the Athlete Bios section of www.usatf.org. USATF Press http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1568-gay-richards-win-2009-jesse-owens-awards Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:35:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1566-derrick-named-athlete-of-the-week INDIANAPOLIS - Stanford's Chris Derrick has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after winning the NCAA West Regional Cross Country Championship on Saturday in Eugene, Ore.The American junior record holder over 5,000m, Derrick won the men's title in 30 minutes 38.84 seconds to remain undefeated on the season. Derrick's win led the Stanford men's sweep of the top three places and helped his team to win the West Regional team title.Now in its eighth year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.  Winners: January 6, Mason Finley; January 13, Amber Campbell; January 20, Josh Cox; January 27, German Fernandez; February 3, Ashton Eaton; February 10, Shalane Flanagan; February 17, Galen Rupp; February 24, Dexter Faulk; March 3, Terrence Trammell; March 10, Diana Pickler; March 17, Galen Rupp; March 24, Sumi Onodera-Leonard; March 31, German Fernandez; April 7, Cyrus Hostetler; April 14, Curtis Beach; April 21, Kara Goucher; April 28, Mason Finley; May 5, Chris Derrick; May 12, Natalie Willer; May 19, Will Claye; May 26, Nadine O'Connor; June 2, Tyson Gay; June 9, Dwight Phillips; June 16, Galen Rupp; June 23, Kami Semick; June 30, Dawn Harper; July 7, Raevyn Rogers; July 14, Ryan Crouser; July 28, Anton Krupicka; August 11, Rita Hanscom; August 19, Christian Cantwell; August 26, Trey Hardee; September 1, Dathan Ritzenhein; September 9, Sanya Richards; September 15, Carmelita Jeter; September 23, Tyson Gay; Jamie Donaldson; October 7, Meb Keflezighi; October 14, Dathan Ritzenhein; October 21, Amy Palmiero-Winters; October 27, Sean Quigley; November 3 Meb Keflezighi; November 11, Max King; November 18, Chris Derrick. About USA Track & Field USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world's oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.  For more information on USATF, visit www.usatf.org USATF Press http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1566-derrick-named-athlete-of-the-week Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:19:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1563-runners-tribe-joins-flonetwork The FloNetwork just got a little more international flavor. Runner's Tribe, based in Perth, Australia, is now capturing the best in Aussie Running. Headed up by a couple of running die hards, Ross and Sam, Runners Tribe has been the biggest running site in Australia for a number of years. The mission of their site is pretty awesome too:  "The Runner's Tribe believes, quite simply, that running is the most pure form of physical endeavor known to humans. Being the first and foremost true world sport, the basic process of running occurs daily the world over wherever there are people." Runner’s Tribe FloNetwork Pat Hitchins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1563-runners-tribe-joins-flonetwork Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:16:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1561-usatf-announces-2009-hall-of-fame-inductees INDIANAPOLIS - Some of the greatest athletes of their generations, including track & field legends Joetta Clark Diggs, Andre Phillips, Randy Williams and Willie Steele, are joined by coach Dr. Ken Foreman as the 2009 inductees into the National Track & Field Hall of Fame. The Class of 2009 was announced Tuesday by USA Track & Field.  The Class of 2009 will be inducted Saturday evening, December 5, at the Jesse Owens Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held in conjunction with USATF's 2009 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Ind. "All of us at USA Track & Field congratulate these five talented individuals on their election to the National Track & Field Hall of Fame," said USATF Chairman and President Stephanie Hightower. "Their contributions have added tremendously to the legacy of USA Track & Field, and we all look forward to their induction ceremony next month in Indianapolis." A seven-time winner of the women's 800 meters at the Millrose Games, Joetta Clark Diggs won numerous individual national championships and is a four-time Olympian. Andre Phillips did his part in adding to the amazing legacy of U.S. men's 400m hurdles greats by winning gold at the 1988 Olympic Games and ending his career with nine top ten world rankings. During his career as one of the world's elite athletes, Willie Steele won an Olympic gold medal and was ranked as the world's finest men's long jumper on four occasions. Randy Williams was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year for consideration in the  Veteran Athlete category. Williams was a two-time Olympic medalist in the long jump and was ranked #1 in the world in 1972. Noted especially for his contribution to women's track and field, coach inductee Dr. Ken Foreman founded and coached the Falcon Track Club, served three stints as the head coach at Seattle Pacific University and was the head coach for a U.S. Olympic Team, World Outdoor Championships team and a U.S. World Cross Country Team. About the National Track & Field Hall of Fame There are four categories in which individuals may be voted into the Hall of Fame. Those categories are: Modern athletes, retired less than 25 years; Veteran athletes, retired more than 25 years; Coaches; and Contributors. Each category has its own selection committee that chooses the finalists from the list of nominations. Members of the selectioncommittees examine the nominations and evaluate their merit based on objective criteria. Elections for Modern and Veteran athletes are held each year. Beginning in 2005, elections for Coaches are held in odd numbered years, with Contributors elections in even numbered years. Hall of Fame inductees, members of the National Track & Field Hall of Fame Board and Committees and members of the media comprise the electorate for the National Track & Field Hall of Fame. Class of 2009 biographies Biographies for the "Class of 2009" for the National Track & Field Hall of Fame follow: MODERN ATHLETES JOETTA CLARK DIGGS: During an amazing career that lasted nearly 25 years, Clark Diggs was recognized for being one of the greatest, and most consistent, women's 800m runners in U.S. history. A four-time Olympian ('88, '92, '96, '00), who competed in five Olympic Trials, Clark Diggs was a six-time U.S. Indoor champion ('88, '89, '90, '96, '97, '98); five-time U.S. Outdoor champion ('88, '89, '92, '93, '94); a four-time NCAA champion; and a two-time bronze medalist at the World Indoor Championships ('93, '97). She was the 1986 Olympic Festival champion, the gold medalist at the 1980 Pan American Games and the 1980 USA Junior Champion. She is also well known for her success at the Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden in New York, where she won seven times. ANDRE PHILLIPS: In winning the gold medal in the men's 400m hurdles at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Andre Phillips picked the best possible time to notch his only career win over his idol and fellow National Track & Field Hall of Famer Edwin Moses. Phillips, who won the 1985 World Cup, the 1985 USA Outdoor title and was the 1981 NCAA 400m hurdles champion, was nine times ranked  top ten in the world by Track & Field News, and ranked #1 globally in 1985, 1986 and 1988. He was world ranked #3 in the 110m hurdles in 1985. VETERAN ATHLETES WILLIE STEELE: Recognized as the world's finest men's long jumper of the late 1940s, Willie Steele was the favorite to win at the 1948 Olympic Games. Despite a sore ankle that allowed him only two attempts, both of Steele's jumps were good enough to win the gold over the world's best. A two-time USA Outdoor champion, Steele was the 1948 Olympic Trials champion, a two-time NCAA long jump champion, was considered the world's best long jumper in 1942 and 1946, and was world ranked #1 by Track & Field News in 1947 and 1948. He died on September 19, 1989. RANDY WILLIAMS: The Olympic Games men's long jump gold medalist in 1972 and silver medalist in 1976, Randy Williams qualified for the 1980 Olympic Team, but did not compete because of the U.S. boycott. Williams won numerous national titles during his career including the USA Outdoor crown in 1973, he was USA Indoor champion in 1973, the NCAA Outdoor champion in 1972 and the NCAA Indoor champion in 1973. Williams was world ranked four times by Track & Field News, and was ranked #1 in the world following the 1972 season. COACH DR. KEN FOREMAN: The head coach at Seattle Pacific University from1950-1957, 1965-1978, 1985-1999, Foreman founded the Falcon Track Club in 1955 and served as the squad's coach in 1977. Foreman also founded the SportsWest T.C., which he directed 1977-1998. Foreman's Falcon TC squad captured the AAU cross country title in 1972, and he is well known for coaching National Track & Field Hall of Famer Doris Brown Heritage (5-time World Cross Country women's champion 1967-1971). Olympians he coached included Kelly Blair-LaBounty, Lorna Griffin, Pam Spencer and Sherron Walker. Foreman-coached athletes won 14 AAU titles (outdoor, indoor, cross country) by two athletes and one AIAW title. Foreman was named the U.S. women's head coach for the 1980 Olympic Games, and served as the Team USA head coach at the 1983 World Outdoor Championships. He was the U.S. World Cross Country Team coach in 1967, 1970 and 1973, served as the AAU Women's LDR Chair from 1968-1974, and was the recipient of the AAU/USATF Joseph Robichaux Women's T&F Award 1978. For more information on the National Track & Field Hall of Fame, visit: www.usatf.org. USATF Press http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1561-usatf-announces-2009-hall-of-fame-inductees Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:39:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1558-a-brief-interview-with-armando-siqueiros-jordan-hasays-high-school-coach November 08, 2009Armando Siquerios will join successful coaches Scott Raczko, BradHudson, Nike legend Jeff Johnson, Zap Fitness’ Pete Rea and others atthe Super Distance Summit in January 2010. Mando talks about thesummit and his approach to coaching in high school.Q: Armando, you have made it clear that in coaching Jordan Hasay toall of her high school accomplishments that your larger concern waswith her ultimate future. To what do you attribute this way ofthinking?I have had the opportunity to see and know many success stories. Ihave also had the opportunity to see those who perhaps didn't live upto expectations. Why? Now I have to be very careful how I say this,but why is it our young female super stars don't pan out? I knowphysiologically these young high school kids are still growing. Themotor just isn't developed. Their psyche can be very fragile. Whyshould I strive to get all I can from this young person?I could see with Jordan how naive she was to the sport. Jordan had hadsuccess at a very young age. The internet and youth athletics hadbuilt her into a super star before she had even raced in high school.When she came to high school she was not a ball of putty waiting forme to mold her into a success. She had very definite ideas as to howthings worked. I don't believe anyone was really critiquing her.I really felt an obligation to give her the opportunity to develop agood foundation of this sport (like any other young athlete). Bysaying this, "look towards the future," I was able to diffuse some ofthe expectations. I was able to really work on the basics. Anybody whowatched her race as an age-graded athlete or freshman versus herjunior and senior year can see what a different athlete she was. Icould have just stayed with the "blast from the gun, catch me if youcan" style throughout high school and she might have even had morehigh school success. But we know, that kind of style won't work at thenext level. I wanted her to understand the sport. I wanted to do whatI could to help her have success at the next level. I didn't believethat necessarily meant running her mile repeats faster, running highermileage or setting more records.Q: Mando, you come from a medical background, which is not thetraditional path a coach would take. In what ways do you feel this hashad an affect on your approach to coaching?Well, before I was a physician, I was a passionate runner. I wasactually disappointed I didn't learn more about physiology in medicalschool. However, what I have learned since medical school regardingpeople is "priceless" (as they say). Because of the nature of my work,I see people with their guard down. I have probably seen more extremesof human emotion in a greater variety of situations compared to youraverage Joe.I bring these experiences with me. I believe this has helped me:- better understand the human psyche.- keep things in perspective and translate that to my athletes.- be able to communicate.- to work past difficult situations.- to deal with concerned parents.- look at the whole individual.Q: The Super Summit replaces the National Distance Running Summit. Whydid you accept the offer to speak there in January and why are youwilling to share?I accepted the opportunity to speak because I believe there are peopleout there curious as to who Jordan Hasay is, what are her chances forsenior level success, and how did she get to where she is. I can offersome insight into those questions. I also feel by sharing thisinformation perhaps the next coach can do an even better job than Idid with their athletes. Plus, I'll get the chance to learn more fromall the participants!Q: You will be joined by a pretty accomplished list of coaches inCharlotte including legend Jeff Johnson, Scott Raczko, Brad Hudson,York High School’s Charlie Kern and Zap Fitness’ Pete Rea. Has yourtraining philosophies benefited from any of their ideas or insights?Yes! What a crew! Wow, I know I wonder should I even be up there withthem? I am a neophyte coach when it comes to these guys. I have to sayI have read things many of them have written (including yourself). Andyes every bit of information I get goes into my program/style in someform or another. However, I have been passionately involved in thissport for over 35 years. I have had the good fortune to have been ableto see some great coaches and athletes up close over these years. As ayoungster, I was heavily influenced by the stars and recent stars ofthe day. I read and reread about all of them and their coaches... FOR INFORMATION ON THE SUPER DISTANCE SUMMIT GO TO WWW.DISTANCESUMMIT.COM Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1558-a-brief-interview-with-armando-siqueiros-jordan-hasays-high-school-coach Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:23:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1551-2009-dii-xc-national-championship-preview   Bobby Unser, a retired car racer, once said, “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” Runners this weekend will be looking to apply this quote at the DII cross country national championships in Evansville, Indiana to achieve success. The Evansville course appears to be the perfect setting for the culmination of this 2009 season. The weather is shaping up to have a high 62 degrees with only a 20% chance of rain. Likely, the course will be damp due to rain earlier in the week. Lively debate and commentary is always encouraged. Flotrack is a community. The course is not an easy one and can be described as rolling. The women’s course is two loops. The first kilometer will be quick as it drops in elevation. A short gradual 300 meter climb follows before descending to its lowest point at the 2k point. The runners will then come face to face with Shoe Tree Hill. Having run this hill myself, I can tell you it hurts. The hill rises sharply for 100 meters leaving legs a bit numb. It continues to climb till the 3k mark.  The second loop is identical to the first with Shoe Tree hill coming right before the finish.  Southern Indiana’s cross country coach, Coach Hillyard comments, “The toughest part of the course for the women will be the 2nd climb up Shoe Tree Hill. The hill comes right after the 5k mark, and there is simply no relief from there as the course rises from its lowest to highest points in elevation in this final kilometer (about 100 feet elevation gain)”. The men’s course consists of a 3k loop, 4k loop followed by a 3k loop. The 3k loop is the same as the women’s 3k loop. The 4k loop is the 3k loop with a 1k added to the 2nd loop. This extra 1k could be considered the toughest part of this whole course for within it is a 200 meter climb up Strue Hill followed by a 400 meter descent. The runners will then come to Shoe Tree Hill. “The toughest part of the men’s course will be 5k to 7k: Strue Hill and Shoe Tree Hill sandwiched back to back” Coach Hillyard continues, “It will favor, first of all, those with plenty of  intestinal fortitude.  I would compare it to the old Slippery Rock course, a course that tended to favor the most aerobically fit (not necessarily the fastest track performers) and the patient, especially with regard to the men’s course.” Last year’s champion, Chico State’s Scott Bauhs, has graduated, making way for a new winner. The perpetual bridesmaid in cross country, Adams State’s Aaron Braun is back as the top returner. Yet, he is not the outright best runner on his team this season with Brian Medigovich winning central region race and Reuben Mwei winning the conference meet. Each win was with a small margin of victory that could easily close at the championships. Harding’s Daniel Kirwa was seventh last year and has had some impressive wins against tough competition this year. The weather this year should be more to his liking then last year’s frigid conditions. Though his team did not make it, Abilene Christian’s Amos Sang is back and was the only one of his team to make. He is set up for a good race. Alaska Anchorage’s Mark Cheseto is making a name for himself winning the west region. He was in the top ten last year and has only gotten faster since. Queen's Michael Crouch is out wth an injury. Also look for Queen’s Oscar Ogwaro and American International’s Glarius Rop to have an impact on the race. Last year in the men’s team competition, it was Adams States took home top honors with 67 points, besting their rival Western (88).  The top five was rounded out by Chico (120), Abilene Christian (128), and Grand Valley (190).   Adams State is heading into the championships ranked number one by the USTFCCCA poll and with the front group that they have, they are the odds on favorites. Western is ranked second followed by Grand Valley State, Chico State and Colorado School of Mines. If any of these teams have an off day, Queens or Western Washington could easily slip into the top five. Seattle Pacific’s Jessica Pixler is back to defend her cross country title and win her third cross country crown. It will not be a cake walk; Shippensburg’s Neely Spence will surely be right on her heels. Spence was second her freshman year and with a year of college competition under her feet, she has improved. The rest of the top five is a bit muddier look for Missouri Southern’s Kimi Shank, Minnesota Duluth’s Morgan Place, and Western Washington’s Sarah Porter to be in the front. Last year in the women’s competition, Adams State took their 6th team title with 79 points. They were followed by Grand Valley (102), Western State (183), Seattle Pacific (194), and Augustana (203). USTFCCCA has Grand Valley ranked number one heading into the championships followed by Missouri Southern State, Alaska Anchorage, Adams State and Chico State.  I would not rank defending champions, Adams State fourth. Look for them to break the top three. The video has my top three predictions for each contest and I will there to bring some post race coverage.   Cara Hawkins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1551-2009-dii-xc-national-championship-preview Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:57:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1552-2009-ncaa-division-i-mens-and-womens-xc-fields-announced   Men’s Automatic Qualifying Teams Alabama-South Region Arkansas-South Central Region Brigham Young-Mountain Region Colorado-Mountain Region Florida State-South Region Georgetown-Mid-Atlantic Region Iona-Northeast Region Michigan State-Great Lakes Region North Carolina State-Southeast Region Oklahoma-Midwest Region Oklahoma State-Midwest Region Portland-West Region Stanford-West Region Syracuse-Northeast Texas-South Central Region Villanova-Mid-Atlantic Region William and Mary-Southeast Region Wisconsin-Great Lakes Region     Men’s At-large Teams Arizona State Auburn Duke Iowa State Louisville Minnesota New Mexico Northern Arizona Ohio State Oregon Providence Virginia Washington     Women’s Automatic Qualifying Team Baylor-South Central Region Colorado-Mountain Region Duke-Southeast Region Florida-South Region Florida State-South Region Illinois-Midwest Region Minnesota-Midwest Region Notre Dame-Great Lakes Region Ohio State-Great Lakes Region Oregon-West Region Princeton-Mid-Atlantic Region Providence-Northeast Region SMU-South Central Region Syracuse-Northeast Region Texas Tech-Mountain Region Villanova-Mid-Atlantic Region Virginia-Southeast Region Washington-West Region   Women’s At-large Teams Arizona Arizona State Brigham Young Georgetown Indiana Iowa State Michigan Michigan State New Mexico Penn State Stanford UTEP West Virginia     FULL LIST OF TEAMS AND INDIVIDUALS HERE     NCAA News http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1552-2009-ncaa-division-i-mens-and-womens-xc-fields-announced Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:26:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1548-womens-kolas-calculator-final-ncaa-results Nationals Qualifiers by Round QUALIFIER #1 is SYRACUSE (#1 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is VILLANOVA (#1 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is DUKE (#1 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is NORTE DAME (#1 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is MINNESOTA (#1 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is SOUTHERN METHODIST (#1 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is COLORADO (#1 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is WASHINGTON (#1 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is FLORIDA (#1 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is PROVIDENCE (#2 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is PRINCETON (#2 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is VIRGINIA (#2 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is OHIO STATE (#2 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is ILLIONIS (#2 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is BAYLOR (#2 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is TEXAS TECH (#2 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is OREGON (#2 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is FLORIDA STATE (#2 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #19 is WEST VIRGINIA (#3 Md-At) (Entered on 4 wins) Wins against qualified listed: PROVIDENCE (PENN STATE NATIONAL) SYRACUSE (BIG EAST) PROVIDENCE (BIG EAST) NORTE DAME (BIG EAST) QUALIFIER #20 is PENN STATE (#4 Md-At) (Entered on 8 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) SOUTHERN METHODIST (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) NORTE DAME (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (PENN STATE NATIONAL) ILLIONIS (BIG TEN) MINNESOTA (BIG TEN) OHIO STATE (BIG TEN) QUALIFIER #21 is GEORGETOWN (#5 Md-At) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: PROVIDENCE (BIG EAST) NORTE DAME (BIG EAST) QUALIFIER #22 is IOWA STATE (#3 Mid-W) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MINNESOTA (ROY GRIAK) BAYLOR (BIG 12) QUALIFIER #23 is MICHIGAN (#3 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: OHIO STATE (BIG TEN) QUALIFIER #24 is BYU (#3 Mtn) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MICHIGAN (WISCONSIN INVITE) SOUTHERN METHODIST (CHILE PEPPER INVITE) QUALIFIER #25 is UTEP (#4 Mtn) (*Pushed in by NEW MEXICO) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #25 is NEW MEXICO (#5 Mtn) (Entered on 8 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) SOUTHERN METHODIST (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) NORTE DAME (NOTRE DAME INVITE) NORTE DAME (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) OHIO STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) BYU (MOUTAIN WEST) QUALIFIER #27 is NEBRASKA (#4 Mid-W) (*Pushed in by IOWA) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: BAYLOR (BIG 12) QUALIFIER #27 is IOWA (#5 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: OHIO STATE (BIG TEN) QUALIFIER #29 is STANFORD (#3 West) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: IOWA STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) IOWA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #30 is ARIZONA STATE (#4 West) (Entered on 8 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NEW MEXICO (NOTRE DAME INVITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) SOUTHERN METHODIST (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) NORTE DAME (NOTRE DAME INVITE) OHIO STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) STANFORD (PAC 10) QUALIFIER #31 is ARIZONA (#5 West) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: IOWA STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) IOWA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #32 is INDIANA (#4 Gr-Lk) (*Pushed in by MICHIGAN STATE) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: OHIO STATE (BIG TEN) QUALIFIER #32 is MICHIGAN STATE (#5 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: IOWA (BIG TEN) OHIO STATE (BIG TEN) QUALIFIER #34 is ARKANSAS (#3 S-Cen) (*Pushed in by TEXAS) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: SOUTHERN METHODIST (CHILE PEPPER INVITE) QUALIFIER #34 is TEXAS (#4 S-Cen) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #36 is NC STATE (#3 SE) (*Pushed in by WILLIAM AND MARY) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #36 is WILLIAM AND MARY (#4 SE) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #38 is NORTH CAROLINA (#5 SE) (Entered on 4 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NORTE DAME (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) ARIZONA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) OHIO STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #39 is COLORADO STATE (#6 Mtn) QUALIFIER #40 is NORTHERN ARIZONA (#7 Mtn) QUALIFIER #41 is WICHITA STATE (#6 Mid-W) QUALIFIER #42 is TENNESSEE (#3 South) QUALIFIER #42 is GEORGIA (#4 South) QUALIFIER #44 is MISSOURI (#7 Mid-W) QUALIFIER #45 is UC SANTA BARBRA (#6 West) QUALIFIER #45 is UC DAVIS (#7 West) QUALIFIER #47 is CALIFORNIA (#8 West) QUALIFIER #48 is JAMES MADISON (#6 SE) QUALIFIER #48 is TOLEDO (#6 Gr-Lk) QUALIFIER #50 is PURDUE (#7 Gr-Lk) Ryan From Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1548-womens-kolas-calculator-final-ncaa-results Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:04:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1547-mens-kolas-calculator-final-ncaa-results Nationals Qualifiers by Round QUALIFIER #1 is SYRACUSE (#1 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is GEORGETOWN (#1 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is WILLIAM AND MARY (#1 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is WISONSIN (#1 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is OK STATE (#1 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is ARKANSAS (#1 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is BYU (#1 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is STANFORD (#1 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is ALABAMA (#1 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is IONA (#2 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is VILLANOVA (#2 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is NC STATE (#2 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is MICHIGAN STATE (#2 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is OKLAHOMA (#2 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is TEXAS (#2 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is COLORADO (#2 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is PORTLAND (#2 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is FLORIDA STATE (#2 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #19 is OREGON (#3 West) (Entered on 6 wins) Wins against qualified listed: PORTLAND (BILL DELLINGER) VILLANOVA (BILL DELLINGER) ALABAMA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) WILLIAM AND MARY (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) NC STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #20 is WASHINGTON (#4 West) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NC STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #21 is ARIZONA STATE (#5 West) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) WASHINGTON (PAC 10) QUALIFIER #22 is NEW MEXICO (#3 Mtn) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) BYU (MOUNTAIN WEST) QUALIFIER #23 is NORTHERN ARIZONA (#4 Mtn) (Entered on 6 wins) Wins against qualified listed: WILLIAM AND MARY (COWBOY JAMBOREE) OK STATE (COWBOY JAMBOREE) WILLIAM AND MARY (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) WASHINGTON (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) NC STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #24 is PROVIDENCE (#3 NE) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: ARIZONA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) NEW MEXICO (NOTRE DAME INVITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #25 is IOWA STATE (#3 Mid-W) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: OKLAHOMA (ROY GRIAK) MICHIGAN STATE (ROY GRIAK) TEXAS (BIG 12) QUALIFIER #26 is LOUISVILLE (#3 SE) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: IOWA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) PROVIDENCE (BIG EAST) QUALIFIER #27 is DUKE (#4 SE) (*Pushed in by VIRGINIA) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MICHIGAN STATE (ROY GRIAK) QUALIFIER #27 is VIRGINIA (#5 SE) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: SYRACUSE (UVA PANORAMA FARMS) VILLANOVA (UVA PANORAMA FARMS) FLORIDA STATE (ACC) QUALIFIER #29 is MINNESOTA (#4 Mid-W) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MICHIGAN STATE (ROY GRIAK) MICHIGAN STATE (BIG TEN) QUALIFIER #30 is SOUTHERN ILLIONIS (#5 Mid-W) (*Pushed in by IOWA) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #30 is IOWA (#6 Mid-W) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) MICHIGAN STATE (BIG TEN) QUALIFIER #32 is AUBURN (#3 South) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NC STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) IOWA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #33 is TULSA (#7 Mid-W) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NC STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) IOWA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #34 is OHIO STATE (#3 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MINNESOTA (BIG TEN) IOWA (BIG TEN) MICHIGAN STATE (BIG TEN) QUALIFIER #34 is UTEP (#5 Mtn) QUALIFIER #36 is INDIANA STATE (#4 Gr-Lk) QUALIFIER #36 is BUTLER (#5 Gr-Lk) QUALIFIER #38 is CAL POLY (#6 West) QUALIFIER #39 is AIR FORCE (#6 Mtn) QUALIFIER #40 is UTAH STATE (#7 Mtn) QUALIFIER #41 is LAMAR (#3 S-Cen) QUALIFIER #42 is COLUMBIA (#4 NE) QUALIFIER #43 is UCLA (#7 West) QUALIFIER #43 is UC SANTA BARBRA (#8 West) QUALIFIER #45 is GEORGIA (#4 South) QUALIFIER #45 is FLORIDA (#5 South) QUALIFIER #47 is DARTMOUTH (#5 NE) QUALIFIER #48 is NORTH CAROLINA (#6 SE) QUALIFIER #48 is TEXAS AM (#4 S-Cen) QUALIFIER #48 is CALIFORNIA (#9 West) QUALIFIER #51 is WASHINGTON STATE (#10 West) Ryan From Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1547-mens-kolas-calculator-final-ncaa-results Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1528-bridget-franek-kwik-e <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Penn State senior Bridget Franek is fresh off her first World Championship team this past summer where she qualified in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. She's now got a personal-best time of 9 minutes, 36.74 seconds in the steeplechase but is competing in her last collegiate cross country season. Last year in Terre Haute, Franek finished 15th overall. In her last race, the Big Ten Championships, Franek defeated Illinois' Angela Bizzarri, who finished sixth overall last year, to indicate where her fitness is. Let's see how well she can finish! I heard you recently had a pretty good workout, can you share what kind of workout that was? We did a ladder of tempo. It was one minute, two minute, three minute, four minute, five minute, four minute, three minute, two minute, one minute with half the amount of the tempo as our rest. How do the packs usually break up during workouts on your team? We usually split up into two or three groups and within those groups, we'll string out a little bit, but the goal is to try to run together as much as possible. Last weekend was a very strong conference win for you at the Big Ten Championships over Illinois' Angela Bizzarri, who took sixth overall last year at the NCAA Championships. Where would you like to finish at the NCAA Championships this year? I would really just like to be in the thick of things and just be up there. My coach always says, “any given day” and I totally believe that. I think that if I put myself in it, I'll just see what happens when I run with the top girls and see how I feel that day and see how everyone else feels that day and hope for the best. What about your team goals? We have been so close to making it to Nationals all three of my years here. First of all, we'd like to just make it. It's going to be tough to get out of our region, it's such a strong region. We're ranked—and you probably already know this—11th in the nation and fourth in our region! We're like, “what?!” Just getting out of our region has been a struggle, but I think that with our wins in the Big Ten, we should be able to do that this year. Once we're there, I would say we're looking at a top-15 finish definitely. Coming off of competing in the World Championships this past summer, do you return to the NCAA with a little more confidence or a difference in the way you carry yourself as a runner? I definitely think it gave me a lot of mental confidence. Just having confidence in my own abilities. The biggest thing it did for me was it changed my perspective on the sport and it showed me that there can be a serious career in it if your heart's in it and if you get the right opportunities. The way my career has been set up, I have had such great opportunities and I'm really looking forward to trying out the post-collegiate system once I'm done. It's got me really excited and rekindled my fire for this sport in general. I think that with that new perspective on it, it's really cool and I can take things in stride a little more, so to speak—no pun intended. I understand that in the collegiate system there's so much more above that and that it's not the end-all, be-all. Each race I go into is a new chance to improve myself. It's not something to be scared of. All of that stuff goes into it and I think that plays a role in the end result, since running is such a mental sport. After watching the video on our site, right after you took third at the USA Outdoor Championships this summer, it seemed like that was the turning point. Were you a little surprised by your third-place finish? You mentioned that you had been planning on going to Nepal this past summer and were completely surprised that you were going to be going to Berlin instead. I was really, completely surprised. It was a great surprise and was very unexpected. I think that experience showed me how much experience really does play a role. I've been going to senior nationals for a few years now, just to gain that experience and to help me in the future. There was such a big difference this summer there than last summer for me or the summer before that. Also, I had an opportunity to run at Stanford this past outdoor season with a lot of those same girls. Each time I ran with them, I got a better understanding that these girls were just other runners. I took them off their pedestals each time I ran against them and felt more comfortable with that type of competition. I knew every time I ran with that caliber that I was getting better and it became an exciting thing for me, not so much a scary thing. The way I went into it, especially after the pre-lims at senior nationals, some of the other girls were talking about how the barrier was set or whatever. I came off of the race having barely even noticed that it was any different. I just felt so comfortable and so strong and that was the point where I was like, “wow, if they really feel like they do and I really feel like I do...I actually have a chance at making this team!” Within those two days between pre-lims and finals, I was in shock and was struggling with how I was going to handle the pressure of thinking I could actually make it if I put together the right race at the right time. I knew that a lot of things had to go my way, because I hadn't even run the standard time. I knew that I was capable of it. It was just a matter of if I was going to be able to stomach the pressure and get it done or fall apart. I think that's such a cool situation. It's a do-or-die situation and it really helped me in so many ways. After this year is done, what comes after college for you? I've been thinking about that a lot lately. My coach suggests that I stay in the area at least one more year. Because college to professional career is pretty tough and she definitely emphasizes keeping as much as you can consistent the last couple of years. She thinks that helps adjust. I think I'm going to be here for another year, at least, running with her. Then, I guess I'll see where life takes me. I'd really like to get in with a group that would be willing to take me in and allow me to run with them, because I think that would be really good to have a lot of really good people to run with and push me. My coach also emphasizes that at that stage, running is a business and even the few that are with groups, she believes, that it's a lot of people doing their own thing. I have a lot to learn in that sense. This summer, I think I want to travel around and visit some of the people I've made contacts with some friends from Berlin and stuff and go to where they train and how they live and get a better sense of what I'm getting myself into, just to make the right decisions for myself and my career. Do you think you'll race during that period of time or just test the waters with training groups? I haven't really thought about racing overseas, I was kind of just hoping that I would get picked up on the professional circuit and they would tell me what I would need to do. I kind of feel like after I'm done with the college seasons here, I haven't really had a chance yet to build my mileage or experiment with that much and I feel like I have a lot of potential with even just small tweaks in my training. We haven't really pushed my training much in college because we race so much. You know you have to be fresh every other week or whatever. I feel like I have a lot of improvements in that sense and I'm going to look there to make biggest changes. What's your training like now? We're probably around 45 to 50 miles a week. Some weeks more, some weeks less. My body has been fine with that. I know in the past, with the little bit of experimenting that I've done, my body responds well to speedwork pretty well. I just never had a chance to increase very much. I've heard a lot of things about increasing mileage and how it will help you so much and all this stuff. I'm young and with everything right now, my body doesn't feel broken down like some people who I've heard have had coming out of college with so many injuries and feeling so tired. My body feels good and that's exactly where I need to be. My coach had that in mind the whole time, but I'm excited to experiment. Do you see yourself sticking around the steeple or moving up to the 5,000 and 10,000 distances? I would say that I might progress in my running and probably stay steeple-5K. I really haven't had that many opportunities to run a fast 5K. I've got a lot of room to grow in that event. That's probably where I'll end up...in addition to the steeple. If you could have one meal, prepared by anyone, what would you have and who would make it? Wow. Meals? Well, growing up we lived on my grandma's pork, sauerkraut and dumplings, which were really, really good. My mom makes a pretty good biscuits and gravy...like sausage gravy (laughs)...which is how we do it in the Franek Family...the heavy, stick-to-your-bones meals! Can you share a crazy, running-related story? We did have a really funny thing happen to us this season. We were all warming up for a workout and were running through these neighborhoods in State College. They're not very busy, so we spread out along the road, all running in a big pack. This particular time—all of a sudden—we hear this squealing and this squirrel drops from the tree...literally from like 40 feet up, onto the ground. We all just look at it for a second, long enough for us all to wonder if it's going to get up or what. It finals pops up and runs off. We were all like, “did that just happen?!” We were thinking that it just goes to show you that the timing of life. If we would have walked out the door or on the track five seconds earlier, the thing would have dropped on our heads or if we would have went a little later, we would have never seen it. It just so happened that it happened and this whole instance happened probably 50 feet in front of us. <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->   About Running Warehouse: My KWIK-Es are sponsored by runningwarehouse.com, located on the California coast in the small community of San Luis Obispo. The folks over there include one of the owners, Joe Rubio, a two hour, 18 minute marathoner and current head coach of the Asics Aggie RC. Jonathan Spiros oversees footwear buying and served many years as assistant coach at College Park High School helping Lindsay Allen. Erik Dube is in charge of accessories and helps with footwear buying. Erik has finished the Western States 100-Mile Race several times and was assistant coach at San Ramon Valley High School helping Scott Bauhs through high school. Erik’s wife, Tera, is in charge of customer service and is an ultra marathoner and former track star at Campolindo High School, where her brother Chuck Woolridge is currently head coach. Kara June handles web content. Kara was 6th at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in the steeplechase. Kara was also third overall at Last Fall’s USATF Club Cross Country Championships. The entire online and phone customer service representative staff at the Running Warehouse, including the staff listed above, have spent considerable time working the retail floor. This, along with the coaching and personal athletic experience, enables the company to have a unique perspective of understanding the needs of every level of runner from beginner to All-American. Check them out when you get a chance!     Tony Casey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1528-bridget-franek-kwik-e Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1544-amby-burfoot Copyright – 2009 – Christopher Kelsall   In 1968 at the age of 21, Amby Burfoot won the historic, B.A.A Boston Marathon. John J. Kelley, who at that time, was the most recent American to win Boston, 11 years prior, happened to be his coach at Robert E. Fitch High School in Groton, Connecticut. Therefore Amby’s win at Boston held personal significance on several levels. December of that same year Amby ran the prestigious Fukuoka Marathon in Fukuoka, Japan and finished 1 second off the American marathon record with his 2:14:29. Amby added:  “Fifth in 2:14:29, one second off Buddy Edelen's American marathon record and, at the time, the fastest-ever fifth-place performance in a marathon... if your readers are geeky enough”. The apparent, self-effacing Burfoot is currently the Editor at Large with Runner's World Magazine, North America's and possibly the World's most read running publicaton. He also maintains, in his own words, “two irregular blogs”, footloose and peakperformance. Amby has been with Runner's World since 1978, holding a variety of positions including East Coast Editor, Executive Editor and, now, Editor at Large. During this time he has been the author of several books including, Runner's World Complete Book of Running, The Principles of Running: Practical Lessons from My First 100,000 Miles, The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life: What 35 Years of Running Has Taught Me About Winning, Losing, Happiness, Humility, and the Human Heart and Runner's World Complete Book of Beginning Running. The lifetime runner and advocate of healthy living, maintains a rather prolific calendar when considering his blogs, articles, books and his efforts to maintain good physical condition, which you can read about here, in our interview. Christopher Kelsall: During 1968 when you were at the top of your game as a runner, with your Boston win and Fukuoka performance, were you entertaining thoughts then of where you believed the limit of human performance was? At that time could you conceive a 2:04? Amby Burfoot: Through the early 70s I couldn't imagine anything faster than Ron Hill's 1970 Boston win in 2:10:30. He seemed as good a runner as any in the world at that point, and his Boston time was just amazing to me. I had also been a participant in Bill Adcocks’s 2:10:48 at Fukuoka in 1968, and at that time I considered the Brits the gold standard. Remember that America's own Buddy Edelen had moved to England years earlier, and improved his performances substantially. I thought of England in the early 1970s almost the way I've come to think of East Africa in the last 20 years. Times change, obviously. As far as a 2:04 goes, I would have said that was an impossible time for sure. Even when Derek Clayton got down into the 2:08s, I couldn't imagine anyone running more than a minute or so faster than that. Today, I consider 2:00 hours the impossible barrier. Truth is, I don't think we're going to see anyone go under 2:03 in the foreseeable future. CK: So suggesting one mano-a-mano and high-paying race on a flat course in ideal conditions, with a fistful of pacers capable of running 61:00 minute half-marathons accurately, in a media-heavy environment with the likes of Wanjiru vs., Lel vs. Gebre; you are saying that, that race would not result in a potential sub 2:03? AB: Are you willing to allow roller blades and a point-to-point course with a strong tailwind? I'd say, in the race you propose, the chances of a sub-2:03 would be less than 10 percent. The biggest factor is weather; you can't get a world-record marathon in anything less than world-record marathon conditions, and how often does that happen? But we're also approaching the limits of human performance. That's not to say that records won't be broken, but the new records won't come easily and they won't come by big amounts. An interesting Journal of Experimental Biology article in the last year showed that horse and dog-racing records have plateaued. Basically, no horse today can touch Secretariat from 25 years ago. The same will happen with humans--we're just two-legged horses after all. What I mean is, we face biological limits unless we suddenly evolve into a new creature. And if you look at Paula Radcliffe's marathon record, we're already getting farther away from it, if you look at the last three or four years. That's not a record that's going anywhere in my lifetime. I think we might see more women run sub-2:20s, like the guys under 2:06 (let's say), but I don't think we're going to see a 2:14:59 by a woman any time soon. CK: In 20 years will people be talking more about the Duel in the Sun or about Haile's 2:03:59? AB: In the U.S., they'll be talking about Duel, because it has passed into our running mythology. Around the world, they'll be talking about Haile's 2:03:59 for the obvious reason that he established a new world record and passed through a modest time barrier. CK: I wonder about that, don't you think the general public is becoming jaded with 'performance' versus good old-fashioned racing? AB: Are you kidding? Do you think Usain Bolt becomes famous if he wins the Olympics in 9.9? I know I'm going against everyone's best intentions here, but I don't see how you can take the stopwatch out of running. Tennis and golf don't use watches, and I know we're envious of them, but let's admit that different sports are different. Running is a sport where we use a watch. That being the case, the watch becomes important, particularly against the great history of our sport. Nobody would have any clue who Roger Bannister is except for one tiny little detail. Today we have lots of race promoters and so-called "track fans" arguing that we need to focus on the competition, and not the times. They have the best intentions. They know few races produce records, and they want people to pay attention to the sport even when records aren't set. This is a very noble goal--trying to increase running and track and field popularity. But it's ridiculous to think you can throw away the watch. If this is true, why do we even invite elite athletes to compete? We could have very close, competitive races among fat, slow people. Might even turn into a hit reality show. I think that if we're going to invite fast runners to run standard distances--100m to marathon--then we're going to have to acknowledge that times matter. We just need to do this in the most creative ways possible. I'm a big supporter of the Battle of the Sexes approach. It's so easy to understand. The women get a head start; the men chase them, just like men have always been chasing women. Other sports can't do this because they're not time-focused, but running can, and I think we should. CK: I'll call Mark Burnett; he will have it in production in weeks, fat people racing 11 minutes-per-mile 5ks. Humour aside, the Duel in the Sun, like you said will be in American's minds for a long time and that's what that race was, a race - time aside. I was really leaning towards the idea that the public doesn't really believe some of the times are naturally possible. If that is the case, perhaps the public is becoming apathetic about PEDs? AB: I used to talk to Mark Burnett when he was doing his early adventure races, and I believe Runner's World was the first, or one of the first big media outlets to give him coverage. I went to one of his first parties in Hollywood. Okay, that's the end to that aside. The Duel in the Sun was David against Goliath, a story that almost everyone understands and relates to. If it had been Alberto against Henry Rono, or Dick against Inge Simonsen (the guy who I think he tied in one London Marathon), there's no story. It's just another forgettable race in which the first two finishers were separated by just a few seconds As far as the public being apathetic towards PEDs, we're all apathetic. We're sick and tired of all the talk. With rare exceptions, we don't know who's using PEDs, and probably never will. We point fingers knowingly, but the fact is that we know almost nothing. As far as I'm concerned, anyone who can run a 2:03 marathon is already a freak of nature, and I don't really care if he uses PEDs. I'm ready to let all adult athletes make their own informed decisions. We have a far better chance of achieving a level playing field this way than we do on the current path. As far as I can tell, all we're doing is spending a lot of money for drug-testing that isn't very effective, and probably never will be. CK: Where was Meb on your radar in terms of the likelihood of him winning in 2:09 in New York City Marathon. AB: I would have given Meb about a 5 percent chance of winning. I wouldn't have rated anyone over about 25 percent (Lel before injury), but Meb would have fallen behind 5 or 6 others because of his lack of prior marathon wins and, even more, the injury problems of the past year-plus. Who knew that he had come this far back. Now we know. Now we can look at his lifetime career and see how impressive it is. But before New York, there were only question marks, and I know he had a number of strong races in 2009. CK: Interesting you were giving Meb about 5 percent chance, where the poll at Let's Run, asking people to submit likely winners of the New York City Marathon and their finish-time range (Let's Run supplied the ranges to choose from) had 2.8 percent of voters believing Meb would win and for time range, I do not think he even registered. He was not on anyone's radar, it seems. Do you think this win is what Meb needed to re-ignite confidence or do you think he is a career 2:09 marathon runner? AB: Oh, Meb's way better than a 2:09 marathoner. He's probably a 2:06 marathoner. I just wrote a blog about this, using very shallow stats. Elite marathoners have it tough. They can only run a couple of races a year, and if they have a slight cold, or are injured, or run into bad weather conditions, or just have a "bad day," they lose six months of preparation for nothing. Ryan Hall has run two really strong marathons this year, but they don't look like much on paper, because he didn't win and didn't get close to his PR. But he made the conscious choice not to chase PRs this year, and it might pay off for him next year. I like his attitude--that his day will come. I think you have to believe that. He might also choose to go back to the PR courses next year, who knows? Meb had a couple of years of bad timing, but he didn't give up or stop believing, and now he's back where he wants to be. He seems to me a very smart guy, and a realist. He probably knows that London 2012 is his last big-time race, and I suspect he'll put a lot of eggs in that basket. I would, if I were him. It's a gamble, but he's accomplished so much (except for a super-fast marathon time) that I think he should go for it. CK: What were John J. Kelley's magic words that motivated you to become a marathoner while still attending University? AB: Kelley didn't pass along a mantra or anything--he didn't believe in simplistic approaches like that--but he was an Irish born story teller and philosopher, and his big message way back in the mid-1960s was: We're moving too fast; we need to remain more connected to simple values and nature; we might be a big-brained animal, but we're still just an animal; we shouldn't be polluting the planet; organic is the way to go; exercise is an imperative, without it we shrivel and die; abhor the automobile; beware the military-industrial complex; don't believe 99 percent of what big institutions tell you. It was pretty radical stuff back then. CK: I was under the impression Kelley was the one to motivate you to run that first marathon. Was your motivation to run that first one primarily a personal quest and decision? AB: Kelley motivated me, and showed the way, and then it became a personal quest. At the time I thought marathon success was 100 percent about hard work, and I figured I was willing to work harder than anyone else, so I wanted to see how far that might carry me. CK: So was achieving 1 second off the American record in Fukuoka a meeting of your expectations? AB: Oh, it was way beyond my expectations. I'm a small town kid. I never really believed in myself. Every race I ever won was a bit of a surprise. I got my butt handed to me on the last lap of so many track races of 1 and 2 miles. I always figured someone was going to catch me and pass me. Once I led the Millrose Games 5000 for 31 laps. I told all my friends to tune in and watch me on TV. Of course, TV only showed the last lap. I don't think I even made the cameras. At Fukuoka, I probably PR'd at every distance from 15K to 25K. I remember hitting 25K at 5:00 flat pace, and thinking, how did I do that? How am I going to keep going? I do wish someone had told me to sprint on the track, and then maybe I could have made it into the American Record progressions book for the marathon. CK: Next to John J. Kelley, who were your biggest running influences? AB: All the others were ones I read about for the most part: Paavo Nurmi, Emil Zatopek, Percy Cerutty, Arthur Lydiard, Bill Bowerman. In college, I roomed with Jeff Galloway and Bill Rodgers, and raced against Frank Shorter, but I was ahead of the curve vis a vis them, so they never became like gurus to me or anything. We all enjoyed Bill Squires back in the Greater Boston Track Club days, though I lived 100 miles south of Boston, and only ran with those guys on rare occasions. Dave Costill inspired all who worked with him for his support for runners and his passion for exercise physiology. At some point, Hal Higdon taught me that you didn't have to be in shape every season or even every year; I think that's an under-appreciated lesson for the lifetime runner. I also befriended Jack Daniels at some point, and began to understand the implications of his Oxygen Power research before most. In fact, my brother-in-law (an MIT mathematician) and I interpreted Daniels in Runner's World in the mid 1980s, creating preferred training paces based on his work. This was a decade before he published Jack Daniels's Running Formula. I believe Jack has been the most influential coach of the last 25 years. I mean, he basically invented tempo runs, and who isn't following his paces to one degree or another these days? Plus, everyone who meets the guy loves him. CK: What are your thoughts on training groups that have popped up for example McMillan Elite and Hanson's? Would have run faster yet, if they existed during the 1960s? AB: Absolutely. There's no doubt in my mind about training camps: They work. That said, a training camp with 13:15 5K runners works better than a training camp with 14:15 5K runners. The talent comes first, then everything else, including the training camp. CK: During your interview with Travis Saunders, the researcher co-heading up Obesity Panacea (in pursuit of a cure for obesity) he asks your advice about getting people to look at exercise over the long-term. You replied that inactivity is a social issue, rather than a personal issue. What role do you think the popularity of social networking can play in Travis's quest to get people to think long-term about their health and fitness? AB: Oh, I think social networking will be huge. I think it already is, but I don't know who's measuring it. It has the ability to help us reach and engage far more people across all borders (ethnic groups, languages, countries, etc) than anything I've ever known in my lifetime. As a motivator and a staying-in-touch device, social networks are breaking new ground faster than we can acknowledge the power. We're way behind the curve on this one. The network is way bigger than our ability to comprehend it or the way it works. I have a particular interest in intelligent online tools. I know a smart Harvard guy and fast miler (sub 4:10 I believe) who did an online training program a few years ago similar to the SmartCoach that my son and I have pioneered. He "sold" his program to the New York Road Runners for a season, but by the next year he had moved onto weight loss, because it's a bigger market, and he started traineo.com. Some people will make fun of the weight-loss efforts and web sites, but I'm not one of them. Every weight loss purveyor knows that exercise has to be part of the system, or individuals won't succeed, and the weight-loss programs won't either. So they're all promoting exercise to one degree or another. I have a friend who used to be at Runner's World Magazine and is now writing content for a major pharmaceutical company and their diabetes drug, because the company knows that exercise, presumably along with their drug, will help people in their diabetes struggles. We need all the help we can get in promoting exercise, and I'm ready to reach out to everyone and build bridges. In the end, exercise will be the big winner, because it's cheap, it works, and it produces tons of benefits beyond weight loss. (In passing, let me note that I particularly want to reach out to the exercise walking community). CK: Ok weight loss and healthy living clearly, are important to many people for various reasons, what do you think of the notion that elite runners are everywhere, they just need to be trained up? AB: I think talented runners are everywhere. The definition of "elite" is tough to pin down. A few years ago, I would have said that a sub-2:12 was worth pursuing, and a sub- 2:10 could put you on the world competitive stage. Now that's a ridiculous thought. You basically have to be a 2:06-equivalent marathoner to be competitive. And I was ready for a time to think that virtually everyone growing up in the Rift Valley had some special gifts in the distance-running domain. Strangely, John Manner's wonderful KenSAP program for academically talented Rift Valley Kenyans has made me see that this is not the case. Many of the Kensap students do try cross-country and track here in the States despite having done virtually no running in Kenya, and a few have shown real talent. The most obvious example is Hamilton's Peter Kosgei, who I believe will set an NCAA record if he wins his Nationals this fall. But many of them have tried cross-country, and proven to be mediocre. I'd guess that the percentage of talents is greater among this group than among a typical American group, but it's certainly nothing like a universal talent among Rift Valley Kenyans CK: Have you heard of this New York Times recommended read, Connected? (The premise is about virtual and physical social networks functioning in a 3 degrees of separation-like effect. Perhaps today's destination marathons and mass participation events are establishing a beachhead towards a much greater movement (still not everyone exercises regularly). Do you think the growth in endurance events will continue to rage on? AB: No, don't know the book, but thanks for the recommendation. I'll check it out. Seems obvious to me that we're all much more connected than we have ever been, and this is only going to increase as we get more and more digital and wireless. I suppose at some point we'll almost lose the distinction between virtual and social networks, but I think social networks--family, work, church, community, etc--will remain very important for a long time. When it comes to the growth of endurance events, I sometimes pinch my cheeks and wonder how long this can go on. I've heard, anecdotally, that some of the Rock and Roll events have started to cannibalize from each other, though I don't know that for a fact. At any rate, there seems to be no immediate limit to the numbers of people entering events overall. As many people have noted, entering an event is a big motivator, and we all need all the fitness motivation we can get. My big racing season in recent years has been Nov. and Dec, and I can tell you for sure that I train harder in Sept and Oct than I do any other time of the year. CK: Ever run with an iPod? What is (or otherwise would have been) on your iPod? AB: I'm completely brain dead when it comes to music. Always have been. I mean I love many classic Broadway show tunes. How lame is that! But other than old Beatles and Rolling Stones, I hardly recognize music or musicians. I don't do much better when people ask me about favorite books and movies. There's some part of my brain associated with these things that just doesn't seem much activated. I've run once with my wife's iPod. She couldn't live without BROOOOOCE and music and dance in general. Odd bedfellows? Anyway, I found the experience more enjoyable than I expected--I think I was locked into her "favorite running songs" play-list. But I've also never been tempted to go back. I pass the time running by chatting endlessly with my training partners, or with my own ruminations. I can honestly say that I'm one of my own favorite running partners: I enjoy the unexpected thoughts that pop up on a regular basis. CK: No question, I can only laugh: 'Broadway show tunes'. You have been with Runner's World Magazine for some time now (1978). I see you were the Executive Editor and now Editor at Large. Does Editor at Large mean you are a little, semi-retired sort–of-speak? AB: No, I'm still working full-time at the magazine. I do about 2 hours of early morning internet work everyday, and then maybe 7 hours in the office. Editor at Large means that someone else is the head editor, so they have to find a different title for me. I've been around long enough and had enough nice titles, not to worry about them. I figure it's time to let some of the younger writers and editors step to the plate, which they do very capably at RW every day. RW doesn't need me or anyone. The institution is larger than any individual. As long as the magazine holds true to its mission to provide useful running and fitness advice to runners of all ages and abilities, it will remain a strong force no matter who is on staff and off staff. The brand is very strong, and the people at Rodale and RW are very committed to maintaining its position.  Scroll down for comments section       Contact Chris: chriskelsall@flocasts.org   Christopher Kelsall http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1544-amby-burfoot Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:50:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1543-little-man-syndrome-by-danny-mackey-ms Little Man SyndromeBy Danny Mackey M.S. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity of meeting the best male marathoner in the world, Sammy Wanjiru.  As a distance running fan, a lot of thoughts went through my head.  The first thought was; how many times will I get the chance to meet someone who is arguably the best in the world at their job?  That is a cool question in itself because you may meet tons of amazing athletes, a colleague gifted with intelligence, that person whom is relentlessly hard working…….but are they the best at what they do?  Who knows. My second thought was; damn this guy is small.  Really small.  I consider myself a small man at 5’9’’ 145lbs.  But, I felt like Shaq standing next to Sammy.  The IAAF lists him at 5’3’’ 112lbs.  That is what I was in 8th grade!  Other than making me not want to eat lunch, meeting him got me thinking on how his height and weight might be an advantage for distance running.We all probably have experienced this weight and performance relationship perceptually.  I struggle with weight as a person with a mesomorph (muscular) body type.  These genetics are beneficial for most sports but not for distance running.  For example, earlier this year I suffered from an achilles injury and spent 17 weeks swimming instead of running.  I was 141 lbs before I got hurt.  After the injury I was 158 lbs and my upper body could barely fit into my running singlet.  Typically someone that is a mesomorph will continually monitor weight training and diet to stay at their competitive weight regardless of how many miles they are running.  On the other hand, ectomorph (skinny) body types usually have a slight advantage for distance running as they may stay lean with less effort.How can body weight effect running?  Well the energetic cost of running is largely independent of running speed and directly proportional to body mass.  According to Dr. Costill, a rule of thumb is 1 kcal/kg of body weight/km of distance ran.  Speed is also important because the rate of metabolic heat production is directly related to how fast you are going.  So putting these two variables together dictates the efficiency at which energy is used.  (Note: there are other variables that I am not mentioning for the sake of simplicity. For instance, muscular strength, lactate threshold, mental fortitude etc etc).  Getting rid of heat is important for sustaining a marathon at a fast pace.  Running imparts a large internal heat load caused by the inefficiency with which our metabolic system converts chemical energy to mechanical work.  According to Dr. Gonzalez-Alonso, even a super efficient runner like Sammy Wanjiru will lose 75% of his energy to heat.  The heat is transferred to our tissues.  At around 40 degrees Celsius our body will want to slow down so we do not do permanent damage.  (Look up some articles on Alberto Salazar in 1978 at Falmouth for what can happen when our core body temperature gets too high).  In an attempt to break these down into numbers I compared athletes with different heights so we could see the possible influence of body weight.   The athletes were:Sammy Wanjiru = 5’3’’ 112 lbsMartin Lel = 5’7’’ 119 lbsRobert Cheruiyot = 6’3’’ 150 lbsmy national class miler friend = 6’2’’ 170 lbs (this is the intentional outlier)my national class marathoner = 5’7’ 134 lbs  Then, I looked at two things, body surface area and heat storage.  Body surface is measured in m2.  The miler = 2.01 m2Cheruiyot =1.93 m2The marathoner =1.70 m2 Lel = 1.62 m2Sammy = 1.53 m2.  Heat is transferred between us and the environment by convection, radiation and evaporation.  When the outside temperature is lower than our body a thermal gradient occurs in our favor using convection and radiation so we can get rid of excess heat.  Plus, when we sweat it evaporates to help cool us.  So look above; which athlete has the best chance of getting rid of heat?  The miler with the highest amount of surface area.  But that is not taking into account his body weight and potential heat storage.  When we look at heat storage the results change drastically.  I did a rough calculation of heat storage measured in metabolic free energy production W.m-2 with an average final temperature of 39 degrees C (normally seen in an elite marathoner).  The miler = 68.7 W.m-2, the The marathoner = 64.6 W.m-2Cheruiyot = 63.7 W.m-2Lel = 60.31 W.m-2Sammy = 56.9 W.m-2.     Mathematically Sammy has the lowest heat storage.  What also is interesting is the half marathon and marathon PR’s of these athletes follow the same pattern.  The miler with the highest heat storage has the slowest (though he is a miler so he should!), followed by the marathoner, then Cheruiyot, Lel and of course Sammy.  Whenever someone does physiological testing we always hear of their VO2 max (interesting that weight is the denominator in VO2), but this variable of heat storage could be considered. Again this is just for conversation sake.  There are countless numbers of variables that influence performance.  This topic was interesting when I started working through various equations.  I am not claiming that we can predict how good a runner will be based solely off their height and weight.  Also, a disclaimer about losing weight is worth mentioning.  Losing weight is not the answer.  You can search online and read countless stories about athletes taking weight loss too far and it costing their careers and even lives.   Every individual person is different.So like a said, Sammy Wanjiru is a little man.  In every other major sport, this would be a disadvantage.  Distance running is unique in that his anthropometrics might be one is his best advantages.  Does it matter much?  I might be completely wrong. Who knows.  What I do know is that shaking a guy’s hand that can run 4:40 mile pace for a few hours is pretty intimidating no matter how big you are. Danny Mackey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1543-little-man-syndrome-by-danny-mackey-ms Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:55:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1533-dii-region-recap-2009 The competition for the 2009 DII Cross Country championships is heating up. This past weekend the Region qualifying meets was held. For many the 2009 Cross Country season came to an end but for a handful of hard working individuals and teams, however, there is one last opportunity for sweat and glory: The DII Cross Country National Championships, being held at Evansville, IN on November 21, 2009. Below is a recap of last weekend’s regional championship races.  As usual, I encourage readers to supplement the information below. Atlantic -Edinboro’s Ben Hahn won the 10k men’s race with a course record time of 31:02. He was followed by Lock Haven’s Nick Hilton (31:19), Shippensburg’s Bryan Beegle (31:26), Indiana (PA)’s Hillary Mugan (31:30) and Lock Haven’s Brandon Pomerantz (31:35). All will advance to Nationals. Shippensburg took the team title with 39 points followed by Edinboro with 56 points to advance to Nationals. Lock Haven was third with 62 points. Shippensburg’s Neely Spence won the repeat as the individual champion with a course record time of 20:15 over the 6k distance. Spence finished 26 seconds ahead of runner-up Priscilla Jennings of Millersville (20:41) with Shippensburg’s Mary Dell finishing third (20:45).Slippery Rock’s Jennifer Harpp was fourth (20:58) with Mercyhurst’s Christie Turak (20:58). All will advance to Nationals. Shippensburg took the team title with 86 points followed by Kutztown (100) and Bloomsburg (120). All three teams will advance. Central- The Adam’s State trio of Brian Medigovich (30:57.2), Aaron Braun (30:57.3) and Reuben Mwei (30:57.3) took the top three spots over the 10k course. The top two individuals from non-qualifying teams that also advanced to the National championships were Niciase Kazingo of New Mexico Highlands finishing seventh overall with a time of 31:41 and Tanner Fruit of Nebraska-Kearney 32:28 and 16th place overall. Adams State easily won the team title with 20 points placing their top seven in the top 13. They were followed by Western State of Colorado in second at 47 and Colorado School of Mines in third with 100.  Metro State of Colorado (142 points) and Augustana (S.D.) (143) rounded out the five teams that advance to Nationals. Minnesota-Duluth’s Morgan Place took the individual title with the time of 21:39.0 over the 6k course. She was followed by Adams State’s Kristen McGlynn (21:58.5) and Alicia Nelson (22:02.4). The top two individuals from non-qualifying teams that also advanced to the national championships were Sydney Laws of Colorado Mines, fourth overall at 22:06, and Minnesota State’s Ali Paul, who was sixth at 22:20. Adams State won the team title with 36 points followed by Western State of Colorado in second at 88 and Augustana (SD) in third with 90 and the University of Mary (169 points), Metro State of Colorado (175) and Minnesota Duluth (179) round out the six teams that advance to nationals. East-American International College’s Glarius Rop won the individual title with nearly a 45 second (30:15.9) win over his teammate Victor Kemboi (31:01.0). Both will advance individually. UMass Lowell took the team title with 43 points and placing their top five in the top fifteen. Stonehill was second with 67 points. Both teams will advance. Bentley was third with 130 points. Stonehill’s Erin Carmone took home the individual title with a time of 22:16.5. She was followed by NYIT’s Jeptui Cerutich (22:27.3), Southern Connecticut State’s Laura Brustolon (22:31.4), NYIT’s Jackline Toek (22:50.2), and Philadelphia University’s Sarah Simonetti (22:52.5). They will all advance. Stonehill took the women’s title with 51 points followed by UMass Lowell with 76 points. Both will advance. Adelphi was third with 121 points. Midwest-Grand Valley’s Tyler Emmorey took the individual win covering the 10k course in 32:21.4. He was followed by Drury’s Jaime Villa Zapatera (32:28.5) and Northern Kentucky’s Drew Harris (32:29.5). Zaptera and Harris will qualify individually. Grand Valley took the team win with 38 points followed by Saginaw Valley (88) and Southern Indiana (90) to advance. Ferris State’s Christina Muir won with the time of 21:33.2 over the 6k course. Southern Indiana’s Mary Ballinger was second in 21:44.0 and Grand Valley’s Megan Maceratini was third in 21:52.5. The individual qualifiers were Lewis’s Kathryn Hague who was seventh in 22:28.1 and Hillsdale’s Ashley Quick who was ninth in 22:38.4. Grand Valley took the team title with a low 26 points, placing their top seven in the top 15. Southern Indiana was second with 76 points and Ferris State was third with 103. All three teams will advance. South Central-Abilene Christian’s Amos Sang was over a minute faster than his next competitor winning the individual title in a time of 29:53.23 over the 10k course. Southwest Baptist’s Michael Pierce was second in 30:57.74 and Central Missouri’s Laban Sialo was third in 31:07.74. Sang and Sialo will advance individually. Missouri Southern took the team title with 56 points followed by Southwest Baptist with 81 points and Pittsburg State with 86 points. All three teams will advance. Surprisingly, highly ranked Abilene Christian finished a distant tenth over all. Missouri Southern took the first three spots in the women’s race; Kimi Shank (20:59.05), Ashley Siler (21:18.80) and Ashley Bunch (21:32.61). Truman State’s Dani Dell’Orca and Anne Ratermann were the individual qualifiers. Missouri Southern scored a super low 18 points placing their top five in the top seven. Dallas Baptist was second with 84 points. Both will advance. South- Harding’s Daniel Kirwa won the men’s race in a time of 31:10 over the 10k course. He was followed by teammate Phillip Biwott (31:46) and Flordia Southern’s Ben Martucci (32:12).Gabriel Ghioca and Benedict College’s Dickson Toroitch were the individual qualifiers. Florida Tech’s Sara Trane took the individual title in a time of 21:37 and took one of the individual qualifying spots. She was followed by Tampa’s Jessica Butler (22:00) and Harding’s Katy Grant (22:05). Florida Southern’s Carolyn Kwambai was the other individual qualifier. Tampa took first place with 38 points followed by Harding with 47 points and Florida Tech was third with 143 points. Tampa and Harding will advance. Southeast-The men’s race came down to a lean with Queen’s Oscar Ogwaro outleaning Columbus State’s Meshack Koyiaki both coming through in the time of 31:14. Queen’s Futsum Mebrahtu was third in 31:34.  UNC-Pembroke’s Pardon Ndhlovu and Clayton State’s Fidelis Mustiso advanced to Nationals. Queens took the team title with 28 points, placing their top five in the top ten. Columbus State was second with 70 points and Mars Hill was third with 96 points. All will advance. In the women’s competition, Lenoir Rhyne’s Kate Griewish won with a time of 22:35. She was followed by Anderson’s Whitney Bishoff (22:42). Both will advance individually.  Columbus State took the team title with 68 points barely edging out Queens who had 69 points. Both teams will advance. Lees-McRae was third with 104 points. West- After last year’s West region’s trouble this year went smoothly. Alaska Anchorage’s Marko Cheseto took the individual title with a time of 30:42.5 over Western Washington’s Jordan Welling (30:59.4). Western Oregon’s Chris Reed (eighth, 31:26.1) and Barak Watson (11th, 31:39.8) of Northwest Nazarene will advance individually. Chico State took the team title with 42 points. Western Washington (74points) and Alaska Anchorage (96 points) will advance. Two-time defending national champion Jessica Pixler of Seattle Pacific claimed the individual crown with a winning time of 20:08.9, outdistancing Western Washington’s Sarah Porter, who took second with a 20:42.3 clocking, while the Alaska Anchorage trio of Hallide Wilt (21:11.5), Ruth Keino (21:11.8) and Miriam Kipng’Eno (21:17.9) rounded out the top five. Cal State L.A.’s Vivien Wadeck (10th, 21:34) and Megan Rolland of Humboldt State (11th, 21:41.5) qualified individually.Alaska Anchorage captured the team title with 35 points, followed by Chico State (58 points), Seattle Pacific (89 points) and Western Washington (64 points). All will advance Cara Hawkins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1533-dii-region-recap-2009 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1537-wallace-spearmon-jr-on-the-flonetwork The FloNetwork just got a little bit faster. Wallace Spearmon Jr., 100 and 200 meter specialist, and multiple World Champ Medalist, is now on the FloNetwork. Wallace, located just north of the Flotrack HQ in College Station, TX, has been a regular on Flotrack, showing what it takes to be one of the best sprinters in the world. Wallace is an alum of Arkansas and most recently got a bronze in Berlin at the 2009 World Champs in the 200.  Check out Wallace's videos, results, bio, and more on his new site: FloNetwork WallaceSpearmonjr.com   Track and Field Videos on Flotrack Pat Hitchins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1537-wallace-spearmon-jr-on-the-flonetwork Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:08:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1525-erik-van-ingen-kwik-e Binghamton's Erik Van Ingen had a stellar 2009 outdoor track season. The underclassman made it all the way to the USA Championships, where he failed to make the final, but still locked down a 1,500-meter personal-best time of 3 minutes, 43.18 seconds in his sophomore outdoor season. At the America East Cross Country Championships this past weekend, Van Ingen took the individual title. With his eyes set on making it to the NCAA Championships at Terre Haute, let's see if Van Ingen can reach his goal! What are your individual goals for this season? Originally the plan was to get to Terre Haute on the 23rd. That's the biggest plan. I've got to make it there as an individual, which is pretty tough. Pretty much, if I get there, that's the biggest thing. My coach and I have been tossing around the phrase “All-American”. We really don't know 100% what I'm capable of. It's pretty vague what I'm hoping to accomplish this fall. If I can get to the NCAA meet, than that's the priority. It's a lot easier to assess and set your goals as far as track is concerned. That's just solely because of the consistent nature of track. You don't really have that in cross. With me, just with cross, it's tough to tell because I've come such a long way since last January and February to now. I'm pretty much a different runner, so it's hard to gauge how much I'm improving really. That's another thing that's really throwing everything off as to what I'm able to do. That's got to be exciting too! Like you don't know your own bounds. God, it's cool! It's really cool! I like to know things for sure, but it's really good at the same time. ">What are your team goals? We're hoping to get top seven, as strange of a number as that might sound. That's just where we can see ourselves finishing if we run well. For the past couple of years for our team, it's been a huge transition. Two years ago, our program was basically a joke and it was bad. It's come a long way. Now we're a team that, you know, we get some attention on the East Coast. Hopefully we can continue the trend to where we can be a team that can be noticed on a national stage. That's to be determined. We could be one of those obscure teams that's known for cross country, like an American type. Why did you decide to go to college—I just did this on Google Maps—27 miles away from where you went to high school? My whole school-picking process was pretty screwed up. In high school, I was into running, but it wasn't my everything like it is now. In high school, I was a big skier and it was main sport. Originally, I was planning on skipping college to pursue a professional career in skiing. My parents were pretty against that and I wised up. An education will hopefully help me out later on. I ended up going to school at Canisius College out in Buffalo. They offered scholarship money and only had cross country. I was able to get money and only obligated to run during the fall and the summer. As far as trying to ski, that was good. At the end of my senior year was when I really started running well. The next six months after that was a bit of a transition stage in figuring out what I wanted to do. That's when I figured out that running is what I wanted to do. And that's when I transferred. The fact that it's 27 miles away from home is pretty much coincidence. I looked at a couple of schools out west. For schools on the East Coast, it was Binghamton and Syracuse. I ended up coming to Binghamton just because I was a little scared of going to a program where I wasn't the big dog. At my high school program I was a big fish in a small pond. That's what I was comfortable with. Also academics played into the decision a bit. It was a coincidence that it was that close. Actually, at the time, my mom was a graduate student in the nursing program. So, I went to school with my mom for some amount of time. Although I never saw her on campus. You couldn't carpool with her? There's no chance in hell that I'd carpool with my mom to college. Was there a split decision for you where you're like, “OK, here it is. Running or skiing?” A quick decision or a gradual process? It was so long. In high school, my coach couldn't understand why I was so adamant against not running indoor track and skiing. I think it was because he saw I had a lot of talent and wanted to see me succeed. He was always pounding it in my head to give running a try. It was a fragile process. I remember being in Canisius and being on the phone with my high school coach and one thing he said just turned my switch. It was a culmination of a long time of having to make this decision. The light just turned on upstairs. It was like, “this is it!” And ever since then it's been like, “I made my decision.” And I try not to b*tch and complain about it. (Link to Erik's ski promo video) What were doing in high school? Were you a low-mileage guy who was just really talented? I was trained really well. My high school coach knew his stuff for sure. During the summers, I'd go out for runs and during my senior year, I'd peak at 70 miles. But, throughout cross, I'd maintain at about 50. During the summer, I'd just do some cruise intervals, some reps...similar to the Daniels stuff. That was pretty much a frame for a lot of my high school training. I wouldn't run a step from Thanksgiving weekend to the first day of track practice. Then in the spring my coach would just race me into shape and for the first month, month and a half, I'd feel like garbage. All of a sudden, I'd feel good. Since I came to college, my coach here is pretty conservative, I guess, in her approach. I spent the majority of my freshman year and some of my sophomore cross country year kind of butting heads with her. I guess I'm pretty aggressive with my running and my approach with training. I ran into a scenario where I was not listening to her very much and over training and running too hard on my runs and all that junk. Last indoor season is when I finally gave into her advice and started running really well. As far as mileage, last year I was 70-75. This year I'm between 80-85. It's a pretty normal training layout. In the fall, it's 40-minute tempo runs and V02 stuff. It's pretty basic stuff. Interview interrupted by my dog, Maddy, playing with her squeakiest toys right next to me. Do you go by any interesting nicknames or anything like that? Pretty much just, “Van Ingen”. In high school, a couple of guys called me “Sanchez”. That was because I'd come back from skiing trips and have a dirty-a*s ski-goggle tan and it looked like I had a dirty, Mexican beard. They thought it was pretty funny. It stuck through high school and even when I'd go home for break, people still call me it. Other than that, it's just my last name. What do you and your teammates do for fun in Binghamton? Fun things in Binghamton (laughs)? I joke around and say it's a lot like purgatory. It's not bad, but it's not like Miama, Florida. We do pretty normal stuff. I'm pretty low-key during the season. After a workout recently we went apple picking. We play video games...Super Smash Bros and Call of Duty. Last semester I had Xbox Live and it was like, “game over!” My roommates discovered the Nazi zombie and it was just too much fun. Typical college kid stuff. Whatever we can find to do when we're not practicing or studying. You vaguely mentioned not knowing your own bounds. Do you have any long-term goals in mind? Oh, yeah. Everyone's got goals and ambitions and dreams and stuff. I'd like to have a shot at winning an NCAA title on the track before I leave Binghamton. I'll be sticking around through 2012, taking a fifth year. I'd like to run professionally and make a World Championship or Olympic team. As ridiculous as that sounds, I think I have a lot of upside. I've only been training as—I don't want to say a world-class runner— an elite runner for the past year and a half or so. Hopefully that stuff will happen, because honestly I don't want to do much else than run and I sure as hell don't want to get a real job after college. With those types of runners coming out of the bigger programs, do you feel like it's going to be harder for you to accomplish what you want to accomplish? It doesn't phase me. I just think that I don't really give a sh*t about that too much. I have all the contacts and stuff within our school. We just had a pole vaulter sign a contract with Asics about a year and a half ago. Was that Quiller? Yeah, that was Rory. Our coach is familiar with what needs to be done with all that and stuff. It's nice to have someone who's been there to help out with the process. That kind of stuff just motivates me and lights a fire under me. Throughout my running career, a lot of people have underestimated me and that's really gotten me really stoked and got me training so I can run my butt off. It's ideal for me in that aspect. If you could have one meal, prepared by anyone, what would you have and who would make it? I would have my mom make a Shoefly Pie. That's what I'd have. Can you explain that one for us? I sure can. Everyone seems to think I'm making that one up or something. It's like a Pennsylvania-Dutch sort of thing. It's molasses and brown sugar and I don't know what else, but it's just heavy and rich and sweet. My mom will make it every now and then as a treat. Whenever she makes it, it's gone pretty quickly and I kind of regret how quickly it's gone. I'm usually on the couch and in a considerable amount of pain. Can you give a crazy running-related story? When I was at Canisius we were doing one of our normal runs or whatever. And were in this Buffalo suburb to the east of Buffalo called Amherst. We were running down some neighborhood street and taking up the whole road like a bunch of jackasses. A guy driving a big Range Rover or some really big SUV drives up and is honking his horn while screaming at us. As he drives, a bunch of the guys on the team start banging on the car and stuff and he slams on the brakes and starts driving along with us as we're running and talking sh*t. His girlfriend is sitting next to him in the passenger seat, so he's got to act all tough. One of my friends gets up on the back bumper and starts climbing on top of the SUV. Our captain at the time, gets in the guy's face and they exchange some words and ends up spitting in the guy's face. It was bad, I'm surprised he didn't get try to get out and try to take out five or six scrawny runner boys. This guy was tough! He said some choice words and said that he was going to get the police. He drove off all big and bad. We never heard from him again.   Tony Casey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1525-erik-van-ingen-kwik-e Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1523-kolas-calculator-3-nov-4th-women Nationals Qualifiers by Round QUALIFIER #1 is SYRACUSE (#1 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is VILLANOVA (#1 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is DUKE (#1 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is MICHIGAN (#1 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is ILLIONIS (#1 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is SOUTHERN METHODIST (#1 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is COLORADO (#1 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is WASHINGTON (#1 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is FLORIDA (#1 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is PROVIDENCE (#2 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is PRINCETON (#2 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is VIRGINIA (#2 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is MICHIGAN STATE (#2 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is MINNESOTA (#2 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is ARKANSAS (#2 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is TEXAS TECH (#2 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is OREGON (#2 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is FLORIDA STATE (#2 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #19 is WEST VIRGINIA (#3 Md-At) (*Pushed in by PENN STATE) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: PROVIDENCE (PENN STATE NATIONAL) SYRACUSE (BIG EAST) PROVIDENCE (BIG EAST) QUALIFIER #19 is PENN STATE (#4 Md-At) (Entered on 8 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) SOUTHERN METHODIST (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (PENN STATE NATIONAL) ILLIONIS (BIG TEN) MINNESOTA (BIG TEN) MICHIGAN (BIG TEN) MICHIGAN STATE (BIG TEN) QUALIFIER #21 is NEW MEXICO (#3 Mtn) (*Pushed in by BYU) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) SOUTHERN METHODIST (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #21 is BYU (#4 Mtn) (Entered on 4 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MICHIGAN (WISCONSIN INVITE) ARKANSAS (WISCONSIN INVITE) ARKANSAS (CHILE PEPPER INVITE) SOUTHERN METHODIST (CHILE PEPPER INVITE) QUALIFIER #23 is ARIZONA STATE (#3 West) (Entered on 3 wins) *ARIZONA STATE wins common-opponent against IOWA STATE *ARIZONA STATE wins common-opponent against IOWA STATE *ARIZONA STATE wins common-opponent against IOWA STATE Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) SOUTHERN METHODIST (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #24 is IOWA STATE (#3 Mid-W) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MINNESOTA (ROY GRIAK) MICHIGAN STATE (ROY GRIAK) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #25 is GEORGETOWN (#5 Md-At) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: IOWA STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) PROVIDENCE (BIG EAST) QUALIFIER #26 is STANFORD (#4 West) (Entered on 2 wins) *STANFORD wins head-to-head against IOWA Wins against qualified listed: IOWA STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #27 is CALIFORNIA (#5 West) (*Pushed in by ARIZONA) (Entered on 0 wins) *CALIFORNIA wins head-to-head against IOWA Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #27 is ARIZONA (#6 West) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: IOWA STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #29 is NORTE DAME (#3 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: ARIZONA (NOTRE DAME INVITE) ARIZONA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #29 is IOWA (#4 Mid-W) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: ARKANSAS (WISCONSIN INVITE) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #31 is TENNESSEE (#3 South) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: ARKANSAS (SEC) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ QUALIFIER #32 is NC STATE (#3 SE) (*Pushed in by NORTH CAROLINA) (Entered on 1 wins) *NC STATE wins head-to-head against TENNESSEE Wins against qualified listed: TENNESSEE (PAUL SHORT) QUALIFIER #32 is NORTH CAROLINA (#4 SE) (Entered on 2 wins) *NORTH CAROLINA wins head-to-head against HARVARD *NORTH CAROLINA wins head-to-head against TENNESSEE Wins against qualified listed: NORTE DAME (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) ARIZONA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #34 is INDIANA (#4 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: TENNESSEE (PAUL SHORT) QUALIFIER #35 is NEBRASKA (#5 Mid-W) (*Pushed in by KANSAS) (Entered on 0 wins) *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against HARVARD *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against COLUMBIA *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against BUCKNELL *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against WILLIAM AND MARY *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against MIAMI *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against NEBRASKA *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against BAYLOR *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against TEXAS *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against NORTHERN ARIZONA *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against UC SANTA BARBRA *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against GEORGIA *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against ALABAMA *NEBRASKA wins common-opponent against TENNESSEE Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #35 is KANSAS (#6 Mid-W) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #37 is OHIO STATE (#5 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 1 wins) *OHIO STATE wins head-to-head against WILLIAM AND MARY *OHIO STATE wins head-to-head against TEXAS *OHIO STATE wins head-to-head against NORTHERN ARIZONA Wins against qualified listed: KANSAS (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #38 is BAYLOR (#3 S-Cen) (*Pushed in by TEXAS) (Entered on 0 wins) *BAYLOR wins head-to-head against WILLIAM AND MARY *BAYLOR wins head-to-head against NORTHERN ARIZONA Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #38 is TEXAS (#4 S-Cen) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: KANSAS (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #40 is WILLIAM AND MARY (#5 SE) (Entered on 1 wins) *WILLIAM AND MARY wins head-to-head against KANSAS STATE Wins against qualified listed: KANSAS (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #40 is NORTHERN ARIZONA (#5 Mtn) (Entered on 1 wins) *NORTHERN ARIZONA wins head-to-head against COLUMBIA *NORTHERN ARIZONA wins head-to-head against STONY BROOK *NORTHERN ARIZONA wins head-to-head against BUCKNELL *NORTHERN ARIZONA wins head-to-head against WESTERN KENTUCKY *NORTHERN ARIZONA wins head-to-head against MIAMI *NORTHERN ARIZONA wins head-to-head against WICHITA STATE *NORTHERN ARIZONA wins head-to-head against BAYLOR *NORTHERN ARIZONA wins head-to-head against TEXAS *NORTHERN ARIZONA wins head-to-head against NORTHERN ARIZONA *NORTHERN ARIZONA wins head-to-head against UC SANTA BARBRA *NORTHERN ARIZONA wins head-to-head against GEORGIA *NORTHERN ARIZONA wins head-to-head against ALABAMA Wins against qualified listed: WILLIAM AND MARY (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) KANSAS (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #42 is UTEP (#6 Mtn) (Entered on 1 wins) *UTEP wins head-to-head against JAMES MADISON *UTEP wins head-to-head against KANSAS STATE Wins against qualified listed: MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #43 is KANSAS STATE (#7 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins) *KANSAS STATE wins head-to-head against JAMES MADISON *KANSAS STATE wins head-to-head against COLORADO STATE Wins against qualified listed: TEXAS (BIG 12) QUALIFIER #44 is HARVARD (#3 NE) (Entered on 1 wins) *HARVARD wins head-to-head against JAMES MADISON *HARVARD wins head-to-head against WICHITA STATE *HARVARD wins head-to-head against COLUMBIA *HARVARD wins head-to-head against STONY BROOK *HARVARD wins head-to-head against BUCKNELL *HARVARD wins head-to-head against WESTERN KENTUCKY *HARVARD wins head-to-head against PURDUE *HARVARD wins head-to-head against BAYLOR *HARVARD wins head-to-head against UC SANTA BARBRA *HARVARD wins head-to-head against GEORGIA *HARVARD wins head-to-head against ALABAMA Wins against qualified listed: KANSAS STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #44 is COLORADO STATE (#7 Mtn) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: KANSAS (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #46 is WICHITA STATE (#8 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins) *WICHITA STATE wins common-opponent against JAMES MADISON *WICHITA STATE wins common-opponent against JAMES MADISON Wins against qualified listed: KANSAS (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #47 is JAMES MADISON (#6 SE) (Entered on 1 wins) *JAMES MADISON wins common-opponent against MISSOURI *JAMES MADISON wins common-opponent against MISSOURI Wins against qualified listed: TENNESSEE (PAUL SHORT) QUALIFIER #48 is MIAMI (#6 Gr-Lk) (*Pushed in by TOLEDO) (Entered on 0 wins) *MIAMI wins head-to-head against MISSOURI *MIAMI wins head-to-head against SOUTHERN UTAH *MIAMI wins head-to-head against COLUMBIA *MIAMI wins head-to-head against STONY BROOK *MIAMI wins head-to-head against BUCKNELL *MIAMI wins head-to-head against WESTERN KENTUCKY *MIAMI wins head-to-head against PURDUE *MIAMI wins head-to-head against WICHITA STATE *MIAMI wins head-to-head against RICE *MIAMI wins head-to-head against UC SANTA BARBRA *MIAMI wins head-to-head against ALABAMA Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #48 is TOLEDO (#7 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: JAMES MADISON (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #50 is MISSOURI (#9 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: SOUTHERN METHODIST (CHILE PEPPER INVITE) QUALIFIER #50 is SOUTHERN UTAH (#8 Mtn) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: JAMES MADISON (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #52 is PURDUE (#8 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MISSOURI (GREATER LOUISVILLE XC) QUALIFIER #53 is BUTLER (#9 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: SOUTHERN UTAH (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #54 is GEORGIA (#4 South) (Entered on 0 wins) *GEORGIA wins head-to-head against COLUMBIA *GEORGIA wins head-to-head against STONY BROOK *GEORGIA wins head-to-head against BUCKNELL *GEORGIA wins head-to-head against WESTERN KENTUCKY *GEORGIA wins head-to-head against AKRON *GEORGIA wins head-to-head against TULSA *GEORGIA wins head-to-head against RICE *GEORGIA wins head-to-head against WEBER STATE *GEORGIA wins head-to-head against UC SANTA BARBRA Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #55 is WESTERN KENTUCKY (#7 SE) (Entered on 0 wins) *WESTERN KENTUCKY wins head-to-head against COLUMBIA *WESTERN KENTUCKY wins head-to-head against STONY BROOK *WESTERN KENTUCKY wins head-to-head against BUCKNELL *WESTERN KENTUCKY wins head-to-head against AKRON *WESTERN KENTUCKY wins head-to-head against TULSA *WESTERN KENTUCKY wins head-to-head against RICE *WESTERN KENTUCKY wins head-to-head against WEBER STATE *WESTERN KENTUCKY wins head-to-head against UC SANTA BARBRA *WESTERN KENTUCKY wins head-to-head against VANDERBILT Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #55 is ALABAMA (#5 South) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #57 is KENTUCKY (#8 SE) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MISSOURI (GREATER LOUISVILLE XC) WESTERN KENTUCKY (GREATER LOUISVILLE XC) QUALIFIER #58 is LOUISVILLE (#9 SE) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MISSOURI (GREATER LOUISVILLE XC) WESTERN KENTUCKY (GREATER LOUISVILLE XC) QUALIFIER #59 is VANDERBILT (#6 South) (*Pushed in by AUBURN) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: KENTUCKY (SEC) QUALIFIER #59 is AUBURN (#7 South) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: LOUISVILLE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) KENTUCKY (SEC) QUALIFIER #61 is RICE (#5 S-Cen) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: AUBURN (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) LOUISVILLE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #62 is COLUMBIA (#4 NE) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: ALABAMA (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #63 is STONY BROOK (#5 NE) (*Pushed in by CORNELL) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #63 is CORNELL (#6 NE) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: JAMES MADISON (PAUL SHORT) TENNESSEE (PAUL SHORT) Ryan From Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1523-kolas-calculator-3-nov-4th-women Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:29:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1522-kolas-calculator-3-nov-4th-men Nationals Qualifiers by Round QUALIFIER #1 is IONA (#1 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is GEORGETOWN (#1 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is WILLIAM AND MARY (#1 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is WISONSIN (#1 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is OK STATE (#1 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is ARKANSAS (#1 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is NORTHERN ARIZONA (#1 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is STANFORD (#1 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is ALABAMA (#1 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is SYRACUSE (#2 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is VILLANOVA (#2 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is NC STATE (#2 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is BUTLER (#2 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is OKLAHOMA (#2 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is TEXAS (#2 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is COLORADO (#2 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is OREGON (#2 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is FLORIDA STATE (#2 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #19 is NEW MEXICO (#3 Mtn) (*Pushed in by BYU) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) BUTLER (NOTRE DAME INVITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #19 is BYU (#4 Mtn) (Entered on 4 wins) Wins against qualified listed: OREGON (BILL DELLINGER) VILLANOVA (BILL DELLINGER) IONA (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) FLORIDA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #21 is PORTLAND (#3 West) (Entered on 3 wins) *PORTLAND wins head-to-head against VIRGINIA Wins against qualified listed: VILLANOVA (BILL DELLINGER) IONA (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) FLORIDA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #22 is ARIZONA STATE (#4 West) (*Pushed in by WASHINGTON) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) BUTLER (NOTRE DAME INVITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #22 is WASHINGTON (#5 West) (Entered on 4 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NC STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) BUTLER (NOTRE DAME INVITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #24 is VIRGINIA (#3 SE) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: SYRACUSE (UVA PANORAMA FARMS) VILLANOVA (UVA PANORAMA FARMS) FLORIDA STATE (ACC) QUALIFIER #25 is PROVIDENCE (#3 NE) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: BUTLER (NOTRE DAME INVITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #25 is INDIANA (#3 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: IONA (PAUL SHORT) NC STATE (PAUL SHORT) QUALIFIER #25 is IOWA STATE (#3 Mid-W) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: OKLAHOMA (ROY GRIAK) TEXAS (BIG 12) QUALIFIER #25 is AUBURN (#3 South) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NC STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #29 is LOUISVILLE (#4 SE) (Entered on 2 wins) *LOUISVILLE wins common-opponent against TULSA Wins against qualified listed: IOWA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) PROVIDENCE (BIG EAST) QUALIFIER #30 is MINNESOTA (#4 Mid-W) (*Pushed in by TULSA) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: INDIANA (BIG TEN) QUALIFIER #30 is TULSA (#5 Mid-W) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NC STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #32 is TEXAS AM (#3 S-Cen) (Entered on 1 wins) *TEXAS AM wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *TEXAS AM wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *TEXAS AM wins head-to-head against UTAH STATE *TEXAS AM wins head-to-head against CAL POLY Wins against qualified listed: AUBURN (WISCONSIN INVITE) QUALIFIER #33 is LAMAR (#4 S-Cen) (Entered on 1 wins) *LAMAR wins head-to-head against DUKE *LAMAR wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *LAMAR wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *LAMAR wins head-to-head against UTAH STATE *LAMAR wins head-to-head against CAL POLY Wins against qualified listed: AUBURN (WISCONSIN INVITE) QUALIFIER #34 is COLUMBIA (#4 NE) (Entered on 1 wins) *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against DARTMOUTH *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against DUKE *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against SOUTHERN ILLIONIS *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against UTAH STATE *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against CAL POLY Wins against qualified listed: LAMAR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #35 is SOUTHERN ILLIONIS (#6 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins) *SOUTHERN ILLIONIS wins head-to-head against DARTMOUTH *SOUTHERN ILLIONIS wins head-to-head against DUKE *SOUTHERN ILLIONIS wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *SOUTHERN ILLIONIS wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *SOUTHERN ILLIONIS wins head-to-head against UTAH STATE *SOUTHERN ILLIONIS wins head-to-head against CAL POLY Wins against qualified listed: LAMAR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #36 is IOWA (#7 Mid-W) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: TEXAS AM (WISCONSIN INVITE) LAMAR (WISCONSIN INVITE) AUBURN (WISCONSIN INVITE) QUALIFIER #37 is ILLIONIS (#8 Mid-W) (Entered on 4 wins) Wins against qualified listed: TEXAS AM (WISCONSIN INVITE) LAMAR (WISCONSIN INVITE) AUBURN (WISCONSIN INVITE) LAMAR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #38 is OHIO STATE (#4 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: INDIANA (BIG TEN) IOWA (BIG TEN) ILLIONIS (BIG TEN) QUALIFIER #39 is MICHIGAN (#5 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 3 wins) *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against DARTMOUTH Wins against qualified listed: AUBURN (WISCONSIN INVITE) IOWA (BIG TEN) ILLIONIS (BIG TEN) QUALIFIER #40 is NORTE DAME (#6 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 3 wins) *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against DARTMOUTH Wins against qualified listed: ILLIONIS (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) LAMAR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) OHIO STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #41 is UTAH STATE (#5 Mtn) (Entered on 3 wins) *UTAH STATE wins common-opponent against DARTMOUTH Wins against qualified listed: BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) IOWA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) NORTE DAME (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #42 is DARTMOUTH (#5 NE) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: ILLIONIS (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) LAMAR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) OHIO STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #42 is CAL POLY (#6 West) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: UTAH STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) IOWA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #44 is PRINCETON (#3 Md-At) (Entered on 2 wins) *PRINCETON wins head-to-head against DAYTON *PRINCETON wins head-to-head against UTEP Wins against qualified listed: NORTE DAME (NOTRE DAME INVITE) DARTMOUTH (HEPS) QUALIFIER #45 is UTEP (#6 Mtn) (Entered on 2 wins) *UTEP wins common-opponent against DAYTON Wins against qualified listed: IOWA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) TULSA (CONFERENCE USA) QUALIFIER #46 is AIR FORCE (#7 Mtn) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) UTEP (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) IOWA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #47 is DAYTON (#7 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: AIR FORCE (ROY GRIAK) OHIO STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) NORTE DAME (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #48 is DUKE (#5 SE) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: DAYTON (ROY GRIAK) AIR FORCE (ROY GRIAK) TEXAS AM (UVA PANORAMA FARMS) QUALIFIER #49 is UCLA (#7 West) (Entered on 2 wins) *UCLA wins common-opponent against NORTH CAROLINA Wins against qualified listed: DAYTON (NOTRE DAME INVITE) NORTE DAME (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #50 is WASHINGTON STATE (#8 West) (Entered on 10 wins) Wins against qualified listed: DAYTON (ROY GRIAK) AIR FORCE (ROY GRIAK) TULSA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) NC STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) CAL POLY (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) UTAH STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) AIR FORCE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) UTEP (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) IOWA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #51 is UC SANTA BARBRA (#9 West) (Entered on 8 wins) Wins against qualified listed: SOUTHERN ILLIONIS (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) NORTE DAME (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) DARTMOUTH (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) ILLIONIS (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) LAMAR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) DAYTON (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) OHIO STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) UCLA (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #52 is VIRGINIA TECH (#6 SE) (*Pushed in by NORTH CAROLINA) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #52 is NORTH CAROLINA (#7 SE) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: OHIO STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) UCLA (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) NORTE DAME (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #54 is INDIANA STATE (#8 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 2 wins) *INDIANA STATE wins head-to-head against GEORGIA Wins against qualified listed: NORTH CAROLINA (NOTRE DAME INVITE) NORTE DAME (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #55 is FLORIDA (#4 South) (Entered on 2 wins) *FLORIDA wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN STATE *FLORIDA wins head-to-head against CALIFORNIA Wins against qualified listed: IOWA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) INDIANA STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #56 is GEORGIA (#5 South) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NORTH CAROLINA (NOTRE DAME INVITE) NORTE DAME (NOTRE DAME INVITE) FLORIDA (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #57 is CALIFORNIA (#10 West) (Entered on 3 wins) *CALIFORNIA wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN STATE Wins against qualified listed: UC SANTA BARBRA (STANFORD INVITE) INDIANA STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) GEORGIA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #58 is KENT STATE (#9 Gr-Lk) (*Pushed in by MICHIGAN STATE) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #58 is MICHIGAN STATE (#10 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: DAYTON (ROY GRIAK) AIR FORCE (ROY GRIAK) GEORGIA (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #60 is NEBRASKA (#9 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins) *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against NAVY *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against MONTANA STATE *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against UC DAVIS Wins against qualified listed: AUBURN (WISCONSIN INVITE) Ryan From Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1522-kolas-calculator-3-nov-4th-men Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:25:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1515-dii-xc-region-preview-2009 For many this weekend it will be their last meet of 2009 cross country season, and for seniors including myself, it will be the last meet of their college cross country careers. For a few, this weekend is the only the last step towards the 2009 DII Cross Country Championships hosted by Southern Indiana University on November 21. DII regions work differently then DI; there are no at-large bids, but rather a straight qualification system.  Each region sends at least two automatically qualifying teams and two individuals to the national meet. The top five individuals who are not part of a qualifying team will also automatically advance. The number of team qualifying spots per region, however, depends on whether or not any of the region’s teams finished in the top eight at the national meet the previous year. This year’s allotment of spaces per region has changed since last year and is listed below: Men’s Region (Teams) (Individuals) East 2             2 Midwest 3             2 Atlantic 2             2 Central 5             2 South 3             2 South Central 3             2 Southeast 3             2 West 3             2  Women’s Region (Teams) (Individuals) East 2                 2 Midwest 3                 2 Central 6                 2 Atlantic 3                 2 South 2                 2 South Central 2                 2 Southeast 2                 2 West 4                 2   I will preview the Region meets based on regional rankings and the recent conference meet. I like this column to be a conversation so please leave your thoughts about the regional match-ups.   Atlantic (CIAA,PSAC,WVIAC)- There are only two team qualifying spots on the men’s side. It is shaping up to be a tight race between PSAC rivals Lock Haven, Edinboro and Shippensburg. At the PSAC championships it was Lock Haven (39), Edinboro (53) and Shippensburg (73).  Will the results be the same over a 10k course? The three teams have traded places in region rankings the whole season and one of these teams will not be making it to the National Championship. In the hunt for the individual title look for Saint Augustine’s Johnny Shuping, Virginia Union’s Geoffrey Langat,  Lock Haven’s Nick Hilton and Brandon Pomerantz. After a top finish by Shippensburg last year, the region has expanded to three qualifying spots. As of week seven, the top three teams were Shippensburg, Kutztown and Slippery Rock. After PSAC championships this will surely change with Bloomsburg finishing second (95) behind Shippensburg (77) and ahead of Slippery Rock (106). Look for Shippensburg’s Neely Spence to take the win. Millersville’s Priscilla Jennings will give her a little competition.   Central(NSIC, RMAC)- Will RMAC teams take all five spots or will a Northern Sun team be able to qualify one team? It is assumed that Adams State and Western State will both qualify on the men’s side. The next three ranked teams will be competing for the last two spots; Colorado School of Mines, Metro State and Augustana. Augustana took their conference championship but CSM and Metro State had a strong showing at RMACs. Look for one of the Adams State’s trio of Reuben Mwei, Aaron Braun or Brian Medigovich to take the individual title. With the largest allotment of qualifying teams (six), the team race will be tight in the bottom three. Adams State, Augustana and Western State should qualify easily. The race between Mesa State, Minnesota Duluth, Colorado School of Mines and University of Mary will be close for the last three spots. Minnesota Duluth’s Morgan Place, Adams State’s Kristen McGlynn and Mesa State’s Alexis Skarda will be in the hunt for the individual title. East(ECC, Northeast-10, CACC)- The two qualifying team spots on the men’s side will likely go to Stonehill and UMass Lowell who both looked strong at Northeast-10 conference championships last week.  Southern Connecticut could upset. Look for American International’s Glarius Rop to take the men’s individual title. In the women’s team race, it will most likely be Stonehill and UMass Lowell for the two qualifying sports. Look for Southern Connecticut’s Laura Brustolon to try to take the individual title. Midwest(GLIAC,GLVC)- On both the men’s and women’s side Grand Valley and Southern Indiana won their conference titles and are the favorites for the top two qualifying spots of the three that both sides are allotted. On the men’s side that leaves four teams competing for one spot; Drury, Hillsdale, Saginaw Valley and Bellamarine. Drury and Saginaw Valley were second at their conference championships. Look for Grand Valley’s Tyler Emmorey and Ross Faassee,Saginaw Valley’s Steve Genther and Drury’s Jaime Villa Zapatero to try to take the individual title. On the women’s side, the third spot could go to either Ferris State or Bellamarine. Southern Indiana’s Mary Ballinger, Ferris State’s Tina Muir, and Grand Valley State duo of Megan Maceratini and Katherine McCarthy to go for the individual title. South(GSC,SIAC,SSC)- With three qualifying spots on the men’s side Harding and Florida Southern will likely take the top two spots. The third spot could be West Georgia, UAH or Nova Southeastern for all were close to the winning teams at their conference championships. Harding’s Daniel Kirwa should take the individual title. On the women’s side, both Tampa and Harding took their conference title with about 20 points and will most likely take the two qualifying spots. Harding’s Katy Grant Arkansas Tech’s Bailee Miller and Florida Tech’s Sara Trane will be in the hunt for the individual title. South Central(Heartland, Lone Star, MIAA)-  The top three ranked teams in this region are Missouri Southern, Abilene Christian and Pittsburg State on the men’s side. Abilene Christian is likely to take one of those qualifying spots and along with Missouri Southern. Pittsburg State did not finish far behind Missouri Southern at their conference championships and is the favorite to take the third qualifying spot.  Abilene Christian’s Amos Sang and Southwest Baptist’s Michael Pierce will chase the individual title. On the women’s side there are two qualifying spots and Missouri Southern and Truman State appear to be the favorites for that spot. Dallas Baptist could be spoiler and take the second spot. Missouri Southern’s Kimi Shank will likely take the individual title. Southeast(Conference Carolinas, Peach Belt, SAC)- On the men’s side for the first time in many years there are three qualifying spots. Queens perfect scored their conference meet even without frontrunner Michael Crouch and will easily win this meet. The next two spots will be a tight contest between Columbus State, Mars Hill and Lees McRae. Crouch if he runs should take the individual title. In the women’s side, Queens is emerging as a favorite to take one of the two qualifying spots. Lees McRae has a tight pack but will have to compete with Columbus State that has a clear frontrunner.  Look for Anderson’s Whitney Bishoff, Queens’ Jessica Neville and Lenoir-Rhyne’s Kate Griewisch to be in the hunt for the individual title. West(CCAA, GNWAC, PWC)- Chico State is a favorite to take one of the three qualifying spots on the men’s side. The next two spots will be a tight contest between Western Washington, Alaska Anchorage and Cal Poly Pomona. Alaska Anchorage’s Mark Cheesto and Chico State’s Jimmy Elam will battle for the individual title. Chico State, Alaska Anchorage and Seattle Pacific are likely to take three of the four qualifying spots. The fourth spot will be a contest between UC San Diego and Western Washington. Returning cross country champion, Seattle Pacific’s Jessica Pixler is likely to take the win. Cara Hawkins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1515-dii-xc-region-preview-2009 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:55:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1521-ncaa-announces-site-selections-for-2011-and-2012-division-i-indoor-track-field   INDIANAPOLIS--- The NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Committee has selected College Station, Texas, and Nampa, Idaho, to serve as hosts for the 2011 and 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships, respectively. The 2011 Indoor Track and Field Championships, hosted by Texas A&M University, will be held at the Gilliam Indoor Track Stadium at McFerrin Athletic Center. This will mark the second time Texas A&M will host the event, with its first occurring in 2009. Boise State University, who will host for the first time in championship history, will hold the 2012 competition at the Jackson Track at the Idaho Center.  “The committee was fortunate to receive several attractive bids for the Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships,” said Holly Sheilley, chair of the Division I Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Committee and assistant athletic director for student development and championships at the University of Louisville.  "We are dedicated to enhancing the student-athlete experience and bringing the event to areas that elevate the championship. We are confident that Texas A&M will build upon the great job they did hosting in 2009 and make it an even better championship in 2011,” said Sheilley. “We are also excited to take the championship somewhere new, with Boise State as a host in 2012.  Both have good reputations as premier track venues and the ability to draw good crowds, which makes them not only ideal selections to host the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, but will help to continue to foster the sport's growth.” The 2010 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships will be held in Fayetteville, Ark., at the Randal Tyson Track Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas, March 12-13. For more information on the NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships, log on to NCAA.com. NCAA News http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1521-ncaa-announces-site-selections-for-2011-and-2012-division-i-indoor-track-field Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:49:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1514-athletics-canadas-apparent-albatross   © Copyright – Christopher Kelsall - 2009 There is a stirring of athletes and involved personalities, gently rustling the jib of the Canadian cross-country scene. This is happening right now at a well-known Canadian running forum. The parties appear to be organizing, in their attempts to sway Athletics Canada (AC) brass to hand over management of the national cross-country team to them, at least for one year. The proposal? Well it is in the works as they say, swirling in virtual dialogue. The athletes, coaches and interested parties appear to be developing their mission schematics  in ad-hoc discussions; the ideology is mired in the early stages of development. This public discussion may cause AC to simply dig in their heels. They hold the purse strings and the policy to boot; it’s called being in the position of power. It is the athlete’s place it seems to fight their organizing body of sport, they who decide to or decide not to send an athlete or a team to international competition. Canadian athletes have attempted in the past to approach AC with a protest of sorts; they were firmly rebuffed. Subsequently wars of words continue to simmer on about such items as qualification standards, budgets, mandatory training camps, wording of legalese, grassroots development and required attendance to specific events. AC indicate on their website that their purpose is “the pursuit of leadership, development and competition that ensures world-level performance in athletics. The association believes in physical health and fitness, individual excellence and personal growth, individual development beyond sport, as well as inclusiveness and integrity”. It appears that although performance levels have improved in Canada recently, there is not enough of that world level caliber coming to fruition just yet; otherwise AC would be sending more athletes to international competition. At least that is how the wording appears. To quote one particular oldster from this discussion: “I think AC's sharpest critics (of which I am one, it's no secret) acknowledged a few pages ago (in this thread) that no group that actually wants to remain relevant can actually hope to usurp AC’s control over any program covered by its administrative mandate. What some of us were envisioning at one point is that it might be convinced to concede some of this control over the X-C program, since it doesn't appear all that interested in it, apart from setting stricter standards and exhorting Canadian athletes to "be faster" (when, as a supposedly expert body in the sport, it should know that quality is a function of over all depth, not the isolated efforts of a handful of individuals who are probably already training really hard; but that's another story). Since it probably never will cede this kind of control, some of us began envisioning a way to help fund this team FOR AC, on the model of the WC marathon project.” In reply, one well-respected international athlete who serves a volunteer position with AC countered the above and other slung arrows with the following: “It's really easy to sit on the message boards and cry that the taxpayer paid administrators simply have a "basic instinct for institutional survival." Those are some pretty harsh words directed at many of the leaders in AC who, prior to being paid by the taxpayer, have done the same hundreds and thousands of hours of free volunteer work that coaches such as yourself do. On top of the paid staff such as Martin, Alex, and Scott, there are countless others who volunteer in the committee structure or on the board of directors who, in addition, continue to volunteer in our sport outside of the board/committee rooms. So you'll have to excuse the "tone" of those who also have a passion and love for the sport take to your complaints, when you start accusing them of having narrow visions, technocratic arrogance, and disdain for democracy.” On performance Canada’s athletics future, in terms of performance, looks a little rosier today than it has in a decade or more. The athletes coming up now are no less or more talented than those in the past, the difference is in the commitment to training and volume - what is old, is new again. Throughout the US there is an upswing in performance at regional and national cross-country and on the track and roads, including the marathon. The low-mileage and high anaerobic intensity of the 1990s is falling away to aerobic development first – again. For example a NCAA Division 1 athlete from California told me that the first two weeks of school was spent running 10 to 15 miles every morning in the desert, with a second run in the afternoon: “20 miles-per-day, everyday to develop the aerobic system first.” This may be a small indication of better training practice, and results are indeed coming around. Canada’s trends often follows suit on the heels of our southern neighbours. Reid Coolsaet has run 10, 000m in 27:56’92, Simon Bairu’s streak of National cross-country titles are a good showing. Even marathon performances are a little deeper; there certainly is a larger and younger group at this near-international level, headed by Dylan Wykes’ 2:15’16 marathon result from Rotterdam. The Canadian athletes who are debating AC’s engagement are looking for a world stage to perform on, in order to expose this rising performance level to higher competition – to raise the bar, as it were.  According to AC they need to witness this higher level before sending athletes forth. We can all assume if the athletes become capable of mixing it up on the world stage, AC would be remiss in not sending them to the highest level of competition. Will it happen? The proverbial chicken and egg question comes up yet again. What comes first the performance or the exposure to a higher level of competition? Steve Moneghetti, arguably Australia’s greatest marathon runner, was twice appointed to the Australian  team to run the marathon. The first time he was selected was for the 1986 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games where he won a bronze medal. The second time was to run in the Seoul, Olympic Marathon. He had not even run a marathon before Edinburgh. Athletics Australia gave Moneghetti the green light  based on his performance over shorter distances. The second time he was appointed he didn’t do so well having one of those inexplicable bad days we all run into eventually. Later that season he went on to break the world half-marathon record for the second time in Tokyo, Japan; so, he demonstrated he was capable regardless. Good decision by Athletics Australia. A couple years ago I compared Switzerland’s Viktor Rothlin’s performances to Athletics Canada’s Osaka World Track and Field Championships selection criteria and although he went on to win bronze in Osaka, he would not have qualified for that marathon had he been Canadian. In fact, neither would Jon Brown, a man who had finished seconds from bronze in the previous two Olympic marathons and still holds the UK 10, 000m record today (27:18’14). So is it the money? Approximately sixty percent of participants in road races are over the age of 45. They are the boomer generation. Depending on whose boomer theory you subscribe to they are born in 1964 or 1966 and earlier. Canada’s David K. Foot, PhD and author of Boom Bust and Echo goes by the latter (Canada’s boom was slightly different than Europe’s and the US).  Although you will find 10, 000 people on the downtown streets of the cities of Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria  or Toronto engaging in those city’s respective marathons and 50, 000 participating in the Vancouver Sun Run 10k, what is fascinating is not only how many people pay to run, but how much money the average destination marathon runner spends to toil in their hobby. Jerry Agrusa, PhD. Professor of Travel Industry Management at Hawaii Pacific University conducted some math wizardry and found that 28,635 runners, walkers, and family and friends who came specifically for the 2006 Honolulu Marathon accounted for $101,590,000 in visitor spending and generated $4.6 million in state taxes, an increase in visitor spending as well as taxes generated for both the city of Honolulu and the state of Hawaii, this, from one marathon. There is no doubt that the boomer generation is also the consumer generation. According to Ahotu Marathon dot com in any given year there are at least 46 marathons in Canada. There are many more road races of various distances. By smartly attracting the boomer hordes to register, the shoe companies, travel agencies and supplement suppliers have found a rich market to tap. Why hasn’t Athletics Canada?    The dubious effort of knocking on AC’s door with a proposal to alleviate them of the apparent albatross - in having to handle elite cross-country runners pining to go to international competition on the public’s dime - may just be a wasted effort, as while the performances are now coming up, athletes in theory will earn pass to the world stage, one would think. Let’s do some arbitrary math: Let’s sample a rough estimate of paid registrations from a handful of well-known Canadian road races. Vancouver Sun Run, Victoria Times Colonist 10k, the Toronto Marathons (there are two), Ottawa Marathon, Vancouver International Marathon, Marathon des Deux Rives, and the Royal Victoria Marathon together total approximately 130, 000 entrants. If AC asks for $1 from every sanctioned road race registration in the country, this would bolster the coffers enough, I assume, to send a full compliment of athletes to the IAAF World Cross-Country Championships plus a little may be left over for grassroots development. Grassroots development is paramount to the continued success of any sport. In my opinion, it should be incumbent upon AC to make sure junior development is funded and qualified athletes are given every opportunity to perform at the best possible level. They are the future of running and better performances should yield greater opportunity. I’d pay an extra $1 on each of my race entries to help send athletes to IAAF World Cross-Country Championships or any other international competition and to help fund junior development. Maybe, just maybe, the vocal few who aim to organize collectively for the benefit of this country’s racing future will approach AC with a well thought out plan and to that, AC should listen.         Contact Chris: chriskelsall@flocasts.org   Christopher Kelsall http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1514-athletics-canadas-apparent-albatross Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:08:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1507-deborah-maier-kwik-e Cal-Berkeley Golden Bear sophomore Deborah Maier has big goals for this cross country season. She wants to lead her Golden Bear harrier squad to the NCAA Division I Championships in Terra Haute, Indiana. She recently placed 13th overall in the White Race at the Pre-National Meet, running 21 minutes, 0.3 seconds over the 6,000-meter cross country course. Can you give me your team goals this season? I think more than anything we just want to qualify for Nationals. We haven't a team qualify in, I think it's been, close to 20 years on the women's side. The men's team has qualified the last few years. We're just looking to make it to that level this year and hopefully do well there. As of right now, I think we're ranked 34th on the Kolas Calculator and obviously 32 teams get to make it to Nationals. We really want to focus on Regionals and beating some teams there and hopefully qualify. How does your team stack up against other Cal teams in the past as far as you know? I know last year at Regionals, we were seventh and the year before eighth. It's really just been an upward trend. From what I know, the women had a solid team in the late 80s and early 90s, then there was this decline. Now it's steadily been building back up. Hopefully this year we'll be at the level where we can qualify for Nationals. And you've got a few more years of cross country and can be part of that upward trend. Yeah! That was one of the reasons that I came to Cal. A lot of times, at the other programs I was looking at, you can just become another face on the team. But at Cal, I felt like I was coming here to actually take part in that movement and bring the program up. I know last year was a really good year for the women on the recruiting side. We had quite a few women, new freshman girls, that have been on the team. This year our top seven are all sophomores and freshman with one senior. We're a pretty young team. So you went there knowing you'd be a leader more than just one of the girls in the top seven? I don't know if I so much came knowing I would be a leader, but I knew that I'd make an impact on the team right away, whereas in a lot of programs, freshman don't make the top seven and work their way up. I came in expecting to make an impact, but not necessarily being the number one or number two runner. Speaking about your personal impact, what are your individual goals this season? I didn't run at NCAAs last year because we obviously didn't qualify. I think individually I would love to finish in the top 40 and be an All-American. The answer to this question might be very obvious, but I'd like to hear your take on this: why does it seem that California natives—more than other states—seem to stay in-state to go to college? Because California is the best! (Laughs) I looked at schools out of state, on the East Coast and weather became more of a factor than I anticipated. I went to New York on a trip in the middle of the winter and it was snowy and freezing and I could barely stand being outside walking around, so I had no idea how I was going to be able to train in that kind of weather. Berkeley is pretty nice and temparate and a pretty nice environment to train in all year round. It never really gets too hot and it never drops very far below 50. Which school in New York were you looking at? It was Iona. The trip I was talking about. How does that translate in your running? How do you handle running in colder conditions? Last year the only races we ran where it was cold was at Pre Nationals and it happened to be a really nice day there. So, that didn't really change much. This year at Pre Nats, it wasn't too bad. It was chilly, but it wasn't snowing or anything. It helps when it's hotter outside. At the Stanford Invite, for instance, I was pretty ready for that. I live in The Valley in the summer. That's where I'm from. I'm used to running 100-degree weather. Can you explain your training and your mileage? Yeah, sure. I've actually been injured with a stress fracture from the end of track season until the end of summer and only started running again in August. My mileage is lower this season than it was last year. I'm hitting around no higher than 60 miles a week. We normally have two hard workouts a week. One on Tuesday and that's normally more of threshold intervals. And we try to do those on grass to simulate what it's going to be like in a race. Then on Friday, we also have a hard workout. And that's more like race pace or race simulation...normally faster. Then, other than that, it's normal runs and on Saturday we do our long run. What do you put in for a long run? My longest has been an hour and 40 minutes, but it's usually between 90 minutes and an hour and 40. What are you studying? I'm an intended political science major, with an emphasis on international studies. What about that interests you? I'm not entirely sure what I want to do, but I'm interested in working with international aides in developing countries. I'd love to one day take a trip to some of the countries in Africa and study. Obviously I can't study abroad right now with running and stuff, but after I graduate...maybe I'll take some trips and do some traveling. How would describe your team chemistry? Do you do a lot of activities together? We have really good team chemistry. It doesn't even matter what we're doing. If we're hanging out together, we're having fun. We do all kinds of stuff. We do the standard hanging out at people's houses and team dinners. We get into a little bit of mischief from time to time (laughs). But nothing too bad. Can you go into that mischief at all? Or as much as your comfortable with? Oh, there's just all sorts of stuff! There are certain members of the men's team that have tendencies of coming to the women's dinners and finding out where they are and throwing water balloons. There hasn't been too much of that this year though. Do you have anything planned for Halloween this year? I haven't put too much thought into what's going on, but I'm sure there will be some sort of shenanigans going on. Any costume ideas? I haven't put much thought into my costume, but I do know that some of the girls on my team, three of them, are going to be the Powederpuff Girls. Another one is going to be a toy troll. I do know that Eric Lee—from our guy's team—the guy from our Track Shacks on Flotrack will be breaking out the light suit. I'm quite sure of it! That's a pretty sweet light suit. How can you not have fun when there's a guy walking around in a light suit? If you could have one meal, prepared by anyone, what would you have and who would make it? We have some really good cooks on our women's team. I'm going to say a pre-race team dinner where everyone makes something. One of the highlights is that one of the girls on our team makes the most delicious corn bread from scratch. I could seriously just eat that for dinner, I don't even need anything else. What about butter? Oh, yeah! That's the thing, she makes home-made butter with it too! She sounds like she deserves a shout out. Her name is Rowena Tam and one day she's going to open some sort of bakery and she's going to be successful. And you'll be there eating three square meals a day? Exactly! The cornbread is awesome! Can you give me a crazy running-related story? Well, I do have a tendency to getting hit by cars. But none of the stories are all that exciting because I just get hit and roll off the top and continue my run. ...Yeah, that's not exciting at all! (Laughs) It's really not! I guess one of the funny things that happened earlier this season is we had a race in San Francisco. It was a pre-meet race and only some of the people on the team raced. The rest of us decided that we were going to do our long run around Golden State Park in San Francisco and then cheer the rest of our team on later. We're like half way through our long run and this bum slows us down and stops us and was like, “do any of you ladies have a cigarette?” What!? We thought this was crazy ironic because out of all these people that were walking around, why would runners have cigarettes? I don't know a whole lot of runners that smoke in the first place and not to mention that it was 90 degrees and we were wearing sports bras and spandex. Did he expect to pull cigarettes from our sports bras? Or were we going to take a break halfway through our long run and light up and have a smoke? Most teams take bathroom breaks, but we take smoke breaks! It was kind of a bizarre story!     Tony Casey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1507-deborah-maier-kwik-e Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1506-loaded-field-set-for-usa-mens-marathon-championship INDIANAPOLIS - It's difficult to pick a favorite for this weekend's USA Men's Marathon Championship. As one of the most competitive U.S. men's fields outside of an Olympic Trials lines-up Sunday at the ING New York City Marathon, the field is loaded with a wide range of experience and emerging talent.    Ryan Hall (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.), sports the fastest marathon in the field (2:06:17) but Meb Keflezighi (San Diego, Calif.) has seen a return to the form that earned him an Olympic Silver medal in the marathon in 2004.    Keflezighi's year started off with a USA Half Marathon title in Houston and from there he went on to win titles at the USA Cross Country Championships, USA 7 Mile Championships as well as turning in a time of 1:01:00 half marathon to win the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in San Jose, setting a then U.S. 20 km record en route.      Hall and Keflezighi will likely have plenty of company in their race through the five-boroughs.  Joining them in the hunt for the U.S. title will be Abdi Abdirahman (Tucson, Ariz.) who recently won his fourth USA 10 Mile Championship title in a championship record, 46:35.  With several months of focused preparation behind him, Abdirahman says that he is better prepared for this marathon than any of his previous attempts.   2008 Olympian Brian Sell (Rochester Hills, Mich.) is reportedly making his last appearance in a major marathon but can't be overlooked as a top-five finisher given the experience that has served him well in the Big Apple before.   This year's championships could also provide a glimpse into the future of U.S. marathoners with the much anticipated debut of Jorge Torres (Boulder, Colo.), a two-time USA 8 km champion.  Also stepping up to the marathon for the first time will beJosh Moen (Minneapolis, Minn.), who pushed Abdirahman to the final mile of the men's 10 mile championships earlier this month, finishing only three seconds back.      Others to watch will include Bolota Asmerom (Oakland, Calif.), Fasil Bizuneh (Flagstaff, Ariz.), Nick Arciniaga (Rochester Hills, Mich.), Jason Lehmkuhle (Minneapolis, Minn.) and Max King (Bend, Ore.).   The ING New York City Marathon will be presented live on Universalsports.com at 9 a.m. EDT.   About the USA Running Circuit   The USA Men's Marathon Championships is the final race on the 2009 USA Running Circuit (USARC).  The USARC is a USA Track & Field road series, featuring USA Championships from 5 km to the marathon and attracts the best U.S. distance runners.   The USARC is a USA Track & Field road series featuring USA Championships from one mile to the marathon, which attracts the best U.S. distance runners. The 2009 USARC has ten events each for men and women. Anthony Famiglietti(Knoxville, Tenn.) currently leads the men's standings with 53 points but either Keflezighi or Abdirahman could overtake him with at least a runner-up finish on Sunday.   The first ten U.S. runners earn points at each USARC race (15 for first, 12 for second, 10 for third, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), with a final $12,500 grand prix purse ($6,000, $4,000, and $2,500) for the top three men and women point scorers overall. The USARC points at the USA Marathon Championships will be doubled.   The mission of the USA Running Circuit is to showcase, support, and promote U.S. runners. Since its inception in 1995, the USARC and its races have provided over $6 million dollars to U.S. distance runners.   For more information on the USA Men's Marathon Championship and the 2009 USARC visit www.usatf.org. USATF Press http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1506-loaded-field-set-for-usa-mens-marathon-championship Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:50:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1505-versus-to-televise-ncaa-division-i-cross-country-championships-live INDIANAPOLIS – The 2009 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships will be broadcast live on VERSUS, marking the third consecutive year the championships will be seen on live television, and the first with VERSUS. A live web stream of the championships will also be available on NCAA.com.   The championships will be held at the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center and hosted by Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind., on Monday, Nov. 23. The men’s race will start at approximately noon Eastern, with the women’s race to follow. The 2009 championships will be hosted by Indiana State University for the sixth-straight year.   “We are pleased that the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships will be broadcast live for the third consecutive year,” said Greg Shaheen, NCAA senior vice president for basketball and business strategies. “Through coordinated efforts with our network partner CBS, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Productions and VERSUS, we are excited that these two premiere NCAA fall championships will be televised in high definition. VERSUS brings great exposure and distribution to this event as it marks the first live NCAA championship that will air on the network.”   “The entire cross community has enjoyed watching the event live on television and the internet, and everyone will be pleased they have the ability to do that again this year on VERSUS,” said David Beauchem, chair of the Division I Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championship Committee and head cross country and women’s track and field coach at Bradley University. “It is important that we continue to obtain the best exposure for the sport of cross country.”   VERSUS is a nationally renowned sports network that is distributed to over 75 million U.S. households.   The University of Oregon is the two-time defending men’s team champion, while the University of Washington will defend its title on the women’s side. NCAA News http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1505-versus-to-televise-ncaa-division-i-cross-country-championships-live Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:53:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1502-dii-conference-review-2009-ed For many runners the conference championship meet has been circled on their calendar since pre-season. This past weekend was what all those miles of training led to and runners showed their post-season form.  Conference does not determine rather a team or individual moves on to the Regional meet. PSAC and Pacific West did not run their championships this weekend but will run them next weekend. As usual, I encourage readers to supplement my article by contributing their knowledge about various individuals, teams, and conferences. It is never too early to start talking about Regionals and how these conference championships will affect them. CCAA- Chico State’s Jimmy Elam led his team to their eighth conference title with winning the individual title in a time of 24:50.3 over the 8k course. He was followed by teammate Brent Handa (24:57.2) and Cal Poly Pomano’s Jersain Torres (25:01). Chico took the team title with 20 points placing six in the top 10. Cal Poly Pomano was second with 53 points and Humboldt State was third with 75 points. Cal St. La’s Vivien Wadeck took the women’s title with a time of 21:52.6 over the 6k course.  UC San Diego’s Bre Schofield was second (22:13.5) and Chico’s Julie Shaw was third (22:21.6). Chico took the women’s title with 33 points. UC San Diego was second with 84 points and Cal Poly Pomano was third with 91 points. CACC-  Holy Family College’s Fred Tuwei won the 8k race won the race in 26:57.48 over Philadelphia’s Shawn Andrea (27:29.77) and Wilmington’s Bill Steele (27:48.56). Philadelphia won with 32 points followed by Wilmington with 43 points and Felician with 73 points. In the women’s race, Wilmington’s Danielle Burcham won the 5k race in 19:52.68. Philadelphia’s Sarah Simonetti was second with a time of 20:18.61 and Georgian Court’s Justine Berger was third in 20:20.15. Philadelphia took the conference title with 31 points followed by Georgian Court with 61 points and Dominican was third with 122 points. CIAA-In the men’s race, Saint Augustine’s Johnny Shuping won the 8k in 24:59.3 over Virginia Union’s Geoffrey Langat (25:37.9) and Saint Augustine teammate George Smith (26:23.2). Despite placing three in the top six, Saint Augustine was second with 67 points behind Bowie State with 42 points. Virginia State was third with 83 points. Saint Augustine’s Barbara Pierre won the women’s 5k race in 20:10.6. Livingstone’s Winnie Chepchumba was second in 20:31.1 and Bowie State’s Shamika Patton was third in 20:47.2. Saint Augustine and Bowie State tied for first with 44 points. If the tie-breaker was put in place Saint Augustine would be in first. Virginia State was second with 59 points.                          Conference Carolinas- Even without their frontrunner, Michael Crouch, Queen’s men’s team perfect scored to win the title. Oscar Ogwaro won the 8k race in 24:18. He was followed by five of his teammates (Futsum Mebrahtu-24:21, Simon Stuetzel-25:03, Nelson Mwangi-25:19 and Matthew Rowell-25:39). Lees Mcrae was second with 79 points and Anderson was third with 114 points. Anderson’s Whitney Bishoff defended her conference title winning the 5k race in 18:00. Queen’s Jessica Neville was second with a time of 18:28 followed by teammate, Maraya Slatter with time of 18:36. Queen’s claimed their first title with 50 points edging out Lees-Mcrae by 2 points. Limestone was third with 103 points. East Coast Conference-In the men’s race it was NYIT’s Nicholas Koiyet who took the individual title with a time of 27:11.8. He was followed closely by freshman teammate, Daniel Rono (27:13.2). C.W. Post’s Christian Alaturmura was third in a time of 27:53.4. C.W. Post took the team title with 44 points followed by Molloy with 75 points and NYIT with 87 points. NYIT took the first three places with Jeptui Cherutich garnering the title with a 5k time of 18:42.0. She was followed by Jackline Toek (19:29.5) and Yvonne Boinett (19:41.3). Queens and NYIT shared the conference title both scoring 50 points. C.W. Post was next with 63 points. GLIAC- The Grand Valley State University men's and women's cross country teams each claimed the conference title. In the men’s race, Grand Valley’s Tyler Emmorey won the individual title in the time of 24:38.6 over the 8k course. He was followed by teammate, Ross Faassee (24:42.2) and Saginaw Valley’s Steve Genther (24:47.5). Grand Valley placed their top six in the top 10 and scored 21 points. Saginaw valley was second with 53 points and Hillsdale was third with 90 points. In the women’s race, Ferris State’s Tina Muir took the individual title covering the 6k course in 21:20.2. Grand Valley State duo of Megan Maceratini (21:33.1) and Katherine McCarthy (21:42.8) were second and third. Grand Valley placed seven in the top eight to take the team title with 20 points. Ferris State was second with 67 points. Hillsdale was third with 85 points. GLVC- Both of University of Southern Indiana’s men’s and women’s team took home the conference title. In the men’s race, Drury’s Jaime Villa Zapatero was the first to cross the line in the time of 25:00.93 over the 8k course.  He was followed by Northern Kentucky’s Drew Harris (25:10.69) and Southern Indiana’s Brendan Devine (25:16.29). Southern Indiana took first with 36 points followed by Drury (65) and Bellarmine (90). University of Southern Indiana’s Mary Ballinger took the women’s individual title with a time of 21:46.29 over the 6k course. The Lewis duo of Amanda Porter (22:39.26) and Kathryn Hague (22:46.57) were second and third. University of Southern Indiana took the team title with 24 points and placing five in the top ten. Bellarmine was second with 75 points. Northern Kentucky University was third with 83 points.GNAC- Alaska Anchorage’s Marko Cheseto won his second individual title with a time of 24:50 over the 8k course. He was followed by the Western Washington duo of Bennett Grimes (25:05) and Jordan Welling (25:08). Western Washington took the team with 33 points. Alaska Anchorage was second with 70 points and Western Oregon was third with 74 points. Defending DII Cross Country champion, Seattle Pacific’s Jessica Pixler won her fourth straight GNAC Cross Country title with a time of 21:03 over the 6k course. Western Washington’s Sarah Porter was only ten seconds behind with a time of 21:13. Alaska Anchorage’s Miriam Kipngeno rounded out the top three with the time 22:02. Alaska Anchorage took the team title with 25 points and only a 16 second difference between their first and fifth runner. Seattle Pacific was second with 48 points and Western Washington was third with 64 points. Gulf South Conference- Harding’s Daniel Kirwa led his team to the title, taking first in a time of 25:47. His teammate Philip Biwott finished second (25:55), followed by UAH's Josh Moshier (26:17). Harding finished first with 31 points. University of West Georgia was second with 68 points and University of Alabama-Huntsville was third with 73 points. Harding’s Katy Grant took first by two seconds (18:40) over Arkansas Tech’s Bailee Miller (18:42) over the 5k course. Harding won the team competition with 20 points. University of West Florida was second with 85 points and Arkansas Tech was third with 109 points. Heartland Conference- University of Incarnate Word scored a low 26 to take home the men’s team title. Newman took home second place scoring 53 points, and Dallas Baptist followed in third scoring 80 team points. UIW’s Shayn Weidner ran across the 8k course in 25:53 to claim the individual title. Newman’s  Chris Taylor from and Incarnate Word’s  Howard Gill from Incarnate Word battled it out behind Weidner for second place with Taylor edging out Gill by only they finished in a time of 26:29. In the women’s race, Dallas Baptist’s Hannah Steffan took home the individual title with a time of 22:40 over the 6k course. She was followed by teammate, Laura Mucho (23:04) and Newman’s Melissa Ortiz (23:15). Dallas Baptist took home their second consecutive Championship as they finished with six runners in the top ten to score a season low 21 points.  Incarnate Word followed in second place with 78 points, and Newman University scored 86 points for third.Lone Star Conference- In the men’s race it was Abilene Christian’s Amos Sang who took the individual title with a time of 24:44 over the 8k course. His teammate, Cleophaus Tanui was second in 25:21 and Cameron’s Julius Korir was 25:47. Abilene Christian took home the team title with 33 points followed by Tarelton State with 75 points. On the women’s side, Midwestern State’s Sydney Cole won the women’s title in 23:02 over the 6k course. Texas A&M-Kingsville’s Erica Alvarado was second in 23:36.9. West Texas A&M Aries Bazaldua was third in 23:46.4.  Midwestern State claimed first with 70 points. Angelo State was not far behind with 73 points and East Central was third with 92 point. MIAA- Missouri Southern took home both the men’s and women’s conference title. In the men’s team title race they won over 47-53 Pittsburg State. Southwest Baptist’s Michael Pierce took the individual title with a time of 24:35.23 over an 8k course. Central Missouri’s Laban Sialo was second (24:44.46) and Missouri Southern’s Brennon Benkert was third (24:52.81). Missouri Southern’s Kimi Shank won her second straight individual championship to lead Missouri Southern to a dominating team win. Shank covered the 6k course in 21:01.07. She was followed closely by teammate Ashley Siler (21:19.57) and Truman’s Dani Dell’Ocro (21:34.91). Missouri Southern took the team title with 18 points placing their top eight within the top seven. Truman was second with 57 points and Pittsburg State was third with 68 points.Northeast-10 Conference-  Stonehill’s men’s and women’s teams took the team title. American International freshman Glarius Rop cruised to victory, finishing in a meet-record 24:22.2 winning by 42 seconds over Stonehill junior Kevin Gill (25:04.5) over the 8k distance. UMass Lowell’s Timothy Guerin was third in 25:05.2. Stonehill scored 36 points to claim the team title over UMass Lowell (45 points). In the women’s race, Southern Connecticut’s Laura Brustolon won the individual title covering the 5k distance in 18:03.8.  Stonehill’s Erin Carmone was second in 18:23.2. UMass Lowell’s Lyra Clark was third in 18:47.6. Stonehill won with 37 points followed by UMass Lowell with 53 points and Southern Connecticut with 127 points.Northern Sun Conference- Augustana won both the men’s and women’s team title. Augustana finished with 36 points, beating Minnesota State Mankato who came in with 68 points and MSU Moorhead who had 86 points. Minnesota State Mankato’s James Krajsa took the individual title covering the 8k course in 25:33. Augustana’s Tom Karbo was second in 25:45.8 and Minnesota State Moorhead’s Kyle Eckhoff was third in 25:48.8. Augustana’s women finished in first place with 38 points. Minnesota Duluth was the next closest competitor with 57 points while U-Mary came in third with 81 points. Minnesota-Duluth’s Morgan Place was first covering the 6k distance in 21:48.6. A little less than a minute later, Augustana’s Molly Clark crossed the line in 22:30 followed by Minnesota State Mankato’s  Ali Paul in 22:33.9. Peach Belt- In the men’s race, Columbus State’s Meshack Koyiaki took the individual title with a time of 24:38.02 over the 8k distance to help his team to the team title. University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP)’s Pardon Ndhlovu was second in 24:57.00. Columbus State’s Nicholas Kerring was third in 25:44.12. Columbus State took the team title with 24 points. Clayton State was second with 49 points and UNCP was third with 72 points. Columbus State’s Naomi Tanui won the individual title covering the 6k course in 22:26.71. Her teammate Brittney Skiles was second in 23:01.28. and Clayton State’s Chelsea Ellis was third in 23:04.37. Columbus State took the team title with 37 points. Georgia College and State was second with 87 points. University of Montevallo was third with 91 point. RMAC-  Adams State took the first three spots to win the Conference title with 20 points. Reuben Mwei was the first to cross the line in 24:42 over the 8k course. Aaron Braun was next with a time of 24:48. Brian Medigovich was third in 25:07.  Western State was second with 47 points. Colorado school of Mines was third with 100 points. Adams State’s Kristen Mc Glynn took the individual title in 22:25 over the 6k course. Mesa State’s Alexis Skarda was second in 22:38. Adams State’s Alicia Nelson was third in 23:00. Adams State placed five in the top fifteen to take the team title with 29 points. Western State was second with 78 points and Mesa State was third with 83 points. SAC- Tusculum College’s Simon Holzapfel took the men’s individual title with a time of 25:53.96 over the 6k course. Mars Hill had the next three finishers that included: Kit Powell (26:13.78), Justin Gragg (26:30.01) and Trey McCain (26:39.60). Mars Hill finished with the team title with 27 points. Lenoir Rhyne was second with 66 points and Wingate was third with 75 points. Kate Griewisch easily took the women’s individual title with a time of 18:27.12 over the 5k course. Lincoln Memorial’s Sofia Lopez Mimendi was second in 20:15.37 and Carson Newman’s Meredith Nix was third in 20:22.15. Lenoir Rhyne took the team title with 37 points. Carson Newman was second with 47 points. Wingate was third with 85 points. Sunshine State- . Florida Southern took the first three spots to claim the team title with 26 points. Ben Martucci took the individual title with a time of 25:01.88 over the 8k course. He was followed by teammates, Eric Larson (25:20.69) and Drew Matucci (25:45.52). Nova Southeastern was second with 50 points and Florida Tech was third with 53 points. Florida Tech’s Sara Trane won the individual title with a time of 21:10.32 over the 6k course. She was followed by University of Tampa’s Jessica Butler (21:31.65) and Heather Nicolosi (21:55.12).  Tampa took the team title with 21 points and placing their top seven in the top ten. Florida Southern was second with 69 points. Florida Tech was third with 71 points. WVIAC-  Seton Hill freshman, Dom Damasso took the individual title covering the men’s 8k course in 28:45.11. He was followed by West Virginia Wesleyan’s Nate Edwards (28:52.12) and Skyler McCoy (29:22.92). Seton Hill and West Virginia Wesleyan shared the conference title with 51 points. Concord University was next with 68 points. Alderson Broaddus’s Sherry Borsos took the individual title in a time of 25:35.53 (the results say 5k course but times look like for a 6k course). West Virginia Wesleyan’s Jenna Brock was second in 26:19.25. Wheeling Jesuit’s Megan Truelove was third in 26:23.05. West Virginia Wesleyan took the team title with 69 points. Seton Hill was second with 75 points. Concord University was third with 76 points.         Cara Hawkins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1502-dii-conference-review-2009-ed Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:20:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1492-tyson-david-kwik-e <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Alabama's Tyson David, a senior originally from Kitui, Kenya, started his college career at Central Arizona Community College. After David arrived at Alabama he made his presence felt immediately, being named the 2008 Southeastern Conference Cross Country Runner of the Year after winning the team title at SECs and then with a 63rd-place finish at the NCAA Championships in 30 minutes, 34.9 seconds over the 10,000-meter course. David's got current PRs of 7:57.07, 13:36.76 and 28:20.22. Let's see how he does in his pursuit of a top-five team finish and top-six individual finish at the 2009 NCAA Championships! Were you happy with your individual finish at Pre-Nats? Not really. We had a very hard workout before the meet. That's why we did not run good. We know we are going to do well, it's just not that part of the season. What was the workout? They were 400s on the track. We did them in 62-63...20 of them. It was Tuesday and with my teammate Andrew Kirwa. How seriously was Alabama taking the meet if you were doing a workout before? The men's team and our training is direct towards winning the conference title. We want to defend our conference title and our Regional title. Maybe we can push towards Nationals and get top-five. That would be good for us. What about individually? Do you have a place you would like to finish at Nationals? If I can get in the top six that would be good for me. Your top-six runners this year have been consistently Kenyan runners. Did you know any of your teammates from back in Kenya? No, I did not know any of those guys back in Kenya. I knew them first when I came for a visit to Alabama. I knew that this team had a bunch of Kenyans. I started in a junior college in Arizona called Central Arizona College. What brought you to the University of Alabama? The coaches recruit guys from our team, guys from Kenya. That was a good thing for me to go to Alabama. What are your track goals? Actually, I don't have any outdoor left. I'm almost done. I've only got one more indoor season left. And what are your goals once your eligibility is up? I want to run road races. I'm going to run the 10K, the 15K and the 21K. I'm going to have a degree in earth science. I might pursue that after my running career. What are some of your hobbies? What do you guys do for fun down there in Alabama? We like to go swimming and we make Kenyan food. Mostly we make ugali because it's easy. It doesn't take a lot of time. Can you give me your ugali recipe? You need corn flour and then you need water (laughs). You just need to boil water to a boil and then you slowly add the corn flour. It's kind of like cake. It's very easy. What kind of music do you listen to? I like music. I like Lingala music. Do you know Lingala music? I don't think so. Is it Kenyan? (Laughs) Originally it's from Central Africa in the Congo. It's Conglolese. What about American music? Yeah! Akon and Lil' Wayne (laughs). Is that stuff on your Ipod? I love my Ipod. I use one. I don't use one when I run. You're from Kenya, then you went to school in Arizona and now you're at Alabama. How do you race when you get to the colder climates? It's real difficult. I think the my body reacts differently. It's kind of hard to breathe in the cold. You go out on a warm up and get warm. I have to make them longer. What about your mileage and your training? Can you talk about that? I think I hit about 100 every week. That's with a lot of doubles. We can go for a one-hour run in the morning and then in evening you can go for 30 minutes. I run with all the other Kenyans in training. Can you share a crazy running-related story? There is one story from when I was at Central Arizona College. I started a race when I was late. I went to the bathroom and before I got back, the race had already started. I followed the guys and ended up getting second. How late were you? They were like 300 meters away! How close were you to winning the race? I was real close to winning it!   Tony Casey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1492-tyson-david-kwik-e Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1496-ncaa-di-womens-weekly-roundup-week-3 <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} @page Section2 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section2 {page:Section2;} --> 1. (-) Washington   Weekend Performance- The Washington women looked great on Saturday winning the White race at Pre-Nationals scoring 59 points. The Huskies were lead by Kendra Schaaf (2nd), Katie Follett (4th), and Christine Babcock (5th). Washington’s depth was highlighted by great finishes from Kailey Campbell (15th), and Allison Linnell (33rd). Campbell finished 36 places higher than last year at Pre-Nats, and Linnell made her debut on the championship course.   Analysis- UW proved once again that they are comfortable running in Terre Haute with a great win over a quality field. With the return of Mel Lawrence and Lauren Saylor, look for Washington to keep improving over the next few weeks.   2. (-) Villanova   Weekend Performance- Villanova won the UVA Panorama Farms Invitational Saturday in dominant fashion. The Wildcats, led by junior Sheila Reid, finished 1-2-3-4-7 respectively. The top four runners for Villanova all broke the previous course record set by Florida State’s Susan Kuijken.   Analysis- It looks as if any team has the depth and front-runners needed to take down Washington, it may be Villanova. The Wildcats have already had two great wins this season, but have a challenging road ahead. In the Big East Conference Championships next weekend, they will face West Virginia (4), Georgetown (9), Syracuse (10), Providence (24), and Notre Dame (30).   3. (19) Colorado   Weekend Performance- The Buffs made a huge jump in the rankings this week with a great win in the White race at Pre-Nationals. Senior Jenny Barringer easily blew away the competition winning in 19:50. True freshman Allie McLaughlin also had a great day finishing 10th overall. Colorado proved they belonged in the top 10 by defeating four top ranked teams.   Analysis- This could be Colorado’s strongest team in the last few years. Barringer is basically a lock for a top 3 finish at NCAA’s and McLaughlin looks like a solid top 20 pick at nationals. If the Buffaloes’ 3-5 runners continue to run well, Colorado should be a podium team at nationals.   4. (3) West Virginia   Weekend Performance- West Virginia must have been happy picking up some points for defeating Providence (24) at Penn State, but they may have retained their spot at #3 had they raced at Pre-Nationals. Either way, the Mountaineers looked great in their 27-point victory over Penn State (18). Seniors Keri Bland, Marie-Louise Asselin, and Clara Grandt, lead the team finishing 1st, 3rd, and 4th respectively.     Analysis- Next week will be a great matchup between West Virginia and Villanova at the Big East Conference Championship. The results of that meet will show us how strong each team really is.    5. (9) Florida   Weekend Performance- Florida picked up some major points at Pre-Nats while beating Princeton (7), Syracuse (10), and Illinois (13). All five of Florida’s scorers were in the top-30 as Stacey Johnson (8th) and Rebecca Lowe (9th) lead the charge.   Analysis- The Gators must be thrilled with their performance last weekend. They had the third best team time of the day, barely edging rival Florida State. These two teams have basically locked up the spots in the South region as the only ranked teams.   6. (11) Florida State   Weekend Performance- After a rough outing at Notre Dame a few weeks ago, FSU has clawed back into the top-10 with a 2nd place finish in the Blue race at Pre-Nats. Susan Kuijken (2nd), Pasca Cheruiyot (7th), and Pilar McShine (20th) all ran very well.   Analysis- The Seminoles will need a strong performance out of their 4th and 5th runners if they want to crack the top four at Nationals. Florida State is strong up front, but they know as well as anyone that your 3-5 runners need to have great days to do well at nationals.   7. (5) Princeton   Weekend Performance- Princeton finished 3rd in the White race while defeating five ranked teams. Liz Costello was 6th overall, and the Tigers had a nice pack with runners 2-5 running within 23 seconds of each other.   Analysis- Princeton looks like they deserve to be in the seven spot since they were 6th overall with their team time at Pre-Nats. The Tigers are clearly the class of the Ivy League, but will face tough competition in the Mid-Atlantic Region. I’m sure they were happy to grab some points for defeating Syracuse (10), Illinois (13), and Minnesota (15).   8. (4) Oregon   Weekend Performance- The Ducks dropped down in the rankings once again due to a disappointing performance at Pre-Nats. Jordan Hasay showed that she’s still improving after having perhaps the best high school running career in U.S. history. Hasay was fairly quiet at the Dellinger meet running a controlled race but looked like she pushed a little harder this week at Pre-Nats finishing 3rd overall. Nicole Blood and Alex Kosinski were the only two on the team that had run the course, so overall, I’m sure it was a good learning experience for the Ducks.   Analysis- It will be interesting to see how the Ducks fair this year against the Huskies. Washington had a perfect score last year in the meet, but I can guarantee the Ducks won’t let that happen again.   9. (13) Georgetown   Weekend Performance- The Hoyas moved up to #9 by finishing 3rd in the Blue race at Pre-Nats. They were lead by sophomore Emily Infeld (9th) and Emily Jones (22nd). Georgetown also barely edged Stanford by six points, which helped them tremendously.   Analysis- On paper, Georgetown is only the 4th best team in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Grabbing a point for beating Stanford and Iowa State this weekend was huge step toward the Hoyas’ run to the national championship.   10. (15) Syracuse   Weekend Performance- Syracuse had a great day finishing 4th in White race, narrowly defeating Illinois (13) and Minnesota (15). The orange displayed great pack running as all seven of their runners finished within 36 seconds of each other.   Analysis- Syracuse looks like the dominant team in the Northeast Region as Providence continues to slip. The Big East meet will obviously be competitive, but otherwise, Syracuse should look forward to smooth sailing on the way to nationals.     David Williams http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1496-ncaa-di-womens-weekly-roundup-week-3 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:06:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1494-ncaa-di-mens-weekly-roundup-week-3 <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -->   1. (-) Stanford   Weekend Performance- Stanford solidified their spot as the top team in the country with an impressive 47 point victory at Pre-Nats Saturday. Sophomore Chris Derrick surprised NCAA runner-up Sam Chelanga by patiently moving through the field to overtake Chelanga in the final kilometers. Elliott Heath also stepped up on the big stage finishing 3rd overall in 23:39.   Analysis- There was some doubt early on as to how legit the Cardinal would be this season, but they should have silenced most of their critics after their dominating performance this weekend. Stanford of course needs to get through Oregon at the Pac-10 meet, but they should remain in the top spot until regionals.   2. (7) Oregon   Weekend Performance- After a poor race at the Dellinger Invite, Oregon climbed back up the ladder to the number two spot with a nice win in the Blue race at Pre-Nationals. Luke Puskedra returned to last season’s form with a convincing win in 23:40.  Danny Mercado and Kenny Klotz bounced back by finishing 6th and 11th respectively.   Analysis- I mentioned in my last article not to give up on Oregon, and they proved this weekend that they’re still a contender. Many wanted to jump ship after a 3rd place finish at Dellinger, but the Ducks look like a solid podium team this year.   3. (4) Oklahoma State   Weekend Performance- Oklahoma State decided to avoid the drama in Indiana and instead raced at the Chile Pepper Invite. The Cowboys came away with a 21-52 victory over in state rival Oklahoma. German Fernandez was pretty quiet finishing 7th as teammates Colby Lowe, John Kosgei, and Ryan Vail went 1-2-3.   Analysis- Oklahoma State is essentially a lock in the Midwest as their only real competition at the Regional meet will be Oklahoma who they beat easily at Chile Pepper. It will be interesting however to see who wins the Big-12 Conference meet this year between OK State and red hot Colorado.   4. (-) Colorado   Weekend Performance- Colorado was second in the white race to Stanford. Christian Thompson was the top finisher for the Buffs finishing 14th in 24:04.  Kenyon Neuman who won the Rocky Mountain Shootout may have had an off day finishing fourth for the Buffs. Colorado was 83 points behind winner Stanford however they were without Matt Tebo who DNF’d.   Analysis- Colorado may be the most dangerous team in the country this year. They had an unbelievable 18-second spread between their 1st and 5th runners. With that type of packing, CU could slip into the top three if any team ranked above them has an off day at Nationals.   5. (2) Northern Arizona   Weekend Performance- NAU dropped down a few spots after a third place finish in the Blue race at Pre-Nats. Junior College transfer Jordan Chimpanga was once again their top finisher placing third overall in 23:47. Diego Estrada also had a great race finishing fourth. Part of the Lumberjack’s struggles was due to a poor performance by All American David McNeill who finished 61st.   Analysis- McNeill obviously had a bad day, however this was his first race of the season. Assuming he takes over as one of NAU’s top two runners, the team should be fine going into Regionals.   6. (3) Alabama   Weekend Performance- Alabama also experienced a drop in the rankings after finishing second to Oregon in the Blue race. Moses Kiptoo and Julius Bor lead the charge finishing 13th and 15th. The Crimson Tide probably expected a higher team result with the return of Emmanuel Bor, however Bor looked a little flat finishing 96th.   Analysis- Once again, Alabama struggled a bit in the cold wet conditions at Terre Haute. They’re going to need to figure out a way to run well in less than ideal conditions if they are going to be a podium team.   7. (6) BYU   Weekend Performance- BYU ran well on Saturday finishing third in the White race. The Cougars had a good pack up front with Miles Batty, Thomas Gruenewald, and Rich Nelson all running within 12 seconds of each other.   Analysis- I’m sure BYU was pleased after picking up a few much needed points this weekend. There are no guarantees in the Mountain region with NAU and Colorado.   8. (-) Portland   Weekend Performance- The Pilots came into last weekend hoping to pick up some points over teams like Florida State and Iona and they did just that. All American Alfred Kipchumba lead the Pilots finishing 8th in 23:53. He was followed by freshman Joash Osoro, Tommy Betterbed, and Trevor Dunbar.   Analysis- Portland’s 1-4 can compete with any team in the country right now. They had a large drop off to their 5th runner last weekend by more than 100 spots. If the Pilots 5th man has a good race, Portland is an instant contender.   9. (-) William & Mary   Weekend Performance- William & Mary remain in the ninth spot after a solid fourth place finish in the Blue race. They were only 14 points behind Alabama, which means William & Mary could have seen a huge jump this week had they picked off some more runners.   Analysis- William & Mary should be an automatic qualifier along with Virginia from the Southeast. I’m sure they will be pretty quiet until Regionals.   10. (-) Georgetown   Weekend Performance- Did not race.   Analysis- The Hoyas won’t race again until the Big East conference meet on October 31st.     David Williams http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1494-ncaa-di-mens-weekly-roundup-week-3 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:35:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1490-kolas-calculator-2-oct-20th-women Nationals Qualifiers by Round QUALIFIER #1 is SYRACUSE (#1 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is VILLANOVA (#1 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is VIRGINIA (#1 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is MICHIGAN (#1 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is ILLIONIS (#1 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is BAYLOR (#1 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is COLORADO (#1 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is WASHINGTON (#1 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is FLORIDA STATE (#1 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is PROVIDENCE (#2 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is WEST VIRGINIA (#2 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is DUKE (#2 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is MICHIGAN STATE (#2 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is MINNESOTA (#2 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is ARKANSAS (#2 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is TEXAS TECH (#2 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is OREGON (#2 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is FLORIDA (#2 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #19 is PRINCETON (#3 Md-At) (Entered on 7 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA (NOTRE DAME INVITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) SYRACUSE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) ILLIONIS (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) MINNESOTA (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #20 is GEORGETOWN (#4 Md-At) (*Pushed in by PENN STATE) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #20 is PENN STATE (#5 Md-At) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (PENN STATE NATIONAL) QUALIFIER #22 is BYU (#3 Mtn) (*Pushed in by NEW MEXICO) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MICHIGAN (WISCONSIN INVITE) ARKANSAS (WISCONSIN INVITE) ARKANSAS (CHILE PEPPER INVITE) QUALIFIER #22 is NEW MEXICO (#4 Mtn) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #24 is STANFORD (#3 West) (*Pushed in by ARIZONA STATE) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #24 is ARIZONA STATE (#4 West) (Entered on 4 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NEW MEXICO (NOTRE DAME INVITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #26 is IOWA STATE (#3 Mid-W) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MINNESOTA (ROY GRIAK) MICHIGAN STATE (ROY GRIAK) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #27 is NORTE DAME (#3 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 2 wins) *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against NORTH CAROLINA *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against IOWA Wins against qualified listed: ARIZONA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #27 is ARIZONA (#5 West) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: IOWA STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #29 is SOUTHERN METHODIST (#3 S-Cen) (Entered on 3 wins) *SOUTHERN METHODIST wins head-to-head against NORTH CAROLINA Wins against qualified listed: PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) NORTE DAME (NOTRE DAME INVITE) ARIZONA (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #30 is NORTH CAROLINA (#3 SE) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NORTE DAME (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) ARIZONA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #31 is IOWA (#4 Mid-W) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: ARKANSAS (WISCONSIN INVITE) MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #32 is OHIO STATE (#4 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 1 wins) *OHIO STATE wins head-to-head against WILLIAM AND MARY *OHIO STATE wins head-to-head against TEXAS *OHIO STATE wins head-to-head against NORTHERN ARIZONA *OHIO STATE wins head-to-head against CALIFORNIA *OHIO STATE wins head-to-head against GEORGIA Wins against qualified listed: BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #33 is TEXAS (#4 S-Cen) (Entered on 1 wins) *TEXAS wins head-to-head against WILLIAM AND MARY *TEXAS wins head-to-head against TEXAS *TEXAS wins head-to-head against NORTHERN ARIZONA *TEXAS wins head-to-head against CALIFORNIA *TEXAS wins head-to-head against GEORGIA Wins against qualified listed: BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #34 is CALIFORNIA (#6 West) (Entered on 1 wins) *CALIFORNIA wins head-to-head against WILLIAM AND MARY *CALIFORNIA wins head-to-head against NORTHERN ARIZONA *CALIFORNIA wins head-to-head against CALIFORNIA *CALIFORNIA wins head-to-head against GEORGIA Wins against qualified listed: BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #35 is NC STATE (#4 SE) (*Pushed in by WILLIAM AND MARY) (Entered on 0 wins) *NC STATE wins head-to-head against WILLIAM AND MARY *NC STATE wins head-to-head against NORTHERN ARIZONA *NC STATE wins head-to-head against GEORGIA QUALIFIER #35 is WILLIAM AND MARY (#5 SE) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #35 is NORTHERN ARIZONA (#5 Mtn) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #38 is UTEP (#6 Mtn) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MICHIGAN STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) QUALIFIER #39 is COLORADO STATE (#7 Mtn) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #40 is TENNESSEE (#3 South) (*Pushed in by GEORGIA) (Entered on 0 wins) QUALIFIER #40 is GEORGIA (#4 South) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #42 is SOUTHERN UTAH (#8 Mtn) (Entered on 0 wins) QUALIFIER #43 is NEBRASKA (#5 Mid-W) (Entered on 0 wins) *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against HARVARD *NEBRASKA wins head-to-head against TOLEDO QUALIFIER #44 is HARVARD (#3 NE) (Entered on 1 wins) *HARVARD wins head-to-head against TOLEDO *HARVARD wins head-to-head against KANSAS STATE *HARVARD wins head-to-head against MISSOURI QUALIFIER #45 is KANSAS STATE (#6 Mid-W) (Entered on 0 wins) QUALIFIER #46 is MISSOURI (#7 Mid-W) (*Pushed in by WICHITA STATE) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: SOUTHERN METHODIST (CHILE PEPPER INVITE) QUALIFIER #46 is WICHITA STATE (#8 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #48 is KANSAS (#9 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: BAYLOR (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) QUALIFIER #49 is INDIANA (#5 Gr-Lk) (*Pushed in by TOLEDO) (Entered on 0 wins) QUALIFIER #49 is TOLEDO (#6 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 0 wins) Ryan From Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1490-kolas-calculator-2-oct-20th-women Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:04:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1489-kolas-calculator-2-oct-20th-men Nationals Qualifiers by Round     QUALIFIER #1 is PROVIDENCE (#1 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is GEORGETOWN (#1 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is WILLIAM AND MARY (#1 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is WISONSIN (#1 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is OK STATE (#1 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is ARKANSAS (#1 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is NORTHERN ARIZONA (#1 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is STANFORD (#1 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is ALABAMA (#1 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is IONA (#2 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is VILLANOVA (#2 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is VIRGINIA (#2 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is INDIANA (#2 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is OKLAHOMA (#2 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is TEXAS AM (#2 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is COLORADO (#2 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is OREGON (#2 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)   QUALIFIER #1 is FLORIDA STATE (#2 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS)     QUALIFIER #19 is SYRACUSE (#3 NE) (Entered on 6 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: GEORGETOWN (WISCONSIN INVITE) WISONSIN (WISCONSIN INVITE) ARKANSAS (WISCONSIN INVITE) TEXAS AM (WISCONSIN INVITE) VILLANOVA (UVA PANORAMA FARMS) TEXAS AM (UVA PANORAMA FARMS)     QUALIFIER #20 is BYU (#3 Mtn) (Entered on 4 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: OREGON (BILL DELLINGER) VILLANOVA (BILL DELLINGER) IONA (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) FLORIDA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE)     QUALIFIER #21 is PORTLAND (#3 West) (Entered on 3 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: VILLANOVA (BILL DELLINGER) IONA (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) FLORIDA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE)     QUALIFIER #22 is WASHINGTON (#4 West) (Entered on 2 wins)   *WASHINGTON wins head-to-head against NEW MEXICO   Wins against qualified listed: PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE)       QUALIFIER #23 is ARIZONA STATE (#5 West) (Entered on 2 wins)   *ARIZONA STATE wins head-to-head against NEW MEXICO   Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE)       QUALIFIER #24 is NEW MEXICO (#4 Mtn) (Entered on 2 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE)     QUALIFIER #25 is IOWA STATE (#3 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: OKLAHOMA (ROY GRIAK)     QUALIFIER #26 is BUTLER (#3 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 1 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE)     QUALIFIER #27 is CAL POLY (#6 West) (*Pushed in by WASHINGTON STATE) (Entered on 1 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE)       QUALIFIER #27 is WASHINGTON STATE (#7 West) (Entered on 1 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE)     QUALIFIER #29 is AUBURN (#3 South) (Entered on 2 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: WASHINGTON STATE (PRE NATIONALS BLUE) BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE)     QUALIFIER #30 is TULSA (#4 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins)   *TULSA wins head-to-head against LOUISVILLE *TULSA wins head-to-head against NC STATE *TULSA wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *TULSA wins head-to-head against MINNESOTA *TULSA wins head-to-head against LAMAR *TULSA wins head-to-head against UTAH STATE *TULSA wins head-to-head against AIR FORCE   Wins against qualified listed: BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE)       QUALIFIER #31 is LOUISVILLE (#3 SE) (Entered on 1 wins)   *LOUISVILLE wins head-to-head against NC STATE *LOUISVILLE wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *LOUISVILLE wins head-to-head against UTAH STATE *LOUISVILLE wins head-to-head against MINNESOTA   Wins against qualified listed: IOWA STATE (PRE NATIONALS WHITE)       QUALIFIER #32 is NC STATE (#4 SE) (*Pushed in by DUKE) (Entered on 1 wins)   *NC STATE wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *NC STATE wins head-to-head against LAMAR *NC STATE wins head-to-head against UTAH STATE *NC STATE wins head-to-head against AIR FORCE   Wins against qualified listed: BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE)       QUALIFIER #32 is DUKE (#5 SE) (Entered on 2 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: WASHINGTON STATE (ROY GRIAK) TEXAS AM (UVA PANORAMA FARMS)       QUALIFIER #34 is MINNESOTA (#5 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins)   *MINNESOTA wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *MINNESOTA wins head-to-head against LAMAR *MINNESOTA wins head-to-head against UTAH STATE *MINNESOTA wins head-to-head against AIR FORCE   Wins against qualified listed: WASHINGTON STATE (ROY GRIAK)       QUALIFIER #35 is SOUTHERN ILLIONIS (#6 Mid-W) (*Pushed in by IOWA) (Entered on 0 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS     QUALIFIER #35 is IOWA (#7 Mid-W) (Entered on 2 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: TEXAS AM (WISCONSIN INVITE) AUBURN (WISCONSIN INVITE)     QUALIFIER #37 is UTAH STATE (#5 Mtn) (Entered on 1 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE)     QUALIFIER #38 is AIR FORCE (#6 Mtn) (Entered on 1 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: BUTLER (PRE NATIONALS BLUE)     QUALIFIER #39 is TEXAS (#3 S-Cen) (*Pushed in by LAMAR) (Entered on 0 wins)   *TEXAS wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *TEXAS wins head-to-head against FLORIDA     QUALIFIER #39 is LAMAR (#4 S-Cen) (Entered on 1 wins)   Wins against qualified listed: AUBURN (WISCONSIN INVITE)     QUALIFIER #39 is UTEP (#7 Mtn) (Entered on 0 wins)     QUALIFIER #42 is COLUMBIA (#4 NE) (Entered on 0 wins)   *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against DARTMOUTH *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against NORTE DAME *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against UC SANTA BARBRA *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against FLORIDA     QUALIFIER #43 is MICHIGAN (#4 Gr-Lk) (*Pushed in by NORTE DAME) (Entered on 0 wins)   *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against DARTMOUTH *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against FLORIDA     QUALIFIER #43 is NORTE DAME (#5 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 0 wins)     QUALIFIER #43 is UC SANTA BARBRA (#8 West) (Entered on 0 wins)     QUALIFIER #46 is DAYTON (#6 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 0 wins)     QUALIFIER #47 is PRINCETON (#3 Md-At) (Entered on 0 wins)   *PRINCETON wins common-opponent against DARTMOUTH *PRINCETON wins common-opponent against DARTMOUTH *PRINCETON wins common-opponent against DARTMOUTH *PRINCETON wins common-opponent against DARTMOUTH *PRINCETON wins common-opponent against DARTMOUTH *PRINCETON wins common-opponent against DARTMOUTH     QUALIFIER #48 is DARTMOUTH (#5 NE) (Entered on 0 wins)     QUALIFIER #49 is FLORIDA (#4 South) (Entered on 0 wins)   *FLORIDA wins head-to-head against NAVY *FLORIDA wins head-to-head against CALIFORNIA     QUALIFIER #50 is CALIFORNIA (#9 West) (Entered on 0 wins)   *CALIFORNIA wins common-opponent against NAVY *CALIFORNIA wins common-opponent against NAVY *CALIFORNIA wins common-opponent against NAVY *CALIFORNIA wins common-opponent against NAVY *CALIFORNIA wins common-opponent against NAVY *CALIFORNIA wins common-opponent against NAVY   Ryan From Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1489-kolas-calculator-2-oct-20th-men Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1483-dii-conference-preview Rivalries will be at their fiercest this coming Conference weekend. The weekly polls are due for some movement and this weekend is where the upsets might happen. I have given the results of last year’s races and done my best to research the top runners in each conference. If I have missed a runner or if you have an opinion on who will win this year leave a comment. After all, Flotrack is a community. CCAA-The Chico State men’s and women’s both captured the conference team titles last year. On the men’s side, the Wildcats scored 17 points, followed by UC San Diego (72) and Cal Poly Pomona (84). Scott Bauhs won the men’s title but has since graduated. Look for Chico’s Jimmy Elam, Michael Wickman, and Cal Poly Pomona’s Jersain Torres to be in the hunt for the title. Last year, Chico State women scored a low 30 points, their top six runners taking 4th through 9th place. Chico State was followed by Cal State LA (52) and UC San Diego (76). Cal State LA’s Vivien Wadeck is back to defend her title. Also look for UC San Diego’s Bre Schofield, and Chico State’s Alia Gray and Kara Lubreniecki to challenge for the title. CACC- Last year, Felician College men’s team won with 34 points and was followed by University of the Sciences (55) and Philadelphia University (71). Last year’s champion Felician’s James Vander Welle will be back to defend his title. Look for Felician’s Rob Albano and Philadelphia’s Shawn D’Andrea to challenge for the title. Last year’s Philadelphia University’s women took the team title with 47 points followed by Georgian Court (61) and Felician (90). Look for Philadephia’s Sarah Simonetti to make a run for in the individual title. CIAA-Virginia State won the men's championship and tied Saint Augustine's for the women's title at the 2008 CIAA Cross Country Championships. In the men's race, Virginia State scored 42 points to top Bowie State, which placed second with 58, while Shaw finished third with 91 points. Saint Augustine’s Johnny Shupig will be looking to repeat. In the women’s race last year, Saint Augustine's and Virginia State both scored 39 points, and thus the race was declared a tie. Bowie State’s Shamika Patton and Livingstone’s Winnie Chepchumba will be in the hunt for the individual title. Conference Carolinas- Last year with Queen’s absent, St. Andrews’ men won the conference title with 43 points. Lees-McRae was a close second with 48 points, followed by Erskine with 78 points. But this year, Queen’s is set to host the conference meet so expect them to win the title.  The individual title is Queen’s Michael Crouch’s to lose. Last year, Lees - McRae’s women claimed the women’s conference title with 48 points and were followed by Converse (78) and Anderson (94). Queen’s will be set to challenge for title and it should be a battle between them and Lees-McRae. Anderson’s Whitney Bishoff is back to defend her title. Look for Queen’s Jessica Neville to challenge for the individual title. East Coast Conference- Last year, the Adelphi University Panthers claimed both the men's and women's cross country titles. The men’s team captured the team title with 30 total points. NYIT took second with 48 points and were followed by St. Thomas Aquinas (84). NYIT’s Amos Kipkosgei should be back to defend his title. Also look for his teammate, Daniel Rono and C.W. Post’s Vicent Giambanco to challenge for the title. Last year, Adelphi women took home the team title with 20 points with their top five runners finishing in the top seven. The C.W. Post Pioneers came in second overall with 81 points and Dowling was third with 84 points. Look for NYIT’s Jeptui Cherutich and Adelphi’s Kristen Wojtuniak to make a run for the title.GLIAC- Last year, Grand Valley State’s men and women claimed both team titles Saturday. The men’s team captured the title with 31 points. Wayne State was second (69) and Ashland was third (90). Grand Valley’s Tyler Emmorey is the favorite for the individual title. Last year, Grand Valley’s women finished with a total of 25 points to win the team title. Wayne State (66) was second and Ferris State (121) was third. Look for Grand Valley’s Megan Maceratini and Ferris State’s Tina Muir to battle for the title.GLVC- Last year, University of Southern Indiana claimed both the men’s and women’s cross country titles. In the men’s team title competition they scored 26 points and were followed by Northern Kentucky (63) and Drury University (66). Drury’s Jaime Villa Zapatero will be back to defend his title. Look for Northern Kentucky’s Drew Harris challenge for the title. Last year, University of Southern Indiana’s women scored 39 points to take the team title and were followed by UW Parkside (64) and Northern Kentucky (80). Southern Indiana’s Mary Ballinger is the favorite for the individual title but also look for Lewis’s Kathryn Hague to challenge. GNAC- In the men’s race last year, it was Alaska Anchorage that took home the men’s title. They were followed by Western Washington (53) and Western Oregon (78). Alaska Anchorage’s Mark Chesto is back to defend his title. Look for teammate, Micah Chelimo, Western Washington’s Jordan Welling to challenge for the title. Last year, Seattle Pacific edged out University of Alaska Anchorage 48 to 52 to win its fourth consecutive women's team title. Western Washington was third (75). Seattle Pacific’s Jessica Pixler is the strong favorite being the 2008 cross country champion.  Her closer challenger will be Western Washingon’s Sarah Porter. Gulf South Conference-Last year, Harding University’s men’s team turned in a perfect team score of 15 to claim their eighth Gulf South Conference Cross Country Championship in the past nine years. University of Alabama Huntsville (64) was second, followed by West Georgia (92). Harding’s Daniel Kirwa is a favorite to repeat. Last year, Harding claimed the top three individual spots for a 22 total points. Alabama-Huntsville finished second in the fifteen team event with 65 points. Arkansas Tech was the only other school in the double-figures with 76 points. Look for Arkansas Tech’s Bailee Miller, Harding’s Katy Grant and West Flordia’s Baliee Hedstrom to challenge for the title. Heartland Conference- Last year, The Cardinals from the University of the Incarnate Word ran to a dominating win, with six men finishing in the top ten and scoring 29 points. Dallas Baptist finished 2nd with 61 points. Look for Incarnate Word’s Shayn Weidner and Newman’s Austin Hunt to challenge for the win. Dallas Baptist’s women’s team took home the team title with 23 points, followed by Newman with 63 points. Look for Dallas Baptist’s Hannah Steffan to repeat. Lone Star Conference- Last year, Abilene Christian prevailed in the men's 7,700-meter race for the 18th straight year, securing the team title with 17 points. Tarleton State University came out on top in a close race for second place with 77 points and Texas A&M-Commerce was third with 78 points. Look for Tarleton’s Jared McNeil, Gerzain Valenzulea and Abilene Christian’s Amos Sang to challenge for the title. Last year, Midwestern State placed five runners in the top twenty to score 58 points. West Texas A&M narrowly held off East Central University for second place, 84 to 94. Look for Midwestern’s Sydnee Cole, Southwestern Oklahoma’s Chelsey Dillion and Texas A&M-Kingsville’s Erica Alvarado to challenge for the title.MIAA-Last year, Southwest Baptist was first with 63 points. They were followed by Pittsburg State (84) and Missouri Southern (86). Look for Southwest Baptist’s Michael Pierce and Pittsburg State’s Mujahid to push the pace for the individual title. The Missouri Southern Lions claimed a 30-point victory over runner-up Pittsburg State, 42 to 72. Southwest Baptist was third with 83 points. Missouri Southern’s Kimi Shank and Ashely Siler to be leading the pack.Northeast-10 Conference-  Last year, the University of Massachusetts Lowell claimed both the men's and women's team championship titles. UMass Lowell men claimed their third straight Northeast-10 Team Championship with 31 points. Stonehill finished second with 52 and Southern Connecticut State University took third place with 64 points. Look for Le Moyne’s Jake McAndrews, American International’s Glarius Rop, Stonhill’s Pat Fullerton and UMass Lowell’s Angus MacDonald to challenge for the title. Last year, UMass Lowell edged out Stonehill by a slight margin (46-51) to claim the team championship. Saint Rose took third place with 98 point. Look for American International’s Julie Collignon, Adelphi’s Danielle Matteo and Stonehill’s Kristen Veit to challenge for the title.  Northern Sun Conference- Last year, the Minnesota State men’s team placed five individuals in the top ten finishers to claim to the 2008 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championship with 22 points.  Augustana College was second with 74 points and Wayne State College was third with 108 points. Look for MSU’s James Krajsa to be in front along with Augustana’s Tom Karbo and Matt Braithwaite and NSU’s John Rawerts. Augustana women's cross country team placed five runners in the top ten to win the conference title with 32 points.  They were followed by University of Minnesota-Duluth (56) and Minnesota State University (105). Look for UMD’s Morgan Place, MSUM’s Anna VanWechel, and Augustana’s Leah Hansen to be challenging for the individual title. PSAC- Last year, Edinboro totaled 56 points to edge out runner-up Slippery Rock, which came in with 65 points. Lock Haven placed third among the 16 teams with 85 points. Look for Shippensburg’s Bryan Beegle, Edinboro’s Ben Hahn, Lock Haven’s Nick Hilton and Stone Hill’s Pat Fullerton to be in the front. Last year, Shippensburg registered 70 points to narrowly defeat Slippery Rock, which totaled 73. Kutztown was third with 115 points. The individual women’s title will be Shippensburg’s Neely Spence’s to lose.Pacific West-Last year, Hawaii Pacific came away with the men’s team title scoring 26 points followed by BYU-Hawaii with 49 points and UH-Hilo with 56 points. Look for BYU-Hawaii’s Spencer Deavila and Academy of the Art’s Amos Maru to challenge for the title.  The Brigham Young University Hawaii's women's cross country team took the team title with 29 points. Taking second and third place respectively were Hawaii Pacific with 36 points and UH-Hilo with 59. Look for BYU Hawaii’s Lacey Krout and Hawaii Pacific’s Quinn Horochuk to challenge for the title. Peach Belt-Last year, the Columbus State men’s and women’s cross country teams won the Peach Belt Conference Championship. Columbus State’s men scored 26 points. Look for Columbus State’s Meshack Koyiaki and UNC Pembroke’s Pardon Ndhlovu to battle for the title. The Columbus State women won their fourth straight PBC title with 33 points. Augusta State finished second with 54, while North Georgia was third with 110. Look for Columbus State’s Brittney Skiles and Montevallo’s Haley Evans to challenge for the title.RMAC- Last year, Adams State took both the men’s and women’s championship. The men scored 20 points by placing their top five runners in the top eight. Western State was second with 49 points followed by Colorado School of the Mines with 81 points. Adams State’s Aaron Braun will be back to defend his title. Don’t count his teammates Brian Medigovich and Reuben Mwei out. The Adams State’s women's team won the 6K race with 29 points, followed by Western State (47) and Mesa State (108). Look for Adams State’s Kristen McGlynn and Mesa State’s Alexis Skarda to challenge for the title. SAC-Last year, Mars Hills scored 31 points to beat runner-up Wingate University (50 points). Lenoir Rhyne was third with 84 points in the men’s competition. Look for a win by Tusculum’s Simon Holzaphel to take the title with possible challenges by Catawba’s Christian Crifasi and Mars Hill’s Kit Powell. Lenoir Rhyne took the women’s team title. Wingate was second with 63 points, followed by Carson-Newman with 88 points. Look for Lenoir Rhyne’s Kate Griewisch to take the title.SIAC- Last year, Benedict College men’s team took the conference title. Morehouse finished in second and Fort Valley State and Kentucky State tied for third place. Look for Morehouse’s Abraham Kiprotich and Tuskegee’s Jame Holly to challenge. Clark Atlanta finished in second while Fort Valley State finished in third. Look for Clark-Atlanta’s Phyllis Shelman-Ford and Tuskegee’s Mallory Johnson to challenge.Sunshine State- Last year; FSC took their 12th straight title with 29 points and were followed by Tampa (51) and Nova Southeastern (60). Look for Nova Southeastern’s Brendan Chwalek and Florida Southern’s Ben Martucci to challenge for the title. Last year, Tampa’s women won the meet for the second consecutive year with 21 points. They were followed by Florida Southern (76) and Nova Southeastern (77). Look for Florida Tech’s Sara Trane and Tampa’s Jess Butler to challenge for the title. WVIAC-Last year, West Virginia Wesleyan’s men scored 40 points and were followed by Wheeling Jesuit (78) and Concord (96). Look for WJU’s Ryan Beabout, WVWC’s Nate Edwards and SHU’s Domin Camasso to challenge for the title. The West Virginia Wesleyan’s women scored 41 points over Alderson-Broaddus (48). Wheeling Jesuit was third (75). Look for Alderson-Broaddus’s Ashley Teets, WJU Sarah Campanelli and WL’s Kallen Weaver to challenge for the title.   Cara Hawkins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1483-dii-conference-preview Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:01:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1480-maggie-vessey-on-flonetwork Maggie Vessey is debuting on the FloNetwork with her fast new site Maggiekicks.com. This past summer Maggie had a breakout season in which she set a PR of 1:57.84 in the 800, made it on the world team, and signed with New Balance. Check out here site for some sassy interviews and the latest on Maggie and her kickin'. MaggieKicks.com FloNetwork     Maggie after coming back from Worlds.   Visit maggiekicks.com for more Videos Pat Hitchins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1480-maggie-vessey-on-flonetwork Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:52:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1474-ben-massam-kwik-e <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> William and Mary senior Ben Massam and his Tribe are heading back to NCAA Cross Country Championships. Last year, they placed 16th overall as Massam took 124th over the 10,000-meter course. As the Tribe is currently ranked ninth in the country, Massam continues to add huge weeks of mileage under his belt and really feels things “clicking” with his harrier squad. Let's see how they do! You're just coming home from a team barbecue, do you guys do that often? This past weekend we had Fall Break, with Monday and Tuesday off...so, it's a way to make people not have to go out and buy food. It was a special occasion. If it's not the team barbecue this year, then what's making your team do so well? It's the group of guys, man. A lot of people haven't really heard of us and we have a pretty even group of guys. There's no one person ahead of us and that's what makes us work together. We're around each other a lot and that helps. You beat some pretty impressive teams early on in the season. I guess we're kind of known for...I don't want to say “stinking it up” in the beginning of the year, but we don't usually come out with our “guns-a-blazing”. In the past, we've had our home meet, so it was a little more laid back. But this year, we got invited out to Oklahoma State and I think we just wanted to set a benchmark to see where we were at this time of the year. Luckily, it turned out pretty well and we were happy with the result. We know we still have a way to go. Your team hasn't been doing anything different this year? Why are things clicking right now? The training has been more or less the same. We haven't really gotten into the intense stuff yet, maybe a couple of intervals, but really long stuff and fartleks. I think it's just that we have a good group of guys who are all around the same ability level and are able to work. Everyone wants to beat each other, but everyone also wants to see each other do well. I think it's a pretty competitive group that works together well. How tight is that front pack? Really last spring was when we figured it out. There was one weekend where—Patterson Wilhelm and I redshirted—but Jon Grey and Colin Leak were in form and at two meets on the same night, we all ran 14:06 or under in the 5k. It was like a three-second spread. It was pretty crazy that all of us were running around the same time. I think we train together well and the results show. So, you have on strong front pack to train with? The great thing is we have guys from different backgrounds. You have guys who...well, intervals are really their thing. Then you have guys who like the longer stuff with the extended effort. I know I eat up the tempo runs and the base runs because I'm pretty high mileage...then we start doing intervals and stuff and in our top five...I peaked at 130 miles and we have Lewis Woodard—my roommate and our fifth man—he averages like 50 miles a week. We have a pretty wide spread. I feel like with special teams, there's someone who will pull other people along, no matter what the workout is. Oh, sorry. I think my phone just messed up. I thought you just said that you run 130-mile weeks. (Laughs) Yeah. Yeah, I said that. I was pretty high mileage in high school, but that's the highest on the team. Like I said, some people on the team are running 50 miles a week. Some run seven days a week and others will run five days a week. There's a wide range of training on the team. I can handle it—knock on wood—I don't get injured. I was at 130 this week. What were you running in high school for mileage? I got up to 100 before my senior year in August. I didn't know what I was doing in high school. Can you break down this past week of mileage? The way we like to do it is having an up week and a down week. I'd go up to 130 miles a week then down to 100-110. This week, I'm actually at 100 and I'll go back up some. I've been at 130 miles on my high weeks since...maybe early August. That's with six doubles? That's without the long run or the...we call it the second long run. The second longest day of the week. Even on workout days I'll get up and do a short run or a shake out. Has your team talked about team goals? I think part of it is that we didn't want to look at an exact number. Last year, we were 16th and weren't really satisfied with it. We had higher expectations, given the people we had. I think this year, it's pretty much understood that we would like to go under the top 10, which I think we can and is a pretty good possibility. I think that would be great for a smaller school like ours to be able to do something like that. Everyone would have to be on their A-game that day, but I think it's possible. What about an individual goal? A place where you'd like to finish? I've been at Nationals two times and both times it's kind of sucked. I didn't figure it out very well. My sophomore year, I was out too fast and last year I was too conservative. I think I took 124th last year. On a good day, top 60 is realistic and what's expected of me. If it was a really good day, then maybe I'll take a run at that top 40. With the higher mileage that you run, you haven't ran into many injuries? I don't really get injured. I've had some soft tissue stuff, but my bones handle it pretty well. Freshman year, I had a bit of an iron deficiency thing and I've always got to keep an eye on that. After freshman year, I said down with Gibby, our coach, and we talked about it and figured it out. I think that's where we came up with the up week and down week thing. I like a little bit of break from the mileage and try to schedule an easy day so my legs can recover and everything. What's the hardest workout you've ever done? I guess there was one last spring that we did when we found out that were all in pretty good shape. The whole group of us did 10 by 1,000 on the track. We started in the low 2:50s and got down to running a few 2:41s in a row. It was a real good distance effort. It was when everyone realized that we could work together and pull everyone along. It was a great workout. You didn't blow chunks or anything? No. (Laughs) I was really close. I don't know about blowing chunks, but I was walking around not really knowing where I was on the track. Luckily we didn't have a race for another few weeks. A little delirious, but those ones pay off in the long run. Yeah. You've got to love those. Especially when you don't have a race for a while and you can really go after it. I bet you slept well that night. Yeah. It can have one effect or the other. You can go right to sleep or your legs can be swelling and you can't get to sleep. What are you studying at William and Mary? I'm majoring in history. I guess it's all around you down here and you'll see some pretty interesting stuff. We run down Duke of Gloucester Street, which is Colonial Williamsburg and you see people churning butter and people dressed up as Thomas Jefferson. It's a pretty interesting environment to run in. You don't take part in the reenactments or anything like that? Even though I'm majoring in history and people always ask, “are you studying to be on of those colonial reenactors or historical interpreters?” But, no, I could never see myself doing something like that. Studying history, does that mean you're looking to go into teaching or with your 130-mile weeks, are you looking to pursue a career in running and maybe marathons? I would love to give running a try after college. I've talk to Gibby about it a little, but we obviously don't want to get ahead ourselves with all the eligibility I have left. I would love to try that. The few road races I've done—including a half marathon my freshman when I was redshirting—I really loved it. I'm thinking about going into law school right now. I haven't decided for sure and I'm staying for five years, so I have a little bit of time to decide. This is your last cross country season but what else do have left? I'm out of cross country, but I'm coming back next year for track season. Just the longer stuff for you. The five and the 10? Yeah, we joke about that. I'm one of the people on the team with the worst leg speed...so, it's always amusing when I get thrown into an indoor mile. People are licking their chops to see me in there with them. What are we talking? What can you run for a quarter? Man, I don't know. That's always been something I've been interested in. Maybe like a 55, at best...maybe 54. I'm pretty slow when it comes to that. I never broke two in the 800 in high school. Luckily in college the races get longer...because I was running out of real estate there. Do you get nervous or not look forward to the indoor season when it comes around? No way. When I get in a mile or something, I love it. I get my chance. If someone loses to me, it's kind of embarrassing. Indoor track was never my thing because of the turns and me being a taller guy. I look forward to it because I can train through it. We don't take it—I won't say not seriously—but we train through it pretty hard to get through it and onto the outdoor season. What are your hobbies? Everyone thinks this is really weird, but I'm a really big fan of horse racing. I'm not saying I have a gambling problem, but I like to follow that. I love sports. People would say that we have a pretty boring team. We sit around and watch TV. I love watching football with the cross country team. We go out to eat at this place called Pierce's Barbecue. We go there after workouts. That stuff is really great. Back to your gambling problem, what sports teams do you follow and bet on? (Laughs) I'm from Northern New Jersey, so I've got the Yankees and the Devils. Yeah, Yankees! You're a Yankee's fan too! I'm looking forward to the ALCS starting on Friday. In football, I don't mind the Giants or the Jets, but ever since I was little, I liked the Bears. I don't know why. Maybe because my dad was a Vikings fan and I wanted to make him mad. Can you do the Superbowl Shuffle? No, that was a little before my time. But I can go back and watch the video. You don't play poker or anything like that? No, just horse racing. It's been like a family thing. Everyone is interested in it and it just got going. I could probably name every horse that runs on a regular basis in New Jersey. People are pretty amazed by that...but, hey, it's something I do. It's one of those things where you can enjoy it, but you've got to control yourself. I'm a college student and it's not like I have a lot of money to throw around. Can you give me a crazy running-related story? Anything wild ever happen to you on one of your runs? One that stands out a little is one that happened on a run down here. I was telling you that we have that Duke of Gloucester Street that we run down through the reenactors and stuff. The track is pretty close to that, so we warm up through colonial Williamsburg in track season. I guess they have this thing called the Revolutionary City or something like that. They reenact and shoot off cannons and all that. We unknowingly ran through it and this guy, who was dressed as a British soldier in a Red Coat outfit, he was yelling at us with a stick or a plastic sword. He was really getting mad. It was like something that was scripted. They were looking at us like we were nuts. We sprinted through there and everyone there had their mouths wide open. It was interesting to have our running meet the 1700s. You went through a time machine apparently. I don't know if they thought the Indians were attacking or something. Your Tribe was attacking? Yeah, there you go! That was it.   Tony Casey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1474-ben-massam-kwik-e Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1477-nationally-ranked-foes-to-penn-state-national-meet From Jess Riden at Penn State: Cross Country Welcomes Conference Rivals; Nationally Ranked Foes to Penn State National Nittany Lion women ranked No. 16 nationally; men looking for breakout performance   UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.: October 14, 2009 – In its final tune up prior to the Big Ten Cross Country Championships, the Nittany Lions are set to host the Penn State National, Friday at the Blue/White Golf Course.  Typically one of the top competitions of the fall, the Penn State National will feature top programs from around the country, including third-ranked West Virginia, and Big Ten foe and No. 23 Michigan in the women’s race, along with 10th-ranked Georgetown headlining the men’s field.  The Nittany Lion women have been running at full steam already this fall, entering the weekend at No. 16 in the nationally rankings with seniors Bridget Franek (Hiram, Ohio) and Cheryl Spring (The Woodlands, Texas) leading the pack. The Penn State men, who finished 25thnationally last season, are also poised for a big performance on their home course, led by sophomores Vince McNally (Smoketown, Pa.) and Kyle Dawson (Coatesville, Pa.).   Meet: The Penn State National Where: Blue/White Golf Course (University Park, Pa.) Race Times: Men – 10 a.m.; Women – 11 a.m. Race Distances: Men – 5.2 Miles; Women – 6,000-Meters   Men’s Race Preview Once again the Penn State National has attracted a competitive field, spanning over several of the NCAA’s nine cross country regions.  From the Mid-Atlantic Region, the field features 10th-ranked Georgetown, which took top honors at the meet last year, led by individual winner Andrew Bumbalough.  Bumbalough finished the 5.2-mile course in 25 minutes, 10 seconds - the fifth-fastest time ever run on the Blue/White Golf Course.  Elsewhere, the Nittany Lions will welcome out of region foes Kentucky, George Mason, Marist, and Binghamton, along with in-state rivals La Salle, Bucknell, Duquesne and Pennsylvania.  So far this season, the Nittany Lions competed at the Spiked Shoe Invitational, UMES Cappy Anderson Invitational and Notre Dame Invitational, led by sophomore Vince McNally (Smoketown, Pa.) and freshman Danny Pawola (Naperville, Ill.).  Also looking for a top finish at the Penn State National is sophomore Kyle Dawson (Coatesville, Pa.).  Dawson placed fifth at the competition last year, and went on to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.   Women’s Race Preview The Penn State National has featured some of the top competition of the cross country season over the past decade and will not disappoint in 2009, as the field is set to include two-time defending National Invitational champions, and No. 3-ranked West Virginia.  Also slated to attend the event is Big Ten rival and No. 23 Michigan, as well as No. 25 Providence from the Northeast Region.  Individually, the race will likely feature three of the top five finishers from last year’s meet in Lion senior Bridget Franek (Hiram, Ohio), and Mountaineers Keri Bland and Clara Grandt.  Also set to race is 2008 NCAA Division II runner-up Neely Spence of Shippensburg.  The Nittany Lion women, entering the competition as 16th-ranked team in the country, had a banner performance at the Notre Dame Invitational, scoring victories over several perennial powerhouses, including then third-ranked Florida State. Franek led the charge with a seventh-place finish overall, while classmate Cheryl Spring turned in an impressive 13th-place effort.  The Lions have been on a roll throughout the fall, with Caitlin Lane (Greenwich, N.Y.), Spring, and Franek each earning Big Ten Runner of the Week accolades.   Competing Teams:   Men (USTFCCCA Ranking; Region, Rank) Akron Binghamton (Northeast, No. 9) Bucknell (Mid-Atlantic, No. 10) Cornell (Northeast, No. 7) Cortland State (D-III, No. 2) Duquesne (Mid-Atlantic, No. 11) East Carolina East Stroudsburg George Mason George Washington Georgetown (USTFCCCA No. 10; Mid-Atlantic, No. 1) Georgia State Indiana (Pa.) Kent State (Great Lakes, No. 10) Kentucky (Southeast, No. 8) La Salle (Mid-Atlantic, No. 5) Lehigh Lock Haven (D-II, No. 17) Marist (Northeast, No. 12) Mount St. Mary’s Penn State (Mid-Atlantic, No. 7) Pennsylvania (Mid-Atlantic, No. 9) Rider Slippery Rock St. Francis (Pa.) Yale (Northeast, No. 10)   Women (USTFCCCA Ranking; Region, Rank) Boston College (ORV; Northeast, No. 3) Bucknell (Mid-Atlantic, No. 9) Connecticut (Northeast; No. 10) Cornell (Northeast; No. 6) Cortland State (D-III, No. 35) Duquesne (Mid-Atlantic, No. 11) East Carolina East Stroudsburg George Washington (Mid-Atlantic, No. 12) Georgia State Indiana (Pa.) Kent State (Great Lakes, No. 14) Kentucky (Southeast, No. 6) La Salle (Mid-Atlantic, No. 10) Lehigh (Mid-Atlantic, No. 15) Lock Haven Michigan (USTFCCCA No. 23; Great Lakes, No. 1) Mount St. Mary’s Penn State (USTFCCCA No. 16; Mid-Atlantic, No. 4) Pennsylvania (Mid-Atlantic, No. 6) Providence (USTFCCCA No. 25; Northeast, No. 2) Rider Shippensburg (D-II, No. 6) Slippery Rock (D-II, No. 18) St. Francis (Pa.) Stony Brook (ORV; Northeast, No. 4) VCU West Virginia (USTFCCCA No. 3; Mid-Atlantic, No. 2) Yale   ORV – Others Receiving Votes in National Poll   Results: Full results and complete Nittany Lion recaps will be available at www.GoPSUsports.com at the conclusion of the races.  Results will also be posted at www.RunHigh.com. Ryan From Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1477-nationally-ranked-foes-to-penn-state-national-meet Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:55:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1476-isu-pre-national-invitational-race-assignments ISU Pre-National Invitational Sponsored by Brooks and the Terre Haute Visitor / Convention Bureau Saturday, October 17, 2009     RACE ASSIGNMENTS 11:00 am - Men Blue (35 Teams) Air Force, Alabama, Arizona, Auburn, Brown, Butler, Cal-Berkeley, Cal-Poly, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Illinois State, Indiana State, Iowa, IUPUI, Kansas, Loyola (MD), Marquette, Miami (OH), Michigan State, Montana, Montana State, NC State, Northern Arizona, Oregon, Toledo, Tulsa, UNC-Charlotte, Utah State, UTEP, Washington, Washington State, Western Kentucky, William & Mary   11:40 am - Men White (35 Teams) Arizona State, BYU, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Colorado, Colorado State, Columbia, Dartmouth, Dayton, Eastern Kentucky, Florida State, Illinois, Iona, Iowa State, Lamar, Liberty, Louisville, Loyola (IL), Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ohio University, Portland, South Alabama, Southern Illinois, Southern Utah, Stanford, UC-Davis, UCLA, UC-Santa Barbara   12:20 pm - Women Blue (37 Teams) Air Force, Arizona, Auburn, Butler, Central Michigan, Colorado, Dayton, Eastern Kentucky, Florida State, Georgetown, Harvard, Iona, Iowa, Iowa State, James Madison, Kansas State, Liberty, Louisville, Loyola (IL), Marquette, Miami (OH), Michigan State, Mississippi, Nebraska, NC State, Ohio University, Oregon, Oregon State, Rice, Southern Utah, Stanford, Toledo, Tulsa, UC-Davis, UTEP, Vanderbilt, Western Kentucky,   12:55 pm - Women White (37 Teams) Akron, Alabama, Arizona State, Baylor, Brown, Cal-Berkeley, Cincinnati, Colorado State, Columbia, Eastern Michigan, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Illinois State, Jacksonville, Kansas, Loyola (MD), Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Northern Arizona, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Princeton, Syracuse, Texas, UC-Santa Barbara, UNC-Charlotte, Utah State, Wake Forest, Washington, Washington State, Western Michigan, Wichita State, William & Mary   1:30 pm - Open Men (3 Teams +) Kansas State, Vanderbilt, Wichita State   2:10 pm - Open Women (3 Teams +) IUPUI, Lamar, Montana State   Ryan From Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1476-isu-pre-national-invitational-race-assignments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:17:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1469-reebok-racing-club-joins-the-flonetwork Reebok athletes have been hanging out and sharing their story on Flotrack since the beginning. With Reebok athletes representing all corners of the globe and walks of life, it only made sense for them to get them all in one place. Stay up to date with Kiwi Nick Willis, go kangaroo hunting with Steve Hooker, surfing with JAMO, and who could forget our times Kim Smith, Jorge Torres, Katie McGregor, Aries Merritt, or Nate Brannen. There are too many good folks to mention.   Besides athletes, Reebok sponsors some of the best events in running. From the dusty hills of Mt. SAC, to the Frosty Boston Indoor Games, Reebok is an active supporter of the best there is in running. While you are on the site check out some of Reebok's new gear which has undergone some serious changes. If you are interested in joining the FloNetwork, email us (flonetwork@flocasts.org)   Reebok Racing Club     FloNetwork Here is my personal favorite RRC video!   Visit ReebokRacingClub.org for more Videos Pat Hitchins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1469-reebok-racing-club-joins-the-flonetwork Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:32:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1464-dii-weekend-interview-with-mary-ballinger-review-oct9-oct10 Southern Indiana’s Mary Ballinger most recently won the GLVC/MIAA challenge and finished 14th at the Greater Louisville Invitational. She is an All American in cross country and the 2009 3,000 meter steeplechase champion. DII Review caught up with her after her win. DII Review : This is your senior year; you are coming back after finishing 10 last year at XC Nationals and winning the steeplechase outdoors last year.  What are your goals and how does this affect your goals for the season? Mary Ballinger: I have a few goals for this season. One would be for our team to qualify for nationals and place in the top 5. Individually, I want to have fun and enjoy my last college cross season and improve on my placing from last year. I would like to compete with the top girls for the title. Since winning nationals in the steeple, a few things have changed for me. I am very confident with my training and other parts of life now. Our Assistant coach Tristan Mannix has been very influential in that aspect. It also helped me realize that patience does payoff. A national title had been one of my goals for a long time and it was nice that it finally worked out!   DIIR: How do you gear up for the fall cross country season-what is your summer training like?MB: To gear up for cross country I did mostly base mileage this summer. It was a bit different because I wasn't working for once; I was traveling around the country, so I was always running somewhere new. I was in over 20 states so I got to explore the scenery and really got back to basics with my running. It was a truly enjoyable experience...I guess you could say I fell in love with running again. I stayed around 60 miles a week for most of the summer. I ran a great 10k at the end of July and really surprised myself for not having done any hard running yet.  My coach didn't have me doing any specific workouts until August. I just ran on feel. He has done a wonderful job at making sure I don't run myself into the ground with workouts and mileage. Longevity is key.     DIIR: What is a typical training cycle or week for you?MB: A typical training week would include an interval session (400s, 800s, or 1200s) or hills on Tuesday, Wednesdays are our medium long days, Friday/Saturday could be a long progressive tempo (usually 4 miles) or a race.  Sundays are always long runs. The rest of the days are easy runs. We incorporate a lot of drills and core work on certain days of the week. DIIR: Are you excited about your school hosting Nationals?MB: I am very excited that USI is hosting nationals, I think we all are. It is a tough course, but I think people really like it because it is scenic, muddy most of the time and not just a fast golf course. We run on some part of the course about every day. We did hill repeats last week on the main hills of the course. That is a great advantage for us. It is amusing to me that DI and DII nationals are less than 2 hours away from each other. That is pretty neat.   DIIR:Would you prefer to run steeplechase or cross country?MB: Both cross country and the steeplechase are two of my favorite things, so I would say that I love whichever one is in season at the time more.   DIIR:How do you transition from cross country into the track season?MB: The transition from cross country to track can be interesting because weather affects much of my running during that time of the year. I try to avoid the treadmill if at all possible, so I learned that slip on spikes for my running shoes are invaluable to me. My house is right on Lake Michigan so there is a lot of lake effect snow/ice/wind. I remember this run over Christmas break last year where it was like -20 some degrees and just ice everywhere. You couldn't really drive but I was out there on the road running with these spikes and layers of clothes just thinking how ridiculous it was. Thankfully it's not like that all the time.  For workouts, Coach Hillyard usually had me do a lot of short fartlek work. Tempo runs were in there weekly.   DIIR: How did you start steeplechasing?MB: The story of how I got into the steeplechase is kind of wierd. My freshman year I ran at a DI school and we were at Florida State for our first outdoor meet. My coach told me I was running the steeplechase the next day and I was excited, except for the fact that I had never seen it or knew what it was! I saw my first barrier that night and learned how to jump over one in the grass. I ran it the next day and fell twice in the water (last time I have fallen though) and to this day that is still the hardest race I have ever run. I finished it bloody and soaked, but I was hooked. The steeple is so much fun.   DIIR: Do you have any crazy steeplechase stories involving the barriers or waterpit?MB: Other than the above story I haven't had anything too crazy happen with the steeple, but I have a story from last cross country season. I was on an easy run with one of the boys on my team, David DeLong.  We were finishing up our run and ran past the baseball field.  David and I were busy talking about something and didn't hear the yells of "heads up" coming from the field. So I get pegged in the inside of my right thigh by this foul ball. It hit me so hard I fell to the ground screaming because of pain, but mostly of shock.  The ball hit hard. It would have been nice if it would of come through the air maybe a millisecond beforehand and hit the ground, but I am just glad it didn't hit bone, because it would've broken one of those pretty easily. I had a bruise for about a month that took up my entire thigh. It kind of ruined that week. It's funny to me now, but you could say that I am not exactly friends with that baseball player.   DIIR:What is the best piece of running advice anyone has ever given you?MB: The best advice always comes from my mom. She has driven to so many of my meets and always tells me to "have fun." She's been telling me that since 6th grade. It's a good reminder to simply run the race, enjoy it and not think too much beyond that.  Conference is less than two weeks away and marks the start of post-season racing.  This past weekend, many teams raced their last race of their regular season to test their strength and see if they can improve their weaknesses in time for the conference championships. This week, I have decided to structure the DII Review a little differently and I am taking a page out of David Williams’ book who writes the DI weekly round-up. I am going to take the top ten teams on both the men’s and women’s side based on the rankings the week before and see how they perform the weekend after. As usual, I like thoughtful critique, so suggestions are welcomed just leave a comment. Please tell me if this new format works for you. Men’s teams (Rankings as of October 7, 2009) 1.      (1)  Adams StateWeekend performance: Did not raceAnalysis: After a strong race two weekends ago, finishing third at the Cowboy Jamboree, Adams State is off until the RMAC championships. 2.      (2)  Western StateWeekend performance: Did not raceAnalysis: Western State finished fifth at the Cowboy Jamboree two weekends ago and will race again at the RMAC championships 3.      (4) Chico StateWeekend performance: Chico sent a team of their usual non-scorers to the San Francisco State Invitational. This team finished fourth overall with 108 points behind Alaska Anchorage (52), Western Oregon (56) and Humbolt State (58)Analysis:  Chico showed that they had depth by racing a five man squad. They showed plenty of strength winning the Williamette Invite two weekends ago. They will race again at CCAA championships. 4.      (3) Grand Valley StateWeekend performance:  Grand Valley(55 points) finished second at the Michigan Intercollegiates behind Michigan (32 points).  Analysis: Sophomore Tyler Emmorey had a very strong race finishing second and covering the 8k course in 25:09. Grand Valley is the favorite heading into GLIAC Championships were they will be racing next. 5.      (5) QueensWeekend performance:  Did not race this weekend. Analysis: At the Greater Louisville Classic, Queen’s showed that their ranking was not a fluke, placing seventh among some great competition. Queens' next race will be October 16th at Appalachian State University for the Blue Ridge Open 6.      (6) Abilene ChristianWeekend performance: Abilene Christian raced at their home meet-Results have yet to be postedAnalysis: 7.      (7) Colorado School of the MinesWeekend performance: The team finished first at the Fort Haynes Tiger Open with 21 points. Ben Zywicki finished second with the time of 24:18.45Analysis:  CSM have yet to lose a meet this year but this will most likely come to an end when they race at the RMAC championships against Western and Adams State. 8.      (8)  Western WashingtonWeekend performance: Western Washington won their home meet with 23 point at this low key meet. Jordan Welling won the 10k race in 31:41.Analysis:  Western Washington place well two weekends ago at the Sundodger Invite coming in second with 84 points and defeated Alaska Anchorage. They appear to be the favorites for GNAC Championships. 9.      (9)  StonehillWeekend performance: Stonehill (235 points) took 5th at the New England Championships. 12 ranked UMass-Lowell took the team title with 93 points that will surely move them up this week’s poll.Analysis: Stonehill had a very good performance at Pre-Nats earlier this season but seemed to have faltered this week against UMass-Lowell. Their next race will be at their conference championships. 10.  (11)  Southern IndianaWeekend performance: Southern Indiana took fourth place at the GLVC-MIAA challenge resting sixth of their top eight runners. Missouri Southern took the top spot with 53 points.Analysis: After two successful weeks of racing placing second at Pre Nationals and 11th at the Greater Louisville classic, Southern Indiana took this week to have their top runners fully rested for GLVC championships. Other Notes: Harding’s Daniel Kirwa won his home meet covering the 8k course in 26:24.17 with little competition.   Women’s team 1.      (3) Chico StateWeekend performance: Chico sent a team absent of their top ten runners to the San Francisco State Invitational. The Wildcats finished second with 81 points behind Alaska Anchorage who perfect scored to win the meet with 15 points.Analysis:  Chico was smart resting their top ten runners and only showed their depth by racing the rest of the squad. If they had race their top runners it surely would have been a closer race for the team title against Alaska Anchorage.    2.      (2) Grand Valley StateWeekend performance: Grand Valley took home a first-place finish at the Michigan Intercollegiates with 16 points.Analysis: Megan Maceranti won the individual title with a time of 17:58 over the 5k course. Grand Valley is looking to be a very strong squad though not racing anyone of any significance this past weekend. They will be racing next at the GLIAC championships. 3.      (7) Missouri Southern StateWeekend performance: Missouri Southern State placed first with 23 points at the GLVC-MIAA challenge over Southern Indiana (50 points) and Truman State (68 points). Senior Kimi Shank was second in 17:42.1 behind Southern Indiana’s Mary Ballenger (17:33.3) in the 5k race.Analysis: Missouri Southern keeps running well after placing 5th at the Cowboy Jamboree two weeks ago and place higher to Adams State. They will race next at the MIAA championships. 4.      (1) Adams StateWeekend performance: Did not raceAnalysis: They dropped out of the top spot last week after finishing sixth at the Cowboy Jamboree behind Missouri Southern State. Adams State’s next race will be the RMAC championships. 5.      (5) Alaska AnchorageWeekend performance: Alaska Anchorage perfect scored at the San Francisco State Invitational against a second string Chico State team.Analysis: Alaska Anchorage showed that they are ready to make a run for the GLIAC conference title but will have to compete against a full strength Chico State team. 6.      (4) ShippensburgWeekend performance: Did not race this week. Analysis: Their number one, Neely Spence won the Paul Short Invite last week but the team only finished 23rd.  They will compete next at the Gettysburg Invite. 7.      (8) Western WashingtonWeekend performance: They won the collegiate title with 39 points at their home meet. Sarah Porter won the 6k race in 21:10. Analysis: Earlier in the season, Western Washington defeated Seattle Pacific who placed 5th last year at DII Nationals at the Sundodger Invitational. 8.      (9) TampaWeekend performance: Tampa took third at the FSU Invite with 76 points behind Stephen F. Austin (40 points)  and Florida State “b” ( 50 points)Analysis: Tampa has not place lower then 3rd at any meet this season. They took top honors at Pre Nationals. They will next compete at the Sunshine Conference Championships. 9.      (10) Augustana (South Dakota)Weekend performance: Augustana placed second at the Central Pre-Regional meet behind University of Mary with 57 points.Analysis: Augustana has had a very solid season placing third at the Roy Griak Invitational and second at the Willamette Invitational. They will next compete at the NSIC championships. 10.  (15) Mesa State Weekend performance:  Did not compete as a team.Analysis: Mesa State has been silently rising through the ranks by taking first at Western State open and then coming in as the first non-DI team at the Rocky Mountain Shoot-out. They will compete next at the RMAC Championships. Other Notes: Seattle Pacific’s Jessica Pixler and Jane Larson ran to a 1-2 finish at the San Francisco State Invitational. Pixler covered the 6k course in 20:36. Cara Hawkins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1464-dii-weekend-interview-with-mary-ballinger-review-oct9-oct10 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:21:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1465-royal-victoria-marathon <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:0 2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Times;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -->   <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:0 2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> © Copyright – Christopher Kelsall - 2009   Royal Victoria Marathon Course Record set in the Half Marathon            (Victoria, BC – Sunday October 11, 2009) Brilliant sunny skies and a windless morning greeted athletes taking in today’s 30th Annual Royal Victoria Marathon – a record for the event in its anniversary year.   A new course record of 1:15:39 was set in the Women’s Half Marathon by 41-year-old master, Marilyn Arsenault. Marilyn from Victoria, British Columbia is coached by 3 time Olympian Jon Brown – who also won the Men's Half Marathon in a time of 64:57.   Consecutive three-time Marathon winner Steve Osaduik finished second overall. Langley-based Osaduik – the course record holder from 2006 with a 2:16:49 had competition this year from Kenyan, Hillary Cheruiyot. Osaduik ran a strong second half, but wasn’t able to catch the eventual winner Cheruiyot, after running patiently and as far back as 5th position past the half-way point of the race. Cheruiyot won in 2:19:26. Osaduik’s time was 2:22:42, and third place went to Kenyan, Lameth Mosoti in 2:24:43. *See the video.   From the early stages of the marathon four Kenyans, strung out the field, running their individual races with 3rd place finisher Lameth Mosoti in the lead for most of the race. It was at the 20 mile mark where Cheruiyot, previously out of the picture, appeared and hunted Mosoti down within the following kilometre - coming from 30 seconds back to pass Mosoti over a 5-block-stretch. Cheruiyot then took the lead for good. The half-way splt for Lameth was 66:42 and 68:01 for Cheruiyot, Osaduik ran the first half in 70:43.   The much anticipated women’s marathon race was won by the 2008 winner Victoria’s Cheryl Murphy in 2:44:01. She put in a strong performance but couldn’t catch the 20-year course record of 2:42:32. Katherine Moore of Vancouver, also coached by Jon Brown took second, bettering her third place finish last year, in 2:47:29. Three-time Royal Victoria Marathon winner Suzanne Evans from New Westminster, British Columbia finished third in 2:48:20. Murphy also captured the Master's title, while Danny Gonzalez from Lake Oswego, Oregon, won the men’s Masters title in 2:33:45.   The Half Marathon saw Lucy Smith’s 2007 women’s course record broken by Victoria’s Marilyn Arsenault in a time of 1:15:39. The 41-year-old opera singer, who also won the Masters title, dominated the race coming in six minutes ahead of last year’s winner Lindsay McLaren from Calgary. McLaren finished in 1:21:59, and Vancouver’s Stephanie Hamilton came third in 1:22:06. For being the top Canadian and breaking the course record Arsenault was awarded a $1,000 bonus in addition to her first place award of $1,000.   It was a one-two-three win for Victoria’s athletes in the men’s race , after Brown, second was Jim Finlayson in 1:07:57, and third was Kristopher Swanson, yet another Brown-coached athlete in 1:09:11. Master men’s winner was Norm Tinkham in 1:11:53.  Brown owns the current half marathon course record with his 62:32.   In the 8K Road Race, Matt Clout, from Victoria came first in 24:52. Coached by Jon Brown, this was an excellent result for Clout who came third in the British Columbia, 5k Road Race Championships in June this year. University of Victoria varsity athlete Logan Burke finished second in 25:28, and Michael MacDiarmada from Dublin came third in 25:58.   The top Masters winner was Kevin McGinnis from Ravensdale, WA who finished in 27:04. Rachel Ruus from Richmond won the women’s race in 28:32, Amy Schneeberg from Vancouver was second in 28:55 and Meghan McCollum, also from Vancouver was third in 29:24. The women’s Masters was won by Nancy Tinari from Coquitlam, BC in 31:23.   For full results from the 30th Royal Victoria Marathon go to: http://www.raceheadquarters.com Photo Credit: Tony Awesome         Contact Chris: chriskelsall@flocasts.org   Christopher Kelsall http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1465-royal-victoria-marathon Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1462-team-usa-set-for-world-half-marathon-championships INDIANAPOLIS - 2008 Olympians Dathan Ritzenhein (Portland, Ore.) and Amy Yoder Begley (Portland, Ore.) will lead a strong U.S. contingent at the 18th IAAF World Half Marathon Championships Sunday, in Birmingham, UK.    The men's team will also include recent USA 20 km champion Brett Gotcher (Flagstaff, Ariz.).  Ritzenhein and Gotcher will team with Andrew Carlson (Flagstaff, Ariz.); Scott Bauhs (Chico, Calif.), and James Carney (Boulder, Colo.).   Joining on the women's team withBegley will be Serena Burla (Baldwin, Mo.), Amy Hastings (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.),Elva Dryer (Gunnison, Colo.), and Heidi Westerling (Acworth, N.H.), who replaces Desiree Davila (Rochester Hills, Mich.).   The IAAF World Half Marathon Championships will air on Universalsports.com on Sunday at 4:00 a.m. ET. A total of 47 IAAF Member Federations are set to compete this coming weekend, the highest number since 2004.  A total of $245,000 will be offered in prize money, with $30,000 going to the individual champions and $15,000 to the respective men's and women's team champions.  The top finish for a U.S. team at this event came last year in Rio de Janeiro where the Team USA women finished fourth.  The best team finish for a U.S. men's team was sixth in both 2005 and 2006.   For more information on Team USA at the 2009 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, visit www.usatf.org.   USATF Press http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1462-team-usa-set-for-world-half-marathon-championships Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:45:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1461-four-days-left-in-the-jesse-owens-award-fan-vote INDIANAPOLIS - There are only four days left for track and field fans to help select the 2009 Jesse Owens Athlete of the Year, presented by Nike. The honors going to the sport's top athletes of the year is selected by a vote of the media; this year, an online fan ballot will account for 10 percent of the vote.  Cast your vote by 3 p.m. Eastern Time on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13. BE SURE TO CHOOSE ONE MALE AND ONE FEMALE WINNER. Thousands have cast their vote thus far. The nominees for the 2009 Jesse Owens Awards are: Men - Christian Cantwell, Kerron Clement, Tyson Gay, Trey Hardee, Bernard Lagat, LaShawn Merritt and Dwight Phillips.  Women - Jenny Barringer, Allyson Felix, Carmelita Jeter, Brittney Reese and Sanya Richards. Be sure to go to http://www.usatf.org/promotions/JesseOwensAwardVote/index.asp and cast your vote! This year's awards will be presented December 5 at the Jesse Owens Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held in conjunction with USA Track & Field's 2009 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, December 2-6.  The Jesse Owens Award was established in 1981 as a tribute to the man whose accomplishments are forever enshrined in sports history. It is USA Track & Field's highest accolade, and is presented annually to the individuals selected through a nominating and voting procedure as the outstanding American performers of the year in Athletics.  PRIZES:  Two lucky fans who participate in the voting will be chosen at random to receive the ultimate apparel gift package, including autographed gear. Four more fans chosen at random receive USA Track & Field/Nike merchandise. Read the official rules of the contest. For more information on the candidates and to vote for your favorite, visit http://www.usatf.org/promotions/JesseOwensAwardVote/index.asp.  USATF Press http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1461-four-days-left-in-the-jesse-owens-award-fan-vote Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:45:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1456-lara-crofford-kwik-e <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Nebraska junior Lara Crofford opened up her 2009 cross country season with a victory at the Nebraska Woody Greeno Invitational on September 19. Crofford placed 45th at last years NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships, covering the 6,000-meter course in 20 minutes, 45.4 seconds. With another year of training under her belt and a quick outdoor season, we'll see how well Crofford and her Husker teammates can do this year. She provided her answers to Flotrack via email. How did you spend most of your time this summer?It was a relaxing summer for the most part. I spent the first couple weeks in Lincoln. I was going to take a summer course but didn’t after I was going to miss a whole week for nationals. Then I went back to Pennsylvania for the rest of it. We have llamas, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks, chickens, and turkeys. So, I spent a lot of my days helping out on our small farm. I also ran with friends from my club team in high school. It’s really nice having them so close by. I also worked at cross country camp for a week at Shippensburg University, which is about a fifteen minute drive from my house. That was a lot of fun! Can you explain how your running went this summer? Any fun, local races or anything like that? It was a really different summer with an increase in mileage. It got tiring at times, but you always know you are there for a reason. Overall, I ran base mileage with a couple of local races here and there. I did a five-miler, a couple 5ks and the Harrisburg Mile. The mile was a change of pace, especially for the middle of the summer, but it was fun running a fast race. After coming into the 2009 cross country season, how's your team shaping up and what are your team goals? We are really excited for this season. The team is shaping up very well. The workouts are going well. The conference is going to be tough this year. We finished third last year, so it would be great to equal or better that performance. We hope to be running well at Regionals, so we can make a repeat showing at NCAAs, and better our top-25 finish. It would be the first time in 10 years to make back-to-back trips for our school.What about your individual goals? Mainly just improving from year to year is a big goal. I hope to lead the team to another national appearance. I was really close to All-American last year, so getting that this year would be great. Also, I would like to finish high in the conference and region. I have also been trying to develop my speed. Who are some runners around the league that you like to "key" off of OR do you not do that sort of thing? The Big 12 has a lot of amazing runners. I don’t base my performance on any certain individuals, but there are many runners that I respect: Sally Kipyego, Lisa Koll and Jenny Barringer are all accomplished runners in the league, and I would hope to someday reach their level. How is the team chemistry at Nebraska? This year our team is closer than ever, in part because there are only nine of us. This makes it easier to do things together, so we are pretty tight-knit. Almost the whole team lives in this apartment complex just north of campus, so we spend a lot of time together outside of running as well. We also are very close with the guys’ team, so it’s more like one big team, rather than two separate. Do you frequent the football games and is it pretty wild?Yeah, I try to make it to all the home games on the weekends when I’m actually in Lincoln and not racing. The games are always wild. When it comes to football, there is no place like Nebraska! Just getting into the stadium takes a while. It’s amazing though, especially seeing the Sea of Red from the 80,000+ fans at every game. The last game was the 300th consecutive sellout!Why did you choose Nebraska in the first place, being from PA? It was a tough decision when it came to choosing a college. In the end it came down to Nebraska and Penn State. Ultimately, I wanted to expand my horizons and go somewhere a bit out of my comfort zone and away from home. After visiting, I loved everything Nebraska had to offer; the support, both academically and athletically, as well as the facilities, really impressed me. I also really liked the team. At the time when I visited I was really quiet, so it may not have seemed that way to them. But I’m always really quiet until I get to know people, then I’m a totally different person. Can you explain a typical week of training for you? Mileage/Workouts and such? We usually run on a two-week cycle, generally with two workouts a week; one is usually interval-based, and the other a lactate threshold workout. We have a medium-long run in the middle of the week, and a long run on the weekends. The rest of the days are easy runs which include drills and some core work. On the weeks that we have meets, we only do one workout and have our long run on Sunday. My typical weekly mileage ranges from 70-75 miles/week. I also lift twice a week. What's the hardest workout you've ever done? I’ve had many tough workouts over the years, but if I would have to choose just one it would be one from this season. It was a four by mile workout. On paper it didn’t look so bad, but the conditions and location proved otherwise. We were dropped off on gravel roads for the warmup. When we reached the vans where coach was, there was a long stretch of hilly, muddy roads (it had just rained prior to the workout by the way). We ran our repeats on this road back and forth, slipping and sliding the entire time, all while climbing up hills with shoes completely caked with mud. If you could have one meal, prepared by anyone, what would you have and who would make it? It would definitely have to be something my mom makes. She’s a really good cook. Two of my favorite things she makes are chicken stir-fry and a curry dish, both over brown rice. Can you give me a crazy running-related story? My craziest running-related story happened to me in high school actually. It was a home cross country meet. The course was between the middle school and high school. I was a mile into the 5k race and I was running down this hill towards the middle school. During this part of the race, I had to cross a stretch of road that exits the middle school. There was a car stopped at an intersection watching the runners go by. Right as I was crossing the road, the lady parked at the intersection decides to pull out right as I am running by. She hits me, I land on the hood, and do a little flip. It took me about a minute to realize what happened. I decide to keep running, and it was slightly painful for the next five minutes, but then I just forgot about it. I ended up winning the race and setting the course record. Afterwards, I couldn’t run for a couple days, but needless to say, they have crossing guards now.   Tony Casey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1456-lara-crofford-kwik-e Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1458-ncaa-d1-womens-weekly-roundup-week-2 <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> 1. (-) Washington   Weekend Performance- Washington picked up right where they left off in 2008. The Huskies dominated the Notre Dame Invitational this weekend by taking spots 1-4 overall while finishing with an impressive 33 points.   Analysis- Expect Washington to stay ranked #1 throughout the season unless there is a major shake up at Pre-Nationals or West Regionals. Washington is clearly the team to beat in the NCAA right now.   2. (5) Villanova   Weekend Performance- There was no indication of jet lag for the women of Villanova as they dominated the field out west at Dellinger on Friday. The Wildcats had all five scorers in the top ten. Nova’s dominance was evident in the fact that even their 6th runner who was 20th could’ve replaced their 5th and still won.   Analysis- If Villanova continues to run this well they are going to be a force to reckon with at Nationals. The Wildcat’s will be hungry for a podium spot in ’09.   3. (4) West Virginia   Weekend Performance- The Mountaineers easily won the Paul Short Invitational on Saturday.   Analysis- West Virginia moved up in the rankings due to the fact that Oregon dropped down, otherwise they would most likely stay at #3 due to a lack of ranked teams at Paul Short.   4. (2) Oregon   Weekend Performance- Oregon struggled this weekend at their home Invite placing second behind Villanova. It wasn’t a terrible day for the Ducks who scored 41 points, but Villanova put five runners in the top ten. Nicole Blood had a rare off day finishing 15th, but freshman Jordan Hasay looked good in her college debut placing 6th.   Analysis- Oregon shouldn’t be too worried this early in the season. I’m sure they will still finish in the top 3 at NCAA’s, and this defeat may just give them some more motivation.   5. (6) Princeton   Weekend Performance- Princeton also had an impressive showing at the Notre Dame Invitational.  The Tigers placed 2nd overall and joined Washington as the only other team to score under 100 points (68). Junior Liz Costello led the team with a 5th place finish.   Analysis- The Mid-Atlantic region looks tough this year on the women’s side with 3 teams ranked in the top 5 nationally. Princeton looks like they are ready to battle for the #1 spot in that region with West Virginia and Villanova.   6. (7) Stanford            Weekend Performance- Did not race.               Analysis- Stanford’s next meet will be Pre-Nationals on the 17th.   7. (8) Iowa State            Weekend Performance- Did not race.               Analysis- Iowa State’s next meet will be Pre-Nationals on the 17th.   8. (9) Minnesota            Weekend Performance- Did not race               Analysis- Minnesota will race next at Pre-Nationals on the 17th.   9. (15) Florida   Weekend Performance- The Gators made a huge jump in the rankings by finishing 3rd at Notre Dame. Juniors Stacey Johnson and Charlotte Browning led the charge by finishing 6th and 9th.   Analysis- It looks like Florida is the top team in the South as of this week due to Florida State’s disappointing 7th place finish.   10. (19) Virginia   Weekend Performance- Virginia moved up nine spots after a thrilling one point victory over (11) Georgetown at The George Mason invitational on Saturday.               Analysis- UVA and Duke look like the class of the Southeast region this year.              David Williams http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1458-ncaa-d1-womens-weekly-roundup-week-2 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:08:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1452-ncaa-di-mens-weekly-roundup-week-2 Well another weekend of races has concluded, which resulted in a lot of movement in this week's rankings. Most of the top teams last weekend either ran at Dellinger, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Oklahoma State, or Paul Short. It wasn't a good weekend for Oklahoma State or Oregon, but teams like Washington, BYU, and Alabama made big jumps. Let's get on with the rankings! <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph {margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:1436560410; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:-1452375042 486447370 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:16.0pt;} @list l1 {mso-list-id:1990012551; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:-1801444312 -2019766522 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l1:level1 {mso-level-start-at:4; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:16.0pt;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> 1.   (3) Stanford   Weekend Performance- Did not race.   Analysis- Clearly the voters liked what they saw two weeks ago at the Stanford Invitational. However, Stanford hasn’t really beaten anyone of significant importance yet unless you include an unranked Cal ‘B’ team. Stanford is a great team and I’m sure will be one of the top teams at NCAA’s this year, but I think a team should have to earn a #1 ranking.   2.   (5) Northern Arizona   Weekend Performance- NAU was perhaps the most underrated team coming into NCAA’s this year. Sure they are a consistent top-10 team, but other than David McNeill and Diego Estrada, it is easy to overlook NAU. The Lumberjacks dispelled all of those myths this weekend by winning the Oklahoma State Jamboree without #1 runner David McNeill. NAU’s top finisher was actually junior college transfer Jordan Chipangama who won the race in 23:44.   Analysis- I believe NAU deserved to be ranked #1 this week after beating then #2 Ok. State, William & Mary, and DII Adams State. NAU had to work for this ranking, and despite not having their top runner showed up big time at the Jamboree. With the addition of Chipangama, NAU looks to be an early podium pick at NCAA’s.   3.   (9) Alabama   Weekend Performance- The Crimson Tide sure put on a show out west Friday at the Dellinger Invitational. The Tide finished 1-2 in route to an 18-point victory over #1 Oregon. Alabama sat out their #2 runner Emmanuel Bor but still easily handled the Ducks.   Analysis- Alabama looks good early on and proved they can compete with the best of the best. However, I’m not completely sold on Alabama. They finished 10th last year after going into NCAA’s ranked #5 so I would like to see if they can keep it up for another month. It will be interesting to see how they do against another quality field at Pre Nationals in two weeks.   4.   (6) Colorado   Weekend Performance- The Buffaloes, lead by senior Kenyon Neuman, easily won the Rocky Mountain Shootout on Saturday.   Analysis- I am assuming Colorado moved up in the rankings this week just because Oregon and Oklahoma State moved down. I figured Oregon or BYU would be in this spot. CU ran well on Saturday, but what team wouldn’t when you’re racing Wyoming, Northern Colorado, and Air Force?   4.   (2) Oklahoma State   Weekend Performance- The Cowboys had a rough showing at their home meet Saturday, losing to NAU, William & Mary, and DII Adams State. Coach Dave smith apparently thought the Cowboys would easily win the meet even without their top two, Vail and Fernandez.   Analysis- Sure this isn’t where Oklahoma State wanted to be in the rankings, but 7 weeks from now when it really matters, they’ll be fine. Assuming Vail and Fernandez finished anywhere in the top 10, the Cowboys would have easily won the Jamboree. I’m sure it was a better idea to rest those guys at this point in the season.   6.  (12) BYU   Weekend Performance- The Cougars ran very well at the Dellinger Invitational while taking down Oregon and Portland for a second place finish. Sophomore Miles Batty looked strong finishing third overall as BYU’s 2-5 runners were split up by only 11 seconds.   Analysis- BYU was able to jump six spots in the rankings after this weekend. It seemed as though they were at full strength, but this team looks like it has a lot of upside as three of the top five runners were sophomores. The Cougars should easily breeze through the Mountain Region en route to nationals, so they don’t have much to prove at Pre-Nationals.   7.  (1) Oregon   Weekend Performance- The Ducks had a chance to win their third straight Dellinger Invitational on Friday but fell short losing to Alabama, BYU, and beating Portland by just two points. Oregon had a rare off day as Luke Puskedra faded over the last mile to finish in 11th, while A.J. Acosta and Diego Mercado were 23rd and 25th.   Analysis- With the loss of Galen Rupp and Shadrack Kiptoo, some drop off for the Ducks was expected this year, but no one would have called them getting third at Dellinger. Although the Ducks look vulnerable right now, they shouldn’t be counted out. They’re such a deep and talented team that’s always ready to roll once nationals comes around. That being said, we may see Oregon at the Pre-Nationals this year just to pick up some points for insurance purposes.   8.  (-) Portland   Weekend Performance- The Portland Pilots finished in a heartbreaking fourth place at Dellinger just two points behind Oregon. Although the Pilots lost to their neighbors to the south, the performance was quite good considering the circumstances. All American Alfred Kipchumba lead the race early on, only to fall twice in the final mile, which dropped him back to 6th. Portland’s two other returners from NCAA’s last year also didn’t have great races, Tommy Betterbed (20th) and Matt Frerker (51st). Luckily the true freshman Joash Osoro (9th) and Trevor Dunbar (10th) ran great well.   Analysis- The Pilots should be pleased with where they’re at right now. Kipchumba is one of the top returners in the country this year, while Betterbed and Frerker are both reliable when nationals roll around. If Osoro and Dunbar continue to improve, Portland may see their best ever finish in school history this year.   9.  (13)William & Mary   Weekend Performance- Tiny but mighty William & Mary shocked a lot of people this week with their great run at the Jamboree. The Tribe had five runners in the top 20 and only lost to NAU by 7 points 52-59.   Analysis- William & Mary, like BYU shouldn’t have much trouble at regionals except with UVA or NC State, so expect them to run well at Pre-Nationals, but other than that they will be resting up for the Big Dance.   10. (-) Georgetown   Weekend Performance- Andrew Bumbalough lead the Hoyas to a 2nd place finish at the Wisconsin Adidas Invitational Saturday. Georgetown finished behind Big East rival Syracuse.   Analysis- Georgetown as probably thrilled with beating Wisconsin on their home course but not too pleased with losing to Syracuse. The Hoyas will be at Penn State instead of Pre-Nationals so they are unlikely to race against the top teams again until regionals.   Notes- Teams are listed in accordance with their rankings ccording to the USATFCCA Poll. The number directly to the left of the team is the previous week's ranking for that team. I did not include "Next Weekend" section because most of these teams will rest this week.   <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph {margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:1436560410; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:-1452375042 486447370 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:16.0pt;} @list l1 {mso-list-id:1990012551; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:-1801444312 -2019766522 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l1:level1 {mso-level-start-at:4; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:16.0pt;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} -->       David Williams http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1452-ncaa-di-mens-weekly-roundup-week-2 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:31:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1450-2009-kolas-calculator-installment-1-of-4-men Nationals Qualifiers by Round QUALIFIER #1 is PROVIDENCE (#1 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is GEORGETOWN (#1 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is WILLIAM AND MARY (#1 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is WISONSIN (#1 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is OK STATE (#1 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is ARKANSAS (#1 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is NORTHERN ARIZONA (#1 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is STANFORD (#1 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is ALABAMA (#1 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is SYRACUSE (#2 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is VILLANOVA (#2 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is VIRGINIA (#2 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is INDIANA (#2 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is IOWA STATE (#2 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is TEXAS AM (#2 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is COLORADO (#2 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is OREGON (#2 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is FLORIDA STATE (#2 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #19 is BYU (#3 Mtn) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: OREGON (BILL DELLINGER) VILLANOVA (BILL DELLINGER) QUALIFIER #19 is PORTLAND (#3 West) (*Pushed in by WASHINGTON) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: VILLANOVA (BILL DELLINGER) QUALIFIER #19 is WASHINGTON (#4 West) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #22 is NEW MEXICO (#4 Mtn) (Entered on 1 wins) *NEW MEXICO wins head-to-head against BUTLER *NEW MEXICO wins head-to-head against ARIZONA STATE Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #23 is BUTLER (#3 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 1 wins) *BUTLER wins head-to-head against ARIZONA STATE Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #24 is ARIZONA STATE (#5 West) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #25 is IONA (#3 NE) (Entered on 0 wins) *IONA wins head-to-head against COLUMBIA *IONA wins head-to-head against PRINCETON *IONA wins head-to-head against NAVY *IONA wins head-to-head against NC STATE *IONA wins head-to-head against DUKE *IONA wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *IONA wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *IONA wins head-to-head against TULSA *IONA wins head-to-head against LAMAR *IONA wins head-to-head against TEXAS *IONA wins head-to-head against UTEP *IONA wins head-to-head against COLORADO STATE *IONA wins head-to-head against TENNESSEE *IONA wins head-to-head against SOUTH ALABAMA Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #25 is TULSA (#3 Mid-W) (*Pushed in by OKLAHOMA) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #25 is OKLAHOMA (#4 Mid-W) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #25 is CAL POLY (#6 West) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #29 is NC STATE (#3 SE) (Entered on 0 wins) *NC STATE wins head-to-head against COLUMBIA *NC STATE wins head-to-head against DARTMOUTH *NC STATE wins head-to-head against PRINCETON *NC STATE wins head-to-head against NAVY *NC STATE wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *NC STATE wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *NC STATE wins head-to-head against MINNESOTA *NC STATE wins head-to-head against LAMAR *NC STATE wins head-to-head against TEXAS *NC STATE wins head-to-head against UTEP *NC STATE wins head-to-head against COLORADO STATE *NC STATE wins head-to-head against UCLA *NC STATE wins head-to-head against TENNESSEE *NC STATE wins head-to-head against SOUTH ALABAMA Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #30 is DUKE (#4 SE) (Entered on 0 wins) *DUKE wins head-to-head against COLUMBIA *DUKE wins head-to-head against DARTMOUTH *DUKE wins head-to-head against PRINCETON *DUKE wins head-to-head against NAVY *DUKE wins head-to-head against VIRGINIA TECH *DUKE wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *DUKE wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *DUKE wins head-to-head against MINNESOTA *DUKE wins head-to-head against LAMAR *DUKE wins head-to-head against TEXAS *DUKE wins head-to-head against UTEP *DUKE wins head-to-head against COLORADO STATE *DUKE wins head-to-head against UCLA *DUKE wins head-to-head against TENNESSEE *DUKE wins head-to-head against SOUTH ALABAMA Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #31 is PRINCETON (#3 Md-At) (Entered on 0 wins) *PRINCETON wins head-to-head against COLUMBIA *PRINCETON wins head-to-head against VIRGINIA TECH *PRINCETON wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *PRINCETON wins head-to-head against MINNESOTA *PRINCETON wins head-to-head against UTEP *PRINCETON wins head-to-head against UCLA *PRINCETON wins head-to-head against TENNESSEE Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #31 is LAMAR (#3 S-Cen) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #33 is NAVY (#4 Md-At) (Entered on 0 wins) *NAVY wins head-to-head against COLUMBIA *NAVY wins head-to-head against DARTMOUTH *NAVY wins head-to-head against LA SALLE *NAVY wins head-to-head against VIRGINIA TECH *NAVY wins head-to-head against LOUISVILLE *NAVY wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *NAVY wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *NAVY wins head-to-head against MINNESOTA *NAVY wins head-to-head against TEXAS *NAVY wins head-to-head against STEPHEN F AUSTIN *NAVY wins head-to-head against UTEP *NAVY wins head-to-head against COLORADO STATE *NAVY wins head-to-head against UCLA *NAVY wins head-to-head against TENNESSEE *NAVY wins head-to-head against SOUTH ALABAMA Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #34 is MINNESOTA (#5 Mid-W) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #35 is SOUTHERN ILLIONIS (#6 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: PRINCETON (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #36 is IOWA (#7 Mid-W) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: TEXAS AM (WISCONSIN INVITE) LAMAR (WISCONSIN INVITE) QUALIFIER #37 is ILLIONIS (#8 Mid-W) (Entered on 2 wins) Wins against qualified listed: TEXAS AM (WISCONSIN INVITE) LAMAR (WISCONSIN INVITE) QUALIFIER #38 is COLUMBIA (#4 NE) (*Pushed in by DARTMOUTH) (Entered on 0 wins) *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against COLUMBIA *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against LA SALLE *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against ST JOES *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against VIRGINIA TECH *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against LOUISVILLE *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against KANSAS *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against TEXAS *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against STEPHEN F AUSTIN *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against UTEP *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against COLORADO STATE *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against UCLA *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against TENNESSEE *COLUMBIA wins head-to-head against SOUTH ALABAMA Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #38 is DARTMOUTH (#5 NE) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #40 is LA SALLE (#5 Md-At) (Entered on 0 wins) *LA SALLE wins head-to-head against HARVARD *LA SALLE wins head-to-head against ST JOES *LA SALLE wins head-to-head against VIRGINIA TECH *LA SALLE wins head-to-head against MICHIGAN *LA SALLE wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *LA SALLE wins head-to-head against TEXAS *LA SALLE wins head-to-head against STEPHEN F AUSTIN *LA SALLE wins head-to-head against COLORADO STATE *LA SALLE wins head-to-head against UCLA *LA SALLE wins head-to-head against TENNESSEE *LA SALLE wins head-to-head against SOUTH ALABAMA Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #40 is VIRGINIA TECH (#5 SE) (*Pushed in by LOUISVILLE) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #40 is LOUISVILLE (#6 SE) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #40 is KANSAS (#9 Mid-W) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #40 is UTEP (#5 Mtn) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #45 is COLORADO STATE (#6 Mtn) (*Pushed in by UTAH STATE) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #45 is UTAH STATE (#7 Mtn) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: PRINCETON (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #47 is AIR FORCE (#8 Mtn) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #48 is MICHIGAN (#4 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 0 wins) *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against HARVARD *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against ST JOES *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against PENN STATE *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against RICHMOND *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against NEBRASKA *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against TEXAS *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against STEPHEN F AUSTIN *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against MONTANA STATE *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against TENNESSEE *MICHIGAN wins head-to-head against SOUTH ALABAMA Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #48 is UCLA (#7 West) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #50 is OHIO STATE (#5 Gr-Lk) (*Pushed in by MICHIGAN STATE) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #50 is MICHIGAN STATE (#6 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS Ryan From Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1450-2009-kolas-calculator-installment-1-of-4-men Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:46:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1449-2009-kolas-calculator-installment-1-of-4-women Nationals Qualifiers by Round QUALIFIER #1 is SYRACUSE (#1 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is VILLANOVA (#1 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is VIRGINIA (#1 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is MICHIGAN (#1 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is IOWA STATE (#1 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is BAYLOR (#1 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is TEXAS TECH (#1 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is WASHINGTON (#1 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is FLORIDA STATE (#1 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is PROVIDENCE (#2 NE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is WEST VIRGINIA (#2 Md-At) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is DUKE (#2 SE) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is MICHIGAN STATE (#2 Gr-Lk) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is MINNESOTA (#2 Mid-W) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is SOUTHERN METHODIST (#2 S-Cen) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is COLORADO (#2 Mtn) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is OREGON (#2 West) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #1 is FLORIDA (#2 South) (PLACED TOP 2 AT REGIONALS) QUALIFIER #19 is GEORGETOWN (#3 Md-At) (*Pushed in by PRINCETON) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #19 is PRINCETON (#4 Md-At) (Entered on 4 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA (NOTRE DAME INVITE) FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) SOUTHERN METHODIST (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #21 is PENN STATE (#5 Md-At) (Entered on 3 wins) *PENN STATE wins head-to-head against ARIZONA STATE Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) SOUTHERN METHODIST (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #22 is STANFORD (#3 West) (*Pushed in by ARIZONA STATE) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #22 is ARIZONA STATE (#4 West) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) SOUTHERN METHODIST (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #24 is ILLIONIS (#3 Mid-W) (Entered on 1 wins) *ILLIONIS wins head-to-head against BYU Wins against qualified listed: MICHIGAN (WISCONSIN INVITE) QUALIFIER #25 is BYU (#3 Mtn) (Entered on 1 wins) Wins against qualified listed: MICHIGAN (WISCONSIN INVITE) QUALIFIER #26 is NORTHERN ARIZONA (#4 Mtn) (*Pushed in by NEW MEXICO) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #26 is NEW MEXICO (#5 Mtn) (Entered on 3 wins) Wins against qualified listed: FLORIDA STATE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) SOUTHERN METHODIST (NOTRE DAME INVITE) PROVIDENCE (NOTRE DAME INVITE) QUALIFIER #28 is NORTE DAME (#3 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 0 wins) *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against BOSTON COLLEGE *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against STONY BROOK *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against PENN *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against NC STATE *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against NORTH CAROLINA *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against TOLEDO *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against KANSAS *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against ARKANSAS *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against TEXAS *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against UTEP *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against ARIZONA *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against ALABAMA *NORTE DAME wins head-to-head against AUBURN Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #28 is IOWA (#4 Mid-W) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #30 is TOLEDO (#4 Gr-Lk) (*Pushed in by INDIANA) (Entered on 0 wins) *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against BOSTON COLLEGE *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against STONY BROOK *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against PENN *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against NC STATE *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against NORTH CAROLINA *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against TOLEDO *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against KANSAS *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against NEBRASKA *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against TEXAS *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against UTEP *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against ARIZONA *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against ALABAMA *TOLEDO wins head-to-head against AUBURN Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #30 is INDIANA (#5 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #30 is ARKANSAS (#3 S-Cen) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #33 is ARIZONA (#5 West) (Entered on 0 wins) *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against BOSTON COLLEGE *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against STONY BROOK *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against PENN *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against NC STATE *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against NORTH CAROLINA *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against KANSAS *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against NEBRASKA *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against TEXAS *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against RICE *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against UTEP *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against ALABAMA *ARIZONA wins head-to-head against AUBURN Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #34 is NC STATE (#3 SE) (*Pushed in by NORTH CAROLINA) (Entered on 0 wins) *NC STATE wins head-to-head against BOSTON COLLEGE *NC STATE wins head-to-head against STONY BROOK *NC STATE wins head-to-head against PENN *NC STATE wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *NC STATE wins head-to-head against TEXAS *NC STATE wins head-to-head against RICE *NC STATE wins head-to-head against UTEP *NC STATE wins head-to-head against CALIFORNIA *NC STATE wins head-to-head against ALABAMA *NC STATE wins head-to-head against AUBURN Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #34 is NORTH CAROLINA (#4 SE) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #34 is KANSAS (#5 Mid-W) (*Pushed in by NEBRASKA) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #34 is NEBRASKA (#6 Mid-W) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #38 is WILLIAM AND MARY (#5 SE) (Entered on 0 wins) *WILLIAM AND MARY wins head-to-head against BOSTON COLLEGE *WILLIAM AND MARY wins head-to-head against STONY BROOK *WILLIAM AND MARY wins head-to-head against PENN *WILLIAM AND MARY wins head-to-head against OHIO STATE *WILLIAM AND MARY wins head-to-head against KANSAS STATE *WILLIAM AND MARY wins head-to-head against TEXAS *WILLIAM AND MARY wins head-to-head against RICE *WILLIAM AND MARY wins head-to-head against UTEP *WILLIAM AND MARY wins head-to-head against CALIFORNIA *WILLIAM AND MARY wins head-to-head against ALABAMA *WILLIAM AND MARY wins head-to-head against AUBURN Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #39 is BOSTON COLLEGE (#3 NE) (*Pushed in by STONY BROOK) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #39 is STONY BROOK (#4 NE) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #39 is PENN (#6 Md-At) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #39 is KENTUCKY (#6 SE) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #39 is OHIO STATE (#6 Gr-Lk) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #39 is KANSAS STATE (#7 Mid-W) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #39 is TEXAS (#4 S-Cen) (*Pushed in by RICE) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #39 is RICE (#5 S-Cen) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #39 is UTEP (#6 Mtn) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #39 is CALIFORNIA (#6 West) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #39 is ALABAMA (#3 South) (*Pushed in by AUBURN) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS QUALIFIER #39 is AUBURN (#4 South) (Entered on 0 wins) Wins against qualified listed: NO WINS Ryan From Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1449-2009-kolas-calculator-installment-1-of-4-women Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:35:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1446-dii-weekend-review-oct2-oct4 Only three or so weeks remain till conference championships and this weekend many teams tested themselves against some quality DI competition. As usual, I have done my best to review some of the better races on both the men’s and women’s side but if I have missed anything let me know. If you have any ideas for future columns, people to interview etc., let me know. Brooks-Paul Short Run- Shippensburg’s Neely Spence won the gold race covering the 6k in 19:58. The team finished 23rd overall with 581 points. Meanwhile, in the brown race it was Edinboro’s Tina Yi who took top honors winning the race in 21:05. Kutztown’s Kristin Cupido was 5th in 21:38. Kutztown University took the team title with 111 points. Bloomsburg was second with 215 points. In the men's gold race there was numerous DII runners under 25:00 including; Edinboro's Ben Hahn (24:35) and Scott Anderson (24:54), Shippensburgs' Stephen Schelander (24:51) and Sean Stetler (24:56), Lockhaven's Nick Hilton (24:28) and Brandon Pomerantz (24:51), and Plattsburg's Mike Heymann (24:12). In the men’s brown race Bloomsburg’s Bobby Furman was fifth over the 8k course in 25:16. Wayne State won the team competition with 184 points followed by Adelphi (190). Colorado Rocky Mountain Shoot-out- Mesa State’s Alexis Skarda was eighth overall in the women’s 5.8k race clocking a time of 21:43. Metro State’s Danielle Kehoe was 12th in 21:59. Mesa State won the Non-Division 1 team competition with 33 points followed by Metro State (62) and Black Hills State (79). Metro State’s Brandon Johnson was the first DII finisher coming in 16th with a time of 26:30 over the 8k course. Metro was second in the Non-Division 1 competition with 37 points. Greater Louisville Cross Country Classic- Queens decided to test their legs against the DI competition. Crouch was able to finish fourth overall clocking a 23:55.14 over the 8k course. Two other DII runners broke the top 20; Queen's Oscar Ogwaro (24:27) and  Northern Kentucky's Drew Harris (24:34). Queen's finished seventh overall with 260 points. Southern Indiana was llth with 345 points. In the women's race, Southern Indiana's Mary Ballinger finished 14th overall in 17:45.80 over the 5k course. She was the only DII runner to break the top 20. Her team finished 10th with 295 points. Notre Dame Cross Country Invite- Grand Valley’s Megan Maceratini was second overall in the gold race covering the 5k course in 17:40. Grand Valley took the team title with 48 points. In the men’s gold race, Grand Valley’s Tyler Emmorey was third over the 8k course in 24:44.  The team finished second overall with 52 points. OSU Cowboy Jamboree- Adams State’s Vanessa Roy was fifth overall in 17:34.10 over the 5k course. Missouri Southern’s Kimi Shank was 13th in 17:47.80. Missouri Southern finished fifth overall in the team competition with 141 points. They were followed closely in sixth by Adams State with 147 points. Western State was 13th with 361 points. Adams State’s Brian Medigovich finished second overall in 23:51.70 over the 8k course. His teammate Aaron Braun was sixth in 23:59.00. Western State put two in the top 15 with Iain Donnan was 11th in 24:17.50 and Tyler Pennel was 15th in 24:26.90. Adams State was third overall with 69 points and Western State was fifth with 126 points. Missouri Southern was solid tenth with 317 points. Willamette University Invitational- Chico State’s Kara Lubieniecki was second overall with a time of 17:47.90 and was followed closely by teammates Alia Gray (17:47.97) and Tori Tyler (17:49.39).  Chico took the team title with 43 points followed by Augustana (S.D) with 114 points.  On the men’s side, Chico’s Michael Wickman won the race covering the 8k course in 24:08.06 followed by teammate Jimmy Elam (24:12.46). Chico won the team competition with 45 points. Cara Hawkins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1446-dii-weekend-review-oct2-oct4 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:03:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1437-lindsey-ferguson-kwik-e <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Notre Dame senior Lindsey Ferguson opened up her final cross country season with a win at the National Catholic Championships, covering the 5,000-meter course in 17 minutes, 33.1 seconds for her second straight title. The former high school national record holder in the 2,000-meter steeplechase is looking to go out in style while hopefully leading the Fighting Irish to the NCAA National Championships this year. After opening up with a win this year, have you set your ultimate individual goals for this season? Yes. I guess individually, I'd like to do well, obviously at Big East and Regionals. My big goal is for our team to make it to nationals and for me to get All-American. That would be awesome. How did you spend your time this past summer? Did you have a job or anything? I did. We have this thing called a "Summer Service Learning Program". It's through Notre Dame and you get to pick where you want to go. They set you up with alumni and you (interview interrupted by my barking dog, Maddy)...do some type of service, wherever you are for eight weeks. I chose to go to Denver, Colorado. I got to work with children who were in the impoverished areas in Denver. I'd do reading with them and help them with technology and all that sort of stuff. It was really cool. Plus I got to train at altitude. It was a pretty cool summer. What kind of mileage would you hit at altitude? I was doing in the 70s. How much different was it for you to run your miles at altitude? It was different. The first couple of weeks where I was building up my miles, that was kind of tough. I've never been up that high before. It was weird. Running just felt a lot different. It wasn't anything like hard, it just felt different. The last week coming back to New York, I felt like I was flying. The only bad thing about going back to New York was that it was so humid. I felt good, but I felt so hot and humid. Miserable conditions. Did you run by yourself or did you have people who would run with you? I did run by myself...all alone in Denver. That was kind of the down part of it. We have a team email and are always talking with our teammates and encouraging and motivating, so that was helpful. Does Notre Dame have a lot of team bonding stuff? Dinner and all that? We all eat dinner at the dining hall...every night with the guys team. Tuesdays we have, “Team Tuesdays” and we make sure everyone attends. Sometimes on the weekends, we have a brunch after a hard, long run. We have it at our house—because I live off campus. Me and my roommate Molly, who's also a senior, we had all the girls come over and we made omelets and French toast and muffins and everything. We have really good team unity. Can you explain a typical week of training for you? Yeah. I'm keeping my miles at 65-70. Usually Mondays are regular runs, just going out for about 60 minutes, then strides and drills. Tuesday is usually a workout. I'll shake out in the morning and I think we usually do some sort of fartlek, sometimes a fartlek where there are some hills. Sometimes we do it on the flat stuff. Wednesday is our recovery day. We don't have practice that day. Some people swim. I run because I come from a high school program where I'm used to running seven days a week. I do another hour run...but it's more relaxed. Thursday is another regular run. Friday is usually some sort of interval workout, like mile repeats or "ks" or eights or something like that. Saturday is another recovery run and Sunday is our long run which is usually another hard day. We usually have to drive to go find hills...which is hard, because Indiana doesn't really have hills. We don't have too many hills around here. You said you're use to running seven days a week. How often do you take days off? I don't take many days off. In the season, it's usually close to none. There are obviously days where I'll have a ton of miles and my legs feel like...dead. My coach will tell me to go in the pool and I'll do just that. In high school, even between seasons, my coaches were against taking time off. I was used to just...running. Taking time off, I don't usually do that. You were part of the what's considered to be the greatest high school distance team ever, Saratoga Springs, how was the transition to a different program at Notre Dame? High school was like...we'd dominate wherever we went. But then my freshman year, we had a pretty good team, with some pretty good girls, but we didn't even make it to Nationals. That was kind of a tough transition because I was used to going to all the big meets and running there. It was one of those things where I had to focus more on motivating myself in other ways, I guess. It's also a lot different, because in high school, I was always way in the front at most of my meets. Then you get to college and everyone was the top of their high schools and way in the front. You have to adjust to the new competition. It's kind of rough and tough on your confidence, but now that I'm a senior and have been able to get all the experience in and been able to help teammates who are freshman and going through tough times like that who come from really good programs but struggle a little bit at first. I feel I'm more knowledgeable about that. What about the differences of coaching styles? Were the Kraniks, from Saratoga, a lot different from the coaches you have now? Not so much with training. We always did a lot of intervals of "ks" and miles and stuff like that. With the coaching style, it was just different. In high school you have those girls on the team who are just there for social reasons. They were always pushing us and pushing us. We never went out and did runs, we would always do two-mile loops that were timed and in college...it's more of you motivating yourself. I kind of like that. It's not like people pushing you and pushing you and you're like, “well, maybe I don't want to do that.” It was a different transition, but it was easy. There wasn't like anything hard. Well, workouts were harder in college, but there's wasn't anything that was completely different or anything like that. You were the national record holder in the 2,000 steeplechase in high school and still run a lot of steeplechase races. Do you considered yourself a pure steeplechaser? Umm, I don't know. (Laughs) I have a love/hate relationship with the steeplechase. Obviously, high school was really awesome, being able to have a national record. In college it was a bit different, again with the competition. I was used to running a steeple and having no one around me ever. It was just me running. That was a lot easier. No one in your way, you don't have to stutter step to a barrier, you can just run fast and go over everything. I moved to the 3k steeple and that was bit harder mentally...knowing that I had to go another “k” and having all of that competition. I've also had some great times falling in the steeple. (Laughs) At Regionals my sophomore year, I completely fell on the last water jump and that was kind of awful. Then right before Big Easts this past season, I was practicing and stepped funny on the barrier and rammed my shin into the barrier and I probably should have gotten stitches because I have the grossest scar right now. Big Easts were in like two days and I thought, “whatever, I'll be fine!” I had the trainers look at it and it was just bulging out. It looked like you could see my bone because it was just white. I was freaking out. They bandaged it up and I took a day off and ran at Big Easts. It didn't go as well as I wanted it to. I wouldn't say I'm just a steepler. (Laughs) If I'm not mistaken, there's an AWESOME picture of your fall at Regionals. Are you a fan of that picture or do you hate looking at it? I remember falling into the water and getting up and running and thinking that it was awful. Even my teammates after the race didn't know how to react. I'm the type of person who can just shake it off and laugh about it. Obviously there's nothing you can do...it happened. Then I saw the pictures and was like, “Oh, my God! That is hilarious!” I don't even know how I did that...how it was possible, but they're funny. It's one of those bad-ass events where stuff like that happens and that's what makes it cool. Yeah, I would much rather run a steeplechase than running a 5k around a track. It really mixes it up and makes it more of a challenge. What do you do when you get free time? We really don't get that much free time. Well, there are football games here on the weekends. That's always fun in the Fall. I definitely take tons of naps. I'm usually just hanging out or going shopping sometimes. South Bend is not the type of place where you'll just hang out. On campus there's always something to do. I usually just spend my time around there. If you could have one meal, prepared by anyone, what would you have and who would make it? That's a tough one. It would probably be by my mom. She makes really good salmon. It would be salmon, brown rice and a sweet potato. Can you explain the “almost getting abducted after track practice” story that happened to you in high school? It was on Halloween and it was right after practice. It was dark, around 6 o'clock. The sun had set and I was walking out to my car with my two teammates. We were obviously discussing what we were going to do for Halloween and we parted our ways. I was walking to my car. There was another car that was parked kind of close to it. I saw someone in it and thought, “oh, it must be someone's dad.” I was putting my bag into my car and I hear the van door slide open. I'm thinking, “oh, they're probably trying to go get their kid.” I scooted a little closer to my car so they could get around me and all of a sudden, he grabbed me and tried to force me into his car. My initial reaction was just to scream. It's kind of funny—well, it's NOT kind of funny—at the time I was thinking, “maybe this is a joke” and then, “there's no way!” I was just screaming and there were a lot of people in the parking lot at the time, scattered around their cars. Once I started screaming, my high school coach started walking over toward me and the guy who grabbed me kind of freaked out and pushed me. I ended falling into the front seat of my car and kicked him away to push him back. He said something to me and I don't really remember what it was, but it was like, “don't tell anyone about this!” or something really weird. Then he ran back into his car and someone was getting his license plate and someone was on the phone with the police. Then my high school coach jumped into his car and pulled over to where I was and was asking what happened and if I was all right. At this point, I'm realizing that someone just tried to abduct me and I was crying and was like, “I don't know!” My coach drove and followed the van and ended up pulling the van over by beeping his horn and flashing his lights. He pulled over and my coach was on the phone with the police when he was following the car. The police came and arrested him and I had to do a drive-by and make sure that that was him. And...now he's in jail. He's still in jail? He's in jail for...12 years. That's insane! I know! It's funny because people are like, “ I can't believe that happened!” It was actually on Dateline last week. They were playing it at our student center. I don't know why they were playing NBC's Dateline (Dateline Interview about Lindsey and the crazy dude) anyway. A lot of my teammates didn't know about it. It's not something that I would say like, “oh, guess what happened to me?” They can't believe it happened to me. It's really fine...it happened a long time ago. You thought it was a Halloween prank at first? Yeah! Thinking about it now, I think, “why would I think that?” I don't know...your initial reaction is that something like that wouldn't happen to you. The fact that someone was trying to pull me into their car. I wasn't even going to scream at the time. I thought it was maybe my boyfriend. He wasn't wearing a “Scream Mask” or anything like that? No, but I saw him when I was walking to my car. I remember everything I thought, thinking it was somebody's parents. He was an older guy...in his late 40s...like someone's dad. A regular looking guy. It seemed pretty stupid to me because there were people all over the parking lot. People now are like, “what if he had a weapon?” And it's like, “I didn't even think of that! I didn't even think of it at the time. Maybe he has something that could hurt me!” Do you do Tae-Bo now or anything like that? No, but my parents wanted me to go to counseling to make sure things were OK and after two sessions, I was like, “I really am fine.” She was pulling at things that weren't even worth trying...I was fine. I'm definitely more aware of things. Even when I pass people who look a little sketchy, I'm like, “what if they...” and then mind my own business and walk away fast. (Laughs)   Tony Casey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1437-lindsey-ferguson-kwik-e Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1442-ncaa-di-womens-weekly-roundup <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Courier New"; panose-1:2 7 3 9 2 2 5 2 4 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:5 2 1 2 1 8 4 8 7 8; mso-font-charset:2; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 65536 0 -2147483648 0;} @font-face {font-family:"?? ????"; mso-font-charset:78; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 0 16778247 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} p.MsoNoteLevel1, li.MsoNoteLevel1, div.MsoNoteLevel1 {mso-style-noshow:yes; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:1; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list 0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel1CxSpFirst, li.MsoNoteLevel1CxSpFirst, div.MsoNoteLevel1CxSpFirst {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:1; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list 0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle, li.MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle, div.MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:1; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list 0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel1CxSpLast, li.MsoNoteLevel1CxSpLast, div.MsoNoteLevel1CxSpLast {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:1; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list 0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel2, li.MsoNoteLevel2, div.MsoNoteLevel2 {mso-style-noshow:yes; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:2; mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel2CxSpFirst, li.MsoNoteLevel2CxSpFirst, div.MsoNoteLevel2CxSpFirst {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:2; mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel2CxSpMiddle, li.MsoNoteLevel2CxSpMiddle, div.MsoNoteLevel2CxSpMiddle {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:2; mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel2CxSpLast, li.MsoNoteLevel2CxSpLast, div.MsoNoteLevel2CxSpLast {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:2; mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel3, li.MsoNoteLevel3, div.MsoNoteLevel3 {mso-style-noshow:yes; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:3; mso-list:l0 level3 lfo1; tab-stops:list 1.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel3CxSpFirst, li.MsoNoteLevel3CxSpFirst, div.MsoNoteLevel3CxSpFirst {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:3; mso-list:l0 level3 lfo1; tab-stops:list 1.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel3CxSpMiddle, li.MsoNoteLevel3CxSpMiddle, div.MsoNoteLevel3CxSpMiddle {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:3; mso-list:l0 level3 lfo1; tab-stops:list 1.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel3CxSpLast, li.MsoNoteLevel3CxSpLast, div.MsoNoteLevel3CxSpLast {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:3; mso-list:l0 level3 lfo1; tab-stops:list 1.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel4, li.MsoNoteLevel4, div.MsoNoteLevel4 {mso-style-noshow:yes; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:4; mso-list:l0 level4 lfo1; tab-stops:list 1.5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel4CxSpFirst, li.MsoNoteLevel4CxSpFirst, div.MsoNoteLevel4CxSpFirst {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:4; mso-list:l0 level4 lfo1; tab-stops:list 1.5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel4CxSpMiddle, li.MsoNoteLevel4CxSpMiddle, div.MsoNoteLevel4CxSpMiddle {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:4; mso-list:l0 level4 lfo1; tab-stops:list 1.5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel4CxSpLast, li.MsoNoteLevel4CxSpLast, div.MsoNoteLevel4CxSpLast {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:1.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:4; mso-list:l0 level4 lfo1; tab-stops:list 1.5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel5, li.MsoNoteLevel5, div.MsoNoteLevel5 {mso-style-noshow:yes; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:2.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:5; mso-list:l0 level5 lfo1; tab-stops:list 2.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel5CxSpFirst, li.MsoNoteLevel5CxSpFirst, div.MsoNoteLevel5CxSpFirst {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:2.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:5; mso-list:l0 level5 lfo1; tab-stops:list 2.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel5CxSpMiddle, li.MsoNoteLevel5CxSpMiddle, div.MsoNoteLevel5CxSpMiddle {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:2.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:5; mso-list:l0 level5 lfo1; tab-stops:list 2.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel5CxSpLast, li.MsoNoteLevel5CxSpLast, div.MsoNoteLevel5CxSpLast {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:2.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:5; mso-list:l0 level5 lfo1; tab-stops:list 2.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel6, li.MsoNoteLevel6, div.MsoNoteLevel6 {mso-style-noshow:yes; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:2.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:6; mso-list:l0 level6 lfo1; tab-stops:list 2.5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel6CxSpFirst, li.MsoNoteLevel6CxSpFirst, div.MsoNoteLevel6CxSpFirst {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:2.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:6; mso-list:l0 level6 lfo1; tab-stops:list 2.5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel6CxSpMiddle, li.MsoNoteLevel6CxSpMiddle, div.MsoNoteLevel6CxSpMiddle {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:2.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:6; mso-list:l0 level6 lfo1; tab-stops:list 2.5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel6CxSpLast, li.MsoNoteLevel6CxSpLast, div.MsoNoteLevel6CxSpLast {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:2.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:6; mso-list:l0 level6 lfo1; tab-stops:list 2.5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel7, li.MsoNoteLevel7, div.MsoNoteLevel7 {mso-style-noshow:yes; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:3.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:7; mso-list:l0 level7 lfo1; tab-stops:list 3.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel7CxSpFirst, li.MsoNoteLevel7CxSpFirst, div.MsoNoteLevel7CxSpFirst {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:3.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:7; mso-list:l0 level7 lfo1; tab-stops:list 3.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel7CxSpMiddle, li.MsoNoteLevel7CxSpMiddle, div.MsoNoteLevel7CxSpMiddle {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:3.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:7; mso-list:l0 level7 lfo1; tab-stops:list 3.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel7CxSpLast, li.MsoNoteLevel7CxSpLast, div.MsoNoteLevel7CxSpLast {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:3.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:7; mso-list:l0 level7 lfo1; tab-stops:list 3.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel8, li.MsoNoteLevel8, div.MsoNoteLevel8 {mso-style-noshow:yes; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:3.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:8; mso-list:l0 level8 lfo1; tab-stops:list 3.5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel8CxSpFirst, li.MsoNoteLevel8CxSpFirst, div.MsoNoteLevel8CxSpFirst {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:3.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:8; mso-list:l0 level8 lfo1; tab-stops:list 3.5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel8CxSpMiddle, li.MsoNoteLevel8CxSpMiddle, div.MsoNoteLevel8CxSpMiddle {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:3.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:8; mso-list:l0 level8 lfo1; tab-stops:list 3.5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel8CxSpLast, li.MsoNoteLevel8CxSpLast, div.MsoNoteLevel8CxSpLast {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:3.75in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:8; mso-list:l0 level8 lfo1; tab-stops:list 3.5in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel9, li.MsoNoteLevel9, div.MsoNoteLevel9 {mso-style-noshow:yes; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:4.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:9; mso-list:l0 level9 lfo1; tab-stops:list 4.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel9CxSpFirst, li.MsoNoteLevel9CxSpFirst, div.MsoNoteLevel9CxSpFirst {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:4.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:9; mso-list:l0 level9 lfo1; tab-stops:list 4.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel9CxSpMiddle, li.MsoNoteLevel9CxSpMiddle, div.MsoNoteLevel9CxSpMiddle {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:4.25in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:9; mso-list:l0 level9 lfo1; tab-stops:list 4.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoteLevel9CxSpLast, li.MsoNoteLevel9CxSpLast, div.MsoNoteLevel9CxSpLast {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:4.25in; margin-bottom:.0001<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.flotrack.org/assets/shared/tiny_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js" mce_src="../../assets/shared/tiny_mce/themes/advanced/langs/en.js"></script>pt; mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; page-break-after:avoid; mso-outline-level:9; mso-list:l0 level9 lfo1; tab-stops:list 4.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:"?? ????"; mso-hansi-font-family:Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} span.body {mso-style-name:body;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:-227; mso-list-template-ids:1793884514;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-style-link:"Note Level 1"; mso-level-text:""; mso-level-tab-stop:0in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:0in; text-indent:0in; font-family:Symbol;} @list l0:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-style-link:"Note Level 2"; mso-level-text:?; mso-level-tab-stop:.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.75in; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Symbol;} @list l0:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-style-link:"Note Level 3"; mso-level-text:o; mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:1.25in; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:"Courier New";} @list l0:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-style-link:"Note Level 4"; mso-level-text:?; mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:1.75in; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Wingdings;} @list l0:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-style-link:"Note Level 5"; mso-level-text:?; mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:2.25in; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Wingdings;} @list l0:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-style-link:"Note Level 6"; mso-level-text:?; mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:2.75in; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Symbol;} @list l0:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-style-link:"Note Level 7"; mso-level-text:o; mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:3.25in; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:"Courier New";} @list l0:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-style-link:"Note Level 8"; mso-level-text:?; mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:3.75in; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Wingdings;} @list l0:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-style-link:"Note Level 9"; mso-level-text:?; mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:4.25in; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Wingdings;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> 1. Washington     Weekend Performance- Did not race.   Next Race- The Huskies travel to South Bend, IN on Saturday to compete at the Notre Dame Invitational. Notre Dame will play host to Washington (1), Florida State (3), Princeton (6), Providence (12), Arizona State (13), Florida (15), Penn State (22), Notre Dame (24), New Mexico (25), and Rice (27). With ten ranked teams and PAC-10 rivals Arizona and UCLA, Washington will be tested for the first time this season. This weekend we will see Christine Babcock, Katie Follett, and Kailey Campbell in action for the first time this season.     2. Oregon     Weekend Performance- Did not race.   Next Race- The Ducks play host to a diverse group of teams at the Dellinger Invitational on Friday. Villanova (5) from Pennsylvania, Baylor (14) from Texas, Colorado State, Hawaii, and Weber State. All-Americans Nicole Blood and Alex Kosinski lead the Ducks into Dellinger with the nation’s top freshman recruit Jordan Hasay making her college debut.       3. Florida State     Weekend Performance- Did not race.     Next Race- The Seminoles will head north to the Notre Dame Invitational and try to play spoiler against the Huskies. The Florida State squad returns five from their 3rd place team at NCAA’s last year including this years favorite for the individual title, Susan Kuijken.       4. West Virginia     Weekend Performance- Did not race.     Next Race- The Mountaineers travel to the Paul Short Invitational in Bethlehem, PA on Friday. West Virginia’s Marie-Louise Asselin set the course record here last year covering the 6,000-meter course in 19:38. West Virginia is a very experienced team who returns all seven runners from their podium team at NCAA’s last year.     5. Villanova     Weekend Performance- Dominated the Main Line Invitational over the weekend with a perfect fifteen points. The Wildcat’s put four women under 16:25 for the 5k in an impressive performance.   Next Race- Will try to challenge Oregon (2) at the Dellinger Invitational. This young team will be interesting to watch over the next few weeks.     6. Princeton     Weekend Performance- Did not race.   Next Race- The Tigers look like they will have squads at both the Paul Short Invitational and the Notre Dame Invitational this weekend. The Notre Dame Invitational will be a good chance for Princeton to compete against teams outside their region that they may see next month at Nationals.     7. Stanford     Weekend Performance- The Cardinal easily won their home Invitational scoring a cool 24 points. Kathy Kroeger led the team with a second place showing, running 20:35 for the 6,000-meter course.   Next Race- Stanford runs a “B” squad this weekend at the UC Davis Doc Adams Invitational.     8. Iowa State     Weekend Performance- Perhaps the most impressive performance of the weekend was the Iowa State women at the Roy Griak Invitational. The Cyclones scored 31 points in a meet winning performance where they took down Minnesota (9) and Michigan State (18). The Cyclones jumped 20 spots from their #28 preseason ranking. This can be attributed to the return of NCAA 10,000 meter record holder Lisa Koll who has been injured.     Next Race- Iowa State wont race until the Bradley Classic Friday, October 16 in Peoria, IL.     Roy Griak Flotrack Coverage- http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view_video/235653/202266     9. Minnesota     Weekend Performance- Minnesota dropped one spot in the rankings due to a loss at Roy Griak this weekend. The Gophers still looked strong while putting five runners in the top 20 including the individual title won by Megan Duwell.   Next Race- Expect Minnesota to rest their top runners this weekend as they travel to the UW Eau Claire Invitational.     10. Illinois     Weekend Performance- Did not race.   Next Race- The Illini head to the Wisconsin Adidas Invitational. The Badgers play host to a great field this weekend that includes favorites Illinois (10), Georgetown (11), Michigan (17), Syracuse (21), BYU (23), Wisconsin (26), Arkansas (28), and Duke (29).     Notes: Women's rankings can be found on the Flotrack home page.   David Williams http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1442-ncaa-di-womens-weekly-roundup Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:19:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1439-keep-justin-running-candle-light-walk Calling all Austinites,   On Sept 15th, a friend and colleague, Justin Gabriel, had a serious accident that put him into a coma. Justin ran at Adams State and works in my town of Austin at Runtex. He also filmed for the Austin Distance Challenge Website. He is a great guy and a lot of fun. Justin is staying at Cambridge Hospital in Austin, Tx for a couple more days and then the plan is to move him to a rehab center. You can check up on Justin and how he is doing here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/justingabriel   Runtex, Justin's friends, and the City of Austin are gathering together at Runtex tomorrow for a "Keep Justin Running" candle light walk. If you are in Austin come on down to the Runtex by the 0.0 mark on Town Lake at 8PM. There will be a 2 mile walk and some music afterword. If you are in town you should come check it out.  We are all keeping Justin in our thoughts and prayers, Mark Mark From Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1439-keep-justin-running-candle-light-walk Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:25:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1430-dii-review-sept26th-27th The first day of fall was officially this past weekend, but this did not mean for cooler temperatures or falling leaves. Instead, many runners were met with adverse weather conditions. There were plenty of key match-ups this past weekend including Pre-Nationals. As usual, I urge you the reader to comment on anything I missed and anything you would like to see in future columns. Citadel Invitational- Lenoir-Rhyne’s Kate Griewisch was third overall and first scorer in the DII division with a time of 18:51.88 over the 5k course. She was followed by the Lees-McRae trio of Kira Shoemaker (19:46.37), Hannah Henderson (20:23.19) and April Harris (20:46.83). Lees-McRae took the team title with 25 points followed by Lenoir-Rhyne (49) and Converse (81). In the men’s race, it was Lees-McRae’s Craig Simpkins who took top DII honors with a 26:53.91 over the 8k course. He was followed by teammate, Michael Davis (26:59.12) and Lenior-Rhyne’s Jakob Maidens (27:29.28). Lees-McRae took first with 25 points followed by Lenoir-Rhyne (47) and Newberry (112). Pre-National Invitational- On an extremely muddy and rain soaked course it was Ferris State’s Tina Muir that took top honor with a time of 21:48.22 over the 6k course. Southern Indiana’s Mary Ballinger was second in 22:09.21 and Tampa’s Jessica Butler was third in 22:35.21. In the team title, Tampa took first place with 29 points followed by Southern Indiana (56) and Ferris State (82). After having to alter the course earlier in the week due to weather, the men got an 8k peek at the National course. After the first 2k lap, it was Harding’s Daniel Kirwa and Philip Biwott and Abilene Christian’s Amos Sang and Cleophas Tanui who had separated themselves from the rest of the field. Coming through the 5k mark, Kirwa and Sang had dropped their teammates. Neither could drop the other even after the final climb. It came down to a sprint around the hairpin turn with Harding’s Daniel Kirwa taking first with a time of 24:35.53 followed by Amos Sang in 24:38.43. Biwott was third in 24:54.41. Stonehill took the team title with a score of 42 points and with their top 5 in the top 15. They were followed by Southern Indiana (69), Harding (98) and Abilene Christian (106). Roy Griak Invitational- Minnesota-Duluth’s Morgan Place won the DII Maroon Race covering the 6k in 21:55.3. She was followed by Grand View’s Obsie Birru (22:09.0) and Minnesota State Mankato’s Ali Paul (22:10.9). Minnesota-Duluth took the team title with 78 points followed by Manitoba (83) and Augustana (85). Southwest Baptist’s Michael Piece won the DII Maroon Race in 25:22.2 over the 8k course. Minnesota State Mankato’s James Krajsa was second with a time of 25:40.0 followed by Regina’s Wyatt Baiton (25:47.0). Southwest Baptist took the men’s title with 61 points followed by Concordia Nebraska (86) and Augustana (97). Stanford Invite- Seattle Pacific’s Jessica Pixler was the first attached runner to cross the line in the time of 20:21 over the 6k course. Chico State was the first DII school coming in fifth with 187 points. Seattle Pacific was 12th with 334 points. Chico’s Jimmy Elam was the first DII finisher coming in tenth with a time of 24:30 over the 8k course in the men’s race. Chico was fourth overall with 158 points. Western Mountaineer Open- With Adams State not sending their A-team, Mesa State took the title with 26 points. It was Mesa State’s Alexis Skarda who took the individual title running the 5k course in 18:43.63. Adams State’s heavy hitters were also missing in the men’s race. Western’s Iain Donnan won the 7.4 k race in 24:03.31. Western took the team title with 19 points followed by Adams State with 38 points. Cara Hawkins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1430-dii-review-sept26th-27th Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:22:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1431-ncaa-di-weekly-roundup-sept-26th-weekend NCAA Weekly Roundup   Whenever the casual fan looks at the NCAA weekly rankings compiled by the USTFCCCA, they usually just see a school next to a number. My goal with the weekly roundup is to bring a brief analysis of the past weekends results, and upcoming competitions for the teams ranked in NCAA Division I XC. This will be done by looking at the movement within the rankings of certain teams, and looking at which teams may have dropped out or moved into the rankings. In the first edition I have only gone off of the pre-season rankings, and only looked at the top 10 teams on the men's side (we'll try to get women next week). Next week we'll look to expand the list and see which ranked teams will be pitted against each other as we move throughout the season.   Please send any feedback, ideas, or interest in contributing to dwilliams@flotrack.org     1. Oregon   Weekend Performance- Did not race.   Previous Meets- Oregon’s only meet so far was the Pre’s Trail Run when they handily beat Portland State in the dual meet.   Next Week- The men of Oregon host the Dellinger Invitational which should be one of the most competitive meets of the month. Expect the Ducks to bring out their top dogs, as six teams in the top 30 will be at Dellinger: Oregon (1), Portland (8), Alabama (10), BYU (12), Cal poly (21), Villanova (30), and UTEP (NR*)   2. Oklahoma State   Weekend Performance- Did not race.   Next Week- The Cowboys host the 73rd annual Cowboy Jamboree. Northern Arizona (5), Tulsa (11), and New Mexico State (26) will all be in attendance.   Cowboy Jamboree Coverage- http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view/234566-2009-brooks-cowboy-jamboree   3. Stanford   Weekend Performance- The Cardinal had quite an impressive showing at their home invitational Saturday, finishing the championship race with a 15-point beat down over neighbors Cal (NR*), UC Davis, and Chico State. Despite rumors of the course being short, Stanford looked good in their season opener with four of the top five runners finishing together in 23:54.   Next Week- Stanford travels north to compete at the UC Davis Doc Adams Invitational.   4. Wisconsin   Weekend Performance- Did not race   Previous Meets- The Badgers were 2nd at the Iona Meet of Champions (Sep 19), and 1st at the UW Cross Country Classic (Sep 4).   Next Week- Expect the full squad to show up at the Wisconsin Adidas Invitational on Saturday when the Badgers host Georgetown (9), BYU (12), Auburn (13), Arkansas (18), Michigan (22), Syracuse (NR*), Lamar (NR*), and Duke (NR*).   5. Northern Arizona University   Weekend Performance - Did not race.   Previous Meets- NAU ran B squads at both the Aztec Invitational (Sep 19) and their home opener, The George Kyte Classic (Sep 5). Diego Estrada who was NAU’s 4th man at NCAA’s last year won the Aztec Invite easily in 24:57.   Next Week- The Lumber jacks will most likely be running a B squad at the ASU Invitational on Friday while the top runners will be at the Cowboy Jamboree on Saturday.   6. Colorado   Weekend Performance - Did not race.   Previous Meets- CU had a time trial on September 5 at their home course but doesn’t open up true team competition until this weekend.   Next Week- Colorado hosts the Rocky Mountain Shootout on Saturday, which usually consists of Colorado schools like Adams, Western, and CSU. It will be interesting to see when CU will display their full squad which returns 5 guys from their 12th place finish at NCAA’s last year.   7. Iona   Weekend Performance - Did not race.   Previous Meets- The Gaels have not been at full strength yet this season while running in two low key meets, The Seawolves Invitational (Sep 5), and the Meet of Champions (Sep 19).   Next Week- Iona heads to the Brooks Paul Short Run where they will take on Villanova (30), and Princeton (NR*).   Brooks Paul Short Coverage- http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view/234568-2009-brooks-paul-short-run   8. Portland   Weekend Performance - Did not race.   Previous Meets- UP hosted the West Coast Preview at Pier Park on Sep. 11, but ran a mixed squad that didn’t include any of their top returners from NCAA’s.   Next Week- The Pilots head south to take on in state rivals Oregon at the Dellinger Invitational on Friday.   9. Georgetown   Weekend Performance – Did not race.   Previous Meets- Georgetown opened up their season on Sep. 12 at the James Madison Invitational in Virginia. They ran a mixed squad and placed 2nd out of 9 teams.   Next Week- The Hoyas take a trip to Madison on Saturday to challenge the Badgers at the Wisconsin Adidas Invitational.   10. Alabama   Weekend Performance - Alabama was set to compete at the Pre-SEC Invitational in Mississippi, but the meet was cancelled due to poor weather.   Next Week- The Crimson Tide will roll into Eugene on Friday to mix it up with fellow top 10 teams Oregon (1) and Portland (8).     Notes:   NR*- Not Ranked, but received preseason top 30 votes.   Preseason Rankings- http://www.ustfccca.org/rankings/division-i-rankings   This coming weekend (Oct 2-3) Flotrack coverage continues as we head to Stillwater, Oklahoma and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania for the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree and Lehigh's Paul Short Run.   Brooks OSU Cowboy Jamboree: http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view/234566-2009-brooks-cowboy-jamboree   Brooks Paul Short Run: http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view/234568-2009-brooks-paul-short-run    David Williams http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1431-ncaa-di-weekly-roundup-sept-26th-weekend Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:23:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1416-lauren-holesh-kwik-e <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> University of North Carolina senior Lauren Holesh and her Tar Heels are looking for another appearance at the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships in November. Holesh took 30th place last year and is looking for a significant individual improvement with the help of new head coach Peter Watson. How did your summer go? How did you spend most of your time? Summer went really well. I took summer school for the first session. And Carolina is actually in pretty early. I got done with my first session of summer school in early June and then I worked at the campus center at UNC Hospital for a month or so. Then I headed out to Colorado to work a running camp out there for the rest of the summer. It was fun and mostly involved with running. My family and friends and boss were all pretty flexible with my running schedule. It was good. What was a typical week of summer running for you? We went through a coaching change this year, so typically I would pound out the mileage, increasing each week. This year, Coach (Peter) Watson from Auburn, he walks in and is our new coach. He sent out a new training program after nationals in June and it had a couple of progression runs and a couple of interval workouts—really long interval workouts, probably seven minutes on, three minutes off kind of thing. I did the progression run on Tuesday, interval on Friday, then just a really long run on Sunday. In between was just however I felt. What kind of mileage will you typically hit? I've hit 85 miles a week for the last month or so. I was just building up all summer long, increasing by about five miles each week. It got to be a lot in July. June wasn't too bad. I'm doubling right now...pretty much every day except obviously my long run day. To do morning practice then afternoon practice, it helps out. How is your team shaping up? Do you have team goals set? It's kind of funny because all the girls are so young. I'm the only senior. Then we have probably only two juniors and three sophomores...then 10 freshman. As far as team goals go, they don't even know how to get to the national meet. It's hard to explain to them that regionals is where it counts, but we really want to do well at ACC's, but then Florida State is in our conference, so it's hard to win the whole thing. But as far as team goals go, this could be a good team. In my past three years at North Carolina, I had felt that our team wasn't as close as it could have been. Right now we do team dinners and stuff. I think the goal is to get back to nationals. If that happens while I'm here then great. But, if it happens next year when I've graduated...that's great too! It would be great to get back on the national scene. We've kind of taken a detour from that recently. Being the lone senior, are you taking the bull by the horns and forcing that team chemistry? It's been a group effort. Everyone wants to do something. It's funny how you'll throw out and idea and think, “no, no one will want to do that.” After practice one day I was like, “you know I've really craving sushi lately. Would anyone be up for dinner tomorrow night at Sushi Thai?” People said that they would love that and next thing you know, you've got a table full of 12 girls on a Wednesday night. And that's pretty hard when you've got labs, classes and practice. As far as taking the bull by the horns...I'm old and I feel really old with these girls, but it's easy for me because I have a car on campus and I live off campus and I can have more people over to my house. I guess you would say I'm taking the bull by the horns, but everyone else is helping so much. Other upperclassmen are helping out, offering their cars like, “hey, I can pick people up if you need help.” It's been a group effort and it's been great. 30th last year. What are your individual goals this year? I would love to repeat as All-American. My real goal is to break the top 20. I'm hesitant in saying that because I've got higher goals. Top 20 would be awesome to be with such an elite group of girls. I would love to be a part of that. What do you do when you get free time? What are your hobbies? That's a funny question because I haven't had much recently. I love to go to the beach. My parent's were down this past weekend. If I have a free day where practice is really early in the morning and I won't have practice until the afternoon the next day, I'll bolt down to the beach and spend the day there...just reading and getting away. It's so much fun and it's my favorite place in the world. I bet it's not hard getting your teammates to join you there for some team bonding. Not at all. I kind of threw the idea out there thinking that no one would want to do that this summer and everyone was like, “YES, when can we go?” You're from North Carolina. Why did you decide to stay in state for college? My dad went to Carolina and I grew up a Tar Heel. I had the little cheerleader outfit when I was like two years old. My picture books when I was little were Carolina picture books. It just the legacy. Chapel Hill is far enough where my parents are like, “do you mind if we pick you up and go to dinner?” It's close enough where if I needed anything, I can be home in heartbeat. It's a great school. I want to go to pharmacy school and Carolina has a great pharmacy school and a great pre-pharmacy program. Like I said though, I went out to Colorado this summer and I've never been out that far west...so maybe graduate school will bring me somewhere else, but for now, I couldn't ask for a better location with family and the beach. What kind of year has it been for you as a basketball fan at UNC? It's been absolutely incredible. I never thought that they would win a national title while I was here, like Murphy's Law and it wouldn't happen while I was here. They put it together this past season and it was awesome. I'm sure you've seen pictures of Franklin Street. Craziness! Classes were canceled the next day, which is unheard of. We had classes in snow and snow is unheard of in North Carolina as well. To trek into class in four inches of snow and have it canceled the day after a national title is just awesome. The whole program here and the basketball history is incredible. Does any one workout you've ever done stand out as the hardest you've ever done? Because I run the 10k, I have to do two-mile repeats on the track. I was thinking that it would be a tempo two miles and then I'll do another. But they were pretty quick. I wasn't an all star in high school, so I was pretty much breaking my two-mile PR with each interval. While you're doing it, you're like, “wow, this is hard!” You see the final time and say, “what did I just do?” Recently, not this past Friday, but the Friday before, I did this workout with Brie Felnagle—she doesn't have anymore cross country eligibility, but still has track and is still training in Chapel Hill—and Shalane Flanagan, who has been helping our team out a lot. We were out on the American Tobacco Trail, which is completely flat. It was one of those interval workouts where it was like three minutes on then a short break. We did nine intervals of it...which is a lot of intervals if you think about it. I thought that was the workout and thought, “nine intervals, I can get through this.” Then he was like “two-mile tempo to start it off.” Wait a minute...it was a harder workout because when you're training with people with that talent you think that you need to perform. It was awesome when it was done and I never felt more accomplished. Working out with Shalane Flanagan...that's really cool! Isn't it? I can't believe it. Shalane has been amazing with the freshman girls on our team and motivating us. She is the one who lead our 6 a.m. practice. You're getting up and thinking it's horrible but then you're like, “wait a minute, there's a bronze medalist getting up just like me.” It certainly helps. You touched on it a little bit, but how hard is it to adapt to changing coaches and different coaching styles? At first I was so nervous and didn't know what to expect. I love Coach Whitt (Whittlesey). He was great and everything, but Coach Watson is so much younger and he is just so easy to talk to and I can tell him anything. Watson has been great about getting us motivated and getting us excited. He has been so positive. He wants us surrounded by positive people. Anything that has been negative about the program in the past has been totally cut out. I don't know how he's done it, but people are sticking around and showing up at the 6 a.m. practices and Sunday long runs at 6:30 a.m. There's drama with everything, but I think we nipped that in the bud in the first week. He was very open. He was like, “if you have a problem, come and talk to me about it and we'll fix it.” There's a method behind everything he does and he's very open about it. He's got a plan and he'll share it with you. I'm excited about the season. And where do you open up? In less than two weeks, up in Notre Dame. If you could have one meal, prepared by anyone, what would you have and who would make it? I am such a weird eater. I would say my mom's salmon, everyone knows salmon is my favorite food. Whenever I'm home, my aunts and uncles are like, “oh, we made salmon for you!” I feel like it's overdone. I get it one night and the next night it's the same thing. I would have salmon—made by my mom—tabouli, made by my Aunt Mary Ellen and as a huge fan of ice cream...any sort of ice cream cake, specifically my Aunt Mary Ellen's Pie. It's Oreo, chocolate fudge and vanilla ice cream. Can you give some sort of crazy running-related story? <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> My teammates and I took a day trip down to Wrightsville Beach. We left early in the morning and were planning on running at UNC-Wilmington once we got there. It was hot, humid, and we were all tired from the early morning and two-hour drive. My coach was with us and he started out the run at a quicker-than-anticipated pace. We were running through these trails on the campus when one of my teammates started to complain about how something was biting her. Mosquitoes were biting and flies were following us so everyone was uncomfortable...we kind of just figured that my friend Justine was voicing what everybody was experiencing. This was a longer run so her complaining must have lasted at least half an hour. We were about a 200 meters away from our car, in the middle of a huge field with cars driving by all around us, when all the sudden Justine starts screaming. I look behind me to see her ripping off her shorts, throwing them on the ground, and running (in her little g-string) away. Cars driving by lay on the horn and give the thumbs up while my coach yells for her to put her pants on. She refuses and says that there is a hornet in them. This proceeded for about two minutes until we got Justine into the car and calmed down. Turns out a hornet had been biting her most of the run and she didn't realize it was stuck in her shorts until the end of the run. We all felt bad, but the image of her stripping in the middle of the field while my coach tried to get her to put her shorts back on....priceless :).     Tony Casey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1416-lauren-holesh-kwik-e Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1419-nzrun-joins-the-flonetwork Rees and the boys at NZRUN just went live with their new platform at NZRUN.com. NZRUN is the place to go for New Zealand running info. Now that they are on the Flonetwork they will be able to upload and share videos easier, so look for more videos from the Kiwis coming soon!   Go to www.nzrun.com for your Kiwi running fix!     Mark From Flotrack http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1419-nzrun-joins-the-flonetwork Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:21:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1422-ritzenhein-begley-lead-team-usa-for-world-half-marathon-championships INDIANAPOLIS - 2008 Olympians Dathan Ritzenhein (Portland, Ore.) and Amy Yoder Begley(Portland, Ore.) will lead a strong U.S. contingent at the 18th IAAF World Half Marathon Championships on October 11, in Birmingham, UK.   Ritzenhein and Begley are both coming off of an impressive track season which saw Ritzenhein finish sixth at the World Championships 10,000 meters, eleven days before going on to set a new American record of 12:56.27 for 5,000 meters.  Begley, the 2009 USA champion at 10,000 meters went on to finish sixth in the women's 10,000 at the Berlin World Championships and won last weekend's USA 5 km Championships in Providence, R.I.   The U.S. squad for Birmingham will also include several of the top up and coming American distance runners, giving Team USA an outstanding chance for a team medal in both the men's and women's events.   The men's team will also include recent USA 20 km champion Brett Gotcher (Flagstaff, Ariz.).  Gotcher has competed for Team USA on several occasions, including in 2003 when he won the gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the Pan American Junior Championships.   Ritzenhein and Gotcher will join forces with 2008 USA 15 km champion Andrew Carlson (Flagstaff, Ariz.); Scott Bauhs (Chico, Calif.), a multiple NCAA Division II Track & Cross Country All-American at Chico State who finished fifth at the 20 km championships; and James Carney (Boulder, Colo.), a past U.S. champion at 20 km and the half marathon.   Joining Begley will be Desiree Davila (Rochester Hills, Mich.), who has had an outstanding summer of her own, running a personal best 2:27:53 to finish 11th in the World Championships marathon last month.  Rounding out the team will be Serena Burla (Baldwin, Mo.), the runner-up at the recent USA 20 km Championships; along with Amy Hastings (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.) and Elva Dryer (Gunnison, Colo.), who finished fifth and seventh respectively at the 20 km Championships to earn their berths on the team.   A total of $245,000 will be offered in prize money, with $30,000 going to the individual champions and $15,000 to the respective men's and women's team champions.  The top finish for a U.S. team at this event came last year in Rio de Janeiro where the Team USA women finished fourth.  The best team finish for a U.S. men's team was sixth in both 2005 and 2006.   For more information on Team USA at the 2009 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, visitwww.usatf.org. About USA Track & Field USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world's oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.  For more information on USATF, visit www.usatf.org USATF Press http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1422-ritzenhein-begley-lead-team-usa-for-world-half-marathon-championships Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:49:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1407-dii-weeked-review-september-18-20 Conference meets are drawing nearer and before we know it November will be here. Till then most teams are racing across the nation, testing themselves against competitors and eagerly waiting for the weekly poll results. The Pre National DII meet is set for next Saturday in Evansville, Ind. and should be a good look at the course. As usual, I urge my readers to chime in with opinions and anything I have missed. Colorado State Invitational-Adams State’s Kristen McGlynn led her team to a first place finish with 26 points and covering the 5k course in 18:21.8. She also took the individual title. Metro State was third with 98 points. Adams State’s men perfect scored the meet with 15 points. Reuben Mwei took first with a time of 19:07.9 over the 4 mile course. Metro State came in third with 107 points. Missouri Southern Stampede-Missouri Southern’s Kimi Shank was third overall behind two University of Arkansas runners. She covered the 5k course in 17:36.65. Her teammates, Ashley Siler( 17:42.14) and Ashley Bunch (17:49.94) were the next two DII finishers coming in fifth and eighth.  Missouri Southern was second overall with 45 points. Finishing third was Dallas Baptist with 136 points. Pittsburg State was the next DII finisher in fourth with 154 points, followed by Harding with 159 points. On the men’s side, Harding’s Daniel Kirwa ran away from the field finishing the 8k course in 23:11.07. The next DII finisher was his teammate, Philip Biwott in ninth (24:21.49).  Drury's Jamie Villa Zapetero was ninth in 24:05. 35. Pittsburg State’s Tim Testa (24:31.14) and Mujahid Hassaballa (24:34.43) were twelfth and thirteen overall. Pittsburg State was second overall with 131 points. Missouri Southern was fourth in 146 points, Drury was sixth with 181 points and Harding was seventh with 240 points. Mountaineer Open-Queens’ Holly Annas led her team to a fifth place finish over Lees-McRae. Lees –McRae was ranked first in the Southeast region. Annas ran a 19:09.00 over the 5k course. In the men’s race, Queens’ Michael Crouch (interview below) won the race over Ohio State’s Jeff See. Crouch covered the course in 19:41.29. This helped place his team in second with 41 points. (Crouch Interview included) Sundodger-In the women’s invitational race, Seattle Pacific’s Jessica Pixler came in third behind Washington Duo of Kendra Schaaf and Marie Lawrence. Pixler was the first DII finisher covering the 6k course in 20:26.07. Western Washington’s Sarah Porter was fourth in 20:37.13. Western Washington was third overall behind DI schools, Washington and Oregon State, with 83 points. Seattle Pacific finished fifth with 111 points. In the open race, Alaska Anchorage’s Ruth Keino was second over the 6k course in a time of 21:41.16. Alaska Anchorage won the team title with 22 points. In the men’s invitational race, Alaska Anchorage’s Micah Chelimo took second over the 8k course in 24:03.33. His teammate, Marko Cheseto was fifth in the time of 24:14.92. Western Washington’s Jordan Welling was twelfth in 24:38.20. He led his team to a second place finish with 82 points as the first DII School. Alaska Anchorage was fourth with 97 points. Woody Greeno/Nebraska Cross Country Invitational- Colorado School of the Mine’s Sydney Laws was the first DII finisher over the 3.58 mile course finishing 8th overall in a time of 21:16.1. CSM finished seventh in the team competition with 216 points. Central Missouri was ninth with 259 points. On the men’s side, CSM’s Aaron Swift took second and was first DII finisher overall covering the 8k course in 24:48.7. His teammate, Ben Zywicki was 5th with a 25:05.9. These two strong finishes led the team to win with meet with 42 points. Central Missouri was second with 97 points. Cara Hawkins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1407-dii-weeked-review-september-18-20 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1390-levi-miller-kwik-e <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Georgetown's Levi Miller was 35th at last year's NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships behind teammate Andrew Bumbalough, in 11th place. Miller and the Hoyas have their eyes set on the Big East title then a podium spot at the national championships. Did you get your long run in today? We had that meet at JMU (James Madison University) yesterday. This weekend we stayed out at Shenandoah National Park in a little mountain lodge and did a long run on the Appalachian Trail. We had a good one this morning. It was pretty chilly up in the mountains, but this year we planned it a little better. The last few years we kind of made a guess on how far the distance was. We've had some pretty long long runs the past couple of years. We took it pretty conservative this year and it took us about 90 minutes...with some people adding on. Last year, people were coming in around two hours, 15 minutes. It was really cool. A nice place. Can you talk about your training? What's a typical week like right now? Right now I'm running between 75-80 miles a week. This section of training is pretty close to late summer, I guess, with hills once a week. I'm doing some tempo runs right now, but nothing really race paced. We're still keeping our mileage up pretty good for the group. It's taken me a while where I can consistently run 80 a week. This summer I got up close to 90. The training, for me, has been really consistent this summer and so far this fall. I'm very pleased with it. You didn't run your “big guns” yesterday, but how is your team shaping up? We did take 10th last year, which I guess looking back means it's good that we were tenth and pretty disappointed with that. In past years I think we could have gotten pretty excited about placing in the top-10. Coming back we return our top five and some of the younger guys are rounding out well. We raced our younger guys yesterday, none of our “big guns” raced. Mark Dennin won at JMU and looked really good. He got the course record and beat my time from last year by about 20 seconds. He could be a big addition to round out our scoring. Andrew Bumbalough is coming back. He's going to be out front. Sandy Roberts redshirted last year and is running really well. Mike Krisch is a guy who's run around 28:50. Ayalew Taye is in great shape and I feel like I'm going to be able to improve on my finish from last year. Everyone here on the team is really excited. We were 10th last year and we thought with that squad we could have been in the fifth or sixth area on a good day. Now we're looking to do better. We think we could crack the podium if we have a good day. What are your individual goals? I was 35th last year and I was really happy with that, that was a really big step for me. Now I feel like I understand how to race longer cross country distances. Coming through 5k last year, I was probably in the 70s or something like that. It was a real negative split kind of race. This year, I feel like I can put myself out there a little bit more and really try to improve. I'm looking to improve on my finish. Top-25 would be great. I'm trying be consistent and stay healthy throughout the whole fall. Has staying healthy been a problem for you? For the past few years I've had my ups and downs with some injuries. Last year in particular, right after cross country, I had some issues with my SI joint in my back. I had some overcompensation which lead to some knee stuff. That took me out for a huge chunk of winter. In the long run, that hurt my spring pretty bad. I really race well off of consistent, consistent training. I don't need to be doing ridiculous amounts of mileage or crazy workouts. I just really respond well to being consistent. That's the goal for me and the team for this fall. Maybe train at 90% of what we're capable of, but just stay healthy and good things will come. How did you spend your summer? Since things didn't go all that well in track, I didn't really end up racing really late. I had an opportunity to roadtrip out to the Colorado area and do some running. It was early on, so I did a lot of backpacking and hiking and mountain biking. I'm really into outdoor sports. It was a good time to get out there and hike around and see the West. I planned on going up through Wyoming and Montana, but my engine ceased in my car and I had to sell it for parts and buy a plane ticket back to Maine. That was an experience. Other than that, I was back in Maine. I live in Belfast, which is pretty close to Arcadia National Park. I spent some time up there training and it's a great place in the summer time with great weather. I was based out of Maine for most of the summer, just training and spending most of the time with my family. I also trained with Will Ahern, who ran for Texas last year. He left and is taking a semester off. It was a real good summer up there. I'll have some Maine questions for you after, but what kind of car died on you and what happened? It was a 1995 Saab 9000. I had it since my sophomore year of high school. I was creeping up on 200,000 miles and the engine just ceased up and supposedly some indicator lights weren't working and I may have had some oil leaks going on...paired with a lot of other stuff. It was sad to leave that car at the junkyard out in Colorado and leave with $200 in my pocket. I was very pleased with it. Everyone on the team had their own jokes about the doors that wouldn't open or windows that wouldn't go down, lights were sporadic. It was my first car, so I had an attachment to it. Now you wait until you go pro and get a Ferrari like Usain Bolt? We'll see about a Ferrari, but right now I'm driving a pretty sweet 2008 Vespa scooter. I'm still riding in style...just not with a roof over my head. It's going to get cold pretty soon. What are you going to do then? I've got some good flannel, some running tights and a good wool hat. True New England style! Yeah. Winter down here is nothing like it is in Maine. I can handle it. You spend your fall seasons down in Washington, D.C. Don't you miss those New England autumn runs through the woods? I miss that so much. Especially because I'm home for a bit in the summer. I get a chunk of that perfect, clean, crisp air with an ocean breeze. I miss the fall there a lot. This year has been sweet down here. We haven't been hit by any really bad humidity. Usually for the first month we have to do all of our runs at like 6:30 a.m. We've been able to practice the afternoon and it's been really nice. No complaints this year. I think he's got a year on you, but did you have and wild, epic battles with Ben True back in high school? (Laughs) Yeah...actually, I got runner-up to Ben True seven times. He was a year older than me, so I was pretty happy when he headed off. He's such a talented runner that there is no shame in that for me. I knew how good he was. We did have some good races together, but I was happy when he headed off to Dartmouth and I was able to grab a handful of state championships for myself. I had to make up for it, tripling up in the state meet so I could get my chunk. If you could have one meal, prepared by anyone, what would you have and who would make it? Wow. That's a good question! I'm from Maine and pretty partial to some seafood, but there's a small restaurant in Maine that makes the best lobster ravioli with a cream sauce over it. It's Thomaston Cafe (http://www.thomastoncafe.com/menu.htm) and that's probably my favorite dish. I'd have to go with that. Can you give me a crazy running-related story? I said that I was into hiking and backpacking and so are a few guys on my team. Andrew Bumbalough, Mike Krisch and I were up in British Columbia in the Canadian Rockies. We were doing some hiking up there with some friends and we were in town for dinner. We were getting into the flow of training. It was around dusk and we were eating with our friend's relative and the aunt was telling me that if I was going to go for a run that night, that I had to bring bear spray because the bears were all over the place there and the mountain lions were out. She was talking about the black bears, not really concerned with the grizzlies. I've seen black bears in my day and thought, “they're not that big, I'm not really worried about it.” I was going on a 12-mile run and didn't want to carry a big bear canister, a huge can of pepper spray. I tell her not to worry about it and head out for a run with Bumbi. We got about six to eight miles together and I go off and do my own thing, adding on. We go through these trails through the woods and I'm getting a little nervous. I see a lot of animals moving around and feel like it's a good idea to head back towards town. I'm coming back down these switchbacks and I'm looking around, enjoying nature, bouncing along and I come around the last switchback and see this enormous, biggest mother black bear I've ever seen in my life and she's standing in the middle of the trail and there's nowhere I can go. She's probably only 25 feet in front of me. I'm going through all the episodes of Man Vs. Wild I've seen and I have all these preconceptions of what I'm supposed to do. I stop my run and stand there. The bear just stares at me as I'm making myself look big and talking to her. She's just staring at me. We make eye contact and just stand there for about 20 seconds. I was pretty convinced that because she didn't run off that she was going to tear me to shreds. I continue my run and I get on the run another minute before I see these mountain bikers and they say, “have you seen any bears?!” and I say, “yeah, I just saw a mother black bear and was pretty freaked out by it!” They said that I was lucky, because I was north of her on the trail and her cubs just came along. I was really lucky that I wasn't 30 seconds faster on my run, because I would have been in between the mother and her cubs and would have gotten...filleted.   Tony Casey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1390-levi-miller-kwik-e Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1395-olympians-lead-fields-at-usa-5-km-championships INDIANAPOLIS - U.S. Olympians Anthony Famiglietti (Knoxville, Tenn.), Matt Tegenkamp (Portland, Ore.) and Amy Yoder Begley (Beaverton, Ore.) will headline the entries for the 2009 USA 5 km Championships Sunday in Providence, R.I. Defending men's champion Famiglietti will be going for his second U.S. road title of 2009, but will face fierce competition from Tegenkamp who just became the fourth American ever to break 13 minutes for 5,000 meters. Also in the mix for the title will be 2004 Olympian Jonathan Riley (Portland, Ore.) and Bolota Asmerom (Oakland, Calif.), the fourth-place finisher at this year's USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships 5,000 meters. Begley, the 2009 USA Outdoor 10,000 meter champion, leads the women's field that also includes local favorite Molly Huddle (Providence, R.I.), the 2009 champion at 7 and 10 miles. Also in the mix for the title will be Renee Metivier-Baillie (Flagstaff, Ariz.) and Katie McGregor (St. Louis Park, Minn.). About the USARC The USA 5 km Championships is the eighth stop on the 2009 USA Running Circuit (USARC) and will pay $30,000 in U.S. prize money with $5,000 going to the respective champions. The 2009 USARC is a USA Track & Field road series featuring USA Championships from one mile to the marathon, which attracts the best U.S. distance runners. The 2009 USARC has ten events each for men and women. Magdalena Lewy Boulet currently leads the women's standings with 49 points, while Anthony Famiglietti leads the men with 39 points. The first ten U.S. runners earn points at each USARC race (15 for first, 12 for second, 10 for third, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1), with a final $12,500 grand prix purse ($6,000, $4,000, and $2,500) for the top three men and women point scorers overall. The USARC points at the USA Marathon Championships will be doubled. The mission of the USA Running Circuit is to showcase, support, and promote U.S. runners. Since its inception in 1995, the USARC and its races have provided over $6 million dollars to U.S. distance runners. For more information on the 2009 USA 5 km Championships visit www.usatf.org. USATF Press http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1395-olympians-lead-fields-at-usa-5-km-championships Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:10:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1389-african-runners-versus-caucasians-by-danny-mackey-ms African Runners Versus Caucasians By Danny Mackey M.S.             Other than a few meets outside of Europe, the track season is over.  Between Flotrack and my cable network getting the Universal Sports channel, I have lost interest of my losing Chicago Cubs and been able to watch the best athletes in the world fight it out on a regular basis.  Unlike past track seasons, U.S. distance running fans were excited to cheer on top finishes in major Golden League IAAF meets and championships. America had a number of finalists and top 8 finishes in the Men’s and Women’s 800, 1500, 5k and 10k in both the World Championships and World Athletics Final.  Just 10 years ago the US was lucky to have one athlete in either of these events.  But even with the improvement, watch any Golden League 5,000 and it is evident there is a strong dominance from one part of the globe.  This is why one of the questions I heard from my buddies while watching these meets is “why do the Africans still just dominant”?  One argument is East Africans are tougher, train harder and are more disciplined.  Does that mean that Bekele can handle more pain and trains harder the Ritz?  Maybe.  Another argument is environment.  Growing up at an altitude of 7,000 feet and running 10km to school everyday versus growing up in Chicago and driving everywhere is very good point.  Studies have shown that even short-term exposure at altitude can affect aerobic energy metabolism and fat oxidization activity.  This ties in closely with the last argument, genetics. What we are born with regardless of toughness and environment.  (The reason I say “closely” is because genetic expression levels can be directly influenced by your environment).  Though, why is it that despite comparable VO2 max levels, slow-twitch/fast-twitch fiber proportions, fiber cross sectional area (predictor of maximum force production) and capillarization (more capillaries help oxygen transfer within muscles) the East Africians have raced substantially faster then Caucasians?  I am more curious about the genetic differences, if there are any.  (Or maybe I want to make an excuse for my weak minded, lazy self that even though I’m trying to qualify again for the US marathon Olympic trials that I would not even make a middle school team in Kenya).  In Kenny Moore’s Best Efforts: The Long Green Line, he talks about traveling to Kenya after finishing 4th in the Olympics.  While on a run one day, Kenny writes about thinking that only 3 guys are better than him in the world, yet he is not able to keep up with the Kenyan kids as they run to school.             A study by Dr. Coetzer talks about traits that African runners have over Caucasians that can directly improve performance.  A common genetic indicator that can be measured in a lab is VO2 max because it provides a quantitative measure of an athlete’s capacity for aerobic ATP resynthesis.  Note the word capacity here, as it just provides a ceiling.  In a distance race, our goal is to increase our time to fatigue.  We can achieve this by having a lower accumulation of metabolites for a given pace or tempo.  Furthermore, if our plasma lactate concentration is lower at a similar percentage of VO2 max utilization, this should infer greater time to fatigue.  Plasma lactate can be lowered by a few methods.  First, simply a decreased rate of lactate formation during hard effort running.  Second could be an increased rate of lactate clearance.  The last possibility is a combination of the two.  African distance runners with a similar VO2 max to Caucasians have shown a lower accumulation of metabolites and plasma lactate levels.              In this study, trained 32 min 10,000 meter Caucasian and African runners with equal VO2 max levels were run in a lab to maximum intensity.  They found, African runners ran 21% longer then the Caucasian runners.  Yet RER (respiratory exchange ratio which looks at substrate utilization, a decent indicator of relative effort), VO2, and max heart rate were the same.   Though plasma lactate was significantly lower in the Africans and citrate synthase activity was significantly higher (aerobic enzyme that begins the Krebs cycle). This supports the thought that having a high skeletal muscle oxidative capacity is important for optimizing an athlete’s performance.  In a 10,000 meter race Africans can nearly run 1,200 meters longer at 98% of their max heart rate.  Applying these numbers.....remember the fast sustained effort Bekele and Tadesse used to close the last 5,000 meters of the 10,000M in the world championships?  That was Tadesse’s season best in the 5,000M and only 12 seconds off Bekele’s season best, thing about that for a minute!              I am sure there are other possible factors, and half the fun of watching a great race is talking about it and “why” with your friends.  But, the Africans simply being tougher may not be the case. Danny Mackey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1389-african-runners-versus-caucasians-by-danny-mackey-ms Thu, 17 Sep 2009 01:53:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1387-flonetwork-takes-root-in-ireland The FloNetwork just got a little international flavor today! The current and past Irish running history is also quite tasty. Current stars on the world scene include Alistair Cragg, Mary Cullen, Thomas Chamney, Martin Fagan, David Gillick, Paul Hession, and Derval O’Rourke. Former Irish miler Ray Flynn, is also among Ireland’s elite running history and currently serves as an Agent for many of USA and Ireland’s best (See Flynn’s FloNetwork site). David Bradshaw, a Flo Fan in Ireland, came to us with a dream to give Ireland a chance to experience Track and Field like US fans have with Flotrack. David is 30 and loves running (even though he says he’s no good at it), is a coach, and works with Ireland’s virtual running club, Boards AC. Check out the new Irish Running site, and help David out with a name. There might be a t-shirt in it for the winner too, so post below! If you are an international Flotrack fan, or even just a fan in the US that has a dream to give the world more access to T&F give us a holler about getting a site on the FloNetwork (flonetwork@flocasts.org).    Irish Running  (Help David come up with a name!) FloNetwork         Pat Hitchins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1387-flonetwork-takes-root-in-ireland Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:07:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1392-washington-opens-2009-season-as-top-womens-division-i-xc-program NEW ORLEANS (September 15, 2009) – The Washington Huskies are perched at the top of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Women's Cross Country Top 30 Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the USTFCCCA announced Tuesday. The Huskies received all 12 first-place votes and earned 360 total points in the preseason poll.   Washington, last year’s NCAA Division I Cross Country National Champions, return five of their top seven runners from last year’s championship team, four of which were USTFCCCA Cross Country All-Americans. The Huskies open their 2009 season at home this weekend in the Sundodger Invitational.   Oregon comes in at No. 2 in the women’s preseason poll having earned 344 total points. The Ducks, last year’s runner-up at the NCAA Division I Cross Country National Championships, return two USTFCCCA All-Americans in Nicole Blood and Alex Kosinski. The Ducks will be in action on October 2 at the Bill Dellinger Invitational.   Florida State is ranked third followed by West Virginia at No. 4. Florida State returns five of their top seven runners from last year’s squad that finished third overall in the team standings at the national meet. The Seminoles are led by senior standout Susan Kuijken who finished second in the individual standings at the national meet in 2008.   West Virginia finished fourth in the team standings at the national meet in 2008 but return all seven runners from last year’s team including USTFCCCA Cross Country All-American Keri Bland who finished tenth overall in the individual standings at the ’08 national meet.   Rounding out the women’s preseason top 30 at No. 5 is Villanova, the 2008 Big East Conference Cross Country Champions. Villanova loses only one senior from last year’s team (Francis Koons) that finished sixth overall at the NCAA cross country championships.   To view the complete 2009 USTFCCCA Division I Women’s Cross Country Preseason Top 30, click here. USTFCCCA http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1392-washington-opens-2009-season-as-top-womens-division-i-xc-program Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:13:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1391-oregon-opens-09-as-the-top-division-i-mens-cross-country-team   NEW ORLEANS (September 15, 2009) – Oregon, last year’s NCAA Division I Men’s Cross Country National Champions, begins the 2009 season as the No. 1 team in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Men's Cross Country Top 30 Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the USTFCCCA announced Tuesday. The Ducks received nine first-place votes and earned 357 total points in the preseason poll.   Oregon will have plenty of ground to make up if they are to repeat as the men’s champions in 2009 as they lose two USTFCCCA All-Americans in Galen Rupp (last year’s NCAA Individual Champion) and Shadrack Kiptoo-Biwott. The Ducks do return sophomore Luke Puskedra who finished fifth overall as a freshman. Oregon opened their season with the Pre’s Trail Run and will next be in action on October 2 in the Bill Dellinger Invite hosted by the Ducks.   Coming in at No. 2 this week is Oklahoma State. Last year the Cowboys finished eighth in the men’s team standings at the NCAA cross country championships but return all seven runners from last year’s squad. The Cowboys host the Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree on October 3.   Stanford follows the Cowboys at No. 3 in the men’s preseason rankings with Wisconsin coming in at No. 4. Stanford, third at the NCAA meet a year ago, opened its season at the Nevada Twilight on September 4 and will next be in action in two weeks as the Cardinal hosts the Stanford Invitational on September 26. Wisconsin was fourth overall in the team standings in ’08 and returns four of their top seven runners from that NCAA team. The Badgers will be looking for their eighth straight Great Lakes Region title as well.   Completing the men’s top five is Northern Arizona. NAU is led by two-time USTFCCCA Cross Country All-American David McNeill who will be looking to improve upon his individual finish a year ago (15th) at the NCAA meet. NAU will be back in action this weekend as the Lumberjacks travel West to San Diego for the San Diego State Aztec Invitational.   To view the complete 2009 USTFCCCA Division I Men’s Cross Country Preseason Top 30, clickhere. USTFCCCA http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1391-oregon-opens-09-as-the-top-division-i-mens-cross-country-team Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:12:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1384-dii-weekend-review-interview-ben-zywicki Colorado School of the Mine’s Ben Zywicki most recently won UCCS Rust Buster Invite. He finished 22nd last year at XC Nationals on a team that finished 9th overall. He was a member of the indoor distance medley relay team that took first place at Indoor Nationals. He was an All American in the 10k this past spring. DII Weekend Review caught up with after last week’s win.   DII Weekend Review : You had a strong season last year with a 22nd place finish at XC nations and finished high at both the indoor and outdoor track nationals. What was your training like this summer so that you can keep this up? Ben Zywicki:  My training was very similar to years past. I focused on building my mileage up pretty high and keeping the mileage at a solid pace. Most of the runs are based on feel, so some runs end up turning into tempo runs. Some hilly days in there too. That’s really it. DIIWR:What are your goals heading into this season? BZ:I would like to continue building upon the successes I’ve had over the past year. The main goal is to stay consistent throughout the season in everything I do. That encompasses sleeping and eating too.   DIIWR:You are in what some would argue the hardest conference, the RMAC, in DII. How does this affect your training and your mindset? BZ:To be honest, it doesn’t affect my training or mindset in the least. The goal is always to run well at nationals and to do my best on the way there.  Nationals is the race that matters. That being said though, I try and treat Nationals no different mentally than any other race.   DIIWR: There has been a lot of talk on some running boards that Colorado School of the Mines might be one of the most overlooked teams. Do you feel this at all? Is it nice being considered the underdog? BZ:You know, every team has high goals and expectations so to say I don’t feel we’re overlooked would be a lie. However, rankings and chat on message boards don’t make any difference come Nationals time. As far as being the underdog any team that didn’t get a trophy last fall is an underdog. I guess it’s nice but we’re certainly not alone.   DIIWR: Can you give us an example of a typical week of training? BZ: Well it depends on what part of the season we’re in but typically we have a hills day, either repeats or a long sustained hill, and either a long tempo or intervals each week. We run a long run at least once a week.   DIIWR: Last year’s XC Nationals had some crazy weather; did your team have to do anything to adjust to the weather? BZ: Well the nice thing about living in Colorado was that we had already had a couple of those days. Regionals was incredibly cold and windy too. So the only major adjustments we had were to put ½ inch spikes in.   DIIWR: CSM has finished in the top ten the last two years; does this make the team hungry to finish higher? BZ: Of course it does. Our highest place finish as a team was four years ago. We would like to continue to build on that.   DIIWR: You were on the team that won the National DII distance medley relay title, what was that experience like? BZ: That was a great experience for us. To share that with some of my best friends is something I’ll cherish forever because you never know when you’ll get an opportunity like that again. The best part about winning a relay championship is that all members must perform on that given day and as most people know, that’s something to be said for.   DIIWR:What is the best piece of running advice you were ever given? BZ:  Probably two things that go hand in hand. My high school coach, Greg Mitchell, told me one day, and it’s always stuck, is the best thing for running is running. You can be a plyometrics God but if you aren’t out there pounding out some miles, you’re gonna have a tough time. The other advice I’ve been given was from my coach, Art Siemers, who has told me, on numerous occasions, that no matter the training, you have to believe in what you’re doing and at that point you have to get out there and run. Long story short, keep it simple. Cara Hawkins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1384-dii-weekend-review-interview-ben-zywicki Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1380-kevin-sullivan © Copyright – 2009 – Christopher Kelsall Three time Olympian, Kevin (Sully) Sullivan has run 32, sub-4 minute miles. He currently holds the NCAA indoor championship record of 3:55’33. During his varsity career at the University of Michigan he accomplished 14 All-American honours and currently holds the Canadian records for the mile and 1500m distances. Sully was very close to medalling in the Sydney Olympic Games, finishing 5th in the 1500m final. He has competed in at least 10 IAAF World Cross-Country Championships, Commonwealth Games and many other international competitions. At age 35 Kevin, as you will read below, continues to be committed to his athletics career. Meanwhile he is a volunteer coach at Florida State University where his wife Karen Harvey is the women’s Athletics head coach. She too enjoys a winning record. She had a distinguished athletics career including once owning the Canadian 3000m Steeple Chase record of 10:14’27 and a world number 1 ranking in 1998. Karen’s alma mater is also the University of Michigan. Kevin’s Personal bests: 800m    1:47.061500m   3:31.71Mile        3:50.263000m   7:41.615000m  13:19.27 Kevin grew up in Brantford, Ontario, a small hockey town, that produces a high level of quality athletes form a variety of sports. The interview Christopher Kelsall: At what age did you begin to seriously focus on athletics? Kevin Sullivan: I first got involved in my local track club at age 12, but it wasn’t until I was about 14-15 that I started to get serious about athletics. CK: You ran a 2:15, 800m at the age of 12 and 1:53 two years later. Those must be close to world age-group records. Are you aware of how those times stand up? KS: I have no idea how the 2:15 stacks up, but at the time the 1:53 was a world record for 14 year olds. (editor’s note: in 1978, Kent Whilmhurst of Victoria, BC may have had the 12 year-old record with a 2:18). CK: Running Heroes? KS: Sebastian Coe. CK: You have been involved with Athletics Canada as an Athlete Representative.Now that you are in the latter years of your track career, are you considering moving into coaching or perhaps sport administration? KS: I’ve considered both career avenues, but it is still somewhat difficult to gauge how realistic either one of those career avenues are given my wife’s current coaching situation. I’ve been an athlete rep with Athletics Canada for the past 8 years, which also gives me a seat on the Board of Directors, so I have been very fortunate to be able to see and experience some of the administrative side of sport. That could be another possible avenue, but, to be honest I would much rather be directly involved in developing and mentoring athletes rather than being in an administrative role. Being an administrator can be a very thankless job and our administrators deserve a lot more respect than what they are given. CK: When you say that the administrators do not get the respect they deserve, how for example is that manifested? KS: I see it all the time with Athletics Canada. Being an athlete rep and board member I have two distinct and sometimes-conflicting roles. But what I see more is that Athletics Canada administrators in particular are berated in the media and other public forums to no end. However, in dealing with those said administrators I think they do very much with not a whole lot in terms of resources, both manpower and financial. While I don't agree with every decision that is made, those administrators are looking for the same thing the rest of the Athletics public is: increased participation, improved results, and ultimately more resources going directly to athletes and coaches. And it seems that those who shout the loudest just shout about how AC is ruining the sport, without really providing feasible options for solving some of the problems or understanding the reasoning behind the decision, or without stepping up themselves to fill positions for athlete rep or other important committees within the governance structure of Athletics Canada. CK: Being as you are involved in coaching, are you getting a good taste of life as a coach now and the highs and lows that go with coaching others?KS: Yes, I am a volunteer coach here at Florida State University, and before that filled the same role at Illinois and Michigan. I also have a small group of four post collegiate athletes that I am coaching at the moment. So I do have a taste for coaching. The highs and lows are completely different. No matter how confident you are in how you prepare your athletes, at the end of the day, when they step to the line it is on them to compete and replicate what they have been producing in practice. It is difficult to stand on the sideline and know that you have no control over the way athletes are going to react once they get into the heat of the competition. CK: Interesting comment in the latter part of your answer. It is often said that great athletes do not always make great coaches partly because it is believed they cannot always relate to the athlete’s inability to create the same magic they did, during their own heyday. Do you find you have to remind yourself on occasion of your own level of talent versus theirs – or is it even necessary in the individualistic sport of athletics? KS: Sure, it can be difficult at times when you watch an athlete race or even do a workout and they don’t react the way you might react if you were in the same situation. It’s important as a coach to really try to put yourself in your athlete’s shoes and recognize that each individual athlete has different strengths and weaknesses than you may have had as an athlete and learn how to adapt workouts and race planning to suit the individual’s needs, not your own. I don’t think you necessarily have to remind yourself as to the talent differences. That really should be obvious already and taken into account when setting up individual training plans.  CK: What about your civil engineering degree, are you going to be able to make use of it? KS: I would love to be able to answer yes to that question, but in all likelihood I will not make use of the degree in the sense of being employed in the civil engineering field per se. Having been out of school now for 11 years without working in the field is going to mean a lot of re-education if I go that route. I’m not ruling it out, but it is not my first choice of a post-running career. That being said, so many of the skills that were required in pursuing that degree transfer over into so many other fields that I feel very comfortable if I choose not to go in the engineering direction when I am done competing.   On Brantford, Ontario CK: Who is the greatest athlete to ever come out of Brantford, Ontario? KS: Wayne Gretzky. Unfortunately for me, he is also the greatest athlete to come out of my elementary school, Greenbier Elementary!  CK: That is humbling. You came along way from 2nd best in the school, to 5th in the Olympic 1500m final. OK second best, then! KS: Brantford and Brant County has a pretty impressive list of sportsmen/women including: Syl Apps (hockey)Todd Brooker (downhill ski)Tom Fergus (hockey)Juli Howard (swimming)Doug Jarvis (hockey)Keith Jones (hockey)Nick Kaczur (football)Angela Kelly (soccer)Tom Longboat (running)John Muckler (hockey coach/GM)Gaylord Powless (lacrosse)Ross Powless (lacrosse)Greg Stephan (hockey)John, Gary, & Terry Summerhays (boxing) I probably belong somewhere in that list as well, but maybe not even at second best. CK: I didn’t know the list from Brant County was that extensive. Some of those names are legendary. I suggest you are number 2 or 3, but that’s up to the masses to debate. Tom Longboat would be pretty difficult to unseat given the worldwide competitiveness of running compared to the big team sports. Gretzky was very good at several sports, such as lacrosse, track and field, and baseball. It seems great athletes tend to excel at several sports, for instance Steve Nash is an excellent soccer player. When do you think is an ideal age to begin moving kids into sports that they appear to excel at? KS: I don’t think there is an “ideal” age to start moving into specific sports, but it takes a pretty physically and mentally mature kid to get too specific about any sport. At the very least, specialization should not happen until sometime during high school.   CK: Did you play a lot of hockey and lacrosse growing up in Brantford? KS: I played a lot of hockey, but I never played any lacrosse. I was always active growing up though. I was on the ice in the winter, played soccer and golf in the summer and flag football in the fall. CK: Favourite position in hockey? KS: Defense CK: Did your brothers Colin and Darren get into running? KS: Darren not so much. He ran a couple of years in high school but nothing very serious. He was more into snowboarding at the time and eventually moved out to Banff and started working as a snowboard instructor. Colin was a very good runner in high school and also balanced that with a lot of hockey. He was drafted by the Barrie Colts of the OHL, and ended up playing some Jr. B in Brantford. But he did run 1:53 as a 16 year-old, but battled a lot of injuries. He ended up going to UT-Chattanooga on a track scholarship and is still down there working on his masters degree in Education. He has again been battling injuries the past couple of years but did run 3:46 for 1500m. CK: Are you going to seriously run a marathon while still young enough to run standard? KS: I've run two road 10kms. As for a marathon, I don't know. I will run one someday, but how seriously is another question. Somehow I think I probably will run one at least "semi-seriously" just because it is not in my competitive nature to not take a competition seriously. CK: Thoughts on Let's Run message board? KS: Great resource if you can sift through the B.S. to find the good information. CK: You have gone to school and coached in Michigan, Illinois and Florida, but you are from Ontario. I am going to hazard a guess that you are a big Detroit Red Wings fan. KS: NO! I am most definitely not a Red Wings fan. I grew up an Edmonton (Oilers) and Montreal (Canadiens) fan, and have slowly gravitated towards being a Toronto fan (I know, how can you be a Toronto and Montreal fan? It makes no sense). Really though, when it comes down to it, I am a fan of Canadian based teams. I certainly am not a hard-core fan of any one team, more just a fan of the sport in general.  CK: Are you following the drama between the NHL, or perhaps more accurately Commissioner Bettman, and Blackberry owner Jim Balsillie in his attempts to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes? If so, what are your thoughts on Jim wanting to move the team to Hamilton, Ontario and Mr. Bettman going as far as bidding for the team so it can be run by the league to keep them in Phoenix? KS: I really haven’t followed the drama too closely. My dad keeps me updated whenever we talk. I would love to see a team in Hamilton. There is certainly a big enough market to handle having a team in Hamilton and Toronto. Will it happen? Probably not. I certainly don’t understand the logic of keeping the team in Phoenix. How much money does a franchise have to lose before it becomes apparent that hockey is not going to take in Phoenix the way it has in L.A., Dallas, and Tampa? The Tragically Hip CK: No kidding. Let’s talk about one of my favourite musical subjects, The Tragically Hip. You’re a fan. What do you think of their latest two releases, World Container and We are the Same versus their classics, Road Apples and Fully Completely? KS: Road Apples and Fully Completely are very different from World Container and We are the Same. I like all four albums, but I have found that it has taken longer for the latter two albums to grow on me. Road Apples and Fully Completely were instant hits with me and many of my favourite Hip songs are from those two albums.  CK: Well said. Being situated in the US, are you not as exposed to the Hip as you were when you were in Brantford? Perhaps this has something to do with the time it takes their newer releases to grow on you? KS: I think it is more just the artistic differences between the earlier albums and the last couple. I still love their work, but if I were forced to choose, it would definitely be from some earlier Hip albums. Ever have a chance to seem them live? KS: I’ve seen them live four times: Cayuga Speedway, Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre, Air Canada Centre on New Year’s Eve 1999, and The Rivieria in Chicago.  CK: So have you converted Karen, to a Hip fan? KS: She's come to a couple of concerts with me, but not sure I would call her a true "fan". Back on Track CK: Was it important for the sport for Usain Bolt to come along to inject interest in Track & Field? Seeing that he transcends the sport. KS: Sure, but we can't rely on Bolt to save the sport beyond his time in it. Now that the IAAF has the world's attention on the sport they need to capitalize on this opportunity to hold interest when the day comes when Usain Bolt is no longer running mind-boggling times. CK: When you say that the IAAF need to capitalize on the attention Track & Field is getting now to hold interest in the sport. What could they do to create more loyal fans? Also, would better performances (which is starting to happen now), be enough to bring the public back?  KS: I don't think it is necessarily all about better performances. Sure, Usain Bolt is going to electrify the fans when he steps on the track, but we need to make the entire event interesting to the fans. Just in Canada, we had the public paying $250 to watch Bolt run in Toronto, which was more expensive than any Golden League ticket (or the final of the World Championships for that matter) and the stands were packed. Yet our own National Championships were sparsely attended again. CK: Do you think the public is justifiably jaded when excellent performances happen? PEDs seem to garner the big media headlines nearly as much as Bolt’s incredible performances. How do we get around that obstacle? KS: I think the public is jaded when any athlete in any sport has excellent performances, and rightly so. I don't think we will ever get around that obstacle, unless there ever comes a day where we have a drug testing program that can guarantee every athlete lining up in their respective sports are clean. As a track fan, I have to believe that those performances are clean until they are proven otherwise, for the sake of the sport. But as a realist I understand that greed, ego, and jealously, are entirely human traits that are going to lead some down the path of PEDs. I can only hope that testing continues to get better and more athletes decide to compete with honour, integrity, and only with their God given abilities and hard work as their performance enhancer's. CK: Can you take us through your 5th place finish from the 2000 Olympics? I remember watching the race and thinking that for sure, you were in the hunt. El Gerrouj took off and it seems you looked like you could go, was it all in the timing when coming out into the straight? KS: I remember being very calm going into that final. At that point the hard work was done. I had a wonderful season up to that point with 2 Canadian records and strong runs in both the heats and semis at the Olympics so I really wasn’t feeling much in the way of pressure or nerves. I also knew exactly how the race was going to go. With Yousef Baba being in the final we knew that he was going to rabbit El Gerrouj.  I was lined second on the line with El Gerrouj on the inside up against the rail. Just before they brought us out from the tunnel onto the track, El Gerrouj turned to me and said, “First one hundred metres, no pushing, ok?”  At that point I really didn’t know how to react. I just smiled and nodded my head, but in the back of my mind I was thinking that if I needed the spot I was going shove him off the track!  My goal going into that race was to run for a medal. And based on the semi-finals I really thought there were five guys running for the three medals. After each round Wynn Gmitroski and myself would go to the video library in the village and watch each heat and semi. Based on what we saw in those races we felt the guys who looked the best were El Gerrouj, Ngeny, Lagat, Baala, and myself. As it turned out those were the first 5 guys with Ngeny pulling one of the great upsets of those Games.  The race itself went pretty much how we expected. Baba took out the pace and things strung out very early. But he slowed to a 60 second lap on the second lap and the whole field bunched up again. El Gerrouj went to the front with about 600m to go and the field was strung out once again. At that point I made my one mistake of the Games. I allowed Andres Diaz to get by me with 600m to go, and as El Gerrouj ramped up the over the next 100m I lost contact with Baala who was in fourth. I was able to maintain my composure and get myself back to 5th, but at that point there was too much room to make up to really make a run at a medal. CK: We talked a little about possible post-athlete career; I would guess you still have some unfinished business to tend to internationally as an athlete? Any specific goals you would like to tackle in the next few years? KS: Firstly, I need to get healthy. But beyond that I am really looking at Commonwealth Games next year (2010). I really feel like had the 2006 Commonwealth Games been in July/Aug, instead of March, I would have been standing on the podium. My coach and I probably didn’t do enough real specific work going into that championship and it showed on the final lap of the race. Just based on my 3:32 and 3:33 from later that summer, I feel like I had a legitimate shot at challenging for the win. But, I was also only with my coach for less than 6 months at that point and we were still figuring a lot of things out. And on top of that my father was having surgery for kidney cancer the day before the 1500m, so my mind was probably not 100% on the competition.  CK: When you say your coach and you did not do enough specific work as evident by your better times later that summer, can you elaborate on the specificity? Was it anaerobic work or neuro-muscular speed? KS: We didn't focus much on specific 1500m repetition pace work in our build-up towards Melbourne. In hindsight, I was much more prepared to run a great 5k (as evidenced by my short course WXC finish the following week) than I was to run a 1500m. I think we underestimated how much pace work I needed in the build-up to really feel comfortable racing a championship type 1500m race. CK: How about racing going-forward? KS: Beyond next year I cannot make a commitment at this point. When I was younger it was certainly easier to plan on 4-year cycles culminating with an Olympic Games, but at 35 I don’t know that it is fair to make that commitment. Certainly, with missing out on this year’s World Champs after having competed in every Championship since 1993, I would love to be back and competing for a spot on the team in 2011, but that is a decision I will make at the end of the year next year.  So for now I can confirm that I am committed fully to the 2010 season and beyond that, much will depend on how well I compete next summer as well as my desire and commitment to train at the level needed to compete with the best in the world.          Contact Chris: chriskelsall@flocasts.org   Christopher Kelsall http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1380-kevin-sullivan Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:06:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1375-john-beattie-kwik-e <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> Tulsa's John Beattie, a senior originally from Southampton, United Kingdom, has an impressive distance running resume. At last fall's NCAA Cross Country Championship, Beattie finished in 29th place as his Hurricanes finished 13th. This past spring, he ran 28 minutes, 46.27 seconds in the 10,000-meter run at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational. After training at altitude, with Kenyans this summer, we'll see what he can accomplish this fall. What kind of running did you do this summer? I did the NCAAs in June. After that I took three weeks of complete rest. I basically just relaxed in Tulsa. I didn't go back, I stayed in the States. I got back into it for a couple of weeks, but building up. My friend from England came over to visit and we went to El Paso, where I know a few guys. He used to run for UTEP. We stayed down there for 10 days or so. I think the altitude down there is about 4,000 feet. Then we went from there to Flagstaff, Arizona, which was absolutely superb. We were there for two weeks, up at 7,000 feet. Then we came back to Tulsa on the 17th of August. I've been back here ever since. You did an altitude tour? Yeah. You could put it that way. How did you body handle that? It seems to be handling it quite well. The only thing with Flagstaff is there isn't really any heat or humidity there. It wasn't too bad and I got a couple good weeks of training in there. I feel fine now! Were there any of the “typical” world-class athletes training in Flagstaff when you were there? There were a few of them. We met Abdi (Abdirahman), which was fun. I had coffee and cake with him. We were training with Andrew Ledwith, who ran pretty well at NCAAs last year. Did you do any races or was it all training? No, I haven't done any races since nationals. I figured the NCAA season was long enough for me. With the possibility of what I might be doing next summer...this might be a good reason to have a complete break so I can let the body refresh before training. After taking those three weeks off completely, what was that first week back like? I started with like 35 minutes a day for the first week back and then added five minutes more per day. 35, 40, 45 and so on. I don't really tend to count my mileage that much, just took more time to run. It was certainly very easy for the first couple of weeks. And where are you right now for mileage? It's probably between 100-110ish. Like I said, I don't keep a precise count on it, but it's somewhere around there. That's with how many doubles? Probably Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday...so, four. Have you talked with your coaches and teammates about goals for this cross country season? I was 29th there last year. I think probably half the people who beat me last year were seniors. That would probably leave me well. I know I've been improving, so top-15 would be a decent target. The depth is obviously incredible there, so we'll see. It's quite hard to predict. Same with our team. We were 13th last year and that was the best the school has ever done. I think we're better this year, but we certainly have no illusions, because last year nobody had any injuries. Everyone seemed OK. We're not under any false pretenses that we'll automatically do better than before. Trying to beat last year's finish would be positive for the school. Can you talk about the process that you went through that brought you to Tulsa? It was kind of random. I was at Southampton and did a law degree. Out of the blue one day, I got a message on Facebook from the assistant coach here, Andy Maloney. It was a general message that he sent out, saying, “would you be interested in looking at some post-graduate opportunities? Come out and run on a scholarship.” I was semi-interested in it and he called me that day and he was sounding more and more convincing on what he had to offer. At that point I would check out races and see that everyone was racing fast. I was looking at the Stanford meet and we obviously don't have anything like that back at home in England. He recruited me more. I had no specific bounds at home and thought, “whynot give it a go?” And here I am. Be honest: what brought you here? Was it another degree or the running? I think it's a combination of everything really. Unless you're in that top percent at home where you're going to get everything looked after or whatever, this is the place to be running wise. And the degree, well, that's always going to help. I'm doing an MBA here, which they're always telling me how valued that is to getting jobs and stuff. Then, just the lifestyle thing, where I have an opportunity to come and see the stage and run at places like California or Texas or places I've never even heard or thought about before...well, now I'm getting a chance to see these places. I get to meet people from all over the world. What kind of international race experience do you have? I ran the World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh last year. December last year, two weeks after NCAAs, I ran the European Cross Country Championships in Belgium. I've done a few. Which international races do you have coming up? I'm definitely not doing the British Trials for the European Cross Country Championships. It's probably unlikely that I'll get picked for the senior team. I'll be running at the NCAAs and it would be unfair to the guys to be picked after not showing up for the trials. I'm not really thinking about that too much. If it comes up, then I might consider it. So, outside of the NCAA, which races do you have your sights on? I've got some very specific sights this year. We have the Commonwealth Games, which is pretty much the British Empire and former-British Empire countries. It's kind of a watered-down version of the Olympics. They have all the sports ant everything. It's in Delhi, India. That would be pretty cool to compete in. That's next in 2010. We also have the European Championships on the track. That's in August next year. Making either of those in the 10k would be great for me. How difficult are the standards? They're not too bad. They're kind of developmental competitions for people looking to the make Olympics and World Championships in the future. I think the 10k is like 28:30ish, give or take five seconds. I think that's certainly achievable. There's not a huge amount of depth back home, so it's almost the case where if you hit the time, you're going to go. It's not like you have 10-15 guys having the time that you do, compared to the US Championships. What do you do when you get free time? I like playing golf. I was hugely into golf before I got into running. That was my sport before running. I played with the coach here at Tulsa a few times. How are the courses over here comparing to the golf courses back home? They're nice. We have Southern Hills in Tulsa, where they just had a US amateur. I haven't been able to get on there yet. You'd probably need $300 per round there. They can't pull any strings for one of their top distance runners? I don't think so. It's one of those types of places where you have to be in the right place and know the right people. It's one of those conservative, southern, traditional clubs. Even our coach hasn't played there and that's pretty surprising. What's the hardest workout you've ever done? I love to do the really big 10k track preparation sessions. One of the ones that I did last year, building up to Stanford. It was 3k on the track at 10k pace, then it was five 400s quicker, then a two-mile tempo on the grass, then... Can I start over and change this? I've got a better one! I did it with—have you heard of a guy called Kyle King? Zap Fitness guy? Yes, I have! He's based in Tulsa and he's got this workout called the Mongetti. It's a fartlek session on the track, where you do two by 90 seconds on, 90 seconds off, four by 60 seconds on, 60 seconds off. Four by 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off and then four by 15 on, 15 off. The aim of it is to keep your recovery going at really solid pace without ever really letting up. We did that in about 19:35-19:40ish. Straight off of that we do two by mile, where you do a hard 1500 and then rest for five minutes. Do you realize that you started this off with, “I love to do the really big 10k preparations”? I hate the killer lactic sessions where we do four or five by 400 hard. Those aren't for me, but the big, big 10k sessions...I love them! That's what I train for. 100-mile weeks and workouts like that and I'm expecting big things from you this season. (Laughs) Yeah, we'll see. What's your longest run ever? Longest? I'd say two hours, 10 minutes. We were going to do two hours but got lost and ended up doing 10 minutes more. If you could have any meal, prepared by anyone, what would you have and who would make it? I lived with the Kenyans this summer and they were cooking all sorts of Kenyan food for me. I (really liked) chapati. It's a really floury-type pancake. They make that and ugali as well. They live off this stuff and they tell me I'll run fast if I eat that and beef stew. It needs to be cooked by Kenyan girls. If they guys make it...they're not in the same league as the Kenyan women. Is it crazier to go to soccer game in England or a Tulsa football game? There's no comparison. Absolutely no comparison! The passion and everything back home is just so much more intense. It's life or death for people back home. I've seen some pretty nasty things back home. The games here are fun, but they're soft compared to the abuse and the shouting and the riots. Can you give me a crazy running-related story? We were doing a run at a park, trying to explore it and go out to new areas that we hadn't been. We ended up in these farmer's fields. We weren't quite sure where we were going. All of a sudden, a truck comes out of nowhere and starts following us. The guy in it starts shouting at us. I think it was along the lines of, “get off my land!” We decided not to because we wanted to keep on going and didn't want to go back. Then we ended up running through this river to get away and climbed over a few barbwire fences, thinking we were clear. We got to the edge of a highway. The guy turns around and doubles back and pulls up along side of us, gets out of his truck and he shouts, “if you ever come on my land again, I'm going to kill you and shoot you with my gun!” It was classic! We started sprinting. You don't want to mess with these people. You don't know what they're capable of or what they're carrying.       Tony Casey http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1375-john-beattie-kwik-e Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1371-dii-weekend-review-labor-day-2009 An old fashion rule is that one is not suppose to wear white after Labor Day and after this past weekend not many DII runners will have to worry about their spikes being white. Many teams took part in their first race of the 2009 season and hope to bust the rust of their legs. There were quite a few meet across the nation though many were merely dual or alumni meets. I will highlight a few of the more heated match-ups.  If there are any results that you think should be highlighted or discussed leave a comment below. I am always open to suggestions, after all Flotrack is a community. Joe I.Vigil Open-The Adams State meet was the first meeting between perhaps the most heated rivalry in DII running between Adams State and Western State. In the women’s race, it was Adams State’s Kristen McGlynn who took the individual win running the 5k course in 17:53. Mesa State’s Alexis Skarda was not far behind in 17:59. Adams State’s Alicia Nelson rounded out the top three with 18:09. Adams State took the team win with 26 points followed by Mesa State with 56 points and Western State with 75 points. In the men’s race the top five spots were taken by Adams States runners. Reuben Mwei won the 8k race in 24:27 followed by Brian Medigovich (24:30) and Ryan McNiff (24:40). The first Western State runner was Tyler Pennel in 6th with a 25:15. Adams State scored a perfect 15 points to win the team race followed by Western State (48 points) and Fort Lewis (80 points). Brooks Memphis Twilight- In both the women’s and men’s races, Harding had a very good showing. Harding’s Esther Kosgei was the first DII finisher finishing the 5k course in 18:48.41 and was fifth overall. Harding was the first DII School and second overall in the team race with 91 points. Harding’s Daniel Kirwa was the runner-up in the men’s race covering the 4 mile course in 19:12.91. The team finished sixth with 208 points. UCCS Rust Buster- In the women’s race Colorado School of the Mines’s Sydney Laws won the 4k race in the time of 14:53.72. She was followed by Metro State’s Danielle Kehoe (15:09.16) and Laws’s teammate Marie Patton (15:16.33). Colorado School of the Mines was the first DII School with 53 points for second place. Metro State was third with 54 points. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs was fourth with 89 points. In the men’s race, Colorado School of the Mine’s Ben Zywicki won the 6k race in the time of 19:08.36.  The next DII finisher was Metro State’s Anthony Luna who finished fourth with a 19:18.22. Colorado School of the Mine’s won the team competition with 37 points. Metro State was third with 62 points. Colorado at Colorado Springs was fifth with 143 points. UNCP XC Invitational-Augusta State’s Holly Keeper was the first DII runner through the line for second place running 24:17.44 for the 6k course. She was followed by her teammates Angela Woodward in fourth (24:45.66) and Savannah Sutton in fifth (24:57.13). Augusta State won the women’s team competition with 25 points over Pfeiffer University (69 points) and Wingate University (106 points). University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s Pardon Ndhlovu won the men’s 8k race with a time of 25:26.33. The next DII runner was Wingate’s David Sanctis who was fifth in the time of 27:33.59. University of North Carolina at Pembroke won the team competition with 40 points. Wingate was third with 61 points and Francis Marion was fourth with 123 points. Cara Hawkins http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1371-dii-weekend-review-labor-day-2009 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:04:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1369-cameron-levins © Copyright – 2009 – Christopher Kelsall   On June 16th, Black Creek’s Cam Levins finished 2nd over-all in the British Columbia Provincial 5k Road Race Championships on a challenging and hilly, double-looped course. He finished in the time of 14:53. Friday, August 14th he won a local 5000m event in 14:09 - The Black Press 5000. Interestingly, he ran faster during his summer build-up than he did at the end of his NCAA Division 1 track season. Following that August 14th performance in Victoria, B.C. he flew to the other end of the country to Prince Edward Island where he took in the Canada Summer Games 5000m and won in 14:23.   He is on a roll. He even has his own official Cam Levins thread at the Comox Valley Road Runners site.   Cam doesn’t seem the type to question what works for him. When I asked him specific questions about his training, he said, “honestly, I don't know a lot about different training philosophies. I've just put my trust in Coach Houle and the program, and so far it has worked out pretty well. I do around 100 miles-a-week and I run every day.”   From the Southern Utah Thunderbirds Athletics site:   Thirty-three time conference and 1999 NCAA Mountain Regional Coach of the Year Eric Houle is in his 18th season as head track and field and cross-country coach at Southern Utah University. Since his arrival at SUU in 1992, the Thunderbirds have won 36 conference championships, including four Summit League titles, 31 Mid-Con titles combined in track and cross-country, an American West title and one NCAA Mountain Regional cross-country championship.   Cam is now back at Southern Utah getting ready for the looming cross-country season.   CK: How easy of a decision was it for you to choose Southern Utah?   CL: Choosing Southern Utah was actually a pretty easy decision. I had scholarship offers from a lot of Div 2 schools, and I had Div 1 Universities interested in me, but I wasn't being offered enough to go to them. Then one of the coaches at Southern Utah contacted me, and it just seemed to be exactly the kind of school I was looking for. Division 1, small school (I like small class sizes and being able to walk from one class to another easily), but still a very good track and cross-country program, and they were offering me a good enough scholarship for me to afford to go.   My planned major is Exercise Science. However, I'm not exactly sure what job I want use it for post-college, but I like the subject.   CK: 2007/2008 was your first season in Division 1. How was your introduction to this new level of competition?   CL: Entering the NCAA was one of best decisions of my running career. I saw pretty drastic personal bests with the new training regiment at Southern Utah and facing a greater level competition throughout the NCAA.   CK: Can you elaborate on the new training regime? CL: My coach probably wouldn’t like me to give away too many of our program’s ‘secrets’ but I think the main changes from my high school to collegiate training have been an increase in both weekly mileage and pace I run my recovery days at, and a larger variety of workouts.    CK: What are some examples of ‘drastic personal bests’?  CL: First, here are a couple of my best times from high school: 1:58.1 and 4:00.7 in the 800m and 1500m respectively. By the end of freshman year I had run a 1:53.8 and 3:50.01.  CK: You ran a 1 mile road race near your home town of Black Creek in downtown Courtenay, you managed to nip under 4:00 minutes, but the course turned out to be short. Were you suspect with your ‘sub 4’ or did you have any idea about the length discrepancy?   CL: A mile under 4:00 minutes has been a dream for so many years that when I saw the finishing time ‘3:59.86’ I was ecstatic and extremely happy. It was a feeling of great satisfaction to accomplish a long-term goal like that. I actually didn’t find out until a couple weeks later that the course was short. I was obviously disappointed when I did. It was hard to have what I thought was my first time running ‘sub 4’ taken away from me. However, I got over it and I’m confident it’s just a matter of time until I do it legitimately.   CK: Do you know how short the mile was? What is your mile personal best?   CL: I’m not sure of the exact distance but I was told that, from the pace I was running, it would account for about an extra 2.5 seconds. But my mile personal best is 4:04.66 (indoor) on the track so I was still happy to have run faster than that.    Of Black Creek, Vancouver Island  CK: Growing up in Black Creek on Vancouver Island you certainly had your choice of a variety of sports. What other sports did you play?  Were you always a runner?   CL: I actually did many different sports such as soccer, basketball and volleyball, but was always a runner. I started racing cross-country in grade 2 and the following year I joined track & field, but it wasn’t until grade 7 that I started legitimately training for competition. I continued playing other sports along with running, but I started dropping other sports when I entered high school in grade 9.   Even though I live near the ocean, I have never really taken advantage of it. I don't really like swimming, fishing, or water-sports.   Probably the first sport I did was soccer. I also did some skiing and snowboarding.   CK: I recently asked you about running into bears while training at home. You replied that you haven’t actually ever seen a bear. This isn’t the answer I was looking for, at least Geoff Martinson during our recent interview admitted to running away, flailing his arms, when scared of some Black Bears (wrong thing to do). You know there are now Grizzlies on the island. So how about cougars or wolves, seen any of those?   CL: The only wildlife I ever run into seem to be deer and rabbits. I mostly stick to the road when running so I rarely come across much wildlife. I don’t think there are many wolves, cougars, or bears in the particular area I live.    CK: Maybe I should have asked Geoff: “Why did the chicken cross the road?” And he could answer, “because I saw a bear.”   Deer are highly dangerous, especially the big bucks in the spring, do you take any precautionary measures when running by them?   CL: I have never had problems with them being dangerous. However, they always scare the crap out of me whenever a big one jumps out of the woods right in front of me. I often wonder which one of us is more surprised though. Back to running  CK: Black Press 5000 – you ran 14:09 August 14th for a personal best. Your splits were as follows:   70.1  67.4  67.2  68.1  68.1  68.2  67.4 67.7  67.7  69.2  68.3  65.1 (14:09.)   This looks like a solid set of splits, slower start, steady and even in the middle and then laying the hammer down in the final 400m. Was this the plan from the start? It seemed to work as you created a nice gap between yourself and 2nd place finisher Richard Mosley.   CL: When I first arrived at the track I was actually looking to break 14:00 minutes, but as I warmed up for the race, the wind began picking up, so I talked to Richard and we decided to share laps going about 68 seconds per lap. However, about 6 laps in Richard couldn’t quite hold the pace so I ended up leading the rest of the way.     Richard’s splits:   70.1 67.9 67.2  67.5  68.1  68.9  69.1 69.6  69.8  69.9  70.4  66.9 (14:19.)   CK: Was the matter of not breaking 14:00 due to the wind or lack of someone to push you?   CL: I don’t want to make any more excuses for my time. I ran as well as I could on the day and, as much as I would’ve liked to run under 14:00 minutes, I’m still very happy about the personal best.   CK: Have you had a chance to watch Dathan Ritzenhein’s 12:56 performance yet? He was dead last and appeared nearly out of reach at one point, mid-race, what are your thoughts on him running that time, finishing in 3rd position when stepping down from the marathon?   CL: I have watched his race and it was very impressive. There was at least one moment I thought he may beat Kenenisa Bekele. I’m glad to see an excellent marathoner like Ritzenhein being able to step down to a lower distance and still see such success.   CK: During your spare time, are you a rabble-rouser?   CL: I haven't had a lot of time to relax now that school has started back up. It sometimes feels like passing out on the couch is what I do during my spare time [laughing]. Seriously though, if I'm not running I'm usually enjoying myself playing some other sport recreationally.   CK: What goals have you set for the 2009/10 season?   CL: During track season I would like to run under a few different minute barriers such as 4:00 minutes in the mile, 8:00 minutes in the 3000m and 14:00 minutes in the 5000m.   I’m not overly concerned about my times in cross-country because each course can be so different, but I am certainly looking to qualify for NCAA nationals this year and compete for All-American status. Contact Chris: chriskelsall@flocasts.org Christopher Kelsall http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1369-cameron-levins Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:15:00 -0500 http://www.flotrack.org/articles/view/1367-john-martinez-kwik-e <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> North Carolina State senior John Martinez is a steeplechaser at heart. The Stony Point, New York native ran 9 minutes, 6.6 seconds in high school over the hurdled 3,000-meter distance. Martinez has lowered his steeple personal-best time to 8:44.92. Heading into his last cross country season, Martinez looks to better his 49th-place finish from last year. You're back at NC State, right? Yes, sir. Have your classes started again? Yup, class started two weeks ago from tomorrow. I've been here for nearly a month. How did you spend most of your time this summer? Most of my time was spent working, I guess. I was a lifeguard this past summer with both my brothers. My brother is my manager, so it was pretty cool...being able to make my own hours. I scheduled my work around my running. I would wake up early, get my running in an do everything I had to do then spend my day working. This past summer is the first that I didn't really do as much as I normally would. I'd normally hang out with my friends. I did a lot of work on my car this summer...with my friends. Working on a hot rod or something? I have a Mustang. It's a new one, but I made a lot of modifications. I put rims on it, exhaust and intake. I was working in the driveway with my friends and stepdad. Did you put in runs after you finished working on your car? Or no doubles for you? Over the summer, I didn't double too many times. Once I got to school, that's when I really started doing my double runs. I doubled today and doubled three times last week...just to get the mileage up. I started slow with my mileage this summer because I was injured all of last spring. My summer was a little more of a building period, more than high mileage. I didn't double much over the summer. Where did you start for mileage this summer and where are you now? I started around maybe 35 miles a week, on about four days. Then went up to 50. Now I'm up to 90. The progression has been pretty good and I'm feeling a lot better now. It's high mileage now. High last week, high this week then it will kind of be a down week. Is 90 the highest you'll go? Will you hit triple digits? No, no triple digits. I think I've only done that maybe once...and that was two years ago when we had a really long workout followed by a really long long run. No fun races or anything like that? Nope. Nothing like that. Coach really doesn't want us to race over the summer. He really doesn't even like us doing workouts over the summer. I pretty much did a few runs with friends...other than that, it was all on my own. That's why I came down to school as early as I did. I wanted to come down here and be able to run with a few guys, rather than running by myself every day. Are you doing a lot of your miles on trails, or is it on pavement? Most of it is on pavement and roads. We do two runs at a state park, about ten minutes from campus. It's 100 miles of trails. We go out there for two of our longer runs. We stay on the trails, a softer surface...there's lots of shade, so we get out of the heat. It's pretty busy there on the weekend with recreational runners, bikers and walkers. You still do most of your miles on roads with those trails available? Yes, only because it's off campus. It would be a hassle to get the whole team out there every day. We'd have to get into vans and drive out there and probably have to start practice a little earlier than we normally would. Most of the runs, we meet in the locker room then meet at the track or whatever. Twice a week we go off campus to that park and run. What are your goals for this cross country season? I've been thinking about it, of course. I obviously want the team to win the conference title. We haven't won since 2006. Get NC State back to the top of the ACC is my main goal. That being said, I would also like to win the individual crown. The team is more important, so if I have to finish second, third or fourth and trade that for a team victory, I would. Regionals, as long as our team makes it to nationals. It doesn't seem all that important to me...a