High School News

The preps also closed out their indoor season this past weekend with two championship meets - Nike Indoor Nationals in Boston, and the National Scholastic Championships in New York City.

While the high school kids typically don't get a lot of attention, they are the future of our sport here in the US. Not that long ago this year's collegiate indoor star Galen Rupp was running a National Record 13:37.91, while last year's Olympic 400 gold medalist, LaShawn Merritt was leading the prep ranks at 45.25. Today both are stars in their own rights.

This past weekend, new stars seemed to take their place. In Boston, Wayne Davis of Raleigh NC set a National Indoor record in the 60 meter hurdles. His 7.60 taking none other than multiple Olympic and World Medalist Terrence Trammell from the record book. 60 meter champion Devon Smith of White Plains MD would have held his own in this years Collegiate 60 as evidenced by his 6.63 victory. And Jordan Hasay of Arroyo Grande CA showed that she is still a part of the future of women's distance running with an outstanding 2 mile win in 10:10.89!

In New York, Robby Andrews became the first prep ever under 1:50 in the 800 with his stunning 1:49.21 win. How good is this mark? He's now faster indoors than the last three outdoor record holders Michael Granville (1:46.45), George Kersh (1:46.58) and Pete Richardson (1:47.31) AND prep Mile record holder Alan Webb (1:47.75)! With these four as my guide I'm thinking we will see great things from Mr. Andrews this outdoor season.

Also turning in a National Record performance was Solomon Haile of Sandy Spring MD with his 14:22.88 win in the 5000 meters - part of a 2 mile (9:02.67) double! And speaking of doubles, Ashton Purvis, Oakland CA, won a sizzling 60/200 double in 7.43/23.37. I've been paying attention to Purvis out here in Cali and she is going to be someone to recon with this outdoor season!

I'll be periodically updating on High School action, as every season new stars emerge that in short order make their way to the collegiate and international spot lights. I would bet that at least one of the youngsters named above will do just that.