Bobby Curtis 2nd in Tactical B.A.A. 5K in Boston

In very windy conditions, Ben True outsprinted Bobby Curtis to the finish at today's Boston Athletic Association 5K road race. Given the windy conditions, no one had a vested interest to lead the race. As a result, it came down to the final sprint among four runners.

5k Ben True Over Bobby Curtis ad Ben St. Lawrence
By Tom Davis and Jess Barton, LetsRun.com
April 17, 2011

The 5k was up first at 8am and was won by Dartmouth grad Ben True in 14:07. The men’s race went out fairly slow through the first two miles (4:41 and 9:20) but the top runners finished strong, with Ben True crossing the line first in 14:07 and Bobby Curtis(14:07) and Ben St Lawrence (14:09) finishing second and third respectively. “I have been sick all week so my coach (Tim Broe, the top American 5000m runner from 2003-2005) told me don’t do anything and just kick. So at the start I was leading, I was like ‘oh no.’ I was jogging, so I knew it would be a cat and mouse game, and sure enough it turned out to be. “I think it was the wind and nobody wanted to take the lead.” True said of the race. But it was True who showed that he had the strongest kick of the day as he battled it out with Curtis at the end. “I have to admit I was a little nervous. He [Curtis] went at the three mile mark, and I was a little nervous because he got a quick jump on me, but I was able to reel him back in. So it’s nice to know that the fitness is there.”

True attributed the wind and nobody wanting to take the pacing duties to the slow opening miles, “I think they were looking at me to take the lead, but I wasn’t going to take the lead. Nobody wanted to do anything and that was a problem,” said True. “We were just crawling around the course and we just started jockeying for position the last 400.” True is using the BAA 5k as a tune-up for his 10,000m debut at Payton Jordan in two weeks. Former NCAA 5000m Champion Bobby Curtis and Ben St Lawrence, the Aussie who recently ran 13:10.08 for 5000m beating Chris Solinsky, have been training at altitude together and also used this race as a tune-up for the Payton Jordan 10,000m. They are currently training at an altitude of 6,000 feet in the mountains of Southern California. Curtis was pleased with his race performance, “It was good until the last 50 meters for me,” said Curtis. “It was fine, it was a windy morning, but overall I thought it was a pretty good result.”

Place Name City State/Province Official Time
1 Benjamin True Hanover NH 14:07
2 Bobby Curtis Louisville KY 14:07
3 Ben St. Lawrence Australia 14:09
4 John Korir Kenya 14:09
5 Ben Bruce Springfield OR 14:14
6 Lucas Meyer Ridgefield CT 14:19
7 Jarrod Shoemaker Maynard MA 14:23
8 Jonathan Pierce Mammoth Lakes CA 14:24
9 Nicholas Arciniaga Flagstaff AZ 14:24

Mildenhall Breaks 14:00 Barrier at Mt Sac 5000

On February 11th of this year, Mathew Mildenhall broke the 8:00 mark for 3000 meters when he went 7:57.40 in Seattle. Last night at the Mt Sac Relays in Walnut, California, Mildenhall went under 14:00 for 5000 meters. He finished 13th in a good field, running 13:55.04, and coming home ahead of name-brand runners like Ian Burrell and Trevor Dunbar.


Event 122 Men 5000 Meter Run Olympic Dev. Elite
===============================================================
World Record: W 12:37.35 2004 Kenenisa Bekele, Ethiopa
American Rec: @ 12:54.12 2010 Bernard Lagat, Nike
Meet Record: $ 13:11.37 2007 Juan Barrios, Mexico
Name Year Team Finals
===============================================================
Finals
1 Lalang, Lawi Arizona 13:34.62
2 Rombough, Chris Team Usa Minnesota 13:42.05
3 Kilburg, Michael Bowerman AC 13:43.37
4 Tebo, Matt Colorado 13:44.03
5 Levins, Cameron Southern Utah 13:44.24
6 Medina, Richard Colorado 13:44.34
7 Vega, Aldo Saul Mexico 13:45.49
8 Mead, Hassan Minnesota 13:45.68
9 Räsänen, Matti Oskari Unattached 13:47.62
10 Ghebray, Yosef Brooks Team 13:50.57
11 Hartmann, Jason Nike 13:51.57
12 Happe, Nick Arizona State 13:54.15
13 Mildenhall, Mathew Villanova 13:55.04
14 Burrell, Ian Adidas/Boulder 13:55.79
15 Grabow, Jimmy Icr 13:56.18
16 Dunbar, Trevor Univ. Portland 13:56.65
17 Gerrard, Keith New Mexico 13:58.33
18 Ige, Mohamud Arizona 13:58.61
19 Peterson, Jonathan Unattached 13:59.53
20 Chelimo, Paul Shorter 14:04.05
21 Kawakami, Ryouhei Japan 14:04.92
22 Guarin, Javier Boyaca-Colombia 14:04.96
23 Bosshard, Joe Colorado 14:05.31
24 Kigen, Festus Tcu 14:07.16
25 O'Neill, Breandan Dundrum S Dublin 14:12.00
26 Engelhardt, Ben Arizona State 14:19.24
27 Smith, Scott adidas/McMillan 14:20.96
-- Skinner, Michael Asics DNF

Ali Smith Wins 5000 Section at Mt Sac Relays

In what will likely be an NCAA top-20 time at weekend's end, Ali Smith won her 5000 meter race on Friday at Mt. Sac.


Event 219 Women 5000 Meter Run Open-A U/O
===============================================================
World Record: W 14:16.63 2007 Meseret Defar, Ethiopa
American Rec: @ 14:44.76 2010 Molly Huddle, Saucony
Meet Record: $ 14:44.80 2007 Shalane Flanagan, Nike
Name Year Team Finals
===============================================================
Finals
1 Smith, Alison Villanova 16:08.07
2 VanAlstine, Amy Richmond 16:09.22
3 Traynor, Nicol Richmond 16:10.37
4 Vegh, Kristina Sun Elite 16:13.77
5 Cummings, Sarah Princeton 16:14.84
6 Walter, Rebecca Unattached 16:19.45
7 Balouris, Elaina William and Mary 16:22.05
8 Rogers, Natosha Texas A&M 16:25.79
9 Baumert, Lisa Unattached 16:26.05
10 Kibet, Elvin Arizona 16:28.42
11 June, Kara TeamROGUE Elite 16:29.21
12 Callahan, Margaret Arizona 16:30.57
13 Madebach, Sarah TeamROGUE Elite 16:35.53
14 Gregg, Kaitlin New Balance SV 16:47.46
15 Bush, Susie Newbury AC 17:05.75

Sheila Reid a Close 2nd to Shalane Flanagan at Mt. Sac 1500 -- Runs NCAA #1 Time of 4:11.85

Sheila Reid closed a 10-12 meter gap over the final 300 meters, but ran out of track in her effort to catch Shalane Flanagan. If the race were 10 meters longer, Reid would likely have won. At last year's NCAA outdoor championships, Reid ran 4:16.66 to finish 4th. Tonight's 4:11.85 is a new PR.

Event 214 Women 1500 Meter Run Invit Elite
================================================================
World Record: W 3:50.46 1993 Yunxia Qu, China
American Rec: @ 3:57.12 1983 Mary Slaney, Athletics West
Meet Record: $ 4:08.92 1993 Maria Mutola, Mozambique
Name Year Team Finals
================================================================
Finals
1 Flanagan, Shalane Oregon Tc/Nike 4:11.67
2 Reid, Sheila Villanova 4:11.85
3 Infeld, Emily Georgetown 4:12.04
4 Schmidt, Alice Usoc-Cv 4:12.49
5 Tomlin, Renee Georgetown 4:13.15
6 Centrowitz, Lauren New Balance 4:14.02
7 Hinds, Korene Jamaica 4:14.10
8 Coburn, Emma Colorado 4:14.34
9 Martinez, Brenda New Balance 4:18.06
10 Johnson, Lauren Nike 4:18.86
11 Hamric, Karly Riadha 4:19.85
12 Gregson, Heidi Iona 4:21.59
13 Cummins, Diane Mountain West TC 4:24.47
14 Okoro, Marilyn Great Britain 4:30.28
-- Hyman, Mardrea Puma DNF
-- Cox, Chelsea Georgetown DNF

Mimic's Big PR Produces NCAA Top-10 5000 at Mt Sac

Coming into this weekend, only one NCAA woman -- Jessica Pixler -- had run the 5000 meters under 16:00. At Mt. Sac tonight, seven others -- including Villanova's Bogdana Mimic -- joined the club. Running amidst numerous post-collegiate professionals, Mimic was 15th, in 15:48.49, a new 26 second PR.


Event 223 Women 5000 Meter Run Invit Elite
===============================================================
World Record: W 14:16.63 2007 Mesert Defar, Ethiopa
American Rec: @ 14:44.76 2010 Molly Huddle, Saucony
Meet Record: $ 14:44.80 2007 Shalane Flanagan, Nike
Name Year Team Finals
===============================================================
Finals
1 Huddle, Molly Saucony 15:10.63
2 Simpson, Jennifer New Balance 15:11.49
3 Maloy, Elizabeth New Balance 15:19.87
4 Wurth-Thomas, Christin Nike 15:21.75
5 Bizzarri, Angela Brooks 15:27.19
6 Hall, Sara Asics 15:27.71
7 Romero, Marisol Guadalup Mexico 15:27.94
8 McKaig, Alissa Zap Fitness 15:28.30
9 Hogan, Megan Unattached 15:29.12
10 Spence, Neely Shippensburg 15:33.83
11 Hasay, Jordan Oregon 15:37.29
12 Follett, Katie Brooks 15:37.84
13 Conley, Kim Unattached 15:40.29
14 Whiting, Paula Tulsa 15:46.91
15 Mimic, Bogdana Villanova 15:48.49
16 Ramos, Beverly Unattached 15:49.31
17 Gray, Natalie New Mexico 15:52.73
18 Erdmann, Tara Loyola Marymount 15:54.31
19 Williams, Alisha Boulder Running 15:54.49
20 Tuliamuk, Aliphine Wichita St 15:56.45
21 Mortimer, Amy Reebok 15:56.49
22 Slattery, Sara Unattached 15:58.79
23 Newberry, Katherine Nyac 16:01.38
24 Armstrong, Meghan Nike-Gordon 16:20.02
-- Grace, Allison Zap Fitness DNF
-- Baillie, Renee Metivier Nike DNF
-- Wright, Megan New Balance DNF
-- Saina, Betsy Iowa State DNF
-- Allen, Lindsay McMillan Elite DNF
-- Elmore, Malindi Canada DNF

Villanova Signs New Jersey Standout Jaime Klein

Javelin falls into place for Paramus Catholic standout Jaime Klein

Friday, April 15, 2011
BY RONALD P. CLARK
The Record
STAFF WRITER


In 3 1/2 years, Paramus Catholic senior Jaime Klein has earned 11 varsity letters in three different sports. This spring, she'll secure her 12th.

Jaime Klein of Paramus Catholic will earn her 12th varsity letter following track season. "It's almost unreal, to be honest," said Klein.

It's easy to get caught up in the depth of her accomplishments. Paladins track coach and athletic director Scott Langan can't remember if another athlete has come through the tradition-rich Paladins program and done the same.

And it wasn't even intentional.

"When I came in as a freshman," said Klein, "I was like, 'Oh, I'll play soccer.' Then I got a varsity letter for that. Then I ran into [Paladins basketball coach Al Roth] and I was like, 'Oh, I like playing basketball, too, let me do that.' It just kind of worked its way around. I never expected to accomplish so much throughout high school."

Klein's versatility lets her do everything big. At first, she couldn't decide if she wanted to play Division III soccer or compete in Division I track. She chose the latter, signing with Villanova on Wednesday.

It was her first choice — and another choice Klein made that turned out for the best.

With pole vault being Klein's first love in track, Langan couldn't have one of his top performers scoring in just one event. So Klein picked up the javelin and threw it — really far.

"It's kind of cool," said Klein, whose personal best of 142 feet, 4 inches is fifth-best in Bergen County history. "It's like a spear. I honestly just picked it up one day and was like, 'Hey, let me just chuck this stick.' "

Klein is energetic. She bounces from a girl who "chucks sticks" and delivers victory dances to a student-athlete serious about her craft and getting better.

Even though she started off just wanting to toss the javelin around a bit because it looked cool, she eventually came to the realization of what it entailed.

"It's deceiving," said Klein, her smile taking a breather. "You look at it and people try to throw it like a baseball and it's so much more than that. It's mastering the same routine. That's what it's all about. And if you can master that, then you're going to be good at it."

Klein is good at it — really good. Good enough to be invited to the Penn Relays. Good enough to be the defending Non-Public A champion. And good enough to place third as a sophomore to help Paramus Catholic win its first State title.

"She just loves throwing," Langan said. "You can see it when she's warming up and when she's on the runway. And the way she's working with our two other first-year throwers. She's a definite leader out there."

Yet for all Klein has meant to the program, she still has managed to fly somewhat under the radar. With teammates like former Paladins two-sport star Rae Corbo and current all-everything junior sprinter Myasia Jacobs, Klein has just went about her business.

"It was special knowing that I was able to help them out," Klein said. "The thing is, normally I don't get recognition and I'm not used to it. So to work for it, knowing at the end you can get it…I'm also happy for them and knowing that you're a part of something bigger than yourself."

Now, she's the senior leader on a team that lost Langan's deepest and most talented class. The spot is there for Klein to fill.

And she'll have 12 varsity letters to fill it with.

Frances Koons Continues to Inspire

Professional Runner Koons to Inspire Local Girls

TriCitiesSports.com
April 12, 2011

Milligan College, Tenn. --- As part of the festivities leading up to the inaugural Johnson City Invitational track and field event, US Olympic hopeful and cancer survivor Frances Koons will visit with student participants of the local Girls on the Run program April 14 and 15.

Koons will share with program participants about her experience as a successful collegiate and professional runner and her battle against kidney cancer on Thursday afternoon. She will visit Lake Ridge Elementary at 3 p.m., Mountain View Elementary at 4 p.m., and Legion Street Recreation Center at 5 p.m.

Koons will also be on hand on Friday evening as Girls on the Run participants run a special 800-meter race as part of the Johnson City Invitational.

Koons was a nine-time All-American for Villanova University in cross country and track. Her accolades include nine Big East titles. She advanced to the second round of the women’s 1500-meter run at the US Olympic Trials in 2007, just 10 months after being diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma.

Girls on the Run is a life-changing, non-profit prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. The program combines training for a 5K with healthy living education.

The 12-week training program is delivered by volunteer coaches and teaches very specific social and personal skills. The program culminates in non-competitive 5K event which gives the girls a chance to shine.

The Johnson City Invitational, hosted by Milligan College and Science Hill High School, will feature the area’s elite high school and collegiate athletes. The event is slated for April 15 and 16 at Science Hill’s Kermit Tipton Stadium.

Big Things Ahead for Villanova Signee Leanne Tucker

Villanova Looks Forward To Tucker's Arrival
By Rick Spencer
Tewksbury Patch, April 14, 2011

Tewksbury High track superstar Leanne Tucker hasn’t scored a single point in Merrimack Valley Conference track competition so far in her senior year, but if you ask Villanova University coach Gina Procaccio, the future Wildcat could put points on the board in a Big East Conference meet today, if she was wearing the Villanova blue and white this spring.

“We think she can contribute right away at the Big East level,“ Procaccio said of Tucker, who will enroll at Villanova in the fall. “She’s already run a 2:09 (in the 800 meter run). That would score in a Big East meet.”

Understandably, Procaccio is looking forward to Tucker’s arrival in Philadelphia. The TMHS senior signed her letter of intent to attend Villanova last Wednesday, and will run for one of the nation’s perennial track superpowers when she heads off to college in September. Procaccio is convinced she’s found a diamond in the rough in Tucker.

“She’s really only been running for two years,” Procaccio said. “And she doesn’t even run year ‘round. She does other sports as well. So she’s got a lot of potential. To run under 2:10 as a junior is pretty impressive. We feel like she’s got a bright future ahead of her.”

Procaccio became a Tucker fan when she saw Tucker run at the New Balance Nationals last June in Greensboro, N.C. Tucker clocked her best-ever time in the 800 that day, at 2:09.13, good for sixth place in the country, as a junior.

“The thing that impressed us most is that she’s such a tough competitior, such a fighter,” Procaccio said. “She really fought hard in the national meet.

“When we recruit, we look for kids who perform well in high calibre meets,” Procaccio added. “We compete in Division 1 so she’ll be seeing high calibre athletes all the time with our schedule.”

Villanova’s track and field program is widely regarded as one of the top programs in the nation. The Wildcat women have won back-to-back national titles in cross country, led by senior Sheila Reid, who recently won the Honda Award as the top female cross country runner in the nation. Reid is one of five graduating seniors on the cross country team, so Procaccio will be sending all six of her incoming freshmen, including Tucker, out onto the trails in the fall.

“She’s never run cross country, but we’ll explore her potential,” Procaccio said. “We’ve had a lot of talented track athletes turn into great performers on our cross country team.”

In indoor and outdoor track, Tucker will likely start out running the 400 and the 800 meters, which, coincidentally, were Procaccio’s events when she ran at Villanova in the 1980s. An NCAA All-American, Procaccio is also a former United States national champion in the 5000 meters.

“We’ll start out experimenting with her in the 400 and 800 and see where she goes from there.” Procaccio said. “This is kind of a reloading year for us, but we’ve got five other freshmen coming in, so it’ll be fun to see this group grow and develop.”

Ironically, all of Procaccio's enthusiasm for Tucker is based on her junior season. Tucker suffered a torn muscle in her leg early in the indoor season this past December, and missed the entire season. She has been rehabilitating the leg for several months and it on schedule to return to competition within the next two weeks.

Bobby Curtis Heads Strong B.A.A. 5K Field -- Marina Muncan in Elite Mile

Strong fields announced for B.A.A. 5-K, Mile Races
By Chris Lotsbom, Race Results Weekly

The Boston Athletic Association announced the professional fields for both the B.A.A. 5-K and Invitational Mile races to be held on Sunday, April 17, the day before the 115th Boston Marathon.

For the first time in its three-year history, the B.A.A. 5-K will feature an elite field vying for a piece of the combined $30,000 prize purse.

Among those entered are Australian Ben St. Lawrence and Americans Bobby Curtis and Nick Arciniaga. Curtis has the fastest 5000m personal best of the eight man elite field at 13:48 [Curtis's 5000 PR on the track is actually 13:18.97 -- BC], just ahead of Kenyan John Korir's time of 13:51. Arciniaga, 27, trains under coach Greg McMillan in Flagstaff, Ariz., and recently set a personal best 2:11:30 at the Chevron Houston Marathon.

The women's field is highlighted by Lineth Chepkurui, the 24-year-old Kenyan who dominated the American road race scene in 2010. Winning seven races on American soil, Chepkurui seems to run especially well on the East coast --she won the TD Bank Beach to Beacon 10-K in Maine, the Run Gloucester! 7-Mile Road Race in Massachusetts, and was second at the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race, also in Mass.

The course records for the B.A.A. 5-K are 14:29 by Jarrod Shoemaker (2009) and 16:52 by Jennifer Campbell (2010).

"These athletes have helped quickly grow our Sunday events in three years," said B.A.A. executive director Tom Grilk through a statement. "Our 5-K has proven to be a boost of running energy that primes spectators and competitors alike for Marathon Monday. We can't wait for the competition to begin."

In the Invitational Mile races, last year's champion Andy Baddeley of Great Britain returns, aiming to defend his title on the streets of Boston. Joining him on the line will be Lukas Verzbicas, the highly touted University of Oregon-bound senior from Orland Hills, Ill. The last time Verzbicas was in Boston, he ran 4:03.88 at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, missing his goal of four-minutes by less than four seconds.

Anna Pierce, the 2009 Women's Invitational Mile champion, will be racing for the first time in 2011. Treniere Moser, Marina Muncan, and Charlotte Browning are also entered in the race.

The best times for the three-loop course are 4:08.6 by Andy Baddeley (2010) and 4:38.6 by Anna Willard (2009).

The winner of both Invitational Miles will earn $3,000. A complete list of professional athletes is listed below (provided by the B.A.A.).

B.A.A. 5-K
Men's Elite Field (as of 4.12.11)
Name (Citizenship) Age 5K Road Personal Best
BEN ST. LAWRENCE (AUS) 29 14:05
BOBBY CURTIS (USA) 26 13:48
BEN BRUCE (USA) 28 14:00
NICK ARCINIAGA (USA) 27 14:13
JARROD SHOEMAKER (USA) 28 14:12
JON PIERCE (USA) 27 14:04
BEN TRUE (USA) 25 14:04
JOHN KORIR (KEN) 35 13:51

Women's Elite Field (as of 4.12.11)
Name (Citizenship) Age Personal Best
LINETH CHEPKURUI (KEN) 24 15:50
STEPHANIE PEZZULLO (USA) 28 16:11
TERESA McWALTERS (USA) 26 16:12
TONI SALUCCI (USA) 25 15:45

Professional Mile
Men's Field (as of 4.12.11)
Name (Citizenship) Age Personal Best
ANDREW BADDELEY (GBR) 28 03:49.4
BRIAN GAGNON (USA) 27 04:05.5
CRAIG MILLER (USA) 23 03:58.6
KYLE MILLER (USA) 25 04:00.5
LUKAS VERZBICAS (USA) 18 04:03.9 (Not eligible for prize money)

Women's Field (as of 4.12.11)
Name (Citizenship) Age Personal Best
ANNA PIERCE (USA) 27 04:28.4
BRIE FELNAGLE (USA) 24 04:32.2
CHARLOTTE BROWNING (GBR) 23 04:31.2
MARINA MUNCAN (SRB) 28 04:33.2
ERIN BEDELL (USA) 29 04:43.7
TRENIERE MOSER (USA) 23 04:29.9

Villanova Big Guns Set for Mt. Sac Relays

Plenty of Villanova's top-tier athletes are on the start lists for this weekend's Mt. Sac Relays in Walnut, California. The meet is one of the showcase meets of the outdoor season and includes collegiate, open, olympic development, and invitational elite races, with professionals and top-flight collegiate runners competing against each other. Here is a list of the Villanova athletes and their races:

Women
Ali Smith ..... 5000 meters (Open)
Bogdana Mimic ..... 5000 meters (Invitational Elite or Open)
Amanda Marino ..... 5000 meters (Olympic Development)
Sheila Reid ..... 1500 meters (Invitational Elite)
Ariann Neutts ..... 800 meters (Olympic Development)

Men
Keith Capecci ..... 5000 meters (Open)
Brian Long ..... 5000 meters (Open)
Hugo Beamish ..... 5000 meters (Open)
Mathew Mildenhall ..... 5000 meters (Olympic Development)
Carl Mackenzie ..... 1500 meters (Olympic Development or Open)
Matthew Gibney ..... 1500 meters (Invitational Elite)

For complete heat sheets, click the title of this post.

Recruiting: Virginia All-State Sprinter Qualitra Brown

King’s Fork High’s Qualitra Brown, an all-state performer, will continue her track career at Villanova.
By Larry Rubama
The Virginian-Pilot
April 12, 2011

Qualitra Brown admits she's not the most talented athlete in the state.

"But I'm OK with that," the King's Fork senior said. "I'm not an athlete with natural talent so I have to work a little harder than most."

She refuses to let anyone outwork her, and that attitude has helped her become one of the top sprinters and long jumpers in Virginia. It also helped her earn a scholarship to Villanova.

Brown's introduction to the sport was by accident. Early in her high school career, she missed her bus after school and as she waited for a ride, she and former all-state runner Keith Ricks started playing around. It eventually led to both running. Ricks immediately realized Brown's impressive speed and suggested she come out for the indoor track team.

Brown, a former cheerleader, agreed, but didn't last long. She returned a few months later for the outdoor season.

Ricks, now a standout at Virginia Tech, and Brown became good friends. During that time, he has given her advice, including how to handle tough competition.

"Sometimes I get a little nervous when I get in heats with certain people," Brown said. "But he always tells me to race against the clock and forget about who is on the side of me."

The advice has worked. Brown earned all-state honors. She placed fifth in the 400 meters at the 2010 Group AAA state outdoor meet. She also placed eighth in the 500 at the state indoor meet this past winter.

An aversion to losing is one way Brown stays motivated. King's Fork coach Tony Johnson found another way.

"We'll look at MileStat(.com) and tell her, 'You are ranked in the state in three or four events but you're not getting any publicity. What are you going to do about it?' " he said. "And she goes out there on the track each time and tries to prove a point."

Assistant coach Kisha Ricks said what impresses her about Brown is her tenacity and the way she challenges herself.

"I'm proud of the way she continues to work hard every day," said Ricks, who is Keith Ricks' older sister. "

She's already signed and has a scholarship but she's still out there working hard. She also wants to make sure the underclassmen understand that they have to do the same thing, too."

Brown would like nothing more than to finish her career with a state title.

"I think if that was to happen, I would fall to my knees and thank God," said Brown, who maintains a 3.5 grade-point average and plans to major in political science in college. "It would be a great feeling and I know I can get do it."

Three-Time NCAA Champ Vic Zwolak Still Rolling at 72

At 72, Vic Zwolak still hard to catch
Delaware's first track Olympian set record in CR Half-Marathon
April 5, 2011
Delaware Online

There is no slack in Vic Zwolak, who remains one of the state's most accomplished runners more than a half-century after he became Delaware's first high school cross country champion and later its first track Olympian.

Zwolak's 1954 and 1955 titles while running for Salesianum, where he also played football, were the first indication of his special knack.

After a brief stay at Oregon State, followed by a hitch in the U.S. Marine Corps, Zwolak resurfaced at Villanova University, where he won NCAA titles in cross country in 1963 and in the 3,000-meter steeplechase on the track in 1963 and 1964.

His greatest claim to fame is having represented the United States on the 1964 Olympic team in Tokyo, where he ran the 3,000 steeplechase.

Now 72 and still living in Delaire between Wilmington and Claymont, Zwolak continues to lace up his running shoes for treks through nearby Bellevue State Park or on the track at Mount Pleasant High.

"I run every day," said Zwolak, now retired from his days in real estate, mortgage and construction work. "I run because I still enjoy it so much."

And he's still hard to catch.

In Wilmington's Caesar Rodney Half-Marathon on March 27, Zwolak's time of 1:38:49 set a state-resident age-class record in the 70-79 division.

Zwolak now holds 20 such state-resident records at eight different distances -- from the 5K (3.1) miles through the marathon (26.2) -- and in four different age classes (45-49, 55-59, 60-64 and 70-79).

Since turning 70, Zwolak has set six records in the 70-79 age group, including three this year. Before his Caesar Rodney run, Zwolak had clocked a 21:41 5K and 1:18:14 10-miler.



"He's an Olympian," said 68-year-old Doug White, the accomplished road racer who'll join Zwolak in the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame next month. "He has the talent and the build and the biomechanics, and that all helps.

"But he also has the mental fortitude, so when he gets around to it and trains, he can blow those records out. He's phenomenal, and he's a super guy, too."

Zwolak has been a fixture on the local road racing scene since the 1980s. Other than periodic bouts with physical issues -- a broken foot, a hamstring pull, hernia surgery, an elbow injury from a winter slip on the ice -- Zwolak has maintained his miles.

He now runs 2 1/2 most days, with frequent track sessions in which he'll churn out 20 400-meter laps, following each with a 200-meter jog, then 10 100s, followed by 100-meter jogs.

But he'll also have a day each week in which he runs a 5 1/2-mile loop, and may even double it for 11 miles.

"When I was running at Villanova for Jumbo Elliott, he used to say getting in that distance was like putting money in the bank," said Zwolak, who saw the payoff with his fine Caesar Rodney run. "That was a heck of a race. I hadn't run 13.1 miles in about five years."



Zwolak also saw his competitive instincts emerge, straining to try to beat a runner to the finish line whom he thought might be in his age class after the difficult climb up Market Street to the Rodney Square finish line.

Some things never change.

In 1963, Zwolak had expended every ounce of his remaining energy to catch and pass Kansas State's John Camien to capture the NCAA cross country title on the Michigan State golf course, winning by three seconds in 19:35 over a 4-mile layout.

"You've got to put it all on the line," he says.

"I'm thankful. I really am," added Zwolak. "You've got to have fun in life, and I'm having fun."

Marcus O'Sullivan Wants English Out of Ireland

As the video below shows, Marcus O'Sullivan paid a visit to the Letterkenny AC in Donegal, Ireland recently. One of Letterkenny's stars is 17-year old Mark English, who recently won the Irish senior national indoor 800 meter title (1:51.62). The Donegal Daily described the race this way: "The men’s 800m promised to be the race of the meet and it didn’t disappoint. However, it was the manner in which Mark English won the race that was most impressive. The Letterkenny junior took over the lead from early on and looked to be doing the hard work for his rivals. They had every opportunity to overtake, but at the end of an exciting race it was English who simply demolished the field to win comfortably in a time of 1:51.62. Behind there was a great battle for the minor placings with Darren McBrearty (Letterkenny AC) taking second in 1:52.08, ahead of Niall Tuohy (Ferrybank AC) third 1:52.06, and Eoin Everard just edged out of the medals in fourth in 1:52.34."


In May 2010, English ran 2:24.53 for 1000 meters, in winning the event title at the inaugural European Youth Olympic Trials in Moscow, Russia. In January of this year, English broke the Irish Junior record at 800 meters when he ran 1:48.63. He'll represent Ireland at the European Junior Championships in Tallinn, Estonia in July.

Sarah Morrison Getting Back to Form

Sarah Morrison looking to return to top form in senior year
By JAMES PHILLIPS, The Patriot-News
March 31, 2011

Two years removed from winning the Big East Championship in the steeplechase in a personal-best time of 10:12.40, Sarah Morrison is determine to finish her career at Villanova University in style.

The first order of business, however, is to return to form after injuries and fatigue hampered her all of last year.

“It was an accumulation of things, and I was struggling with my runs,” recalled Morrison. “We [team trainers] never figured out what was wrong ... they thought low iron. I redshirted the cross country season because I just wasn’t feeling good.”

The former Chambersburg High School standout bounced back somewhat to compete decently during the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons last year. But, she still wasn’t her old self.

The senior did run with the Wildcats at the national cross country meet this season as Villanova captured it’s second consecutive championship with 120 points. Morrison placed 201st (23:09), while teammate, junior Sheila Reid, was the overall winner in the 6,000-meter race.

“It felt good to run in the meet as our team captured back-to-back titles,” Morrison said.

The indoor track and field season was a totally different story as Morrison battled a hip injury and spent most of her time rehabbing in the pool.

“It was alittle frustrating not being able to be out there with my teammates,” she said. “Seeing a chiropractor really helped me recover.”

In the first outdoor track and field meet this season, the Penn Duals, Morrison competed in the 1,500-meter race. According to Wildcats head coach Gina Procaccio, Morrison is close to regaining her old form.

“She’s coming around and looking strong like she did two years ago,” Procaccio said. “She has been looking better each week and rounding back into form with training. The steeplechase is her forte and, hopefully, she can get back and go out on top as a senior.”

“I love the race,” she said. “The main thing for me is that it’s an athletic event with technique involved. The hurdles and water jump, I just go for it. It’s all about having strength and drive, and it’s fun and exciting.

“I was pleased with my first race [1,500 at Penn Duals] because I felt stronger. The time wasn't great, but I was feeling good mentally and physically. I felt good getting back into racing competition.”

In the classroom, Morrison, a comprehensive science major, will graduate in May. She was part of the Villanova cross country squad that repeated as the USTFCCCA Scholar Team of the Year.

“I plan on going into medical school to be a doctor,” Morrison said.

“I will take a year off after graduation [in May] and gain some experience doing some internship work at a hospital. Hopefully, I can get something here because I love Philly.”

Coming out of Chambersburg, Morrison was heavily recruited by Villanova, Duke, Virginia, Wake Forest and Tennessee. She selected Villanova over Duke and never looked back.

“The main thing for me was the team was close-knit, and we’ve grown so much over the past four years,” Morrison said. “It’s going to be hard to leave the team [after graduation]. Coach Procaccio has been understanding; I couldn’t have asked for a better scenario. It’s been a perfect fit.”

Ali Smith is Big East Female Track Athlete of the Week

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Four different teams were represented on the BIG EAST Outdoor Track & Field weekly awards as announced by the conference office on Tuesday. Marquette junior Tyler O’Brien was named BIG EAST Men’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week, while Rutgers junior James Plummer earned BIG EAST Men’s Field Athlete of the Week. On the women’s side, Villanova senior Ali Smith was named BIG EAST Women’s Track Athlete of the Week while Louisville senior D’Ana McCarty earned BIG EAST Women’s Field Athlete of the Week.

O’Brien was named BIG EAST Men’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week after winning both the 100 and 200-meter dash at the Oliver Nikoloff Invitational on April 2 in Cincinnati, Ohio. O’Brien ran a 10.58 in the 100, claiming first with the second-fastest time in the BIG EAST this season. The time was also just .03 off his personal best. The junior then ran a 21.28 in the 200 which also ranks second in the conference this season and is .05 off his personal best.

Plummer earned BIG EAST Men’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week after winning the discus throw at the Colonial Relays held on March 31-April 2 in Williamsburg, Va. The junior’s toss of 58.09 meters was 3.47 meters better than the closest competitor. It was his second-longest throw of the season and ranks second in the East Region. Plummer already owns the top throw in the region with a distance of 58.81 meters back on March 18 at the USF Bulls Invitational.

Smith was named BIG EAST Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week after winning the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Colonial Relays. Smith ran a time of 10:24.52 to beat 18 other competitors and set a Zable Stadium record in the event. The senior shattered the facility record by more than 10 seconds. The time was a personal best and ranks third in the country. Villanova won the team title at the meet.

McCarty earned BIG EAST Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week after claiming a pair of top-five finishes at the Pepsi Florida Relays in Gainesville, Fla., on April 1-2. McCarty won the shot put with a career-best throw of 16.25 meters. The toss ranks first in the BIG EAST and 12th nationally. The senior also placed fifth in the discus, registering a season-best mark of 50.73 meters. It is the best throw in the conference this season and ranks 27th nationally.

Photos from the Deep Archive

Ron Delany (1956 Olympic Gold) at the Millrose Games


Liquori defeats Dave Wottle for 1970 NCAA mile title


Vic Zwolak: Villanova's only male NCAA Cross Country individual champion (1963)


The Mighty Burner: Larry James (Gold & Silver in Mexico City) in 1970


Paul Drayton (Olympic Gold in 1964) at the Penn Relays



1960 Olympic Gold Medal winner Don "Tarzan" Bragg


1985: Irish quartet of (L-R) Frank O'Mara, Marcus O'Sullivan, Ray Flynn, and Eamonn Coghlan set the still standing 4 x mile world record

Carlsbad 5000 Race Report: Rhines & Curtis 3rd

Ethiopians Top Kenyans In Thrilling Carlsbad 5000′s
April 3, 2011 by Matt Fitzgerald
Competitor.com

Americans Bobby Curtis, Jen Rhines claim third-place positions.

CARLSBAD, CA — So much emphasis is placed on the pursuit of records at the Carlsbad 5000 that it’s easy to forget it’s also a race. The finishes of the 2011 Carlsbad 5000 men’s and women’s elite races on Sunday were thrilling reminders that fast times are not the only spoils at stake in the “World’s Fastest 5K”–victories are too. The two finishes were carbon copies of each other, both featuring sprints between Kenyan and Ethiopian rivals, with the Ethiopian coming out on top in both cases. In the men’s contest, it was Dejen Gebremeskel, 21, who broke the tape, in 13:11. On the women’s side, Aheza Kiros, 28, squeaked out a one-second win over Pauline Korikwiang, 23.

The pre-race hype centered on defending champion Eliud Kichoge’s stated intent of breaking the course and world records of 13:00, set in 2000. The 26-year-old Kenyan’s hopes took a hit right before the race started at 12:15, when the winds, which had been calm all morning, began to blow. The plan was for Kipchoge’s countryman and official pacemaker Haran Lagat to run the first mile in 4:06, and he did exactly that. “It was the ideal time,” said Kipchoge, who looked relaxed at that point. Kipchoge and Gebremeskel followed their guide closely, while the best of the rest–American Bobby Curtis and Mexico’s Juan Carlos Romero–came through 10 seconds back.

The three leaders got a bit tangled up in the first of two hairpin turns near the 2K mark. When they came out the other side, Lagat, who had hoped to survive to 3K, fell back. Kipchoge took the lead while Gebremeskel craftily tucked in behind him, out of the wind. “Kipchoge was running for the record, so he accepted that,” the young Ethiopian said.
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The second mile of an elite 5000m is always the slowest, even on the track, and in the Carlsbad 5000, the second mile is also the toughest. But Kipchoge’s pace dropped more than expected in that second mile, as he reached the two-mile mark at 8:25, with Gebremsekel still shadowing him. Soon thereafter, the eventual winner pulled onto Kipchoge’s shoulder and the race was really on.

The pair remained shoulder to shoulder into the long home stretch. Gebremeskel, second to Kipchoge last year, found a little more snap in his legs this time and hit the line two seconds ahead of the 2010 world number-one ranked 5000m runner. Gebremeskel’s 13:11 finish time is tied for the fourth-fastest ever for the distance on the roads. “Maybe next year we’ll have a fast time,” he said. Apparently, “fast time” equals “record” in his mind!

Kipchoge was philosophical in defeat. “That’s sport,” he said. “I was really prepared, but I just couldn’t make it.”

Curtis, 26, broke away from Romero, 33, in the final straight to claim third place in 13:48. “It was kind of lonely out there,” said the Ardmore, PA-based runner, who plans to run his first marathon in the fall.
It was a tight finish in the women's elite race, but Ethiopian Aheza Kiros (left) came out on top in 15:13. Photo: Ollie Neglerio

It was a tight finish in the women's elite race, but Ethiopian Aheza Kiros (left) came out on top in 15:13. Photo: Ollie Neglerio

The women’s race lacked a pacemaker, but otherwise unfolded exactly like the men’s race, which started two minutes earlier. The trio that broke away early in the women’s contest was composed of Kiros, who won the 2009 Carlsbad 5000 and finished second last year, Korikwiang, fresh off a seventh-place finish at the World Cross Country Championships, and American three-time Olympian Jen Rhines, 36. The select group hit the first mile together in 4:50. “It was a fast first mile,” said Rhines, who lost contact with the Africans a quarter-mile later at the first hairpin turn.

Kiros and Korikwiang extended their lead steadily from there, thanks to a strong second mile of 4:55. The pair remained glued together when they made the final turn with two-tenths of a mile remaining in the race. They were still together 100 yards from the finish tape, when Kiros found another gear and pulled away, hitting the line one second in front at 15:13.

Having run alone through the last 1.8 miles of the course, Rhines finished third in 15:37. “It went well, she said. This sets me up well for the rest of the season.”

The large and vocal crowds that gathered around the finish line seemed more satisfied with the two close finishes than disappointed by the lack of records. Perhaps next year they’ll see both.

Curtis & Rhines Take 3rd at Carlsbad 5000 -- First Non-Africans

Bobby Curtis and Jen Rhines each finished third overall today at the Carlsbad 5000. In so doing, the former Villanova all-americans were the first non-African finishers. In each race, two runners broke away to battle for the win, with the chase pack some 20-30 seconds back. Here are the top male and female finishers

Men's 5000

1 Dejen Gebremeskel Ethiopia 21 M 13:11 4:15
2 Eluid Kipchoge Kenya 26 M 13:14 4:16
3 Bobby Curtis USA 26 M 13:48 4:27
4 Juan Carlos Romero Mexico 33 M 13:50 4:27
5 Haron Lagat Kenya 27 M 13:55 4:29
6 Diego Alberto Borrego Mexico 23 M 14:06 4:33
7 Craig Miller USA 23 M 14:08 4:33
8 Tony Okello Uganda 27 M 14:11 4:34
9 Jarrod Shoemaker USA 28 M 14:12 4:35
10 Ben St Lawrence Australia 29 M 14:22 4:38
11 Steve Slattery USA 30 M 14:29 4:40

Women's 5000

1 Aheza Kiros Ethiopia 28 F 15:13 4:54
2 Pauline Korikwiang Kenya 23 F 15:14 4:54
3 Jen Rhines USA 36 F 15:37 5:02
4 Christin Wurth Thomas USA 30 F 15:56 5:08
5 Eloise Wellings Australia 29 F 16:06 5:11
6 Stephanie Pezzullo USA 28 F 16:11 5:13
7 Barbara Parker UK 28 F 16:22 5:16
8 Sara Slattery USA 29 F 16:30 5:19
9 Annie Bersagel USA 27 F 16:40 5:22
10 Brenda Martinez USA 23 F 16:59 5:28
11 Susie Bush UK 32 F 17:10 5:32
12 Rachel Booth USA 30 F 17:17 5:34

Jen Rhines Profile on Eve of Carlsbad 5000

This nice profile from the San Diego Union-Tribune. Jen is coached by her husband (and fellow former Villanova All-American Terrence Mahon).

Three-time Olympian set to run in Carlsbad 5000

By Don Norcross

Friday, April 1, 2011
Jen Rhines, who lives in Mammoth Lakes, hopes to compete in the 10,000 meters at the 2012 London Olympics.

Jen Rhines, who lives in Mammoth Lakes, hopes to compete in the 10,000 meters at the 2012 London Olympics.


CARLSBAD — Jen Rhines was all of 14, a high school freshman in upstate New York. She was on the varsity track team but had never run cross country.

One day she hears about the Foot Locker National Championships in San Diego, cross country’s most prestigious event for preps, and says to herself, “I think I want to do that.”

That, you might say, personifies self-confidence. Her junior year, Rhines qualified for the event, visiting California for the first time.

“For some reason,” said Rhines, “when I latch onto something, I’m able to get excited and make it happen.”

Rhines is 36 years old now, a three-time Olympian, each time at a different distance. A Mammoth Lakes resident, Rhines will be the most touted American hopeful on Sunday at the Carlsbad 5000, and she’s still dreaming big.

“I don’t think I’ve tapped out all my potential yet,” Rhines said. “I just feel like I have room to improve, especially in the 5K and 10K.”

It’s not unusual for female distance runners to achieve greatness in their late 30s. Usually, though, it’s in the marathon, where speed, which tends to decline more rapidly, is not as important as endurance.

In 2008, Romania’s Constantina Tomescu-Dita won the Olympic Marathon in Beijing. She was 38.

Rhines, though, is bucking the norm. In 2000, she qualified for the Sydney Olympics in the 10,000, where she didn’t advance out of qualifying. In 2004 at the Athens Games, she moved up to the marathon, finishing 34th. In 2008 at the Beijing Games, Rhines placed 14th in the 5,000.

Now she has her sights set on the 2012 London Olympics, again at 10,000 meters. Judging from 2011 results, betting against Rhines making her fourth Olympic team may not be wise. In January, she won the Houston Half Marathon in 1 hour, 11 minutes, 14 seconds, a personal best. Last month, she added the 15K (9.3 miles) national championship to her résumé.

Terence Mahon, Rhines’ coach and husband, thinks there’s a simple reason for his wife’s success as she shifts down in distance at a relative late age.

“She doesn’t place barriers in front of her,” Mahon said. “I think where most good athletes get stuck and don’t become great is they place artificial barriers in front of their ability. She doesn’t take it (as gospel) that as you get older, you get slow and you move up to the marathon. She followed that model, didn’t like the model and moved down (in distance). She realized it was more of a psychological issue.”

Rhines lists two simplistic reasons for moving to the 10,000.

“I just feel in the 10,000, I can place highest in the Olympics,” she said. “And I really enjoy running on the track. There’s an excitement running championships in a giant stadium with that many people watching. It’s a different vibe than being out on the road running marathons. It’s something I thrive off of.”

As for why Rhines is still running so well heading to her late 30s, Mahon thinks he knows the answer.

“She has the desire. I think that’s number one,” he said. “Two, she’s very methodical doing all the little things needed that cut most careers short. The attention to detail. Stretching, sleep, recovery, nutrition. All those components that as you get older, one by one, they sometimes fall by the wayside.”

Curtis & Rhines on the Roads Sunday at Carlsbad 5000

Bobby Curtis, ranked #4 in the USA in 2010 at both the 5000 (13:18.97) and 10,000 (27:33), will contest the Carlsbad 5000 on Sunday in Carlsbad, California. On the women's side, Jen Rhines was the 7th fastest American women over 5000 meters on the track in 2010 and is coming off two national road titles, at 15K and the half-marathon. Last weekend she was 2nd over 5000 meters at the Stanford Invitational. Here are nice previews of both races.

CARLSBAD 5000 Men's Race

Defending Champion Kipchoge Eyes World Record, Will Attack 13-Minute Barrier

CARLSBAD, Calif. – March 31, 2011 – Eliud Kipchoge, the 2010 Carlsbad 5000 champion, is returning for Sunday's race, not only seeking another victory but also a world record. Kipchoge, the 26-year-old Kenyan, has every reason to be optimistic.

“He was very disappointed he didn't do it last year,” said Matt Turnbull, Elite Athlete Coordinator. “He was in good shape, but it was very windy at the start. Now, he knows what the course is all about. He's been training hard for it.”

The weather forecast for Sunday calls for ideal running conditions with the temperature in the low to mid-60s and a little cloud cover.

“He's in better shape this year,” Turnbull added. “If we don't get the winds coming off the Pacific, it could be worth 8-10 seconds to him this time.”

Last year, Kipchoge won in 13:11, making his move after two miles and finishing seven seconds ahead of the field. Kipchoge's tireless training already has paid off this year; he has set personal bests for 3000 and 5000 meters indoors.

“This is a fantastic course and a fantastic crowd,” said Kipchoge, who shares his name with Kipchoge Keino, widely known as the father of Kenyan athletics. Last year’s race was Kipchoge's first 5000 race on the roads and his time made him the third-fastest individual finisher in history. He is prepared to again chase the world mark of 13:00 set by Sammy Kipketer of Kenya at Carlsbad in 2000 and equaled by him in 2001.

“In 2010, I wanted to run fast and attack the world record,” Kipchoge said. “I tried very hard but on the day I had to fight the wind and that made it very hard for me to break 13 minutes. This year, I feel as though I'm in better shape. I've been pushing myself and my training has definitely gone well. I've run 7:29.37 for 3000 meters and 12:55.72 for 5000 meters ...

“I know Sammy Kipketer's world record has been there for 10 years now, but it really is an ambition of mine to get that world record. I'm a 5000-meter runner and I want that record. I'm working towards it and I hope that (Sunday) it will be my name against the mark.”

In order to get the record, Kipchoge will have to stave off a formidable field of contenders. Foremost among them is Ethiopian Dejene Gebremeskel. Gebremeskel, 21, was last year's runner-up at Carlsbad and was ranked No. 4 in the world over 5000 meters in 2010. He also is coming into Sunday's race in top shape, having run a PR of 7:35.37 for 3000 meters indoors at Boston in February. His track PR for the 5,000 is 12:53.56.

The other top contenders in the men's field include Australian Ben St. Lawrence and American Bobby Curtis. St. Lawrence, making his third appearance at Carlsbad, ran a huge PR of 13:10.08 at the Melbourne Track Classic on March 3. He is the Australian 5K and 10K champion. Curtis, 26, was ranked No. 4 in the U.S. in the 5K and 10K last year. The former Villanova runner ran 13:18.97 for 5000 meters and 27:33 for 10,000 in 2010.

The Carlsbad is known as the "World's Fastest 5K" because 16 world records, 8 U.S. records, along with numerous national and age-group marks have been set on the scenic oceanfront course. The elite field of world-class athletes will be joined by the best masters runners in the U.S. for the 26th running of one of the marquee events on the international road race circuit.

The event began in 1986, and Steve Scott, the great American miler and Olympian, won each of the first three years, giving the race tremendous credibility. After that, “people wanted to come here,” Turnbull said. “They thought it was the fastest course. I don't think it's the fastest course. It's the personnel that make the race as opposed to the course.” This year, the personnel is definitely there.

About the Carlsbad 5000

The 26th running of the Carlsbad 5000 annually attracts amateur, competitive and professional runners from around the world. It is the only road race from a commonly run distance in the world that is home to the world records and its home country records for both genders. Race day begins at 7:05 am with the Masters Men 40 and over, the first of nine races that will take place throughout the morning. The ‘Party by the Sea’ gets started as soon as the first racers cross the finish line. After enjoying the scenic 3.1 mile course, runners can step into the beer garden, sip two free brews and then rock out to a live band. The main event, featuring the world’s fastest professional athletes, begins at 12:15pm. The event is the home of the current world 5K road records: 13:00, Sammy Kipketer (KEN), 2000 & 2001, and 14:46, Meseret Defar (ETH), 2006.

Race weekend kicks off with a pre-registration party on Friday, April 1 for the Junior Carlsbad hosted at Visit Carlsbad. On Saturday, April 2 more than 3,000 junior racers, age 12 and under, will take part in one of the eleven age group races. All runners receive a t-shirt and finisher’s medal for their efforts. Awards will be presented to the top junior athletes ages five-12. Registration for both the Junior Carlsbad and Carlsbad 5000 is available race weekend. For more information or to view the full race day schedule, visit www.carlsbad5000.com

CARLSBAD 5000 Women's Race

Past Champion, U.S. Olympians Headline Carlsbad 5000
Mar 30th 2011 by Dan Cruz

Off her past two performances in the Carlsbad 5000, Ethiopian Aheza Kiros should be considered the favorite for the race’s 26th running on Sunday, April 3, 2011. However, there is a strong international field arrayed against her, including Americans Christin Wurth-Thomas and Jen Rhines.

Kiros, the 2009 champion and 2010 runner-up to world record-holder Meseret Defar, has a 5,000m personal best of 14:56.33 on the track from 2009, and has run 15:26 at Carlsbad. The 25-year-old Ethiopian, who lives in Addis Ababa after growing up in the Tigray region, began running at a young age and almost always won her races during physical education classes. By the age of 16, she was representing her school at the All-Ethiopian School Championships, winning the 5,000m. Now, she is mostly a 10,000-meter runner and represented Ethiopia at that distance at the 2007 World Championships.

Meanwhile, Wurth-Thomas and Rhines should be in close pursuit of Kiros. Wurth-Thomas, the 2008 U.S. indoor champion at 1,500 meters, the 2007 and 2009 outdoor runner-up, and 2008 Olympian, is looking to improve her endurance by running a 5k. She is one of only five Americans to break four minutes for 1,500 meters with a clocking of 3:59.59 last year. She said her goal for this year is to return to the World Championships, where she finished fifth in the 1,500 in 2009.

“I want to get back there (World Championships) and medal this time,” the former Arkansas standout said. “I’m excited to run a good race at Carlsbad. My training has been going very well, so why not? I’m coming off an 11-second PR indoors. I’m pretty fit and ready to go, so the sky’s the limit. I’m looking for competition. This will be my first outdoor race (of the season).”

The 30-year-old is competing at Carlsbad for the third time and is anxious to race in front of the enthusiastic spectators Carlsbad in known for.

Aheza Kiros of Ethiopia won the women's race at the 2009 Carlsbad 5000. Photo: PhotoRun.net

“The community and the town are amazing,” she said. “It’s fun to see so many people come out for the race. It’s unique. There’s always great support from the spectators.”

Rhines also is excited about competing again at Carlsbad. Four years ago, she finished second to Defar in her road PR of 15:21. She has won back-to-back U.S. championships over the half-marathon and 15K, and also won the Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon in December. A seasoned veteran at 36, she has competed at three Olympics (2000, 2004 and 2008) at three different distances (5,000, 10,000 and the marathon). She also has run in four outdoor World Championships, one World Indoor, four World Cross-Country Championships and one World Athletics final.
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“I feel really strong,” the ex-Villanova runner said. “I’ve been running some longer races. Now, I’m transitioning to shorter ones.”

Rhines started her career as a sprinter in the eighth grade. Her goal for Sunday is about 15:22.

“In a road race, it’s hard to predict what the time will be,” she said. “Some road races are fast, some are slow. I’m comfortable with a tactical race. I like to keep up with the pack. I don’t run well off the pace. It should be a very competitive race.”

“I enjoyed running there before,” she added. “I’m glad to get back to Carlsbad. You definitely get a lot of support from the crowd. Your name is on your bib and people recognize you and cheer for you.”

In addition to the two top Americans, Kiros can expect challenges from Pauline Konikwiang of Kenya, seventh at the recent World Cross Country Championships and the national junior record-holder with a 5,000 PR of 14:45.98, who is making her debut on the roads; Olesya Syreva of Russia, the European indoor silver medalist over 3,000 meters, the national indoor record-holder for two miles with a 5,000 PR of 15:19.96; Eloise Wellings of Australia, the 2010 national 5,000 and 10,000 champion with a 5,000 PR of 14:54.11; and Adrienne Herzog of the Netherlands, the national record-holder for two miles with a 5,000 PR of 15:34.37.

Both the U.S. and world records for 5000 have been set at the Carlsbad 5000, which is internationally known as the “World’s Fastest 5K.” Defar established the world mark of 14:46 in 2006 and Deena Kaster set the U.S. mark of 14:54 in 2002.

Ali Smith Breaks Own Meet & Stadium Record at Colonial Relays Steeple

Ali Smith's 10:24.52 in the 3000 steeplechase set a new meet and facility record tonight at William & Mary's Colonial Relays. It also established a new PR by almost two seconds in a race she won by 8 seconds. Also in steeple, Sarah Morrison was 3rd in 10:47.53

In other highlights, Amanda Marino ran 16:22.13 in the 5000 to finish 2nd overall. Summer Cook, making the transition from Villanova's swim team, ran 16:46.42 to finish 8th (Cook was an all conference cross country harrier in 2006 while in high school in Colorado, but decided at the time to concentrate on swimming). Shericka Ward won the 200 meters in 24.30, and Kristen Mahon won the 400 hurdles in 1:00.99, breaking 1:01.00 for the 5th time in her career.

Emily Lipari's first collegiate outdoor 1500 netted a nice 4:26.15, good enough for 4th out of 105 competitors. Bogdana Mimic was 8th in the 1500, in 4:27.61.








Here are the women's highlights from Friday night.

200 meters
1. Shericka Ward 24.30
4. Christie Verdier 24.96
14. Ashley Dunbar 25.56
38. Marie Yuille 26.24

400 meters
10. Fafavie Lumax 58.18
14. Jessona McDonald 58.63

400 meter hurdles
1. Kristen Mahon 1:00.99
8. Mary Bohi 1:04.79

800 meters
15. Kelly McElroy 2:14.34
29. Shannon Browne 2:16.81
37. Anna Francis 2:18.49

1500 meters
4. Emily Lipari 4:26.15
8. Bogdana Mimic 4:27.61
17. Ariann Neutts 4:35.55
31. Nicky Akande 4:42.48

3000 meter Steeple
1. Ali Smith 10:24.52 MR SR
3. Sarah Morrison 10:47.53
17. Kaitlyn O'Sullivan 12:13.54

5000
2. Amanda Marino 16:22.13
8. Summer Cook 16:46.42
11. Callie Hogan 16:57.45
24. Meghan Smith 17:47.08

For complete results, click the title of this post.

Capecci's 5000 14:08 PR Highlights Day 1 at Colonial Relays

Keith Capecci made his 2011 outdoor debut tonight at William & Mary's Colonial Relays in Williamsburg, VA a great success by running a big PR over 5000 meters. Capecci finished 4th of 73 competitors (0.4 seconds out of 2nd overall) in running 14:08.77. The men's 5000 meters also provided a surprise as Villanova's Carl Mackenzie, primarily a 1000-1500-mile runner, competed and finished 26th overall, in 14:43.84 (which we assume is a PR since it looks to have been Mackenzie's 5000 collegiate debut). Also in the 5000, John Pickhaver established a new PR as well, finishing 34th overall in 14:50.02.

Other Friday night notes on the men's side include the following:

800 meters
10. Sam Ellison 1:52.01
27. Joseph Capecci 1:55.26

400 meter hurdles
2. Nicoy Hines 52.36
11. Stefan Goodridge 55.69

400 meters
14. Christopher Kearney 49.56

200 meters
3. Carlton Bowers 21.95

The men did not enter a competitor in the mile, the steeple, or the 10,000 meters. On tap for tomorrow are almost all the relays, the 3000 meters, and some short sprint finals.

For complete results, click the title of this post.

March 2011 Alumni Race Report

Here are some race results involving Villanova track alumni from March 2011. Cheers to Steve Curley, Lindsay Kos, and Laura O'Sullivan (see above) for their performances at the New York City Half Marathon. Kudos as well go to Ellen Dougherty (photo below), who won the Haddonfield Adrenaline 5K on March 19th.



New York City Half Marathon
New York, NY (March 20, 2011)

38. Steve Curley 1:07.42
53F. Lindsay Kos 1:24.23
249F. Laura O'Sullivan 1:35.07

Haddonfield Adrenaline 5K
Haddonfield, NJ (March 19, 2011)

1F. Ellen Dougherty 17:01
5. Craig Segal 15:12
16. Marc Pelerin 15:36
22. Tom Parlapiano 15:55


Molly Maguire's Get Lucky Mile
Lansdale, PA (March 17, 2011)

2. Tom Parlapiano 4:43

Richie Corcoran 2nd Overall at Dunboyne 4 Miler in Ireland

Richie Corcoran, a recent graduate of the Villanova track program, came second this weekend at the 42nd Dunboyne 4 Mile road race in County Meath, Ireland, not far from Dublin. Corcoran (bib 8 above) ran the 4 miler in a healthy 18:48 (4:42 pace). Corcoran is the last Irishman to compete for Villanova (see post below on the demise of the Irish pipeline). Mark Kenneally, whose best career result was an 8th place finish at the 2009 European cross country championship, won the race. Over 1000 runners competed, with the top 20 finishers listed below:

1 Mark Kenneally M Sen 0:18:26
2 Richard Corcoran M Sen 0:18:48
3 Thomas Fitzpatrick M Sen 0:18:55
4 Brendan O Neill M Sen 0:19:08
5 Brian Maher M Sen Kilkenny City Harriers 0:19:17
6 Tommy Evans M Sen 0:19:23
7 Sean Gearoid Hehir M Sen 0:19:40
8 Greg Roberts M Sen City of Derry 0:19:48
9 Lorcan Cronin M Sen 0:19:57
10 Aidan Bailey M Sen 0:20:05
11 Eoghan Totten M Jun Newcastle and District AC 0:20:07
12 Patrick Cassidy M Sen 0:20:09
13 Michael MacDiarmadaM Sen 0:20:16
14 Ian Walsh M Sen 0:20:21
15 Simon Ryan M Sen 0:20:26
16 Martin Conroy M Sen Sligo AC 0:20:28
17 Declan Reed M O35 City of Derry 0:20:29
18 David Byrne M O35 0:20:29
19 Paul Fleming M O35 0:20:41
20 Aaron Doherty M Sen City of Derry 0:20:47

Marcus O'Sullivan on the Late Great Irish Pipeline

At this year's NCAA indoor championship meet, David McCarthy of Providence College was the only Irish athlete to qualify for the meet. The long line of Irish athletes coming to the States on track scholarships -- epitomized by the great Irish pipeline established by Villanova's legendary coach Jumbo Elliott -- has evaporated. Ireland's leading track and field journalist Ian O'Riordan interviewed Villanova's Marcus O'Sullivan, himself a product of the Irish pipeline, about the options facing Irish athletes. The article below appeared in the March 28th edition of The Irish Times

Old path of the US scholarship has changed its emphasis

ATHLETICS: Cork’s first great O’Sullivan, Marcus, coach at Villanova, on the options for young athletes, writes IAN O'RIORDAN

THURSDAY was Careers Night in De La Salle, Churchtown and they invited me back to the old school to champion the merits of sports journalism. Little did they realise it was only after failing at several other careers I ended up in this thankless trade, and hardly a day goes by without me wondering what might have been. I also have an Ivy League degree in biology, you know.

After leaving the cream of scholarly America behind me – as in rich, and thick – it eventually transpired that sport, and more specifically athletics, would probably see me through until the end. If I never made a penny from all those years of running, I may as well make some money writing about it, or at least pretend I learnt something while on scholarship in America.

So, after knocking on countless doors, the Sports Editor in here agreed to give me a work placement – and 12 years later I’m still here (he has promised to start paying me one of these days).

It quickly became apparent that in sports journalism, like in acting, the work doesn’t come to you, but rather the other way around: anyone trying to make it in this business better stand up there and be creative.

One of my first proposals was to retrace the American scholarship route, the product line of so many famous Irish distance runners, and with that in mind booked a flight to New York. The plan was to take in the Millrose Games, then visit Marcus O’Sullivan, who had just been appointed head coach at Villanova, his alma mater, about 12 miles outside Philadelphia. It was January 1999, and O’Sullivan had taken on possibly the most famous distance running programme in America, which not only helped produce Irish champions such as Ronnie Delany, Frank Murphy, Eamonn Coghlan and Sonia O’Sullivan – plus of course O’Sullivan himself – but also 32 American Olympians and 50 world record holders, mainly under the tutelage of Jumbo Elliott, head coach for 47 years until his death in 1981.


By cosmic coincidence, O’Sullivan was back in Ireland this week, on what is loosely termed “a recruiting trip”, and we chatted once again about the issue of American scholarships. It’s now his 13th season in charge of Villanova, and while O’Sullivan has helped rebuild the programme to its former glories, there’s not a single Irish athlete on his roster (unless we somehow include his son, Chris, a runner too, in his first year at Villanova).

Although he remains enthusiastic about recruiting young Irish distance runners, O’Sullivan admits the scene has changed, considerably so – not just in America, but in Ireland too.

“America is still a viable option, definitely,” he says, “but it has to be looked at a little differently. In fact, I don’t know if it was always looked at the right way. First of all, recruiting, for me, is much more than looking for talent. I’m looking for character. For “fit”.

“What I mean by that is, over my years in America, I could instinctively tell the kids out here that shouldn’t be, and others, like myself, that should. And it wasn’t all to do with running, but education, cultural exposure, making a new start.

“So I’m not necessarily looking for a talented Irish kid. I’m looking for a kid that fits into the programme, an athlete that I can help, as much as can help Villanova. So a lot of times when we’ve reached out globally we’ve gone beyond Ireland, because that’s the best fit. Right now we have three New Zealand guys on the team, and one from Australia. We’ve also a girl from Serbia, and one from Canada.”

It used to be that Irish distance runners were recruited on talent alone, why so many American coaches recruited here in the first place. These days they don’t have to look as far: American distance running is booming, and suddenly the Irish talent doesn’t look nearly as exciting, even for a coach with such strong Irish affiliation as O’Sullivan.

“Running has exploded in America. Take this indoor season. If a college kid wasn’t running under 4:01 in the mile he wouldn’t make the top-40. Or 13:57 for 5,000 metres didn’t score at the NCAAs. It’s phenomenal. That comes down to coaching, which is far better now than it’s ever been in America, starting at high school level. The internet age has brought it all together too, in that all the information is out there in the arena, and accessible.

“At the same time, look at Ireland. There are 10 times the opportunities here now, compared to 20 years ago. Look at the programme in DCU, for example. So the American scholarship is no longer the only option. It’s more of a supplement. It still has great opportunities, in terms of racing, to really learn that trade, but it’s not the only thing available.”

When O’Sullivan left for Villanova in 1980 it was the only option, in more ways than one. He’d left school and was already working in Cork, and the offer of a scholarship wouldn’t just better his running career, but his entire life. And he maximised it, building a brilliant career that included three World Indoor titles over 1,500 metres, four Olympics, six Wannamaker Mile titles, and his favourite of all: 100 sub-four miles, a figure only three men in history have achieved.


“Villanova was an incredible opportunity for me,” he says, “that’s kept me going for the last 30 years. It was a new life, an opportunity to go to college I would never have got at home. But Ireland has blossomed so much in the last 10 or 15 years, there are so many more of those opportunities here now.”

The bottom line, however, is whether Irish athletes are still good enough to make it in America, given standards here have fallen back, or at least the depth has: “Well I think it has, yes. Having said that, I know there are coaches here doing a terrific job. When I sit down to talk with them, about the technical aspects of coaching, they’re bang on. At the same time, I think the volunteering element is not as strong as it used to be.

“But I’ve been home this week, and all I’ve been hearing on the radio is rugby, soccer. Cricket even. There is a lot of sporting activity going on here, and athletics is not emphasised like it was 20 years ago. That’s not just an Irish thing.

“And I wouldn’t say kids here have gotten soft. Youngsters today have so much more going on in their lives, everywhere, America included of course. Mobile phones, iPods. It’s great stimulus, don’t get me wrong.

“But I think our energies have been somewhat diluted. The space between where you are, and where you want to go, I call that the ‘gap of motivation’. It’s what you fill that space with that gets you to the end result. We didn’t have much in that gap, say 20 years ago. So nearly all our drive and energy went into running.

“But quite frankly I don’t think we fully appreciated what we had either. The likes of myself and Eamonn, Frank O’Mara, Ray Flynn and John Treacy. We didn’t realise just how golden an era that was. That’s not saying it won’t come back again. Because we’re still well capable of producing it.”

He turns 50 this year, and although O’Sullivan admits he’s still learning – “the longer I’m in this game, the more I realise how little I know” – it’s hard to tell if another champion Irish distance runner will come out of Villanova.

I’ll check in with him again in a few years, if I’m still in the business myself.