Nike Nationals - Sunday

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Reporting by John Huth:
The girls 4x8 took second in 8:58.63. I thought a couple of weeks ago that a sub-9 4x8 was only a dream. Juliet ran a really hard leadoff, handing off to Kathy in maybe about 3rd position. Kathy really blasted it open with a 2:13, Mel hung in there in front - We had her in 2:17.9 or 2:18. But at this point, Southern Regional had a 2:08 leg, and was close behind, and Jillian Smith got the baton, and blasted a 2:06. Bridget tried to give chase, but Smith seems to have a gear that no mortals possess. I had Bridget in 2:13.
I couldn't believe my eyes - what a race.

Southern Regional's 8:54 is just a shade off the national record, and Newton South's time is a number 3 all time in the US and is a new New England record. Every girl PR'ed in both relays, twice - which is unheard of. Also the old meet record was 9:04 - absolutely demolished by Newton South and Southern Regional. Lincoln Sudbury ran a 9:07 which would've been a New England record only two weeks ago.

In fact, the whole weekend was absolutely crazy, with records dropping like flies left and right.
Albemarle Virginia's 4x8 relay is a national record - 7:36.99. 16 year old Luke Verzbicas ran a 8:57.44 2-mile for a new Freshman Record.

In other results - Yong Cho made the semi's in the hurdles, and ran well. Kelsey ran a great 2 mile, taking 7th in a race dominated by California's Jordan Hasay, who won in a 10:10.
Steven M. was in hog heaven watching from the sidelines. I spoke with the press for Newton Centre Athletics - so if you see me quoted, that's why. Steven, you get em back tomorrow with the start of the outdoor season.