USATF-New England Headline NewsJanuary - March 2000
USATF-New England Headline NewsNew Englanders Race the World's Best IAAF World Cross Country Championships
Vilamoura, POR; March 18 -- Sunny and temps in the 70's, it was a far cry from the conditions at the Trials race the previous month. The cross country championships are considered the most competitive races held in the world. Overall, fine performances by local runners many competing on their international team. Following are the race winners, top US finisher, and New Enland runners. Junior Men's team leader was Mike Scott of Newport RI
Sr. Men 12 km 1. Mohammed Mourhit BEL 35:00 26. Mebrahtom Keflezighi, USA 36:45 TEAMS: 1. KEN 18 11. USA 196 Sr. Men 4 km 1. John Kibowen KEN 11:11 45. Jason Stewart, USA 12:00 79. Andy Downin, USA/NH 12:18 99. Darin Shearer, USA/Hamilton MA 12:37 TEAMS: 1. KEN 10 12. USA 260 Jr. Men 8 km 1. Robert Kipchumba KEN 22:49 28. Franklin Sanchez, USA/Lynn MA 24:45 TEAMS: 1. KEN 10 9. USA 171 Sr.Women 4 km 1. Kutre Dulecha ETH 13:00 20. Collette Liss, USA 13:32 53. Amy Rudolph, USA/Providence 13:49 74. Sarah Dupre, CAN/BAA 14:08 TEAMS: 1. POR 46 12. USA 244 Sr.Women 8 km 1. Derartu Tulu ETH 25:42 12. Deena Drossin, USA 26:59 TEAMS: 1. ETH 20 3. USA 98 Jr. Women 6 km 1. Vivian Cheruiyot KEN 20:34 26. Lauren Fleshman, USA/Stanford 22:08 29. Shalane Flanagan, USA/Marblehead MA 22:10 30. Erin Sullivan, USA/Jericho VT 22:12 61. Sheela Agrawal, USA/Swansea MA 23:07 126. Julie Spolidoro, USA/Duxbury MA 27:47 TEAMS: 1. KEN 12 6. USA 146
INTERNATIONAL BERTHS TO SHEARER, DONAHUE
A pair of Reebok Boston runners have been added to USA teams for upcoming events. Darrin Shearer will run in this weekend's World Cross Country Championship in the 4K race, while teammate Rebecca Donahue was picked to run on the Seoul Korea International Womens Road Relay to be held in April.
ROAD GRAND PRIX BEGINS
In cold, rainy conditions, nearly 1800 runners completed the Law Enforcement 1/2 Marathon in Melrose MA on Sunday. Chris Magill won a thriller over top master Mark Donahue by one second. Christine Manolatou of GBTC took women's honors by a comfortable minute and a half. Reebok Boston earned their first ever team win, taking the men's division over CMS, and Whirlaway finished a scant 4 seconds better than CMS in the masters men. CSU and Gate City won the 50+ and 60+ divisions, respectively. For the women, CMS women swept all three team titles.
Results: www.nerunner.com or www.coolrunning.com Check here on Wednesday for team and individual scoring.
WEEKEND TRACK ACTION
National Scholastic - NY
NATIONAL RECORD FOR GLOUCESTER HS RELAY
The Gloucester MA Distance Medley team ran to a win and a barrier-breaking record at the National Scholastic meet in New York. The foursome shattered the previous record and also ducked under the 10:00 mark, clocking 9:59.94. The mighty impressive splits were Josh Palazola (3:04.1), Ngai Otieno (49.5) Shawn Milne (1:56.4), and Tristan Colangelo (4:09.9).
Manchester Central of New Hampshire captured the girls distance medley in 12:06.99. Shalane Flanagan of Marblehead MA tuned up for the World Cross Country Championships by running the fastest mile by a scholastic runner this season - 4:46.91 - in finishing a close 2nd to Canadian Emily Kroshus (4:46.79). Complete results at www.dyestat.rivals.com
Scholastic Invitational - IN
NEW ENGLANDERS SWEEP WEIGHT THROWS; NE RECORD FOR CHAKOUIAN
National record holder Josh McCaughey of Bp.Hendricken HS in RI made it a clean sweep for the season with a win in the Nike Scholastic Invitational in Indiana. Women's weight thrower Katie Johnson of Warwick RI and shot putter Laura Gerraghty of Nashua NH also capped undefeated seasons with wins. (McCaughey and Johnson then flew to New York to win their events there on Sunday as well.) Jeff Chakouian of Seekonk MA established an all-time New England best in the shot put, indoors or outdoors, throwing 63'11" for 2nd; the previous best of 63'9" dates back to 1969.
Results: www.nationalscholastic.org
Collegiate Track
GYOFFRY WINS NATIONAL HIGH JUMP
WHEATON WOMEN REPEAT AS DIII CHAMPS
Harvard high jumper Dora Gyoffry, who has the best collegiate performance for 2000, won NCAA Division I National championshp with a leap of 6'4 1/4". Also recording top 6 finishes were New Englanders Trinity Gray of Brown (800, 4th, 1:47.80) and U.Connecticut Distance Medley (3rd, 9:33.85).
The Division II Nationals were held at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. While few New England schools are in Division II, the meet was an excellent spectator events with several facility records established. Find results and pictures at www.ecac.org
In Division III action, Wheaton College repeated as women's National Women's Team Champions; there were also several individual wins by NE'ers. See www.ncaachampionships.com for all results.
NATIONAL MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS March 24-26
We can still use volunteers for meet weekend registration and field activities at the Masters Nationals. If you're interested in helping, send a message to office@usatfne.org
LAW ENFORCEMENT HALF MARATHON
by Ken Robichaud
March 12, 2000 -- If you run in New England in the winter or spring, you know you're at the mercy of the elements. Today was no exception at the Law Enforcement Half Marathon in Melrose, MA. A few days ago, the weather was 70+ and the sun was as nice as it gets during the summer. Saturday shows a change of climate that brought us back to early winter with sleet and cold weather. Today we saw a challenge. What can runners tolerate within the elements?
Rain and cold weather, just right for running a half marathon. Just the type of weather that a half marathon runner could endure and complete, with a sense of pride and enthusiasm.
The Melrose course was also a challenge with hills and climate, only a true New Englander could persevere. I was able to experience many a runner finish with a high sense of pride and determination at the finish of this 13.1-mile event.
Great job to the organizers and staffing that had to orchestrate the logistics and coordinating of the race. The amount of officers and firefighters that supported this community awareness was spectacular. Great job on competitiveness by the Clubs that participated in the opening race of the GP 2000.
Congratulations on a fine day, competition and a great start to the USATF Millennium Grand Prix 2000.
A great way to start another IRON RUNNER SERIES. See all of you at the Bedford 12K. Best wishes and safe running -- Ken Robichaud.
NCAA DIVISION II NATIONALS IN BOSTON
March 10-11 The NCAA National championships for Division II schools will run at the Reggie Lewis Center this coming weekend. Action begins Friday at 5pm. This will be the first time this meet has been held in the northeast, and is here for a two year stay. You'll see plenty of good college track action if you attend.
COACHES CLINCS MARCH 17-18
The Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association holds it 26th annual clinic March 17-18 in Marlborough MA. A full slate of athlete and coach guest speakers covering all events is scheduled.
Open to all, the fee is $70. Contact Mark Thornhill, mrkthorn1216@aol.com, and check www.mstca.org The same weekend, the Maine T&F Coaches Association holds its clinic in South Portland. Clinicians include Owen Anderson, editor of Running Research News, Gary Aldrich (throws), Jim Giroux (sprints/ jumps), and Mike Drummey (pole vault). Keynote speaker is Doug DeAngelis, president and founder of FinishLynx. Coaches from outside of Maine are welcome; the registration fee is $60. Contact George Towle, U.Southern Maine, gtowle@usm.maine.edu
NE'ers TOP 10 AT NATIONAL 15K
March 5 -- Laura Baker and Megan Moriartry placed 6th and 7th at the Gate River Run in Jacksonville FL, the USATF National 15K Championship. Winner Deena Drossin's time was the fastest since 1995 when NH's Cathy O'Brien ran 48:56.
Women: 1.Deena Drossin, Reebok/CO 49:40 ($10,000) ... 6.Laura Baker, New Balance/Dorchester MA 52:52 ($900); 7.Megan Moriarty, Reebok Boston/Waltham MA, 53:05 ($800); ...10.Chistine Junkermann, CT, 54:16 ($500)
Men: 1.Dan Browne, USArmy/CO, 44:26 ($10,000)
Also at the USATF National 15K road championship, Reebok Boston won the women's team title.
NEW ENGLANDERS PLACE HIGH AT USA NATIONALS SHEPARD REGAINS VAULT RECORD
March 3-4 At the beginning of the season, Weston MA sophomore Samantha Shepard held the high school girls indoor pole vault record, but, in the fast developing event, it has been broken three times since December. The sophomore regained it at the USA Indoor Championships in Atlanta, qualifying for the Olympic Trials in the process, by clearing 3.97m/13' 1/4". Stacy Dragila of Idaho set a new world record of 15'1 3/4" in winning the event. New England results and US Champions in those events:
WOMEN 800 meter FINAL 1. Hazel Clark, Nike 2:03.40 2. Michelle Ave, Asics 2:05.57 5. Jennifer Toomey, Reebok Boston 2:06.26 800 meter Trials: Ht 1: Toomey 2:06.54 Ht 2: Ave 2:06.83 4. June Snow, Reebok Boston 2:08.84 5. Amory Rowe, Reebok Boston 2:09.71 1 MILE: 1. Regina Jacobs, NYAC 4:25.92 9. Rebecca Donaghue, Reebok Boston 4:47.33 10. Mary Cobb, Nike Farm (Pittsfield MA alum) 4:53.57 11. Amy Lyman, BAA 5:01.42 3000 1. Marla Runyan, Asics 9:01.29 7. Molly Watcke, New Balance 9:11.51 9. Kristin Manwaring 9:25.58. HIGH JUMP 1. Tisha Waller, Nike 1.96m (6-5) - Beth Castagno, Wheaton, No Ht. POLE VAULT 1. Stacy Dragila, Reebok 4.62m (15-1.75) 14. Samantha Shepard, AirTime Ath 3.97m (13-0.25) 15. Molly Lederman, AirTime Ath 3.82m/(12-6.25) WEIGHT THROW 1. Dawn Ellerbe, NYAC 23.60m (77-5.25) 4. Anna Norgren, CT, 20.06m (65-9.75) 12. Alexandra Earl-Givan, CT 18.13m (59-5.75) MEN 200 M Preliminaries Heat Ht 2: 4. Glen McFadden, CT HS 21.59 1 MILE RUN 1. Jason Pyrah, 3:57.83 4. Darin Shearer, Reebok Boston 3:59.93 WEIGHT THROW 1. Lance Deal, NYAC 23.89m (78-4.5) 2. Mark McGehearty, NYAC 23.08m (75-8.75) 5. Dan Bourque, NYAC 21.45m (70-4.5) 11. Joshua McCaughey, RI HS
Full results at www.usatf.org
PLENTY OF COLLEGE RESULTS at ECAC CHAMPIONSHIPS
March 3-4 Eastern Mass. was the hot location for east coast Collegiate track this past weekend, with all ECAC Championships held locally; IC4A (Reggie Lewis), Women Div I (Harvard), DII (Boston U) and DIII (Wheaton). Aliann Pompey from Manhattan College, set a Collegiate Record at 500 meters - 1:09.23 - at the ECAC Championships. Full results of all three divisions can be found at www.ecac.org.
CARROLL WINS EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Irishman Mark Carroll who lives in Providence won the 3000 meter race at the European Indoor Championships in Ghent, Belgium. The Providence grad ran 7:49.24 to earn his first major international title. It was Ireland's first European indoor gold medal in 21 years. Sinead Delahunty, who lives and trains in Boston, was fourth in the women's 1500 meters, just out of the medals.
ANOTHER RECORD FOR GERRAUGHTY
Nashua's Laura Gerraughty upped the New England high school shot put record yet again, tossing 49'9" in the New England championships on Saturday. Full results at www.mstca.org. Last weekend's New England Men's Collegiate results can be found at www.bu.edu/track
US OLYMPIC MARATHON TRIALS
February 26, 2000 -- The US Olympic Marathon Trials were held in Columbia, SC on Saturday for the second time, and the hilly course added to the challenge of the weather. Temperatures hit an all-time high of 85 degrees, bad news for most of the field who hadn't seen conditions like that since last summer.
As with every Olympic Trials, there were suprises and this one included the winner. Christine Clark, a resident of Alaska, took the lead at 20 miles and ran in to a spot on the USA team. Her winning time of 2:33.31 is 7 minutes and 7 seconds better than her previous career best. 14 other runners set personal bests, despite the heat.
The Olympic Games now have qualifying standards; to send two or more runners, all would have to have a best of 2:33:00 or better in the past two years. The winner of the Trials race was guaranteed a spot on the team. Thus, Clark will be the only marathoner to represent the USA in Sydney. Jill Gaitenby, USATF-New England Women's LDR chair was the first NE association finisher in 39th.Check www.nerunner.com for a story and more results
New England finishers (and New England HS products) 1. Christine Clark ($35,000) 37 AK 2:33:31 4. Susannah Beck (Waynefleet ME HS) OR 2:36:46 9. Joan Samuelson, Freeport ME 2:39:59 23. Julia Kirtland, Harpswell ME 2:45:28 39. Jill Gaitenby, Boston MA/MVS 2:48:58 43. Julie Peterson, 40, Beverly MA 2:49:29 57. Cathi Campbell, Boston MA/BAA 2:52:32 78. Diana Bowser, Brookline MA/BAA 2:56:36 85. Dana Parrot, Derby CT 2:57:57 90. Susannah Landreth, Newburyport MA/CMS 2:58:29 102. Christina Clifford, Franklin MA/BAA 3:00:09 106. Mimi Corcoran, Mendon MA/CMS 3:00:46 107. Sherry Christoff, Middletown CT 3:00:47 126. Jane Welzel, CO (Hopkinton MA HS) 3:04:44 130. Christine Brighton, CA (Concord-Carlisle MA HS) 3:07:54 DNF: Mary-Lynn Currier, Plymouth MA, and Kelly Keane, Boston MA/BAA 141 finishers
PETERSON IN ELITE GROUP AT TRIALS
Julie Peterson was one of only 8 women to qualify for all five women's Olympic Marathon Trials. It is an accomplishment to be noted as, over a 16 YEAR period, they've run consistently and have produced top national class performances. Also in that group is Jane Welzel, 44, now from Ft. Collins, CO, but a Hopkinton MA native and UMass grad; her five qualifying times averaged 2:39:57.
SNOWSTORM CAN'T DERAIL NE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Boston, February 18 -- With athletes already in town and with no optional date for rescheduling, the USATF New England Indoor Championship Meet took place on Friday evening, and nearly 400 athletes made their way through the season's worst snowstorm for competition.
Held at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center for the first time, the meet and the new location were enthusiasticly received by all in attendance. (Thanks to the staff at the Reggie Lewis Center for their help).
At the meet, Ken Leinbach of the BAA established a new masters M45 age group record in the 3000. He clocked 8:49.79 to break Domingo Tibaduiza's 1995 standard by nearly 10 seconds.
Team trophies went to Boston International's women and Greater Boston TC's men, the latter title not decided until the final events of the meet. Click here to find the full results.
USATF MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE
Feb 17 -- Participants at the National Masters Indoor Championships are reminded that in order to get the special rates at the meet hotels, they must make their reservations by February 22, 2000. Headquarters hotel is the Radisson Hotel Boston (617) 482-1800, 200 Stuart Street, Boston - $129, located within Boston's Theatre District. For full information see the Masters Meet page.
MORE INDOOR RECORDS
Molly Lederman again upped the National HS Indoor Pole Vault record for girls, clearing 3.90m/12'9 1/2" at the BU Valentine's Meet. Also at the Valentine's meet, Anselm Lebourne of New Jersey set a world masters standard in for masters 40-44 in the 800 (1:54.68) and Mario Vernon-Watson of Virginia claimed a new Jamaican national and BU facilty record in the 1000 meters, 2:19.96, among the fastest in the world this year. See www.bu.edu/track
Laura Gerraughty won the NH Shot Put with a booming 49'6" toss, adding nearly a foot to her previous all- New England high school mark. See www.lancertiming.com
NEW ENGLANDERS MAKE USA TEAM FOR WORLD CROSS COUNTRY
Flanagan, Sanchez win Junior Trials Races
February 12-13, Greensboro NC -- Continuing the tradition of New England representation at the World Cross Country Championships, eight New Englanders qualified for the US Team which will compete in Portugal March 19-20. Conditions ranged from bad to awful, as rain, temperatures in the 30's and 40's, and a course with little if any solid footing by the end of the day produced a 'survival of the fittest' competion.
Shalane Flanagan of Marblehead (MA) High School won the junior women's race, which found four New Englanders in the top 6 which comprise the US team. Over the 6K course, Flanagan edged last year's champion, Erin Sullivan of Jericho VT (now a freshman at Stanford) by 3 seconds (21:59-22:02). Finishing fourth was Sheila Agrawal (Swansea MA/ Duke U) and fifth was Julie Spolidoro (Duxbury MA). In seventh, and first alternate, was Amy Pleckaitis of Woodbridge CT. (Both Flanagan's mother and father were USA World Cross Country Team members in the 1970's).
Franklin Sanchez of Lynn MA and attending Cushing Academy (Ashburnham MA), won the Junior Men's race by forty-nine seconds. The B.A.A. competitor took the lead before the halfway point and extended his lead over runner-up Louis Luchini (Ellsworth ME/Stanford) by the finish where he clocked 25:35.
Finishing second in the women's 4K was Amy Rudolph (Warwick RI/Reebok), making the team for the third time. Rudolph clocked 13:46 to Deena Drossin's 13:30. Drossin (Alamosa CO/Reebok), won both the 8K and 4K races over the weekend.
Making his first USA team was Duxbury MA HS grad Andy Downin, finishing a surprising second to Adam Goucher in the men's short course 4K race. Downin, now living in Madison WI with family still in NH, was 10 seconds back of the winner (11:56-12:06). Goucher also left with double gold, having won the 12K the next day.
Results of New England finishers can be found in the cross country section of the webpage.
FEBRUARY 18 INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP MEET ENTRY FORM AVAILABLE AT
www.usatfne.org/track
RECORDS FALL at NEW BALANCE INVITATIONAL
Boston, February 6 -- Remniscent of the "olden days" when athletes would compete at the Millrose Games on a Friday and in a Boston meet on the same weekend, the New Balance Invitational drew an elite field spiced with several locals and rewarded a nearly full house with a trio of records. The men's 4 x 800 relay found the top three teams all under the old world best, with the record going to the quartet of Joey Wood, Karl Paranya, Rich Kenah, and Dave Krummenacker, in 7:13.94.
A US record requires all four runners to be from the same club, so that honor goes to the Washington DC-based Reebok Enclave (including BC High and Boston U grad Kevin Murphy) in 7:14.78.
Regina Jacobs has set several American bests in the New England states. This time, she took the 1000 meter mark down to 2:35.29.
Paul Bitok also ran the fifth fastest 2 mile of all time, 8:16.15. Full results: www.globalathletics.com
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLERS TAKE CENTER STAGE
Weekend of February 4-5-6 - MASS. PAIR WIN MILLROSE MILES Rarely have New Englanders This year, a duo from the same league took the individual titles in one of scholastic track's most prestigious events.
Shalane Flanagan (Marblehead MA) ran the nation's fastest schoolgirl mile for 2000, 4:54.84; Marian Bihrle (Belmont MA) was 5th in 5:08.63. Tristan Colangelo (Gloucester MA) already owned the country's top time for the 2000 season, and ran a perfect race to capture the boys' crown in 4:18.76.
NEW ALL TIME SHOT PUT RECORDS SET
Often competing away from the spotlight if not totally out of view, two now own both the seasons's best national throws as well as all-time New England bests (indoors or out). Laura Gerraghty of Nashua NH continues her improvement. The junior threw 48'9 1/2", topping by 1/2" the mark of Melody Johnson (N.Attleboro MA, 1982).
Jeff Chakouian, a senior from Seekonk (MA) HS, thew the 12 lb shot 63'4 1/4" at the at his league meet to establish a new New England scholastic record which had stood since 1969. He's also tossed the 16 lb ball over 50'.
Boston U Terrier Classic
January 29-30 Two days of action by contingents of open athletes and collegians combine for numerous top distance race times; seven men under 14:00 in 5000 (See www.bu.edu/track)
LEDERMAN CLEARS US HS RECORD
January 22 Molly Lederman, a sophomore from Newton MA who competes for Air Time Athletics set a new National High School Indoor record in the pole vault, clearing a height of 12'8". That was a half inch above the old record set last year by her club teammate Samantha Shepard, also a HS soph. Coincedently, the same weekend, the record was tied by a vaulter in California.
INDOOR ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE
The entry forms for the February 18 New England Indoor Championship and the March 24-26 National Masters Championship are now on this website; see below.
TRACK & FIELD CLINICS COMING UP
February 1 -- The 26th New England Track & Field Clinic presented by the Mass. State Track Coaches Association will be held on March 17-18 in Marlborough MA. The clinic is open to all, whether active coach or those just interested in hearing from top clinicians in the sport.
An all star panel of clinicians, including four past Olympians and a number of respected coaches will cover all events over Friday evening and Saturday. A must for coaches of all levels.
See the state coaches association web page www.mstca.org.
HOT DISTANCE RACES AT BU TERRIER CLASSIC
January 29-30, Boston -- Open and collegiate athletes came to Boston U from around the country for the annual two day Terrier Classic. There were quality performances over the full schedule of events, but fast distance races were the order of the weekend.
Highlights on the men's side were a pair of sub 4:00 miles and seven runners under 14:00 in the 5000, while USATF and NCAA qualifying marks were achieved in the women's events from 800 meters and up.
Check out the results at www.bu.edu/track
GBTC INVITATIONAL
PIERCE SETS MASTERS RECORD
January 23, Boston -- Roger Pierce of the Boston Running Club set a new American best for the masters M55 indoor 400 meters at the Greater Boston TC Invitational at Harvard. The Essex MA resident clocked 55.40, bettering the former mark of 56.17 set in 1991.
Full results of the meet at www.gbtc.org
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