Top relay teams look to put it all together
By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor
In a meet where so much of the focus is on the individual talents of so many of the country's top high school track and field athletes there is very much a team-first vibe at Union Catholic of New Jersey.
It is the relays where the sum is greater than the parts. And at Union Catholic, it is the collection of guys – Obafemi Animashaun, Jordan Jimerson, Andrew Ghizzone, Steven Franco, Mike Herron, Serge Gilbert, Kenny Evely, Taylor McLaughlin – and what they can get done collectively that is special.
In 2013 Union Catholic won three New Balance Nationals Indoor relay titles.
This time, UC is entered in four relays.
In order to find more success this weekend, handoffs and attention to details are going to be critical. The last time UC was at The Armory, the team was DQ'd for a false start at Eastern States.
The same goes for Columbia NJ, which is entered in two relays – the 4x400 and the sprint medley – and holds US#1 rankings in two others.
There is also a little more coaching acumen displayed in the relays. What is the lineup? How are the athletes ordered? Those decisions matter, especially in something like a 4x200, where the best teams often front-load the lineups to establish a leading position.
In the boys 4x200, Union Catholic is the top seed but could face strong challenges from Austintown-Fitch OH, Cheltenham PA, Glenville OH and Delaware Valley Charter PA.
The girls from New Rochelle NY are the top seed in the girls 4x200 but the competition here could be very close. Twice, New Rochelle has been beaten to the finish line by Cheltenham PA. The first time, Cheltenham was disqualified for a cutting in too soon. A week later, Cheltenham beat New Rochelle at Millrose (both finished behind Columbia NJ). Parkland NC is also a sleeper.
In the 4x800, Blacksburg VA is the US#1 and could possibly threaten the Armory and meet record of 7:41.10 set by Boys & Girls of Brooklyn in 2012. Osbourn Park VA and State College PA went 1-2 at the Millrose Games and have both run in the 7:47 range. But also keep an eye on Chaminade NY, which could get it's A lineup peaking at the right time.
In the girls 4x800, Benjamin Cardozo NY would love to win a national title on its home track. The team is US#2 but big efforts are surely coming from Strath Haven PA, Barrington RI and Suffern NY, among others.
On Friday, the distance medley relays will be in the spotlight. The boys race feels wide open, and a replay of the Varsity Classic on Feb. 4, when Kyle Levermore of Don Bosco NJ held off Tony Russell of West Chester Henderson PA, could happen. Throw in Chaminade NY, with Sean Kelly on the anchor, plus Ridgefield CT (Trevor Hopper on anchor) and Middletown North NJ and Arlington NY – and that's the six fastest teams in the country this winter.
In the girls DMR there could possibly be a showdown of Foot Locker finalists Hannah DeBalsi of Staples CT and Caroline Alcorta of West Springfield VA on the anchor legs. But only if those teams are close. Mount St. Dominic NJ is US#1 with 10:56.02 at Eastern States.
Freehold NJ and Benjamin Cardozo NY (with Denise Branch on anchor) could be in the mix for the title as well.
No girls team has ever broken 20 minutes in the 4xmile, which could be a worthwhile challenge for cross country powers such as Unionville PA, Assumption KY and Saratoga Springs NY.
The boys race is loaded at the top with the NXN top three finishers – Gig Harbor WA, CBA NJ and Brentwood TN. They will all be gunning for that record 17:20.
Warwick Valley NY owns the top time in the SMR but there are teams aiming to go much faster than they have during the past few months. Union Catholic and Mount Vernon NY should factor prominently in this event.
Garden City NY has the top time in the girls SMR and with Emma Gallagher on the anchor this could be a tough team to beat. Wachusett MA, Columbia NJ and Oak Park MI are among the teams that should be in contention.
Union Catholic's boys hope to pocket their second consecutive shuttle hurdles relay title, which could help the group gain momentum moving forward through the weekend.
Western Branch VA set The Armory record in the shuttle hurdles in 2012 and could be the team to beat again.
That leaves the 4x400 -- one of the highlights of any track meet -- and one of the most coveted of national titles. This is one of the events that Union Catholic won in 2013 and three of its members are back for more. And Columbia, with Olivia Baker on the anchor, is the reigning NBNI indoor and outdoor champion.
