A Few National Records Could Be In Jeopardy in Greensboro

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

The pursuit of glory, wrapped in a party-type atmosphere, could extend to a weekend of record-breaking performances at New Balance Nationals Outdoor in Greensboro. 

Here are three national records -- all in relays -- that could feel some heat this weekend. 

The boys distance medley relay national record dates to 2001, when Alan Webb led South Lakes HS of Reston, Va. to a national championship victory in 9:49.78. 

That record is in the crosshairs of at least two teams. 

Kindersport TC of Tennessee is made up of runners from Brentwood, and that means four-flat miler Brodey Hasty is going to be on the anchor one last time with this training partners and friends. Brentwood won the New Balance Nationals Indoor title in 9:56.31 back in March and Hasty "only" ran 4:07 on the anchor. 

But the favorite might actually be St. Anthony's of New York, which has a top tandem of Mason Gatewood and Matthew Payamps. This squad ran 9:59.87 for second place at the Penn Relays back in April. 

The girls shuttle hurdle record has to feel like low-hanging fruit for Western Branch VA, which broke the record last year when the Bruins ran 55.06. Well, two of the four athletes on that team are back -- Shadajah Ballard and Adriana Shockley. The will be eager to send coach Claude Toukene off in style. 

Also, don't forget that Bullis broke the national indoor record in March. 

Without any mishaps, these two groups are going to push one -- or ther other -- below 55 seconds. 

Speaking of Bullis, the girls 4x400 relay group must certainly feel like it can run under 3:40. 

The national high school record of 3:35.49 (2004, Long Beach Poly) and the meet record of 3:35.90 (2015, Union Catholic) might be a stretch. 

Bullis' potential could hinge on the smooth transition of Masai Russell, who is entered in the 400-meter hurdles at the U.S. Junior Championships, back to Greensboro. 

Bullis is engaged in handful of relays, as per usual, but it everyone is running in top form the team of Russell, Leah Phillips, Sierra Leonard and Shaniya Hall will surely want to do something special together. This is the same group that broke the indoor 4x200 relay national record.

With many of the tip-top high school athletes in the country opting for USATF Juniors in Bloomington, fewer record opportunities exist at NBNO in the individual events.