Coach: Hoey 'moved one of the pillars' with 800 record

By Brian Towey for DyeStat

When Josh Hoey won the NYRR Millrose Games High School Mile on Feb. 3, he offered a hint to his fitness. But few saw the performance coming that Hoey delivered Sunday at the Boston University Last Chance Meet.  

The Bishop Shanahan PA senior broke the national high school record in the indoor 800 meters in 1:47.67. The mark shattered Robby Andrews' 2009 standard of 1:49.27, leaving many across the sport in shock.

"I think we were all sort of shocked, but at the same time really knew it was in there," Bishop Shanahan coach Pete Uhlman said. "We thought it was 1:48 low. It was a little bit faster than that."

Hoey finished second to professional Christian Harrison (1:46.83) in a field of pro and college runners.

"This is good for anybody who loves the sport," Uhlman said. "This moved one of the pillars of high school distance running."

Following Hoey's momentous win, Uhlman hinted that following two weeks of rest, Hoey could anchor Bishop Shanahan's distance medley relay at New Balance Nationals Indoor at The Armory in New York.

Until then, there is time to bask in the afterglow of a big record.

"In some ways, it's the convergence of talent and hard work," Uhlman said. "First word that comes to mind (describing Hoey) is 'humble.' He believes in his fabric that (his talent) is a gift from God. He's living out God's plan for him. That keeps him humble and those of us around him humble."