Archbishop Wood Catholic Senior Edges Close To Four Minutes At Explorers Invitational

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

John Nepolitan photos

Gary Martin's pursuit of a sub-four mile took a big step forward at a mid-week invitational at LaSalle College High School in Wyndmoor, Pa. RESULTS

Martin broke his own all-time Pennsylvania record in the mile with 4:00.95, running nearly perfectly even splits (60.2, 60.4, 60.4, 59.9). His en route time for 1,600 meters was 3:59.55. 

Martin, of Archbishop Wood Catholic in Warminster, Pa., ran fast with pros in the men's B mile at the Millrose Games (4:05.47) and he won the New Balance Nationals Indoor (4:02.34) within the past two months. 

Five days ago, he ran a personal-best 1:49.68 at the John Heins Invitational at Upper Moreland High, racing in the open section against professionals.

Martin wasn't alone on Wedneday. Jackson Barna from Ridge NJ ran 4:09.53 for second place and Quinn Wordell of Saint Joseph's Prep PA was third in 4:10.24. 

Martin's mile moves him to No. 17 on the all-time high school list and he's No. 2 on the 2022 outdoor list behind Newbury Park's Leo Young, who ran 4:00.77 on March 26 at the Meet of Champions Distance Classic at Azusa Pacific University in California.

Martin should have another crack at sub-four at the upcoming Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.