Here is the LIVE RESULTS link for Saturday's GAXC Festival and HBCU Challenge!
GAXC Festival and HBCU Challenge on Flashresults.com!
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With the final entry deadline having passed, here are the ENTRIES for the 2017 Great American XC Festival and Cedric Walker HBCU Challenge:
GAXC/HBCU ENTRIES (PDF Format)
And here are the updated box assignments:
GAXC HS races: EXCEL Format | PDF Format
HBCU races: EXCEL Format | PDF Format
(previously posted race assignments)
Full Results | NSAF Facebook Coverage (videos, photos) | NSAF Twitter Feed | NSAF YouTube Page
Everything about the 2017 Great American Cross Country Festival this past Saturday – the second with Nike now as our main partner and presenting sponsor – was bigger and better than ever: Great individual and team performances by national-class harriers from 15 states, lots of fun and festivities, and the presence of two very special Nike guests to boot.
On the course, the Nike Boys’ Race of Champions saw nationally top-ranked Loudoun Valley HS (VA) live up to its billing with the #2 average in meet/course history and a 62-point tally, topping regional rivals Green Hope NC (87 pts.) and St. Xavier KY (128). Individually, Dalton Hengst (McDonogh, MD senior) ran a strong 14:57.1 to outkick Michael Phillips and Jacob McLeod, with six going under 15:10 and 40 at 16:00 or better.
Meanwhile, the Nike Girls’ Race of Champions was dominated individually by Kelsey Chmiel (Saratoga Springs, NY junior), who scared the meet record with a 16:50 triumph – trailing only Aisling Cuffe in the GAXC record book and ranking #4 among all WakeMed performances. Team-wise, Blacksburg HS (VA) won its 3rd straight title with 115 points, ahead of Lawton Chiles FL at 143 and duPont Manual KY at 165.
Details: Boys ROC Individuals | Teams ---- Girls ROC Individuals | Teams
When the 2,500+ athletes weren’t running in the ROC or the other 10 prep varsity or JV races during the day, they had the outstanding opportunity to meet and get autographs from World Championship 
steeplechase silver medalist Courtney Frerichs and sub-4 miler Craig Engels. There were long lines all day long to meet the young distance stars, who reveled in interacting with their fans and remembered they were in their shoes not so long ago.
“It’s been absolutely surreal, that’s the exact word that I use,” said Frerichs of the attention she’s gotten since London and the love from the fans like she experienced Saturday. “It’s been absolutely a dream come true, especially being next to Emma (Coburn, London gold and Olympic bronze medalist). Emma’s the one I was looking up to several years ago when I started steeplechasing. She’s just been a phenomenal role model and has really paved the way, especially in last year in Rio, to show us medaling is possible.” | Full Interview
Dalton Hengst came into GAXC with plenty of credentials to back up his status as favorite: Two fast XC victories (including Paul Short title in 14:57), a Penn Relays title and 4:08 mile last spring, national championship creds across the board. Still, the field would be deep and tough, and the McDonogh HS (MD) senior hadn’t won an XC race of this magnitude before.
Yet, less than 15 minutes after the gun was fired, there was Hengst sprinting down the straight and emphatically leaping through the finish tape with a loud, guttural “YEAH!” for all to hear. It was the same kick which had served him well in at CSI in Cuba last May, when he repped Team NSAF with a 1,500m victory, as well as other victories. The display at the tape came despite the fact that Michael Phillips (Chiles, FL sr) and Jacob McLeod (Trinity Christian, GA sr) finished hot on his tail at 14:58.2 and 14:59.0, respectively.
“It was important,” said Hengst of the accomplishment and his reaction. “Any time you can come out and beat a great field of guys … a lot of those guys in the MileSplit rankings and DyeStat rankings … it was good just to win. I was pretty happy!
“I didn’t really have too much doubt – until 800 meters were left and I saw how many guys were still left in it,” he added. “It was a tough last hill and I hurt pretty bad the last 100 meters, but I was happy to pull it out.”
Three more runners finished under 15:10. David Melville (Northern Guilford, NC senior) moved up one spot from 2016 to finish 4th in 15:03.8, followed by the top two finishers from team champion Loudoun Valley HS (VA) – senior Peter Morris (15:04.6) and junior Sam Affolder (15:09.1). Rounding out the first seven was Carter Cheeseman (Fort Worth Christian, TX junior) at 15:12.9.
Ever since the pre-season, Loudoun Valley HS (VA) has been touted as the #1 boys’ XC team in the country. Saturday was their biggest test to state and suffice it to say, they clearly validated their status – even 
if they were short of being completely satisfied with the performance.
The top four Vikings placed in the top 14 – scoring 3-4-7-9 – as they tallied 62 points, 25 ahead of runner-up Green Hope HS (NC). More telling of the team’s quality: They put together a 5-man average of 15:29, trailing only Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) – 15:24 avg. in 2012 – in meet history. As mentioned above, Morris led the way in 5th place at 15:04.6, followed by Affolder at 15:09.1. Both were PRs, as was the 15:30.5 by junior Jacob Hunter in 11th. Then senior Colton Bogucki was 13th in 15:33.5, followed by junior Connor Wells and soph Kevin Carlson together in 60th and 61st (16:10.9, 16:12.1).
“We did well, but we definitely all have stuff to work on to make sure we run even better in the post-season and at states,” said Morris.
Green Hope’s 87-point performance in 2nd was a strong one and indicative of their potential to finish in the top two again on this course come NXN Southeast in November. Their boys’ team has never advanced to Portland, but has six seniors with that goal firmly in mind: Peyton Barish, Ian Delgado, Finn McBride, Ares Epps, Ryan Kemper and Daniel Vo. Barish led Saturday’s effort in 9th at 15:18.5, with Delgado and McBride coming in together at 29th and 30th (15:51.5, 15:51.6).
Rounding out the top five teams were St. Xavier HS (KY) at 128, Bishop Hendricken HS (RI) at 207 and ’14 ROC champ La Salle Academy (RI) at 235.
Don’t count out St. X when it comes to NXN SE, either. The 2016 GAXC ROC champs and NXN Finals qualifiers returned most of their top 7 from last year, as well, and were led Saturday by senior Patrick Schaefer in 12th at 15:30.9. Junior Zach Larkin (31st, 15:51.8) and senior Cooper Marchal (37th, 15:59.7) were also under 16:00.
Kingwood HS (TX), the Hurricane Harvey-displaced school that was a special guest of the NSAF, was 8th with 281 points in the 23-team field. They were led by Nick Majerus, the top sophomore in the meet with 15:38.4 in 17th.
Once the gun went off, there was never any doubt who would win this race and whether there would be an assault on the meet record. There were only questions whether the meet (16:40.9, Aisling Cuffe, 2010) 
or course (16:36.2, Nevada Mareno, 2015) records would actually be surpassed.
Kelsey Chmiel was, indeed, all in. The Saratoga Springs NY junior went after it from the start, but perhaps just a bit too aggressively, especially in the warm, dusty conditions. She had a reported split of 4:57 on the downhill first mile and by the final stretch she was still strong, but there was no real kick. Chmiel crossed the line in 16:50.3, winning by 36 seconds and becoming #2 in meet history and trailing only Mareno, Cuffe and Ryen Frazier on the all-time WakeMed list.
Running big PRs in the next two spots were Ana Wallace (Lawton Chiles, FL sr) at 17:26.5 and Kaitlynn Wolfe (Blacksburg, VA soph) at 17:31.4. Wallace had broken 18 only once previously, a 17:56 earlier this fall, and has now improved 1:07 since last year. Wolfe’s previous PR was also 17:56 and she had run 18:20 on this course 3 weeks earlier and has improved 1:25 since last year. Four others broke 18:00: Natalie Tyner (Laney, NC jr) at 17:37.5, Grace Connolly (La Salle, RI sr) at 17:47.2), Sasha Neglia (Dobyns Bennett, TN soph) at 17:48.0) and Ryann Helmers (Albemarle, VA sr) at 17:50.4.
9-time ROC champ Saratoga Springs HS (NY) was the highest ranked team and favored by most coming into this weekend, but 2-time defending champ Blacksburg HS (VA) was not going to be denied.
Led by Wolfe’s outstanding performance (see above) and by putting their first five in the top 50 (and among the top 40 scorers), the Bruins tallied 
115 points. The 2016 champs (and NXN SE winners) had graduated their #1 Samantha Marin and a few others, but the combination of rising stars and returning veterans has them again establishing themselves as a prime contender to make it back to Portland.
Junior Ailene Edwards was the #2 scorer for Blacksburg, taking 11th in 18:10.5. She was followed by senior Simonne Guenette (34th, 19:05.3), junior Sophia Link (43rd, 19:22.8) and junior Emily Fitch (47th, 19:26.2).
“We knew it would be a little bit of a recovery,” said Edwards, regarding the reloading process. “But we’ve had a lot of girls step up and take the spots that were left after graduation, like Kaitlynn moved up a lot and we had Eliza (Stowe) and Julia (Lattimer) come up and take spots on varsity, and they’ve been doing so well.”
Led by Wallace’s breakthrough performance (see above), and four other solid scorers, Lawton Chiles HS (FL) was a surprising 2nd at 143 points. Then first-time GAXC attendee duPont Manual HS (KY) used the 1-2 punch of Kathleen Simms (9th, 18:06.4) and Alena Sapienza-Wright (14th, 18:18.7) to power a 3rd-place finish with 165 points. Rounding out the top five were South Forsyth HS (GA) at 204 and James Madison HS (VA) at 207. Saratoga Springs had to settle for 8th with 280 pts, with Coach Linda Kranick noting some of their scorers had missed the trip due to the school’s homecoming.
The Mustangs of Kingwood HS in Texas, special guests of the NSAF (as mentioned above) were 13th in the girls’ field, led by the 33rd-place finish of sophomore Rachel James (19:04.0).
The National Scholastic Athletics Foundation is pleased to announce that 17 high schools and clubs have been awarded Cedric Walker Development Grants for Fall, 2017. This is the fifth year that the NSAF has awarded grants in honor of the late Cedric Walker, who passed in March, 2013, very soon after that year's New Balance Nationals Indoor meet. Cedric had served the sport for more than 20 years – as a board member; founder of the Flower City TC in Rochester, New York; and as a coach, mentor and team manager at many levels, from local to international. He was indeed a “irreplaceable” part of the NSAF, a beloved family member and meant so much to so many people. Please see Joy Kamani’s memorial.
The list below includes programs in 10 different states, some impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and ranging from Florida and Texas to New York, Kansas and California.
The grants generally range in amount from $300 to $1000, and their purpose is for "development" -- to help teams and clubs improve their facilities, purchase any needed equipment, meet various needs of their student-athletes, facilitate coaches' education and more.
As an additional dimension to the program is that each team or club must also participate in a volunteer service project in their community between now and the end of November. They are also encouraged to pledge to “Win with Integrity,” a nod to a former USATF program that speaks to much of the spirit of this grant and our Foundation.
We’ll look forward to hearing about and publishing stories, photos and videos of the activities of these clubs and teams, both in terms of their community service projects and the goals they are able to accomplish with these funds. Please send us your photos and videos!
“Always Happiness” – Coach Kimmo
A mid-October weekend in the Poconos. The return of a legendary Finnish javelin coach. Another chapter in a hilariously frightful new Halloween tradition.
It must be the NSAF Project Javelin Gold’s fall clinic at East Stroudsburg!
For the fourth straight year, the Foundation’s elite prep throwers and many additional guests – ranging from middle-school age kids to post-collegians – gathered in this eastern Pennsylvania college town for just about the best coaching, training and education available in this event. They trained on ESU’s runway, bountiful athletic fields, and remodeled gymnasium and weight room. They arrived Thursday evening, October 12 and departed three days later – regenerated and fortified for the rest of their fall and winter training, with prospects of a fantastic 2018 looming ahead.
The program athletes include seven returnees – seniors Roman Mitchell (SE Raleigh HS, NC), Gavin Darcy (Dunmore HS, PA) and Lillian Hill (North East HS, PA); juniors Skylar Ciccolini (Mifflin Co. HS, PA) and Ty Hampton (North Bend HS, OR); and sophomores Joe Nizich (Central Catholic HS, OR), and Zechariah Blake (John Curtis HS, LA). Dana Baker (Olathe East HS, KS) and Sam Hankins (Manhattan HS, KS) are newcomers, having joined the Project this past July at American JavFest. NBNI Pentathlon champ and All-American junior heptathlete Anna Hall (Valor Christian HS, CO) was also on hand, training with the Project for the second time.
Coaching up the 30+ total athletes gathered were Project co-founder Jeff Gorski, 1984 Olympian Duncan Atwood, 2008 Olympic Trials finalist and local standout Barry Krammes and current elite (2016 Trials finalist) Kim Hamilton – along with 1991 World Champ Kimmo Kinnunen of Finland. Coach Kimmo makes the fall journey to ESU most years; the only other time Project athletes have the opportunity to train with him is generally the bi-annual trip to Finland.
“Having Kimmo there is invaluable,” said Coach Krammes. “He just doesn’t coach the javelin, he lives it and loves doing it. His playfulness and ability to have fun rubbed off on all of us.”
Coach Kinnunen can at first come across as a little gruff and as a man of few words to the uninitiated. But the perceptive student-athlete soon picks up on his wry sense of humor, his unsurpassed passion for and knowledge of the javelin, and that a few select hard-earned words of his praise are worth their weight in gold.
“It was my first time working with Kimmo and I loved it!” said Anna Hall. “He is tough and a perfectionist, but he also has a great attitude. He constantly had new tips or techniques and I worked really hard to please him. If Kimmo told anyone ‘good’ that was a huge accomplishment!
“During one of the last sessions I had made some progress and he said ‘Wow, high jumper that looks more like javelin.’ I laughed, and as small of a compliment as that was, it was huge for him to say something positive.”
Added Zech Blake, “Kimmo is amazing! He really doesn’t speak that much, but he doesn’t have to because the way he puts things is simple and understandable. Particularly he helped me with my block leg.”
The timing of the clinic, of course, is far from the athletes’ competitive javelin season, so the training is focused more on things like building a base of fitness and technical strength, learning and growing to understand training concepts, and developing the all-around physical and mental aptitude in the event that will benefit them for years to come.
“The main priority for this camp with regards to our Project athletes was to assess and improve upon some of their technique goals that we isolated from the Sioux Falls clinic,” said Coach Krammes. “I was quite impressed the growth of our project athletes. It was evident that they have been focusing on their individual technical and training objectives.”
Also, the nine Project athletes were not the only ones participating in the clinic. “We had an impressive group of outsiders attending the camp,” said Krammes. “Michael Shuey (NCAA All-American and USA Champs 3rd-place finisher), Michael Biddle (2015 NBNO champ as a prep) and the entire javelin team from Penn State was in attendance. Coaches from Penn State, Lehigh, and East Stroudsburg University were also with us.”
The visitors also included rising stars Chris Putnam, now a Monmouth U. freshman who set a 194-8 PR at American JavFest in July; and Gabbie D’Amore, now an ESU frosh who also joined us in Sioux Falls; and Pierce Demetriades, who first trained with us a few years ago as a middle schooler.
Said Coach Krammes, “We had more coaches, so that allowed us to put athletes in smaller groups and rotate them more frequently. This made for more one-on-one attention and the athletes were able to not just train hard, but also get in a variety of drills. With the indoor training we had stations set up and we rotated every 20 minutes. Duncan’s station was geared towards javelin running and rhythm, Kimmo and Kim had general and specific med-ball drills, I had technical med-ball drills and plate exercises, and Jeff had single arm ball throws. I thought this worked very well.”
The station rotation is a well-honed system, perfected by a coaching staff that is at once diverse and unified. Getting feedback from different sets of eyes, yet all part of the same system, can lead to breakthroughs.
“The best part about the weekend for me was throwing in front of Duncan and Kimmo, getting a different point of view,” said Roman Mitchell, who set a new PR in winning his final summer meet at JavFest. “It really helped me understand some things I was caught up on with Jeff.”
Roman and the other athletes quickly learn the intricate benefits of different drills and exercises. “We did this drill where we would get into the plant position and be leaning back on a box with a med-ball, simulating the bow,” he said. “We would then stretch our upper body and throw an additional med-ball; this benefited me a lot because it allowed me to feel that position and become stronger in it.”
Testing was an important part of this clinic for the Project athletes, as well, as a continuation of what was developed at the Sioux Falls clinic and our partners in the Sanford Sports Science Institute there. “At the beginning of one of the indoor sessions Jeff and Duncan went over with the athletes some important tests for javelin throwers,” explained Coach Krammes. “Project athletes briefly demonstrated and Jeff gave the purpose and rational.”
It was exciting to see how much energy a heptathlete like Anna Hall has developed for the javelin. “As a multi, a big focus for me last weekend was reinforcing the basics that I learned last camp. A big focus was to be ‘a little bit angry’ and to really put power into the throw. We focused on bringing some of the power that I bring to my other events into javelin, while still doing the fundamentals correctly! I think the coaches helped a lot; they really dissect the event and pick out the little things, and so did the other athletes.”
After training on Saturday, athletes zeroed in on their mental games during a sports psychology session led by the NSAF's Dr. Margaret Ottley -- who worked with Team NSAF at the Caribbean Scholastic Invitational for years, then expanded her service to include Project Javelin more recently -- much to the delight and growth of all involved.
The weekend wasn’t just about hard work. A new tradition for the Project Javelin kids during this mid-October clinic has been a spooky adventure at “Hotel of Horror” during Saturday evening free time, a unique “bonding” experience for the kids and one that has been facilitated by Coach Krammes’ friendship with a friend and co-worker from his school district -- Anthony Massa -- who moonlights there during the Halloween season.
The “Hotel of Horror” actors have made the tour special each year and make sure the kids have stories to laugh and joke about. Coach Krammes has even gotten in on the show in the past, popping out of a faux casket in one frightful exhibit to the delight of all.
“Barry’s a good friend, and I’m glad he’s brought these kids out here to have a little break and some fun the past few years,” said Massa. “They get a kick out of it and so do we!”
Anna Hall summed up the entire clinic well, speaking for many when she said, “What I will remember most about the weekend is just how much I am learning! And it’s really fun being around athletes from all over the country. We all pretty much get to know each other and it’s cool to have friends at such a high level.”
“And it’s exciting to see some of the drills I’ve been doing pay off,” she added. “I’m excited to keep working on them so maybe someday I can hold my own with the javelin specialists!”
Photos, from top (all by Barry Krammes): Coach Hamilton, Roman Mitchell and others at clinic's end ... Coach Kimmo works with Michael Biddle on his arm motion ... Joe Nizich, Anna Hall and others listen to instruction with a smile ... Gavin Darcy with a javelin and Lillian Hill with a med ball ... Sam Hankins, Roman Mitchell and Zech Blake at Hotel of Horror ... Coaches Barry and Kimmo at clinic's end ... Dr. Margaret Ottley leads a sports psychology session Saturday evening.
Runners for the Cedric Walker HBCU Challenge Men's race prepare to take off.
T
he 2017 Great American Cross Country Festival -- in the 2nd year of its partnership with Nike and as the NXN Southeast Pre-Regional Meet -- and the Cedric Walker HBCU Challenge commanded the day at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. the first Saturday of October.
Results | Recap Story | Meet Preview | Pre-Meet stories on Kingwood HS | Nike athletes Courtney Frerichs and Craig Engels | HBCU Guest Starter Quanera Hayes
At left, 2-time World Champs gold medalist Quanera Hayes was our HBCU Challenge special guest starter. At right, Nike athletes sub-4 miler Craig Engels and World Champs steeplechase silver medalist and Olympian Courtney Frerichs delighted hundreds of athletes signing autographs all day long.
The festive day was special in so many ways. To wit:
Blazing individual and team efforts were the order of the day in all 14 races. The best of the best:
Another reason to celebrate the 2017 GAXC was our special guests from Kingwood HS in Texas. The NSAF invited both Mustang varsity teams to Cary after learning of their displacement from their 
school following Hurricane Harvey in September. As a non-profit foundation, the NSAF can provide travel grants to teams in special circumstances.
The Kingwood boys finished 8th and the girls 13th in the Nike ROC races. Check out our interviews with Coaches Tate Symons and Jeremy Dye and with many of the varsity athletes. The Mustangs also developed a special connection with the girls of Seneca HS in NJ after they and their Coach Karen O'Neil presented Kingwood with a $500 donation thanks to their own fundraising effort.
Finally, a HUGE THANK YOU from the NSAF to our title sponsor - Nike - as well as the other generous supporters for whom our races were named: The Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, the Town of Cary, Primo Water, Roll Recovery, Agogie and the Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic.
We also greatly appreciated two of our newest sponsors; Gatorade, which provided recovery drinks and other product at the meet; and CyroMAX, which handed out sorely needed ice packs at the finish line -- which runners took big advantage of as the temperatures rose!
Our nine NSAF Project Javelin Gold athletes and more than 20 other participants enjoyed a fantastic Fall '17 clinic last weekend at East Stroudsburg, PA. The Project welcomed its veteran Finnish coach and 1991 World Champion Kimmo Kinnunen to the states for his annual visit to join our stellar staff of world-class mentors.
What transpired was a full weekend of indoor and outdoor workouts designed for fall and winter training as the 2018 competitive season looms! The weekend also included a sports psychology presentation by Dr. Margaret Ottley and, when the athletes had some free time one evening, the traditional visit to a spooky local attraction! Check out the full story HERE and watch for details on our January 2018 clinic at LSU!
Meanwhile, our NSAF Project Triple Jumpers are preparing to return to IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL for a November 2-5 clinic that will get athletes ready for the indoor and early outdoor campaigns. We're thrilled that Jamaican Olympian Dwight Thomas will be joining us as a special guest speaker! Dwight still holds our NBNO 100 meter meet record at 10.14 seconds -- from back our championships were the "Foot Locker Outdoor Nationals" in 2000 -- while he was a Northwestern MD senior.
ICYMI, Project Triple Jump held its annual Bahamas clinic in Nassau over Labor Day weekend, with great beach and ocean workouts the highlight, and happily finishing up before the onset of Hurricane Irma.
Our clinics are open to all throwers, jumpers and coaches and we look forward to seeing you there!
17 schools and clubs from 10 states around the country were awarded our NSAF 2017 Cedric Walker Development Grants this past week, honoring the late, great NSAF board member, coach and mentor -- Cedric Walker -- who passed shortly after the 2013 NBNI meet. Check out the 17 recipients HERE, and then go HERE to read more about the grant and Cedric.
The National Scholastic Athletic Foundation's new partnership with Sanford Health and the Sanford Sports Science Institute recently introduced a new online educational feature called "Ask an Expert." Check out the full story HERE, plus the latest answers to your questions and where to send them!
One of the gratifying things about the NSAF's Caribbean Scholastic Invitational is watching what the Team NSAF athletes are able to accomplish after they come home from Cuba -- not only the rest of the 
season, but during the rest of their prep careers and beyond. Team NSAF for this meet is most often comprised of high school juniors, plus a few from other classes, so we get to see how many of them progress as seniors as they prepare for the next level -- including making their college decisions.
Fourteen members of Team NSAF in Cuba were from the Class of 2018, and with less than two weeks remaining until early signing day (Nov. 8), many have either made verbal commitments or have at least made multiple visits and narrowed their choices.
Several Team NSAF athletes from the Iron Wood Throws Classic, who are now seniors, and those members of Project Javelin Gold and Project Triple Jump are also going through the recruiting process during their final prep campaigns. Accounting for athletes representing Team NSAF in more than one Project/Event, there are 21 seniors working on their future student-athletes plans.
So here is our Team NSAF Class of 2018 update, with updates to come after signing day that will also include some key returning NBN champions and All-Americans, and Team USA athletes connected with the NSAF.
These by-gender "lists" of the 21 boys and girls are alphabetical by first name, with NSAF Event(s)/Project, then school and T&F event(s) commitment/signing status, then finally notes on top accomplishments.
Westlake HS (GA), Jumps/Hurdles
Status: Committed to Tennessee, and plans to sign early.
Notes: Competed in 4x100 (3rd), LJ (9th) and 100 (4th, semi) in Cuba ... then was an outstanding runner-up in the NBNO long jump at 24-3.75 ... doubled 110H/LJ at 7A state meet.
McDonogh School (MD), Distances
Status: Plans to sign early and is deciding between Oregon, Boise State and Ole Miss.
Notes: Won 1,500 for Team NSAF in Cuba last spring ... 3-time NBN All-American ... Penn Relays mile champ ... XC season highlighted by GAXC Festival and Paul Short victories.
Bullis School (MD), Sprints
Status: Plans to sign early and is considering Miami, Tennessee and Texas A&M (upcoming visit).
Notes: Ran 100 (8th, B-final) and 200 (4th, B-final) in Cuba ... injuries compromised outdoor season (10.51 100 PR was top mark), but had stellar 33.49 300, 21.33 200 indoors.
Langham Creek HS (TX), Hurdles
Status: Has committed to Oregon, plans to sign early.
Notes: Was 5th in NBNI 60H, then won 110H for Team NSAF in Cuba ... also NBNO runner-up, then USA Junior and Pan Am Junior champion ... his 13.32 PR was US#1 in '17 and is =#5 all-time.
Dunmore HS (PA), Javelin
Status: Has visited Penn State and Yale, and may schedule others, but is currently undecided as he continues his football season at Dunmore.
Notes: Runner-up at Iron Wood, then NBNO All-American, taking 3rd ... both meets over 207 feet, with 212-10 PR coming back in May ... won AA state title in PA.
Green Hope HS (NC), Distances
Status: Has committed to Wake Forest, plans to sign early.
Notes: Was 8th at both 800, 1500 at CSI ... PRs of 1:52.20 800 ('16), 4:17 1,600 ... part of Green Hope 7:38.83 4x8 that was Penn runner-up in '16 ... helped GH to 2nd at GAXC '17.
Dreher HS (SC), Sprints/Long Jump
Status: Plans to sign early, with Virginia Tech, South Caroina and Clemson in the running.
Notes: At CSI, ran on both 3rd-place relays, plus 400 (1st B-final) and LJ (12th) ... great state meet included 46.98 400 win ... 24-2.5 LJ PR came in March.
Germantown Academy (PA), Decathlon/Jumps/Hurdles
Status: Has committed to Georgia, plans to sign early.
Notes: Won NBNI pentathlon with Junior class record 4,150, then great outdoor season included CSI win, plus USA Jr and Pan Am Jr runner-up finishes (7,212 PR) ... PRs include 7-2 HJ, 23-2 LJ, 14.16 110H.
SE Raleigh HS (NC), Javelin
Status: Undecided, with plans to visit Oklahoma, Western Kentucky, North Carolina and possibly others. Will likely sign later.
Notes: Season with injury issues ended on very high note with PR 207-6 JavFest victory ... was previously 5th at CSI, 5th at Iron Wood, and 6th at NBNO (199-10).
Desert Edge HS (AZ), Shot Put/Discus
Status: Has committed to Virginia Tech, plans to sign early.
Notes: Scored runner-up finishes at CSI in both discus and shot ... had mighty 67-6.5 shot PR to win D2 state ... also won Chandler Invite, 2nd at GSW ... 3rd in DT at state, 174-3 PR.
East Lake HS (MN), Horizontal Jumps
Status: Plans to sign in the spring, with Virginia, Georgia Tech, Boston U., Stanford, Duke and the Naval Academy currently schools of interest.
Notes: Scored big MN 2A state TJ win (PR 40-1.25w) to end her junior year, unbeaten in state and defending title ... other career highlights include 3rd at Simplot and 8th at NBNI in '15.
Athens Academy (GA), Distances
Status: Has committed to Georgia, plans to sign early.
Notes: Was 6th overall in 800, 4th in 1500 at CSI ... set PRs of 2:10.36 for 800 and 4:46.67 for the mile (6th NBNO) in '16 ... has won 7 prep state titles.
Olathe North HS (KS), Javelin
Status: Has committed to Duke, plans to sign early.
Notes: Came to Iron Wood w/164-2 PR and took 2nd, followed by 3rd at NBNO ... joined Project during JavFest, which she won with PR 169-2 (2nd furthest in U.S. for '17).
Ponaganset HS (RI), Hammer/Weight
Status: Plans to sign early, with Iowa, Penn and Miami (upcoming visit) under consideration.
Notes: Threw weight 60-8 indoors, then was 2nd at NBNI ... 185-8 hammer PR, took 5th at CSI, then was 4th at NBNO ... unbeaten regular season in both events.
Leonard HS (TX), Sprints
Status: Has committed to Duke (with twin sister), plans to sign early.
Notes: Won 100 (11.61) and was 3rd in 200 at CSI, plus ran on 3rd-place 4x100 ... 2nd in TX Relays and 3A state 100s ... has also long-jumped nearly 19 feet.
North East HS (PA), Javelin
Status: Has visited Penn State, Air Force and Robert Morris (officials) so far, plus other unofficials, and may add to that list. May make early committment, or wait until later.
Notes: 2017 season highlights included 4th at AA state meet, 144-5 PR in May and nearly breaking it again during 143-6 effort at JavFest (4th) ... also 4th at Iron Wood.
Curtis HS (WA), Horizontal Jumps
Status: Plans to sign early, with Kansas among those schools under consideration.
Notes: Won 4A state TJ title as a frosh in '15, with 40-3.25 PR earlier in season ... two runner-up finishes since, with near-miss of PR in '17 at 40-1.75.
Sherwood HS (OR), Hammer/Throws
Status: Has committed to Arizona State, plans to sign early.
Notes: Set hammer PR with 177-11 victory at Iron Wood, then topped it again with 181-11 at USATF Juniors, taking 4th ... also 162-6 DT for 2nd at Iron Wood, not far off 170-6 PR.
Thomas Dale HS (VA), Horizontal Jumps
Status: Has not indicated whether she's signing early or which are her top choices.
Notes: Joined Project TJ this summer after great junior year, including 2nd at NBNO and 4th at NBNI ... set 43-5 PR in 6A state triumph ... also 2nd in NBNI LJ with 20-5 PR.
Wakefield HS (NC), 2018, Shot Put/Discus
Status: Has committed to Clemson, plans to sign early.
Notes: Threw a then-PR 157-2 DT for 7th at CSI, then crushed it at USATF JOs w/170-4 for 2nd and great end to summer ... has 47-9.25 shot PR.
Alexander HS (GA), Sprints
Status: Plans to commit next Wednesday and sign early. Purdue, Tennessee and Iowa (currently visiting) are under consideration.
Notes: At CSI, ran w/3rd-place 4x100, 8th in 100 final and 4th in 200 B-final ... 2nd in 200, 3rd in 100 (PR 11.66 prelim) at 6A state.
One of the gratifying things about the NSAF's Caribbean Scholastic Invitational is watching what the Team NSAF athletes are able to accomplish after they come home from Cuba -- not only the rest of the season, but during the rest of their prep careers and beyond. Team NSAF for this meet is most often comprised of high school juniors, plus a few from other classes, so we get to see how many of them progress as seniors as they prepare for the next level -- including making their college decisions.
Fourteen members of Team NSAF in Cuba were from the Class of 2018, and with less than two weeks remaining until early signing day (Nov. 8), many have either made verbal commitments or have at least made multiple visits and narrowed their choices.
Several Team NSAF athletes from the Iron Wood Throws Classic, who are now seniors, and those members of Project Javelin Gold and Project Triple Jump are also going through the recruiting process during their final prep campaigns. Accounting for athletes representing Team NSAF in more than one Project/Event, there are 21 seniors working on their future student-athletes plans.
So here is our Team NSAF Class of 2018 update, with updates to come after signing day that will also include some key returning NBN champions and All-Americans, and Team USA athletes connected with the NSAF.
These by-gender "lists" of the 21 boys and girls are alphabetical by first name, with NSAF Event(s)/Project, then school and T&F event(s) commitment/signing status, then finally notes on top accomplishments.
Westlake HS (GA), Jumps/Hurdles
Status: Committed to Tennessee, and plans to sign early.
Notes: Competed in 4x100 (3rd), LJ (9th) and 100 (4th, semi) in Cuba ... then was an outstanding runner-up in the NBNO long jump at 24-3.75 ... doubled 110H/LJ at 7A state meet.
McDonogh School (MD), Distances
Status: Plans to sign early and is deciding between Oregon, Boise State and Ole Miss.
Notes: Won 1,500 for Team NSAF in Cuba last spring ... 3-time NBN All-American ... Penn Relays mile champ ... XC season highlighted by GAXC Festival and Paul Short victories.
Bullis School (MD), Sprints
Status: Plans to sign early and is considering Miami, Tennessee and Texas A&M (upcoming visit).
Notes: Ran 100 (8th, B-final) and 200 (4th, B-final) in Cuba ... injuries compromised outdoor season (10.51 100 PR was top mark), but had stellar 33.49 300, 21.33 200 indoors.
Langham Creek HS (TX), Hurdles
Status: Has committed to Oregon, plans to sign early.
Notes: Was 5th in NBNI 60H, then won 110H for Team NSAF in Cuba ... also NBNO runner-up, then USA Junior and Pan Am Junior champion ... his 13.32 PR was US#1 in '17 and is =#5 all-time.
Dunmore HS (PA), Javelin
Status: Has visited Penn State and Yale, and may schedule others, but is currently undecided as he continues his football season at Dunmore.
Notes: Runner-up at Iron Wood, then NBNO All-American, taking 3rd ... both meets over 207 feet, with 212-10 PR coming back in May ... won AA state title in PA.
Green Hope HS (NC), Distances
Status: Has committed to Wake Forest, plans to sign early.
Notes: Was 8th at both 800, 1500 at CSI ... PRs of 1:52.20 800 ('16), 4:17 1,600 ... part of Green Hope 7:38.83 4x8 that was Penn runner-up in '16 ... helped GH to 2nd at GAXC '17.
Dreher HS (SC), Sprints/Long Jump
Status: Plans to sign early, with Virginia Tech, South Caroina and Clemson in the running.
Notes: At CSI, ran on both 3rd-place relays, plus 400 (1st B-final) and LJ (12th) ... great state meet included 46.98 400 win ... 24-2.5 LJ PR came in March.
Germantown Academy (PA), Decathlon/Jumps/Hurdles
Status: Has committed to Georgia, plans to sign early.
Notes: Won NBNI pentathlon with Junior class record 4,150, then great outdoor season included CSI win, plus USA Jr and Pan Am Jr runner-up finishes (7,212 PR) ... PRs include 7-2 HJ, 23-2 LJ, 14.16 110H.
SE Raleigh HS (NC), Javelin
Status: Undecided, with plans to visit Oklahoma, Western Kentucky, North Carolina and possibly others. Will likely sign later.
Notes: Season with injury issues ended on very high note with PR 207-6 JavFest victory ... was previously 5th at CSI, 5th at Iron Wood, and 6th at NBNO (199-10).
Desert Edge HS (AZ), Shot Put/Discus
Status: Has committed to Virginia Tech, plans to sign early.
Notes: Scored runner-up finishes at CSI in both discus and shot ... had mighty 67-6.5 shot PR to win D2 state ... also won Chandler Invite, 2nd at GSW ... 3rd in DT at state, 174-3 PR.
East Lake HS (MN), Horizontal Jumps
Status: Plans to sign in the spring, with Virginia, Georgia Tech, Boston U., Stanford, Duke and the Naval Academy currently schools of interest.
Notes: Scored big MN 2A state TJ win (PR 40-1.25w) to end her junior year, unbeaten in state and defending title ... other career highlights include 3rd at Simplot and 8th at NBNI in '15.
Athens Academy (GA), Distances
Status: Has committed to Georgia, plans to sign early.
Notes: Was 6th overall in 800, 4th in 1500 at CSI ... set PRs of 2:10.36 for 800 and 4:46.67 for the mile (6th NBNO) in '16 ... has won 7 prep state titles.
Olathe North HS (KS), Javelin
Status: Has committed to Duke, plans to sign early.
Notes: Came to Iron Wood w/164-2 PR and took 2nd, followed by 3rd at NBNO ... joined Project during JavFest, which she won with PR 169-2 (2nd furthest in U.S. for '17).
Ponaganset HS (RI), Hammer/Weight
Status: Plans to sign early, with Iowa, Penn and Miami (upcoming visit) under consideration.
Notes: Threw weight 60-8 indoors, then was 2nd at NBNI ... 185-8 hammer PR, took 5th at CSI, then was 4th at NBNO ... unbeaten regular season in both events.
Leonard HS (TX), Sprints
Status: Has committed to Duke (with twin sister), plans to sign early.
Notes: Won 100 (11.61) and was 3rd in 200 at CSI, plus ran on 3rd-place 4x100 ... 2nd in TX Relays and 3A state 100s ... has also long-jumped nearly 19 feet.
North East HS (PA), Javelin
Status: Has visited Penn State, Air Force and Robert Morris (officials) so far, plus other unofficials, and may add to that list. May make early committment, or wait until later.
Notes: 2017 season highlights included 4th at AA state meet, 144-5 PR in May and nearly breaking it again during 143-6 effort at JavFest (4th) ... also 4th at Iron Wood.
Curtis HS (WA), Horizontal Jumps
Status: Plans to sign early, with Kansas among those schools under consideration.
Notes: Won 4A state TJ title as a frosh in '15, with 40-3.25 PR earlier in season ... two runner-up finishes since, with near-miss of PR in '17 at 40-1.75.
Sherwood HS (OR), Hammer/Throws
Status: Has committed to Arizona State, plans to sign early.
Notes: Set hammer PR with 177-11 victory at Iron Wood, then topped it again with 181-11 at USATF Juniors, taking 4th ... also 162-6 DT for 2nd at Iron Wood, not far off 170-6 PR.
Thomas Dale HS (VA), Horizontal Jumps
Status: Has committed to Georgia, plans to sign early.
Notes: Joined Project TJ this summer after great junior year, including 2nd at NBNO and 4th at NBNI ... set 43-5 PR in 6A state triumph ... also 2nd in NBNI LJ with 20-5 PR.
Wakefield HS (NC), 2018, Shot Put/Discus
Status: Has committed to Clemson, plans to sign early.
Notes: Threw a then-PR 157-2 DT for 7th at CSI, then crushed it at USATF JOs w/170-4 for 2nd and great end to summer ... has 47-9.25 shot PR.
Alexander HS (GA), Sprints
Status: Plans to commit next Wednesday and sign early. Purdue, Tennessee and Iowa (currently visiting) are under consideration.
Notes: At CSI, ran w/3rd-place 4x100, 8th in 100 final and 4th in 200 B-final ... 2nd in 200, 3rd in 100 (PR 11.66 prelim) at 6A state.
Runners for the Cedric Walker HBCU Challenge Men's race prepare to take off.
The 2017 Great American Cross Country Festival -- in the 2nd year of its partnership with Nike and as the NXN Southeast Pre-Regional Meet -- and the Cedric Walker HBCU Challenge commanded the day at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. the first Saturday of October.
Results | Recap Story | Meet Preview | Pre-Meet stories on Kingwood HS | Nike athletes Courtney Frerichs and Craig Engels | HBCU Guest Starter Quanera Hayes
At left, 2-time World Champs gold medalist Quanera Hayes was our HBCU Challenge special guest starter. At right, Nike athletes sub-4 miler Craig Engels and World Champs steeplechase silver medalist and Olympian Courtney Frerichs delighted hundreds of athletes signing autographs all day long.
The festive day was special in so many ways. To wit:
Blazing individual and team efforts were the order of the day in all 14 races. The best of the best:
Another reason to celebrate the 2017 GAXC was our special guests from Kingwood HS in Texas. The NSAF invited both Mustang varsity teams to Cary after learning of their displacement from their school following Hurricane Harvey in September. As a non-profit foundation, the NSAF can provide travel grants to teams in special circumstances.
The Kingwood boys finished 8th and the girls 13th in the Nike ROC races. Check out our interviews with Coaches Tate Symons and Jeremy Dye and with many of the varsity athletes. The Mustangs also developed a special connection with the girls of Seneca HS in NJ after they and their Coach Karen O'Neil presented Kingwood with a $500 donation thanks to their own fundraising effort.
Finally, a HUGE THANK YOU from the NSAF to our title sponsor - Nike - as well as the other generous supporters for whom our races were named: The Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, the Town of Cary, Primo Water, Roll Recovery, Agogie and the Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic.
We also greatly appreciated two of our newest sponsors; Gatorade, which provided recovery drinks and other product at the meet; and CyroMAX, which handed out sorely needed ice packs at the finish line -- which runners took big advantage of as the temperatures rose!
Our nine NSAF Project Javelin Gold athletes and more than 20 other participants enjoyed a fantastic Fall '17 clinic last weekend at East Stroudsburg, PA. The Project welcomed its veteran Finnish coach and 1991 World Champion Kimmo Kinnunen to the states for his annual visit to join our stellar staff of world-class mentors.
What transpired was a full weekend of indoor and outdoor workouts designed for fall and winter training as the 2018 competitive season looms! The weekend also included a sports psychology presentation by Dr. Margaret Ottley and, when the athletes had some free time one evening, the traditional visit to a spooky local attraction! Check out the full story HERE and watch for details on our January 2018 clinic at LSU!
Meanwhile, our NSAF Project Triple Jumpers are preparing to return to IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL for a November 2-5 clinic that will get athletes ready for the indoor and early outdoor campaigns. We're thrilled that Jamaican Olympian Dwight Thomas will be joining us as a special guest speaker! Dwight still holds our NBNO 100 meter meet record at 10.14 seconds -- from back our championships were the "Foot Locker Outdoor Nationals" in 2000 -- while he was a Northwestern MD senior.
ICYMI, Project Triple Jump held its annual Bahamas clinic in Nassau over Labor Day weekend, with great beach and ocean workouts the highlight, and happily finishing up before the onset of Hurricane Irma.
Our clinics are open to all throwers, jumpers and coaches and we look forward to seeing you there!
17 schools and clubs from 10 states around the country were awarded our NSAF 2017 Cedric Walker Development Grants this past week, honoring the late, great NSAF board member, coach and mentor -- Cedric Walker -- who passed shortly after the 2013 NBNI meet. Check out the 17 recipients HERE, and then go HERE to read more about the grant and Cedric.
The National Scholastic Athletic Foundation's new partnership with Sanford Health and the Sanford Sports Science Institute recently introduced a new online educational feature called "Ask an Expert." Check out the full story HERE, plus the latest answers to your questions and where to send them!
One of the gratifying things about the NSAF's Caribbean Scholastic Invitational is watching what the Team NSAF athletes are able to accomplish after they come home from Cuba -- not only the rest of the season, but during the rest of their prep careers and beyond. Team NSAF for this meet is most often comprised of high school juniors, plus a few from other classes, so we get to see how many of them progress as seniors as they prepare for the next level -- including making their college decisions.
Fourteen members of Team NSAF in Cuba were from the Class of 2018, and with less than two weeks remaining until early signing day (Nov. 8), many have either made verbal commitments or have at least made multiple visits and narrowed their choices.
Several Team NSAF athletes from the Iron Wood Throws Classic, who are now seniors, and those members of Project Javelin Gold and Project Triple Jump are also going through the recruiting process during their final prep campaigns. Accounting for athletes representing Team NSAF in more than one Project/Event, there are 21 seniors working on their future student-athletes plans.
So here is our Team NSAF Class of 2018 update, with updates to come after signing day that will also include some key returning NBN champions and All-Americans, and Team USA athletes connected with the NSAF.
These by-gender "lists" of the 21 boys and girls are alphabetical by first name, with NSAF Event(s)/Project, then school and T&F event(s) commitment/signing status, then finally notes on top accomplishments.
Westlake HS (GA), Jumps/Hurdles
Status: Committed to Tennessee, and plans to sign early.
Notes: Competed in 4x100 (3rd), LJ (9th) and 100 (4th, semi) in Cuba ... then was an outstanding runner-up in the NBNO long jump at 24-3.75 ... doubled 110H/LJ at 7A state meet.
McDonogh School (MD), Distances
Status: Plans to sign early and is deciding between Oregon, Boise State and Ole Miss.
Notes: Won 1,500 for Team NSAF in Cuba last spring ... 3-time NBN All-American ... Penn Relays mile champ ... XC season highlighted by GAXC Festival and Paul Short victories.
Bullis School (MD), Sprints
Status: Plans to sign early and is considering Miami, Tennessee and Texas A&M (upcoming visit).
Notes: Ran 100 (8th, B-final) and 200 (4th, B-final) in Cuba ... injuries compromised outdoor season (10.51 100 PR was top mark), but had stellar 33.49 300, 21.33 200 indoors.
Langham Creek HS (TX), Hurdles
Status: Has committed to Oregon, plans to sign early.
Notes: Was 5th in NBNI 60H, then won 110H for Team NSAF in Cuba ... also NBNO runner-up, then USA Junior and Pan Am Junior champion ... his 13.32 PR was US#1 in '17 and is =#5 all-time.
Dunmore HS (PA), Javelin
Status: Has visited Penn State and Yale, and may schedule others, but is currently undecided as he continues his football season at Dunmore.
Notes: Runner-up at Iron Wood, then NBNO All-American, taking 3rd ... both meets over 207 feet, with 212-10 PR coming back in May ... won AA state title in PA.
Green Hope HS (NC), Distances
Status: Has committed to Wake Forest, plans to sign early.
Notes: Was 8th at both 800, 1500 at CSI ... PRs of 1:52.20 800 ('16), 4:17 1,600 ... part of Green Hope 7:38.83 4x8 that was Penn runner-up in '16 ... helped GH to 2nd at GAXC '17.
Dreher HS (SC), Sprints/Long Jump
Status: Plans to sign early, with Virginia Tech, South Caroina and Clemson in the running.
Notes: At CSI, ran on both 3rd-place relays, plus 400 (1st B-final) and LJ (12th) ... great state meet included 46.98 400 win ... 24-2.5 LJ PR came in March.
Germantown Academy (PA), Decathlon/Jumps/Hurdles
Status: Has committed to Georgia, plans to sign early.
Notes: Won NBNI pentathlon with Junior class record 4,150, then great outdoor season included CSI win, plus USA Jr and Pan Am Jr runner-up finishes (7,212 PR) ... PRs include 7-2 HJ, 23-2 LJ, 14.16 110H.
SE Raleigh HS (NC), Javelin
Status: Undecided, with plans to visit Oklahoma, Western Kentucky, North Carolina and possibly others. Will likely sign later.
Notes: Season with injury issues ended on very high note with PR 207-6 JavFest victory ... was previously 5th at CSI, 5th at Iron Wood, and 6th at NBNO (199-10).
Desert Edge HS (AZ), Shot Put/Discus
Status: Has committed to Virginia Tech, plans to sign early.
Notes: Scored runner-up finishes at CSI in both discus and shot ... had mighty 67-6.5 shot PR to win D2 state ... also won Chandler Invite, 2nd at GSW ... 3rd in DT at state, 174-3 PR.
East Lake HS (MN), Horizontal Jumps
Status: Plans to sign in the spring, with Virginia, Georgia Tech, Boston U., Stanford, Duke and the Naval Academy currently schools of interest.
Notes: Scored big MN 2A state TJ win (PR 40-1.25w) to end her junior year, unbeaten in state and defending title ... other career highlights include 3rd at Simplot and 8th at NBNI in '15.
Athens Academy (GA), Distances
Status: Has committed to Georgia, plans to sign early.
Notes: Was 6th overall in 800, 4th in 1500 at CSI ... set PRs of 2:10.36 for 800 and 4:46.67 for the mile (6th NBNO) in '16 ... has won 7 prep state titles.
Olathe North HS (KS), Javelin
Status: Has committed to Duke, plans to sign early.
Notes: Came to Iron Wood w/164-2 PR and took 2nd, followed by 3rd at NBNO ... joined Project during JavFest, which she won with PR 169-2 (2nd furthest in U.S. for '17).
Ponaganset HS (RI), Hammer/Weight
Status: Plans to sign early, with Iowa, Penn State and Miami (upcoming visit) under consideration.
Notes: Threw weight 62-0.25 indoors (New England Champs), then was 2nd at NBNI ... 185-8 hammer PR, took 5th at CSI, then was 4th at NBNO ... unbeaten regular season in both events.
Leonard HS (TX), Sprints
Status: Has committed to Duke (with twin sister), plans to sign early.
Notes: Won 100 (11.61) and was 3rd in 200 at CSI, plus ran on 3rd-place 4x100 ... 2nd in TX Relays and 3A state 100s ... has also long-jumped nearly 19 feet.
North East HS (PA), Javelin
Status: Has visited Penn State, Air Force and Robert Morris (officials) so far, plus other unofficials, and may add to that list. May make early committment, or wait until later.
Notes: 2017 season highlights included 4th at AA state meet, 144-5 PR in May and nearly breaking it again during 143-6 effort at JavFest (4th) ... also 4th at Iron Wood.
Curtis HS (WA), Horizontal Jumps
Status: Plans to sign early, with Kansas among those schools under consideration.
Notes: Won 4A state TJ title as a frosh in '15, with 40-3.25 PR earlier in season ... two runner-up finishes since, with near-miss of PR in '17 at 40-1.75.
Sherwood HS (OR), Hammer/Throws
Status: Has committed to Arizona State, plans to sign early.
Notes: Set hammer PR with 177-11 victory at Iron Wood, then topped it again with 181-11 at USATF Juniors, taking 4th ... also 162-6 DT for 2nd at Iron Wood, not far off 170-6 PR.
Thomas Dale HS (VA), Horizontal Jumps
Status: Has committed to Georgia, plans to sign early.
Notes: Joined Project TJ this summer after great junior year, including 2nd at NBNO and 4th at NBNI ... set 43-5 PR in 6A state triumph ... also 2nd in NBNI LJ with 20-5 PR.
Wakefield HS (NC), 2018, Shot Put/Discus
Status: Has committed to Clemson, plans to sign early.
Notes: Threw a then-PR 157-2 DT for 7th at CSI, then crushed it at USATF JOs w/170-4 for 2nd and great end to summer ... has 47-9.25 shot PR.
Alexander HS (GA), Sprints
Status: Plans to commit next Wednesday and sign early. Purdue, Tennessee and Iowa (currently visiting) are under consideration.
Notes: At CSI, ran w/3rd-place 4x100, 8th in 100 final and 4th in 200 B-final ... 2nd in 200, 3rd in 100 (PR 11.66 prelim) at 6A state.
One of the gratifying things about the NSAF's Caribbean Scholastic Invitational is watching what the Team NSAF athletes are able to accomplish after they come home from Cuba -- not only the rest of the season, but during the rest of their prep careers and beyond. Team NSAF for this meet is most often comprised of high school juniors, plus a few from other classes, so we get to see how many of them progress as seniors as they prepare for the next level -- including making their college decisions.
Fourteen members of Team NSAF in Cuba were from the Class of 2018, and with less than two weeks remaining until early signing day (Nov. 8), many have either made verbal commitments or have at least made multiple visits and narrowed their choices.
Several Team NSAF athletes from the Iron Wood Throws Classic, who are now seniors, and those members of Project Javelin Gold and Project Triple Jump are also going through the recruiting process during their final prep campaigns. Accounting for athletes representing Team NSAF in more than one Project/Event, there are 21 seniors working on their future student-athletes plans.
So here is our Team NSAF Class of 2018 update, with updates to come after signing day that will also include some key returning NBN champions and All-Americans, and Team USA athletes connected with the NSAF.
These by-gender "lists" of the 21 boys and girls are alphabetical by first name, with NSAF Event(s)/Project, then school and T&F event(s) commitment/signing status, then finally notes on top accomplishments.
Westlake HS (GA), Jumps/Hurdles
Status: Committed to Tennessee, and plans to sign early.
Notes: Competed in 4x100 (3rd), LJ (9th) and 100 (4th, semi) in Cuba ... then was an outstanding runner-up in the NBNO long jump at 24-3.75 ... doubled 110H/LJ at 7A state meet.
McDonogh School (MD), Distances
Status: Plans to sign early and is deciding between Oregon, Boise State and Ole Miss.
Notes: Won 1,500 for Team NSAF in Cuba last spring ... 3-time NBN All-American ... Penn Relays mile champ ... XC season highlighted by GAXC Festival and Paul Short victories.
Bullis School (MD), Sprints
Status: Plans to sign early and is considering Miami, Tennessee and Texas A&M (upcoming visit).
Notes: Ran 100 (8th, B-final) and 200 (4th, B-final) in Cuba ... injuries compromised outdoor season (10.51 100 PR was top mark), but had stellar 33.49 300, 21.33 200 indoors.
Langham Creek HS (TX), Hurdles
Status: Has committed to Oregon, plans to sign early.
Notes: Was 5th in NBNI 60H, then won 110H for Team NSAF in Cuba ... also NBNO runner-up, then USA Junior and Pan Am Junior champion ... his 13.32 PR was US#1 in '17 and is =#5 all-time.
Dunmore HS (PA), Javelin
Status: Has visited Penn State and Yale, and may schedule others, but is currently undecided as he continues his football season at Dunmore.
Notes: Runner-up at Iron Wood, then NBNO All-American, taking 3rd ... both meets over 207 feet, with 212-10 PR coming back in May ... won AA state title in PA.
Green Hope HS (NC), Distances
Status: Has committed to Wake Forest, plans to sign early.
Notes: Was 8th at both 800, 1500 at CSI ... PRs of 1:52.20 800 ('16), 4:17 1,600 ... part of Green Hope 7:38.83 4x8 that was Penn runner-up in '16 ... helped GH to 2nd at GAXC '17.
Dreher HS (SC), Sprints/Long Jump
Status: Plans to sign early, with Virginia Tech, South Caroina and Clemson in the running.
Notes: At CSI, ran on both 3rd-place relays, plus 400 (1st B-final) and LJ (12th) ... great state meet included 46.98 400 win ... 24-2.5 LJ PR came in March.
Germantown Academy (PA), Decathlon/Jumps/Hurdles
Status: Has committed to Georgia, plans to sign early.
Notes: Won NBNI pentathlon with Junior class record 4,150, then great outdoor season included CSI win, plus USA Jr and Pan Am Jr runner-up finishes (7,212 PR) ... PRs include 7-2 HJ, 23-2 LJ, 14.16 110H.
SE Raleigh HS (NC), Javelin
Status: Undecided, with plans to visit Oklahoma, Western Kentucky, North Carolina and possibly others. Will likely sign later.
Notes: Season with injury issues ended on very high note with PR 207-6 JavFest victory ... was previously 5th at CSI, 5th at Iron Wood, and 6th at NBNO (199-10).
Desert Edge HS (AZ), Shot Put/Discus
Status: Has committed to Virginia Tech, plans to sign early.
Notes: Scored runner-up finishes at CSI in both discus and shot ... had mighty 67-6.5 shot PR to win D2 state ... also won Chandler Invite, 2nd at GSW ... 3rd in DT at state, 174-3 PR.
East Lake HS (MN), Horizontal Jumps
Status: Plans to sign in the spring, with Virginia, Georgia Tech, Boston U., Stanford, Loyola U. (Chicago), Duke and the Naval Academy currently schools of interest.
Notes: Scored big MN 2A state TJ win (PR 40-1.25w) to end her junior year, unbeaten in state and defending title ... other career highlights include 3rd at Simplot and 8th at NBNI in '15.
Athens Academy (GA), Distances
Status: Has committed to Georgia, plans to sign early.
Notes: Was 6th overall in 800, 4th in 1500 at CSI ... set PRs of 2:10.36 for 800 and 4:46.67 for the mile (6th NBNO) in '16 ... has won 7 prep state titles.
Olathe North HS (KS), Javelin
Status: Has committed to Duke, plans to sign early.
Notes: Came to Iron Wood w/164-2 PR and took 2nd, followed by 3rd at NBNO ... joined Project during JavFest, which she won with PR 169-2 (2nd furthest in U.S. for '17).
Ponaganset HS (RI), Hammer/Weight
Status: Plans to sign early, with Iowa, Penn State and Miami (upcoming visit) under consideration.
Notes: Threw weight 62-0.25 indoors (New England Champs), then was 2nd at NBNI ... 185-8 hammer PR, took 5th at CSI, then was 4th at NBNO ... unbeaten regular season in both events.
Leonard HS (TX), Sprints
Status: Has committed to Duke (with twin sister), plans to sign early.
Notes: Won 100 (11.61) and was 3rd in 200 at CSI, plus ran on 3rd-place 4x100 ... 2nd in TX Relays and 3A state 100s ... has also long-jumped nearly 19 feet.
North East HS (PA), Javelin
Status: Has visited Penn State, Air Force and Robert Morris (officials) so far, plus other unofficials, and may add to that list. May make early committment, or wait until later.
Notes: 2017 season highlights included 4th at AA state meet, 144-5 PR in May and nearly breaking it again during 143-6 effort at JavFest (4th) ... also 4th at Iron Wood.
Curtis HS (WA), Horizontal Jumps
Status: Plans to sign early, with Kansas among those schools under consideration.
Notes: Won 4A state TJ title as a frosh in '15, with 40-3.25 PR earlier in season ... two runner-up finishes since, with near-miss of PR in '17 at 40-1.75.
Sherwood HS (OR), Hammer/Throws
Status: Has committed to Arizona State, plans to sign early.
Notes: Set hammer PR with 177-11 victory at Iron Wood, then topped it again with 181-11 at USATF Juniors, taking 4th ... also 162-6 DT for 2nd at Iron Wood, not far off 170-6 PR.
Thomas Dale HS (VA), Horizontal Jumps
Status: Has committed to Georgia, plans to sign early.
Notes: Joined Project TJ this summer after great junior year, including 2nd at NBNO and 4th at NBNI ... set 43-5 PR in 6A state triumph ... also 2nd in NBNI LJ with 20-5 PR.
Wakefield HS (NC), 2018, Shot Put/Discus
Status: Has committed to Clemson, plans to sign early.
Notes: Threw a then-PR 157-2 DT for 7th at CSI, then crushed it at USATF JOs w/170-4 for 2nd and great end to summer ... has 47-9.25 shot PR.
Alexander HS (GA), Sprints
Status: Plans to commit next Wednesday and sign early. Purdue, Tennessee and Iowa (currently visiting) are under consideration.
Notes: At CSI, ran w/3rd-place 4x100, 8th in 100 final and 4th in 200 B-final ... 2nd in 200, 3rd in 100 (PR 11.66 prelim) at 6A state.
We 
are thrilled to be partnering with the Dunamis Sports Group and Lakepoint Sports Complex to bring you the Dunamis Super Meet, February 8-11, 2018 at the sparkling Lakepoint Champions Center in Emerson, Georgia (35 miles north of Atlanta). The meet will include high school, collegiate, youth, open and masters competition, spread over 4 days, on the Dunamis banked 200-meter oval!
LINKS: Register HERE | Check out the SCHEDULE - Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4 | Everything you need on the MEET HOME PAGE.
The 2017-18 indoor track and field season is just getting underway, but already we are looking forward to the 2018 New Balance Nationals Indoor at the NYC Armory, March 9-11. More than 3,500 of the country's best student-athletes from 40+ states and Canadian provinces will join us, all of looking to run, hurdle, jump, throw and walk their way to titles and All-American honors in more than 90 Championship, Emerging Elite, Freshman and Junior High events -- plus a new mixed 4x400!
LINKS: Register HERE | Check out the SCHEDULE and ENTRY GUIDELINES | Everything you need on the MEET HOME PAGE.
Important site links: Registration | Schedule Day 1 – Day 2 – Day 3 – Day 4
Registration for the new Dunamis Super Meet is up and ongoing and can be accessed at the meet’s new web site HERE. The meet is scheduled for Thursday-Sunday, February 8-11, 2018 at the Lake Point Sports Complex in Emerson, GA (35 miles north of Atlanta). Dunamis Sports Group has partnered with the NSAF and Lake Point Sports to run and host the meet.
The meet will include high school, college, open, masters and youth competition over the event’s four days. It is the first major indoor meet in the state of Georgia since 2001 – when the USATF Champs were held at the Georgia Dome.
At the beginning of November, we paid a visit to our Team NSAF and Project Javelin/Project Triple Jump seniors -- all 21 of them -- to see where they stood in the recruiting process and their individual college choices.
Now about a month later, through the early signing period, we've witnessed 18 of our outstanding student-athletes making their decisions and completing national letters of intent -- with three others planning to continue their respective inqueries until the spring! All 18 signees are joining up with "Power 5" conference schools -- and FIVE universities inked multiple NSAF prospects!
As we said last month, one of the gratifying things about the NSAF's Caribbean Scholastic Invitational is watching what the Team NSAF athletes are able to accomplish after they come home from Cuba -- not only the rest of the season, but during the rest of their prep careers and beyond. Team NSAF for this meet is most often comprised of high school juniors (14 this time around), plus a few from other classes, so we get to see how many of them progress as seniors as they prepare for the next level -- including making their college decisions. Also, a number of our athletes from Project Javelin Gold, Project Triple Jump and the Iron Wood Throws Classic, who are now seniors, have also been going through the recruiting process during their final prep campaigns.
So here is our NEW Team NSAF Class of 2018 update, with more news to come later in the year. These by-gender "lists" of the 21 boys and girls are alphabetical by first name, with NSAF Event(s)/Project, then school and T&F event(s) signing status, then finally notes on top accomplishments. These by-gender "lists" of the 21 boys and girls are alphabetical by first name, with NSAF Event(s)/Project, then school and T&F event(s) signing status, then finally notes on top accomplishments.
Westlake HS (GA), Jumps/Hurdles
Status Update: SIGNED with Tennessee.
Notes: Competed in 4x100 (3rd), LJ (9th) and 100 (4th, semi) in Cuba ... then was an outstanding runner-up in the NBNO long jump at 24-3.75 ... doubled 110H/LJ at 7A state meet.
McDonogh School (MD), Distances
Status Update: SIGNED with Ole Miss.
Notes: Won 1,500 for Team NSAF in Cuba last spring ... 3-time NBN All-American ... Penn Relays mile champ ... XC season highlighted by GAXC Festival and Paul Short victories.
Bullis School (MD), Sprints
Status Update: SIGNED with Tennessee.
Notes: Ran 100 (8th, B-final) and 200 (4th, B-final) in Cuba ... injuries compromised outdoor season (10.51 100 PR was top mark), but had stellar 33.49 300, 21.33 200 indoors.
Langham Creek HS (TX), Hurdles
Status Update: SIGNED with Oregon.
Notes: Was 5th in NBNI 60H, then won 110H for Team NSAF in Cuba ... also NBNO runner-up, then USA Junior and Pan Am Junior champion ... his 13.32 PR was US#1 in '17 and is =#5 all-time.
Dunmore HS (PA), Javelin
Status Update: SIGNED with Penn State.
Notes: Runner-up at Iron Wood, then NBNO All-American, taking 3rd ... both meets over 207 feet, with 212-10 PR coming back in May ... won AA state title in PA.
Green Hope HS (NC), Distances
Status Update: SIGNED with Wake Forest.
Notes: Was 8th at both 800, 1500 at CSI ... PRs of 1:52.20 800 ('16), 4:17 1,600 ... part of Green Hope 7:38.83 4x8 that was Penn runner-up in '16 ... helped GH to 2nd at GAXC '17.
Dreher HS (SC), Sprints/Long Jump
Status Update: Signed with Virginia Tech.
Notes: At CSI, ran on both 3rd-place relays, plus 400 (1st B-final) and LJ (12th) ... great state meet included 46.98 400 win ... 24-2.5 LJ PR came in March.
Germantown Academy (PA), Decathlon/Jumps/Hurdles
Status Update: SIGNED with Georgia.
Notes: Won NBNI pentathlon with Junior class record 4,150, then great outdoor season included CSI win, plus USA Jr and Pan Am Jr runner-up finishes (7,212 PR) ... PRs include 7-2 HJ, 23-2 LJ, 14.16 110H.
SE Raleigh HS (NC), Javelin
Status Update: SIGNED with North Carolina.
Notes: Season with injury issues ended on very high note with PR 207-6 JavFest victory ... was previously 5th at CSI, 5th at Iron Wood, and 6th at NBNO (199-10).
Desert Edge HS (AZ), Shot Put/Discus
Status Update: SIGNED with Virginia Tech.
Notes: Scored runner-up finishes at CSI in both discus and shot ... had mighty 67-6.5 shot PR to win D2 state ... also won Chandler Invite, 2nd at GSW ... 3rd in DT at state, 174-3 PR.
East Lake HS (MN), Horizontal Jumps
Status Update: Still plans to sign in the spring, with Virginia, Georgia Tech, Boston U., Stanford, Loyola U. (Chicago), Duke and the Naval Academy previously noted as schools of interest.
Notes: Scored big MN 2A state TJ win (PR 40-1.25w) to end her junior year, unbeaten in state and defending title ... other career highlights include 3rd at Simplot and 8th at NBNI in '15.
Athens Academy (GA), Distances
Status Update: SIGNED with Georgia.
Notes: Was 6th overall in 800, 4th in 1500 at CSI ... set PRs of 2:10.36 for 800 and 4:46.67 for the mile (6th NBNO) in '16 ... has won 7 prep state titles.
Olathe North HS (KS), Javelin
Status Update: SIGNED with Duke.
Notes: Came to Iron Wood w/164-2 PR and took 2nd, followed by 3rd at NBNO ... joined Project during JavFest, which she won with PR 169-2 (2nd furthest in U.S. for '17).
Ponaganset HS (RI), Hammer/Weight
Status Update: SIGNED with Penn State.
Notes: Threw weight 62-0.25 indoors (New England Champs), then was 2nd at NBNI ... 185-8 hammer PR, took 5th at CSI, then was 4th at NBNO ... unbeaten regular season in both events.
Leonard HS (TX), Sprints
Status Update: SIGNED with Duke (with twin sister).
Notes: Won 100 (11.61) and was 3rd in 200 at CSI, plus ran on 3rd-place 4x100 ... 2nd in TX Relays and 3A state 100s ... has also long-jumped nearly 19 feet.
North East HS (PA), Javelin
Status Update: Considering a number of schools and will likely choose and sign sometime during the winter.
Notes: 2017 season highlights included 4th at AA state meet, 144-5 PR in May and nearly breaking it again during 143-6 effort at JavFest (4th) ... also 4th at Iron Wood.
Curtis HS (WA), Horizontal Jumps
Status Update: Now plans to commit and sign in April.
Notes: Won 4A state TJ title as a frosh in '15, with 40-3.25 PR earlier in season ... two runner-up finishes since, with near-miss of PR in '17 at 40-1.75.
Sherwood HS (OR), Hammer/Throws
Status Update: SIGNED with Arizona State.
Notes: Set hammer PR with 177-11 victory at Iron Wood, then topped it again with 181-11 at USATF Juniors, taking 4th ... also 162-6 DT for 2nd at Iron Wood, not far off 170-6 PR.
Thomas Dale HS (VA), Horizontal Jumps
Status Update: SIGNED with Georgia.
Notes: Joined Project TJ this summer after great junior year, including 2nd at NBNO and 4th at NBNI ... set 43-5 PR in 6A state triumph ... also 2nd in NBNI LJ with 20-5 PR.
Wakefield HS (NC), 2018, Shot Put/Discus
Status Update: SIGNED with Clemson.
Notes: Threw a then-PR 157-2 DT for 7th at CSI, then crushed it at USATF JOs w/170-4 for 2nd and great end to summer ... has 47-9.25 shot PR.
Alexander HS (GA), Sprints
Status Update: SIGNED with Purdue.
Notes: At CSI, ran w/3rd-place 4x100, 8th in 100 final and 4th in 200 B-final ... 2nd in 200, 3rd in 100 (PR 11.66 prelim) at 6A state.
The application process is open for the NSAF’s Tony Wells Team/Club Development Grant, with an application deadline of January 15, 2018.
The NSAF strongly encourages teams and clubs from around the country to apply HERE, especially from states where teams and their equipment, facilities, etc. have been damaged by natural distasters -- like the fires in California, and the hurricanes and floods in Texas and Florida. These grants are designed to help with purchases of equipment, facility repair and restoration, meeting the needs of student-athletes and much more. Usually between 12 and 18 awards are given each cycle with an average amount of $700, and may be used for any reasonable purpose pertaining to the recipient’s track and field program. They are not available for travel to NSAF events.
Coach Tony Wells, who passed in 2012, was one of the country’s truly legendary club coaches – guiding the Colorado Flyers Track Club for more than 40 years. He coached national record-setting athletes in nearly every indoor short sprint and hurdle distance, as well as the shot put, and helped dozens of them to collegiate scholarships. For more on Coach Tony Wells and his legacy, please check out the links on this page.
The NSAF grants are awarded annually – the Cedric Walker typically in late September and the Tony Wells typically in early February. Inaugurated in 2013, the grants honor two late giants of the sport. Cedric Walker, who passed in March of that year, was an amazing coach, mentor and leader – founding the Flower City Track Club in New York, serving as a coach and manager for several U.S. national teams, and contributing in countless ways to our Foundation – including service on our Board of Directors. Please read "Cedric Walker - Irreplaceable" to learn more about Cedric and his impact.
As an additional dimension to the program, each recipient must also participate in a volunteer service program in their community. They are also encouraged to pledge to “Win with Integrity,” a nod to a former USATF program that embodied much of the spirit of this grant and our Foundation.
Again, applications for the Tony Wells Team/Club Development Grant are HERE and will be accepted until January 15, 2018. The awardees will be notified no later than February 1, 2018.
MAIN GRANT PAGE | CEDRIC WALKER Section | TONY WELLS Section
A sizzling 16:50.3 5k by Kelsey Chmiel (Saratoga HS, NY) in the Girls Nike Race of Champions, #2 in meet history and 4th-fastest ever on WakeMed.
Trey Simons (Morehouse) defended his '16 Men's Challenge title, clocking 25:48.1 and winning by almost 30 seconds.
Cameron Murray --- CSI Cuba
Eric Edwards, Jr. --- CSI Cuba
Kyle Garland --- CSI Cuba, *Project Javelin
Dana Baker --- Project Javelin, Iron Wood
Saudia James-Heard --- Project Triple Jump
Veronica Fraley --- CSI Cuba
Cameron Murray --- CSI Cuba
Dalton Hengst --- CSI Cuba
Eric Allen, Jr. --- CSI Cuba
Eric Edwards, Jr. --- CSI Cuba
Gavin Darcy --- Project Javelin, Iron Wood
Ian Delgado --- CSI Cuba
Jacory Patterson --- CSI Cuba
Kyle Garland --- CSI Cuba, *Project Javelin
Roman Mitchell --- Project Javelin, CSI, Iron Wood
Tyson Jones --- CSI Cuba
Allyson Weiss --- Project Triple Jump
Anna Marian Block --- CSI Cuba
Dana Baker --- Project Javelin, Iron Wood
Gianna Rao --- CSI Cuba
Kelcie Simmons --- CSI Cuba
Lillian Hill --- Project Javelin, Iron Wood
Saudia James-Heard --- Project Triple Jump
Shelby Moran --- Iron Wood
Titiana Marsh --- Project Triple Jump
Veronica Fraley --- CSI Cuba
Vivette Green --- CSI Cuba