Road to NBNI: Freshmen Boys' Mile

Who are the best RI athletes that will be competing at the New Balance Nationals Indoor (NBNI) Championships, March 11-13? Leading up to the nationals at the New Balance Armory in New York City, MileSplit RI will feature what we consider the top athletes from the Ocean State in their respective events.


Freshmen Boys' Mile

Sunday, March 13, 9 a.m.

This race should be billed as Sam vs. Sam. Rhode Island's Sam Toolin of North Kingstown is the top-rated ninth-grade miler with his 4:22.36 best, a time he ran to place second at the Yale Track Classic. Ranked No. 2 in the event is Sam Affolder of Carthage, N.Y. He goes into the race with 4:22.54 clocking from the Hispanic Games in early January.  The three seed is Kentucky's Austin Mathews, who has done 4:28.45. While that time is still impressive,  he may have a tough time keeping pace with the two Sams.