Thela Woodring is a rising junior at Hanna High School. Woodring will compete in the USATF Junior Olympic regional meet in July. Woodring\'s sister also runs for Hanna.

The first thing that I noticed when I got to the track at Texas A&M on Thursday afternoon was the focus of all the athletes that had gathered to work out. Despite the pouring rain - which was an evening staple for the weekend - everywhere I looked college athletes moved with a somber intensity I have not ever encountered at any high school meet.

Seven-time state champion Amberly Nesbitt has been named 2004 South Carolina Gatorade Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Nesbitt won the award for the second consecutive year. Nesbitt\'s season was cut short with a hamstring injury and stress fracture.

The premier post season high school/college freshmen track and field meet was held at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, on June 25-27. The following athletes competed at this meet, and has a South Carolina connection.

John Blackburn sent in notable performances from the adidas Outdoor Championship that took place from June 18-19 in Raleigh.

Alan Webb has been the comeback story of the year in U.S. track and field. After breaking Jim Ryun\'s high school mile record in his senior year of high school at South Lakes (Reston, VA) with his time of 3:53.43 at the Prefontaine Classic, Webb went through two difficult years as a freshmen at the University of Michigan and during his first year as a Nike sponsored professional runner. However, Webb has returned to life this spring as he has posted the world\'s leading time for 1500 meters (3:32.74) and recently returned to Prefontaine Classic mile where he found glory three years ago and won the event in a world leading time of 3:50.85. With the Olympic Trials in Sacramento and Olympic Games in Athens, Greece fast approaching, Webb has created quiet a buzz among the track and field world as the savior of American distance running. MileStat.com was fortunate enough to land an exclusive interview with Alan Webb and his coach Scott Raczko as they prepare for the U.S. Olympic Trials next month in Sacramento.

Tired of running by yourself? Can't find anyone to run with at 6AM or 9PM? Well, it's time we started a database of training times for distance runners in your area.

Stephanie Buffo is a rising sophomore at Dorman High School. Buffo captured the Eye Opener title in 2003 and finished second in the 4A State Cross Country Championships.

Berks Elite Multi-Event Championships (hep and deca) are scheduled for July 10th and 11th at Wyomissing Area High School. Entry is $30 (free tee shirt and awards). Athletes can contact Matt Babiarz at 610-777-0444. Entries are due by July 6th.

Stephanie Buffo is a rising sophomore at Dorman High School. Buffo captured the Eye Opener title in 2003 and finished second in the 4A State Cross Country Championships.

The long and illustrious career of Regina Jacobs is over. She has decided to venture boldly into the land of real estate sales, where her gifts seem to be undeniably fitting. She

Cardinal O\'Hara graduate and Villanova freshman Robert McDade won the National Junior title in the Discus on the final day of the USATF Junior Outdoor Champs in College Station, TX. Other PA athletes competing on the last day included: Juanita Broaddus, Eric Fleming, Jasmine Rogers, and Ashley Mondie.

Lashawn Merritt gave himself a great present for his birthday with two national titles at the USATF Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships held June 25-27 in College Station, Texas. Merritt took the 400 meter crown in 46.99 and then the next day came back to win the 200 meter dash also with a time of 20.99. Merritt currently has the World's #1 fastest junior time in the 400 meter dash at 45.38.

West Catholic teammates Nicole Leach and Latavia Thomas, and Cardinal O\'Hara graduate Robert McDade, now at Villanova,won individual titles at the USATF Junior National Championships in College Station, Texas. Their performances headlined a great meet by PA athletes. Justin Clickett, Pitt (Union City) was 2nd in the 6kg Shot Put with a throw of 63-07. Andrew Rademacher, Hickory, tied for 2nd in the Pole Vault, clearing 16-00.75. And Williamsport\'s Rubyi Radocaj was 2nd in the Javelin with her throw of 150-07. Their performances headlined a great meet by PA athletes. The complete list is here.

PA Photo Gallery from 6/18-19 adidas Outdoor Championships @ NC State, Raleigh, NC

Three months of the year the Pacific Northwest is the finest place in the U.S. One weekend of the year it is the finest place in the Track and Field World. Athletes and spectators alike descend on this laid-back college town to celebrate great athletic performances every year, like lemmings to the sea, they flock to Hayward Field for the Prefontaine Classic.

In his attempt to make the US Trials in the 110 Hurdles, two-time Olympic gold medalist Roger Kingdom got his B Standard for the trials, but is still ranked 36th in an event into which 32 will be admitted. The story on a hard-luck start, and the race in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The lightning was nearby (OK, nine seconds for the sound). But it was vivid. Rain was coming. And meet management at the adidas Outdoor Championships suspended competition. So where would you go? I stayed under a big tent. Many headed for buildings. But a few...

Kristin Price wants to turn her 32:50.01 10k into an Olympic Trials opportunity

Kristin Price wants to turn her 32:50.01 10k into an Olympic Trials opportunity

\"I was so proud to be from Pennsylvania this weekend.\" Views of a state medalist who spent the weekend as a fan, cheering for fellow Pennsylvania athletes in Raleigh.

Photos of all of Pennsylvania\'s All-Americans at the adidas Outdoor Championships June 18-19 in Raleigh - girls. Congratulations to all who competed.

Photos of most of Pennsylvania\'s All-Americans at the adidas Outdoor Championships June 18-19 in Raleigh - boys. (Sorry, because of event conflicts, I missed Ryan Fritz of Octorara, 4th in the HJ, and Rob Rankin of Upper Saint Clair, 4th in the Shot Put. Fortunately, they are both juniors, so there\'s always next year.) Congratulations to all who competed.

Race photos of the US Record 3:52.22 1600 Sprint Medley Relay run by West Catholic at the adidas Outdoor Championships, June 18 in Raleigh, NC.

The Mid-Atlantic Running Camp, formerly the Harford Running Camp will begin on Tuesday June 29, 2004.

West Catholic (anchor Latavia Thomas) gets two relay All-American honors - one a National Record - plus Nicole Leach earns individual All-American status. Manheim Township super soph Craig Miller nearly takes the sophomore Class Mile Record to go with his Freshman Class 1600 National Record. Frances Koons, Allentown Central Catholic, closes out an incredible year and career with a 6th place All-American performance in what was the deepest prep Mile field in history. The Cumberland Valley boys nab All-American honors in two relays, as does Central Dauphin\'s Ryan Whiting in his two individual events. All-American awards are also earned by Easton\'s Lindsay Regan, who was not seriously injured in a nasty fall in the Pole Vault; plus Williamsport\'s Ruby Radocaj, South Park\'s Chad Radgowski, Octorara\'s Ryan Fritz, Upper Saint Clair\'s Rob Rankin, and the Cardinal O\'Hara boys.

For all you Alan Webb bashers licking your collective chops in hopes of seeing him fail miserably, it\'s time to get a new hobby. This column\'s for you.

Pennsylvania results @ the aoc Outdoor Championships, June 18-19, 2004 @ NC State, Raleigh, NC.

Photos from Day Two by Jason Byrne and Matt Baum of flrunners.

Photos from Day One taken by Jason Byrne and Matt Baum of flrunners.

It was a track fans\' ultimate dream meet. The best high school athletes in the country, packed into two days, pitted elite-vs-elite. And the results were beyond entertainment. I spent most of Fathers\' Day driving back from Raleigh, and have already posted PA results, quotes from West Catholic, Craig Miller and Frances Koons, and more. Tons of pix of many of PA\'s national elite competing in Raleigh are coming Tue and Wed. A special thanks to fellow track fans Dave and Janice Roberts, and their 5:00.04 1600, recently-graduated, Liberty-bound daughter Sarah for making the trip to and from NC seem much shorter, and a ton more enjoyable than it would have been without their presence. First thing Monday, it\'s PA results, some pix, quotes, and pix posted throughout the week. If you missed this meet, you missed something special.

Hermitage High School coach Walter Spain has little trouble explaining the success of sophomore Queen Harrison.

Virginia was well represented at the adidas Outdoor Championships with Lashawn Merritt (200 & 400) and Sarah Bowman (800) winning national titles. A handful of others earned All-American honors including impressive performances by Christo Landry and the Westfield boys\' distance medley relay.

West Catholic (Philadelphia) sets US record in 1600 Sprint Medley of 3:52.22! Kneshia Sheard, Erica Ferguson, Nicole Leach, Latavia Thomas.

Alex Kingsley runs for Pelion High School. The rising sophomore Panther captured wins in the state championship 1600 and 3200 events. Kingsley placed 18th at the state cross-country championships in 2003.

The 2004 South Carolina USATF Junior Olympics took place from June 11-13 at Irmo High School. 52 photographs are now online from Saturday\'s morning portion of the event. Over 600 athletes competed at the meet.

Two cross country runners receive FHSAA Scholar-Athlete Scholarships, out of all senior athletes in all sports in the state of Florida.

The performance lists are out for the adidas Outdoor Championships this coming Friday and Saturday in Raleigh, NC. And there are a few match-up you may have wanted to see in PA, but if you\'re making the trip, you can see in Raleigh. And late Sunday, Frances Koons is in the Mile after having second thoughts, and Auston Papay joins the top PA throwers in the Shot Put. A few scratches, but none of the top challengers, except for Tayvon Gray, Coatesville, in the Shot Put and Discus; and Tom Dance in the 110 Hurdles.

Frances Koons, just hours before the extended 6pm deadline for the adidas Outdoor Championships set for this Friday and Saturday in Raleigh, NC, entered the girls Mile. With some of the best high school talent ever assembled in one race, including Kaltenbach, Blood, Chock and others, the race features 11 state champions and 11 girls under 4:49.74.

Excellent interview article on Kellam senior Natalie Sherbak, who recently capped off an amazing senior season at the VHSL Group AAA Outdoor State Meet by winning three state titles (4x800, 1600, and 800) to go along with her state title wins in cross country and 1000 meter run at the indoor state meet earlier in the year.

As the NCAA National Track & Field Championships continue through this weekend, the state of Alabama is represented as well as ever.

In order to keep track of not only miles, but pacing, conditions and a dozen other factors you need an interactive electronic system. Here is one that accomplishes all those things and more.

Photos from the Golden South Invitational

Matt Goodwin recently ran at Furman University. Prior to running at Furman, Goodwin ran at Brevard. Goodwin attended Wade Hampton High School in Greenville. Goodwin is currently the Greenville Track Club Youth Coach. The former Paladin and General has 10 members of the 19 member team going to the state junior olympics this weekend. Goodwin also talks about the beginning of his running life, his past, present, and future.

The 2004 South Carolina Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships is set for this weekend, June 11-13 at Irmo High School\'s track and field facility, located near Columbia. South Carolina\'s USATF association is hosting the regional championships from July 8-11 at Weems Baskin Stadium on the campus of University of South Carolina in Columbia.

Thanks to the rain, the wins were a day late, but Pennsylvanian's ran first anyway... as Nicole Leach, Latavia Thomas, abd Kim Morris posted wins @ Golden South Classic in Orlando, FL

The story of Haverford (PA) high school\'s 4x800 that beat the competition, four years of getting close, a last minute strategy shift, and self-doubt to finally win a state championship.

How a creative, stubborn coach and talented, coachable athletes won a 4-year battle in the 4x800 in 9:09.06. The story of Haverford (PA) high school\'s 4x800 that beat the competition, four years of getting close, a last minute strategy shift, and self-doubt to finally win a state championship.

Doug Forbis recently graduated from Dorman. Forbis is attending the University of Illinois in the fall. The former Cavalier was recently featured on ABC\'s 20/20.

Photos of the boys and girls 300 meter hurdles from the 2004 AAA State Meet.

Photos of the boys and girls 3200 meter races from the 2004 VHSL Group AAA State Meet.

Photos of the boys and girls 1600 meter runs from the 2004 VHSL Group AAA State Meet.

Photos of the boys and girls 800 meter run from the 2004 VHSL Group AAA State Meet.

Photos of the boys and girls 200 and 400 meter dashes from the 2004 VHSL Group AAA State Meet.

Photos of the boys and girls 4x100 meter relays from the 2004 VHSL Group AAA State Meet.

The Group AA State Meet was held once again in Harrisonburg, but at James Madison University\'s new track and field complex, instead of the usual state meet venue at Bridgeforth Stadium. Despite the different venue, the same great performances were produced that have come to be expected from the AA athletes every June. Fauquier does not have the largest track team in AA, but it can make the claim as one of the most talented after their dominating team performances on both the boys and girls side at the Group AA State Meet. Thanks to the double state title wins in the 1600 and 800 meter runs by Matt Bierlein and Sarah Bowman and help from their teammates, both Fauquier boys and girls track teams nearly walked away with state team titles as the Fauquier boys won with 54 points, while the Fauquier girls finished runner-up with 50.5 points behind state team champions, Courtland with 52.5.

Doug Forbis was featured on ABC\'s 20/20 Friday 10 p.m. show. Forbis, a wheelchair athlete at Dorman High School was born with a severe spinal ailment.

The VHSL Group A State Meet held at Radford University's track complex saw some great individual and team performances, which included having two state meet records broken, one exciting team battle, and two freshmen become state champions.

Various photos from the AA State Meet by Joe Showker.

The Westfield boys won their first ever team title with senior Lashawn Merritt of Woodrow Wilson easily providing the outstanding individual boys performance while the Bethel girls, led by sophomore Francena McCorory, captured the girls team crown for the fifth time in the past seven years to highlight the 2004 AAA Outdoor Track and Field championships held this past Friday and Saturday at Todd Stadium in Newport News.

First things first: THANK YOU to the leadership and members of the PTFCA, who, at their meeting on Thursday, May 27 at Shippensburg University, helped to ensure PennTrackXC\'s survival through the start of the new season in the fall. With this very meaningful, substantial grant to PennTrackXC.com, we can spend the summer reporting on meets, seeking additional subscribers and advertisers, and planning for our fall coverage. We still need subscribers. And we need them on a continuing basis. So now that you\'re thinking about it, please take a moment to subscribe. But this gives us some room to breathe. Thank you Ron Lopresti, and your PTFCA team for your support!

Please remember to send those cross country schedules (wherever you're competing), so our fall schedule can be as complete as possible, as early as possible! E-mail: penntrack@carpedrm.com

Four new action pix pages, one each of girls and boys, AA and AAA, plus the 4x800 race sequences page and five photo gallery pages.

Team Endure will begin on Tuesday at Dulaney High School and C. Milton Wright High School with an introductory meeting and practice at 6:30PM. The meeting at C. Milton Wright will be held in the school\'s cafeteria at 6:30 pm. The following is an article published by the Baltimore Sun on the history and success of the team.

Boys AAA Action Pix from the 5/28-29 PIAA State Championships @ Shippensburg University

Boys AA Action Pix from the 5/28-29 PIAA State Championships @ Shippensburg University

Girls AAA Action Pix from the 5/28-29 PIAA State Championships @ Shippensburg University

Girls AA Action Pix from the 5/28-29 PIAA State Championships @ Shippensburg University

The 2004 All State Outdoor Track and Field Team was selected by a committee of the PTFCA on 6/2 taking into consideration honors won, quality and consistency of performance and head-to-head competition. Congratulations to all the new All-State athletes, Athletes of the Year, Nicole Leach of West Catholic, and Chris Spooner of Lewisburg; and Coaches of the Year, Joe Sanford, McDowell, for the girls, and Fred Rosenfeld, Central, for the boys.

We have posted race sequence photos from the 4x800 finals races. Next, it\'s going to be action pix of leaders from as many events as we captured on silicon.

The 2004 Master\'s Track and Field Classic took place on May 29 at Furman University. 46 photographs are now online for viewing.

Race Sequences of the 4x800 finals on 5/29 at thePIAA State Championships @ Shippensburg