The 114th Annual Penn Relays this past weekend was a site to behold. With numerous meet records broken, the second largest attendance ever and near perfect weather, every event seemed to produce a few moments perfect for a 2008 track and field highlight reel. As the chaos of this weekend winds down and the preparation for the coming weekend starts to rev up, we take a look back at the best of the best from this year's Penn Relays (Pictured left: Eleanor Roosvelt (MD) hoisting 4x4 title, photo by Tim Fulton).   Don Rich Photos: Thursday / Friday / Saturday More Photos: NY Gallery / NJ Photos Christopher Hunt Articles (Armory Track): Corning's Johnson Leaps to Victory, Germantown Friends Wins DMR, Roosevelt Dominates at Penn, Roxbury Wins DMR at Penn More Penn: Video Interviews / Results

While this might be the heart of the track and field season, cross country simply cannot stay out of the headlines.  A source close to MileSplit explained this past weekend that Nike Team Nationals (NTN) will be undergoing a name change in 2008 to Nike Cross Nationals (NXN).  For well over a year rumors have swirled about that Nike would include an individual aspect to their already successful team nationals, and that possibility now seems to be a reality. 

With many state meets only a few weeks away, the last big invitationals of the year are starting to wrap-up. In this week's Monday News & Notes section we discuss the top highlights in Texas over the weekend, big results out in California and much more, including Chanelle Price's (PA) trio of races. **Top Texas Results: LaKeidra Stewart sprints 11.44 (100), 23.26 (200) / Hightower boys run 1:24.06 4x200m relay, U.S. #6 all-time / Stephen Saenz U.S. #1 in shot put with 67-06.75 toss / Chelsey Sveinsson 4:43.51 mile at Penn, U.S. #3 all-time freshman / Dunbar girls go 1:35.94 in 4x200m relay, U.S. #11 all-time / Victoria Lucas U.S. #1 high jump of 6-00.25 Monday News & Notes Highlights - Texas regionals impress all-around - Stars shine in Sacramento Meet of Champions (CA) - Chanelle Price (PA) blazes a trio of times - Bad weather slows top Illinois match-ups - The Week Ahead

Mason Finley (CO) started the weekend on a high note Thursday evening by throwing the shot put 65-05 for a U.S. #2 performance, while earning a U.S. #1discus performance in 211-10. Between Finley's performances and the Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) (pictured above by Pat Montferrat) girls 4x800m relay national record of 8:43.12 and 4x400m relay win of 3:37.16 at the Penn Relays, this weekend is turning into the best of the season. **MileSplit Penn Coverage Boys Top Weekend Performances - Kevin Havel (IL) runs 8:59.12 to win 3200m at Prospect Inv. (IL) - Derrick Hopkins (FL) runs 20.97p 200m dash in Florida - Kenny McClain (FL) won the 300m hurdles in 36.64 at FL Champs. - North Penn (PA) runs 7:44.39 to place second at Penn Relays - Bethel (VA) second in 4x400m relay at Penn Relays in 3:16.33 - Mason Finley (CO) U.S.#2 SP in 65-05, U.S.#1 discus in 211-10 - Cameron Tabor (OK) shot put in 63-09.75, discus in 190-03 - Daniel Gooris (NM) vaults 16-04 at Harper Memorial (NM) - Curtis Beach (NM) runs 1:53.88 800m, leaps 6-06.25 high jump Girls Top Weekend Performances - Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) 4x800m relay in U.S. record 8:43.12 - Sonnisha Williams (FL) goes 19-07.50 in long jump in Florida - Chanelle Price (PA) runs speedy 800m dash at 2:05.1 in PA - Skye Barnett (NM) blazes 11.72 for 100m at Harper Mem. in NM - Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) wins 4x400m relay at Penn in 3:37.16 - Stephanie Morgan (OH) wins Penn mile in 4:41.22, U.S.#1 - Danielle Frere (IA) wins girls shot put at Drake in 48-02.75

**U.S. Girls 4x800m Relay Record: Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) in 8:43.12!!! Friday just keeps on getting better. In the girls 4x800m relay, Holmwood Tech (Jamaica) beat Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) (photo left by Tim Fulton) 8:41.52-8:43.12 in a simply perfect race. Eleanor Roosevelt's performance broke the U.S. record by seven seconds. Eleanor Roosevelt then came back to win the 4x400m relay in 3:37.16. Thursday marked day one of the high school portion of the Penn Relays. Topping the way in the highlights Thursday was Ryann Krais' (PA) (pictured above by Don Rich) big 400m hurdle win in 59.62. Edwin Allen (Jamaica) ran 45.28 in the 4x100m relay for the top time of the day and Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) ran 3:38.40 in the girls 4x400m relay, top advancing time of the day! We'll be brining you the best coverage around this weekend, so keep checking back inside. Results: Friday Boys / Friday Girls / Thursday Girls Schedule / Live Results / Girls Winners Table / Boys Winner Table Video Interviews / Meet Preview / Official Website

While the Penn Relays may grab most of this weekend's headlines, many top level competitions take place from coast to coast this weekend that should provide some excitement. The FHSAA 1A-2A State Championships (Florida) kick off this season's state championships as the regular season slowly comes to a close in many states. See what meets highlight this weekend's schedule and make sure to keep checking back this weekend for the top performances. Weekend Preview Highlights - MileSplit On-Site: 11 meets and counting. - Penn Relays, Drake Relays are huge. - Florida 1A-2A State Champs. first of season. - Midwest meets star distance talent. - Dogwood Track Classic showcases VA athletes.  

Relays win 4x400, break national record in 4x800 By Christopher Hunt PHILADELPHIA – Roosevelt (Md.) coach Desmond Denham said that his girls wouldn’t have to run for the rest of the year. No more practice. No races. Clearly, he was joking. But the fact is that Roosevelt proved in one day, on the grandest stages this sport offers, that they house two of the best relays in United States history. FULL STORY HERE

Let the games begin. The 113th Annual Penn Relays kick off their three days of action Thursday with the top high school girls along the east coast competing in some incredible events. Freshman distance runner Chelsey Sveinsson (TX) leads the way in the distance events, while Ryann Krais (PA) leads the sprint/hurdle fields. In the field events, Karen Shump (PA) looks to break the fifty foot barrier again in the shot put and the relays are stacked as always with strong teams from NY, NJ, MD, PA, VA and the speedsters of Jamaica. MileSplit will be on-site all weekend long providing the best coverage around, so keep checking back to see all the Penn Relays has to offer. Penn Relays: Official Website / Schedule Entries: Distance Relays - Individual Events

This past fall we featured a four part web-documentary called "The Long Road."  Also featured on ArmoryTrack.com, the film followed two amazing stories of runners overcoming great physical odds to compete in the New York City Marathon.  Directed by Glenn Osten Anderson, the film was recently nominated for a Webby Award, an award given to top online content.  We're proud to be associated with this film and will keep you posted on its award nomination.

Boys & Girls drops 3:40.17 in 4x400 By Christopher Hunt PHILADELPHIA – Roxbury’s Ariann Neutts had been asking her teammates for two weeks. She asked politely. “Can we win Penn Relays please? Please can we win Penn Relays, “ she said. Neutts did her part. She broke Roxbury from fourth place to flailing down the straightaway the led on the third leg of the Championship of America Distance Medley Relay. FULL ARTICLE HERE Photo by www.wingedfootfotos.com

Lake Park (IL) junior Dan Block continued his domination of the throws in Illinois this season, furthering his state record in the discus with a 201-05 toss at a tri-meet Tuesday evening against East Aurora and Streamwood. The standout thrower also won the shot put in 60-05. Block has shown steady progress this spring, topping the 190+ foot barrier three times now. Block's chief competition, Brett Einbecker (Sr., Waubonsie Valley), threw 182-00 in the discus Tuesday night as well in a dual meet with Neuqua Valley. The year of the discus is looking good in Illinois!

During the fall a pair of twin sisters from Arizona showed their dominance week after week in their home state, both putting up incredible times and both earning trips to Foot Locker Nationals. Nadya and Nastia Bishton (photo left by Margot Kelly, Nadya #1584, Nastia #1595) are high school seniors at Mountain Ridge High School in Arizona. They've been running together for years and in their final season together they are looking to accomplish a lot. Read about their current results, their training and why they are going to seperate colleges next year.

What a weekend it was! So many performances, so little time to talk about each one. In this week's Monday News and Notes section we discuss four field event performances that really stood out, big California performances earned at the Mt. SAC Relays, Logan Top 8 Inv. and Orange County Championships, watch videos of Neely Spence running a distance double of 4:48/2:15, discuss the upcoming Penn Relays and much more! Monday News & Notes Highlights - Mt. SAC Relays (CA), Orange County Championships (CA), Logan Top 8 Inv. (CA) - Christine Babcock (CA, right) runs 4:45.96 1600m in CA - Mason Finley (CO) launches shot put 64-07 - Geoffrey Tabor (OK) throws discus 201-00 - Anna Jelmini (CA) U.S. #4 all-time in girls discus - Stephanie Foreman (AR) clears 13-05.25 in pole vault - Neely Spence (PA) 4:48.51 (1600m) race video - MileSplit Week Ahead: Penn Relays Tops the List

Results from around the country keep pouring in and what we've seen so far is mighty impressive. Numerous U.S. top five marks have been established this weekend, starting with Chanelle Price's (PA) big 2:03.98 800m win at the New York Relays Saturday. Following Price's lead, Jacquelyn Coward (TN) (pictured left by Brandon Miles) ran the most impressive hurdle double of the season by winning the 300m hurdles in 41.26 and 100m hurdles in 13.11w at the Volunteer Classic at the University of Tennessee. Read what else took place this weekend. Boys Weekend Top Performances - Roman Holmes (CO) soars 24-05 LJ, 47-03 TJ at Littleton (CO) - Maurice Mitchell (MO) goes 10.40 for 100m at Kansas Relays - Michael Shaw (OH) wins 100m dash in 10.39w at Tennessee - Chris Derrick (IL) runs 8:48.9 for 3200 at Downers Grove (IL) - Germantown Friends (PA) goes 7:47.50 4x8 at CB West Relays - Kenny McClain (FL) runs 37.21 for 300m hurdles in FL - Dan Block (IL) throws 199-08 discus, 63-05 shot put in IL - James White (MO) high jumps 7-00 at Kansas Relays - Kevin Williams (CO) runs 9:02.29 to win 3200m in Kansas Girls Weekend Top Performances - Anna Jelmini (CA) tosses discus 183-11 in CA, U.S.#4 all-time - Karen Shump (PA) throws shot put 47-09 at Great Valley Relays - Kelly McNamee (WA) leaps 5-10 to win high jump at Pasco (WA) - Neely Spence (PA) U.S.#2 4:48.51 at 1600m, 2:15.38 800m in PA - Megan Frausto (TX) leaps 19-03.5 to win long jump at Kansas Relays - Chanelle Price (PA) runs 2:03.98 for 800m at the NY Relays - Jacquelyn Coward (TN) goes 41.26 300mH, 13.11w 100mH in TN - Roxi Grizzle (KS) throws javelin 163-11 at Kansas Relays, U.S.#7 A-T - Emily Sisson (NE) wins 3200m at Kansas Relays in 10:25.42

Boys & Girls win SMR and 4x100 By Christopher Hunt NEW YORK – She couldn’t help herself. She didn’t mean to. Anyone who ever saw Easton’s Chanelle Price expected her to start the race like a rocket but not even Price expected to motor through the first half of her 800-meter race like this. When the gun sounded, Price demanded the lead. No surprise there. But Hempstead’s Charlene Lipsey looked intent to ride her shoulder. Once Price noticed Lipsey trying to keep pace, she put the burners on. FULL STORY HERE Photo by Derek Alvez

BOSTON--Today (Monday, April 21, 2008) the 112th Boston Marathon will take off at about 9:30AM Eastern Time. There is simply no road race more reknowned and respected in this country than Boston! There is something about it that just seems so pure. Maybe it's the history. Maybe it's Heartbreak Hill. Whatever it is it continues to capture the hearts of American runners and this year will see 25,283 registered runners (plus all the bandits!) challenging their bodies over the Boston streets for 26.22 Miles! The race will be webcast for free both live and on demand (in case you miss it) on WCSN. Click here to watch!  

While the West Coast and lower East Coast topped the calendar last weekend, this weekend meets in the Heartland, Northeast and upper South lead the way. Starting Friday night, the Kansas Relays, Volunteer Track Classic and New York Relays assemble some of the finest fields around. Numerous top-flight individuals will take part in each meet and MileSplit will keep you up-to-date on all the weekend's top results. Weekend Preview Highlights - MileSplit's On-Site in five seperate states - Throwers, sprinters top lists at Kansas Relays (KS) - Coward (TN), Ferris (NC) & Dorrell (VA) at Volunteer Classic (TN) - Price (PA) ready to run another 800m at NY Relays (NY)

The Penn Relays List of Accepted Individual High School Entries for the 2008 Penn Relays Carnival The Penn Relays List of Accepted Invitational Relays Entries for the 2008 Penn Relays Carnival

Since his days in junior high, Kevin Havel (Sr., Hersey, IL) (pictured left by John Herzog) has shown the talent and grit it takes to be a great distance runner. In eighth grade he broke Jorge Torres' state 1600m record with a 4:31.75 effort, which led to many labeling him as the next Jorge Torres when he entered high school. Over the past four years Havel's list of accomplishments can be matched by few Illinois distance runners. Four top five finishes at the state cross country meet, a seventh place finish at Foot Locker Nationals and a nine-minute 3200m effort. With one last track season to go, Havel talks about his goals, what his high school career has meant to him, and much more.

At the Fremd Throwers Invitational (Fremd H.S., IL) Wednesday night, Lake Park (IL) junior Dan Block set a new state record of 199-08 in the discus throw!  Block had thrown 196-00 on Tuesday evening in a tri-meet at home, which moved him to IL #2 all-time, but moved to IL #1 with his big throw at Fremd.  Block's mark also ranks him U.S. #3 among high school juniors and leaves him only four inches away from the magical 200 foot mark.  While many of the distance and sprint match-ups get top billing at state, the dual between conference rivals Block and Brett Einbecker (Sr., Waubonsie Valley), who threw 191-08 two weeks back, should be a classic.

Over the past few weeks, a handful of articles have mentioned that Foot Locker boys champion Mike Fout (Sr., LaPorte, IN) (pictured right by John Herzog) was injured with a leg injury, however none of the articles really dug to see just how the national champ was doing, so we decided to go right to the source. Mike was more than happy to talk about what's been going on, answering some questions via email in regards to his current fitness, his road to recovery and the goals he has set for himself the rest of the season.

Ricky "RJ" Robertson (Jr., Hernando, MS) lept 7-03 in the high jump Tuesday night at the Division 2-4A Final in Oxford, Mississippi. During the night, Robertson cleared 6-08, 6-09, 7-00, 7-01, 7-02 and 7-03, as the 5-11 junior put on quite a show. Before this season Robertson's PR in the event was 6-06, while his 7-03 leap puts him only three inches behind the national junior class record. Division 2-4A Final Results Robertson 7-03 High Jump Video (YouTube)

There is confidence, yet no arrogance. There is competitiveness, yet no anger. There are bad memories, yet no resentments. There are opportunities which are gone forever. Yet all that remains are goals and dreams to firmly and completely occupy their place. You wouldn't expect a young man who left his biological parents at age nine and was then forced to bounce around from foster home to foster home for the next eight years NOT to have a chip on his shoulder. You wouldn't expect such a young man to be living independently while still in high school. You might not expect such a young man to be more nervous about his next big race than starting life every morning alone in a North Philadelphia apartment. And you wouldn't expect such a young man to be preparing to write the final chapter of his exceptional high school track career; all while clearly focused on his future in college and beyond. But you haven't met Khaliff Featherstone. Simon Gratz senior – and recent signee with Barton County Community College. MORE...  

What a weekend it was out at the Arcadia Invitational. As the dust settles and the results are entered into the national rankings, it is clear once again that Arcadia is one of the premier high school meets in the country. After analyzing the performances and notes from the weekend, MileSplit national editor Scott Bush takes a look at the top ten performances of the meet. Guess who made the top spot? (pictured right is Chris Derrick (IL) giving the thumbs up after his impressive 5k performance)

Lance Roller is one of the best scholastic runners not on a HS team By Christopher Hunt He said he was used to it by now. Lance Roller heads out to practice at the track at Cortlandtville Middle School. He warms-up alone. He stretches alone. There is a voice telling him when to pick up the pace, when to maintain. The voice tells him to keep his running form intact. It tells him to fight through this last repetition. It’s his own voice. Roller gauges his own fatigue and motivates himself when his legs tried to tell they’ve had enough. Yet Roller is one of the best 800-meter runners in the country never seen at a high school meet. Roller is a senior at Walter Panas High School in Cortlandt Manor but doesn’t run for his school’s team. He signed to compete at the University of Virginia earlier this month. FULL STORY HERE

There is confidence, yet no arrogance. There is competitiveness, yet no anger. There are bad memories, yet no resentments. There are opportunities which are gone forever. Yet all that remains are goals and dreams to firmly and completely occupy their place. You wouldn't expect a young man who left his biological parents at age nine and was then forced to bounce around from foster home to foster home for the next eight years NOT to have a chip on his shoulder. You wouldn't expect such a young man to be living independently while still in high school. You might not expect such a young man to be more nervous about his next big race than starting life every morning alone in a North Philadelphia apartment. And you wouldn't expect such a young man to be preparing to write the final chapter of his exceptional high school track career; all while clearly focused on his future in college and beyond. But you haven't met Khaliff Featherstone. Simon Gratz senior – and recent signee with Barton County Community College. MORE...  

  There is confidence, yet no arrogance. There is competitiveness, yet no anger. There are bad memories, yet no resentments. There are opportunities which are gone forever. Yet all that remains are goals and dreams to firmly and completely occupy their place. You wouldn't expect a young man who left his biological parents at age nine and was then forced to bounce around from foster home to foster home for the next eight years NOT to have a chip on his shoulder. You wouldn't expect such a young man to be living independently while still in high school. You might not expect such a young man to be more nervous about his next big race than starting life every morning alone in a North Philadelphia apartment. And you wouldn't expect such a young man to be preparing to write the final chapter of his exceptional high school track career; all while clearly focused on his future in college and beyond. But you haven't met Khaliff Featherstone. Simon Gratz senior – and recent signee with Barton County Community College. MORE...  

There is confidence, yet no arrogance. There is competitiveness, yet no anger. There are bad memories, yet no resentments. There are opportunities which are gone forever. Yet all that remains are goals and dreams to firmly and completely occupy their place. You wouldn't expect a young man who left his biological parents at age nine and was then forced to bounce around from foster home to foster home for the next eight years NOT to have a chip on his shoulder. You wouldn't expect such a young man to be living independently while still in high school. You might not expect such a young man to be more nervous about his next big race than starting life every morning alone in a North Philadelphia apartment. And you wouldn't expect such a young man to be preparing to write the final chapter of his exceptional high school track career; all while clearly focused on his future in college and beyond. But you haven't met Khaliff Featherstone. Simon Gratz senior – and recent signee with Barton County Community College. MORE...

On each of the coasts this past weekend big meets took place that grabbed much of the attention, while throughout the Heartland and Midwest meets were cancelled due to inclement weather. However, a duo of meets stood out through their results, as the Sun Angel Invitational (AZ) and John Jacobs (OK) Invitational posted some national level results. Leading the way at the John Jacobs Inv. was the intense throws battle between Cameron Tabor (OK) and Hayden Baillio (OK) that created some national level results. News & Notes Highlights - AZ's Giorgio Giurdanella (pictured by Margot Kelly) runs big 200m - Terra Evans (AZ) comes up big at Sun Angel (AZ) - Cameron Tabor (OK) throws 176-05 discus, 62-04 shot put - Hayden Baillio (OK) throws 63-03 shot put, 175-03 discus - Injury Report: Fout, Jarrett, Fernandez, Evans - The Week Ahead: University meets and Chris Derrick's double

The London Marathon just wrapped up "across the pond", one of the big three marathons in the world. And those of us die-hards and early-risers were up this morning before the sun to watch it all live (AND FREE!) on WCSN. It was a really great battle to the finish. It's amazing that after 26.2 miles it can still come down to the last 200 meters! The winner was Martin Lel of Keyna who came within 20 seconds of the world record with a time of 2:05:15. He beat out countryman Samuel Wanjiru by 9 seconds. Ryan Hall was the top American finisher as expected, he finished in fifth place with a big new personal best time: an impressive 2:06.17. He continues to improve and move up on the world scene and is the future for us in this country to compete against the rest of the world! Maybe a medal in Bejing! In case you missed it live (it started at 3:55AM EST and concluded just before 7AM), you can watch it replayed (and still free) on WCSN all week long. Results on London Marathon Site...

With a big meet out west (Arcadia Invitational, CA) and a big meet out east (Taco Bell Invitational, SC), there was plenty of top-notch action to keep an eye on.  From the distance race at Arcadia (pictured left is Illinois' Chris Derrick running the 5k), to the hurdle races at the Taco Bell Invitational, and all the way up into Alaska for a monster shot put mark, this weekend was the best one yet this season.  Check out our weekend highlights to see what took place and especially which marks stood out among the crowd. MileSplit On-Site: Arcadia Coverage / Taco Bell Live Results Top Boys Weekend Performances - Chris Derrick (IL) wins Arcadia 5k in 13:55.96, U.S.#6 all-time - Dominguez (CA) blazes U.S.#1 4x400m relay in 3:12.13 - Will Claye (AZ) leaps 51-07.5 in TJ, 24-01.25 in LJ at Arcadia - Luke Puskedra (UT) runs 8:46.40 to win Arcadia 3200m run - William Wynne (GA) wins 110mH in 13.67w, 52.04 400mH in SC - Nico Weiler (CA) vaults 17-04 to break meet record at Arcadia - Jordan Clarke (AK) throws shot put 65-06.5 at Big C Relays, U.S.#1 - Marcus Rowland (SC) runs 10.28 100m & 21.10w 200m at Taco Bell - Dylan Ferris (NC) splits 1:51 in 4x8, 1:53.37 open 800m at Taco Bell Top Girls Weekend Performances - Jacquelyn Coward (TN) blazes 13.26 100mH at Taco Bell - Terra Evans (AZ) runs 23.72 to win 200m dash at Sun Angel - Chalonda Goodman (GA) wins 100m in 11.37w & 200m in 23.55w - Ryann Krais (PA) burns a 58.96 400m hurdle win at Taco Bell - Jordan Hasay (CA) runs U.S.#6 all-time at 3200m in 10:03.07 - Ashton Purvis (CA) wins girls 200m dash in U.S.#1 of 23.54 - Long Beach Poly (CA) wins 4x1 in 46.27, 4x4 in 3:44.22 at Arcadia - Searra Jones (SC) leaps 40-10 in triple jump at Taco Bell Inv. - Saugus (CA) girls run U.S.#3 all-time in 4xmile with 20:10.76 effort - Stephanie Foreman (AR) vaults 13-03 at Wal-Mart Invitational (AR)

A big weekend out in southern California at the Arcadia Invitational should lead to some fantastic results. Warm weather, little wind and plenty of sunshine are setting up for ideal racing conditions. MileSplit will bring you the best coverage possible this weekend from the first race to the last. Keep checking back all weekend. Friday Results Top Arcadia Highlights - Chris Derrick (IL) wins boys 5k in 13:55.96, U.S. #6 all-time - Will Claye (AZ) leaps 51-07.5 in TJ & 24-01.25 in LJ - Ashton Purvis (CA) wins girls 200m dash in U.S.#1 of 23.54 - Luke Puskedra (UT) wins Arcadia 3200m run in 8:46.40 - Jordan Hasay (CA) runs 10:03.07 to win 3200m, U.S.#6 all-time - Nico Weiler (CA) vaults 17-04 to break meet record, U.S. #1 - Saugus (CA) girls run U.S.#3 all-time in 4xmile in 20:10.75 - Rancho Verde (CA) wins boys SMR at Arcadia in U.S.#1 3:26.60 - Long Beach Wilson (CA) wins girls SMR in 4:00.97 - Loyola (CA) wins boys 4x800m relay in 7:49.24, anchored by freshman Elias Geydon's 1:52.2! - Westfield (VA) wins girls 4x800m relay in 9:21.86 - George Barlow (UT) wins seeded 3200m run in 9:13.09

What a great weekend high school track and field fans have ahead of them.  Much of the national focus leads out west, as the historic Arcadia Invitational (CA) brings together most of the top talent in California and numerous surrounding states.  Back east, the Taco Bell Invitational (SC) provides a creative display of national-class athletes, matching the talent seen at Arcadia.  MileSplit will be on-site at both locations, as well as many other invitationals across the nation. Weekend Preview Highlights - MileSplit On-Site Locations: 8 meets and counting - Hurdle match-ups headline Taco Bell Invitational (SC) - The West's best take to the Arcadia Invitational (CA)

Luke Puskedra (Sr., Judge Memorial, UT) loves to run through the thin mountain air of Utah. It makes him tough he says, more so mentally than physically. Puskedra uses that toughness and makes sure he sets a torrid early pace regardless of what type of race he is running. Over the past year the 6' 5" senior has towered over his competition in numerous ways. He was the only person to challenge German Fernandez last fall at the Foot Locker West Regional, then taking his front running talents to Foot Locker Nationals where he led the field through the mile and stayed in contention nearly the entire way to finish fifth in one of the great fields ever. Since the fall Puskedra has dominated on the track, running 4:08.77 in the Reebok Boston Mile, then winning the NIN two-mile in 8:49.58 , good enough for U.S. #3 all-time. In this interview Luke talks about his expectations for his final track season, his training, his college decision and much more.

The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Relays take place every year at Clyde C. Jordan Stadium in East St. Louis, Illinois, annually bringing together some of the top female track and field talent in Illinois and Missouri.  As usual, numerous top ten national marks came in a variety of events, led by Missouri star Alishea Usery's (pictured right by Tracy Rollins) winning 100m time of 11.55.  Read our meet summary to see what transpired at this year's showcase. JJK Relays Highlights - Alishea Usery (MO) blazes to victory at 100m in 11.55 - McCleur S.-Berkeley (MO) win 4x4 in 3:49.43 & 800m medley 1:44.58 - Proviso East (IL) impressive: 1:40.24 (4x2), 47.84 (4x1), 3:50.88 (4x4) - Dani Bunch (IL) wins shot put with a throw of 47-07.50 - East St. Louis Sr. (IL) wins 4x100m relay in 47.46 - Brittney Brimmage (IL) wins triple jump with leap of 38-00

Beautiful weekend weather across the nation helped bring forth big time results during the first weekend in April.  From the Texas Relays, to the Stanford Invitational, to nearly a half dozen other premier track and field events, Friday and Saturday really rocked the national track scene.  In this week's News & Notes section we discuss the rest of the weekend's top action. News & Notes Highlights - Trabuco Hills/ASICS Invitational is Long Beach Poly's opener - NY & PA weekend wrap-ups - The Week Ahead looks amazing!

A big weekend of outdoor track and field is here, including big relay meets in Texas and Florida and the Stanford Invitational in California.  The result that kicked off the weekend in grand fashion came from Jeffrey Demps (South Lake, FL) at the Florida Relays.  The senior ran a wind-legal 10.17 for 100m, which ranks him U.S. #5 all-time!  Keep checking back as we highlight the weekend's top results. Boys Top Weekend Highlights - Tyler Campbell (AL) jumps 7-00 in HJ at Mobile Chal. of Champs. - Mason Finley (CO) throws 202-10 in discus to break CO state record - Marcus Jenkins (WI) leaps 24-10.75 in LJ at WI TFA Indoor Champs. - Leander (TX) runs 3:14.95 in 4x4 at Texas Relays, U.S.#1 - Nick Vena (NJ) sets fr. national SP record w/ 63-06 at Kearny Relays - Brandon Tucker (TX) runs 13.86 to win 110m hurdles at Texas Relays - Matt Kosecki (TX) wins Texas Relays discus throw in 202-03 - Jeffrey Demps (FL) blazes legal 10.17 in 100m dash at Florida Relays - Craig Lutz (TX) runs 9:14.09  to win 3200 at TX R., he's a freshman! - Joseph Franklin (FL) runs 4:09.13 for 1600m win at Florida Relays - Southlake Carroll (TX) win 4x8 in 7:46.86, DMR in 10:02.47 at Texas R. Girls Top Weekend Highlights - Chalonda Goodman (GA) runs 11.54 100m & 23.93 200m in AL - Madeline Morgan (AL) wins 3200m run in 10:29.26 at Mobile CofC - Dahlys Marshall (CA) wins 100mH in 14.09 at Stanford Invitational - Chelsey Sveinsson (TX) blazes 4:44.70 to win Texas Relays 1600m - Briana Stewart (CA) leaps 40-05.25 to win triple jump at Stanford Inv. - Lancaster (TX) wins 4x2 in 1:38.83, 4x1 in 46.53, 4x4 in 3:43.60 in TX - Brigetta Barrett (TX) leaps 5-11 to win Texas Relays high jump - Ashley Brasovan (FL) is back with a 10:33.27 3200m run in FL - Shade Weygandt (TX) beat Rachel Laurent (LA) in PV at Texas R.

Scratch Mike Call's name from the record books. On Saturday, into the thin air at Gypsum, Colorado, Mason Finley of Buena Vista High School (CO) threw the discus 202-10 to shatter the 30-year-old Colorado all-classification record. Complete Meet Results  

I doubt Jeff Demps had time to read the Palm Beach County Championships article I wrote this morning, but even so he put to rest my suggestion that Leonardo Seymore might give him a challenge for the fastest high schooler in Florida title. Just moments ago in Gainesville at the Pepsi Florida Relays, Jeff ran a 10 point one seven!!! That time is one of the top three times in the WORLD so far this spring, by far the top high schooler in the country, and it is just one hundreth of a second shy of Houston McTear's state record. AND it was wind legal. HOLY COW! Flrunners/MileSplit are on site getting coverage of the meet. Our friends at FloTrack are there as well. Look for a video interview and race footage of this amazing feat and plenty more Florida Relays action tonight and throughout the weekend! Here is an interview I did with Jeff at the Spruce Creek Invitational talking about his goals for the year--namely 10.16, which he almost got today with months left in the national outdoor track season!

BRUCE DALLAS COVERAGE: Photo Gallery | Meet Story Jav provides early fireworks on a cool day (and only those boys with green uniforms medaled). Quick highlights: Bruce Dallas: Eric Brittingham, Methacton 199-06, Justin Shirk 191-02 in jav showdown; Juan Steward, Cumberland Valley, 11.38, 22.63, 49.47 triple; Kayln Fisher anchors Lewisburg to PA#1, meet record 9:30.11 4x800, going 2:17.9, and doubled back to win the open 800 in a meet record 2:21.47. Kaleena Gray (in photo) set to of the meet's 18 new records, winning the discus and shot put. | Council Rock Kiwanis: Kevin Steinberg 10.73, 22.53 | Penn Hills 48.84 PA#1 4x100 MR, Dan Kwiatkowski, McDowell 57'0" Shot Put @ TSTCA Champs | Swenson girls set three, Father Judge boys set four records; Ryann Krais, Methacton, 18-9 LJ @ PW Colonial Relays @ Plymouth Whitemarsh | Strath Haven girls sub-4 4x400, Penncrest boys 3:23.6 4x400, Karen Shump, Penncrest, 45-4 SP, 147 DT double @ Central League Relays | At the Bedford Giant Eagle Invitational, Tussey Mountain senior Jordan Donaldson set a meet record in the 400, running 49.9. | At the Diamond State Relays in Delaware, Norristown won four relays, the 4x1, 4x2, 4x4 and 4x8. | At the White Rose Invitational at Central York HS, Red Land's Greg Karelis won the 800 in a very fast race, with a time of 1:56.90. | In VA at the CNU HS Captain's Classic, Great Valley had some top finishes. | On Monday night at the Larry Simmons Invitatonal at Penncrest, Karen Shump, Penncrest, upped her discus from Saturday's 147 to improve her PA#1 to 150; and she added a 46-11.50 in the shot put. The Glen Mills throwers, Kenneth Bell, (54-1) and Isiah Gonzalez (52-06.50) went one-two.  

A few of the most nationally recognized track and field meets take place this weekend, as the Texas Relays, Florida Relays and Stanford Invitational headline the calendar.  At Stanford, California's Vashti Thomas (pictured left by EliteRunning.com) will be looking to do something special in her four events, competing against some of the best hurdle and jump fields seen this year.   A few other meets will be showcasing top talent as well, so see which we'll be following closely. Weekend's Top Meets - Texas Relays (TX): Girls pole vault, boys shot put lead the way - Stanford Inv. (CA): Girls 100mH & triple jump, boys pole vault headline - Florida Relays (FL): Boys: Ferris (NC) v. Franklin (FL) in 1600m - Florida Relays (FL): Girls: Eleanor R. (MD) v. Northwestern (FL) relays - Kearney Relays (NJ): Jersey's Nick Vena v. Mike Alleman in throws - Challenge of Champs. (AL): Starkville (MS) v. Cahokia (IL) boys relays

Starting Friday, many of the top athletes in Texas, Oklahoma and a handful of other states will converge upon the University of Texas-Austin to take part in the historic Texas Relays.  While many of the top sprint schools will not be taking part this year, some great head-to-head match-ups top the schedule. Top Draws at the Texas Relays - Rachel Laurent (LA) v. Shade Weygandt (TX) in the girls pole vault - The Tabor cousins (OK) take to the boys shot put and discus. - Blake Shaw (TX) and Chelsey Sveinnson (TX) lead the 1600m runs. - Lancaster (TX) v. Houston Lamar (TX) in the girls 4x4. - Deep boys field in the pole vault, led by Jack Whitt (OK) and Chase Cooper (CO) - Southlake Carroll (TX), led by Colby Lowe, enters the boys 4x8 and DMR

"Doctor Bob" interviews Alex Schanen, a senior from Fletcher. Schanen has had an impressive year and in the last months has gone from above-average distance runner to one of Florida's very best. He ran an 8:58 3000 at Gainesville in February and then recently ran a blazing 15:15 5000m at the National Scholastic Indoor Championships in New York City.