Boys Distance
Garek Bielaczyc. Photo via PhotoRun.
Best matchups: Casey Clinger (US #2 1600) vs Garek Bielaczyc (US #2 2 mile) in the 3200; US #8 Logan Mackay vs US #6 Garrett Calhoun in the 800.
We profiled Clinger this week; though he's a humble guy, he did say he wants to break Ben Saarel's 9:00.62 meet record here. He'll have stellar competition in Bielaczyc, who has already run 9:00.07 indoors this year--albeit in the slightly lower altitude of Boise. (Pocatello is at 4500 feet, while Boise is at 2700)
The Calhoun-Mackay matchup might be even spicier. Only five boys are in the 1:52 club so far this season, and only eight have even run 1:53. If Calhoun and Mackay both care more about a fast time than a win, they could move up the leaderboard; a more tactical race for the Simplot Games title would be equally exciting.
Other studs: US #3 800 runner Michael Slagowski vs. Talon Hull and Dallin Leatham in the 1600; Connor Arnell, Will Handley, and Joe Benson in the 3200
Schedule (all times Mountain):
5:00 PM Thursday 3200 prelims
7:00 PM Thursday 1600 prelims
2:10 PM Friday 800 prelims
2:05 PM Saturday 1600 finals
2:37 PM Saturday 800 finals
3:40 PM Saturday 3200 finals