The Top Five Upsets Of 2016


4. Ogden Boys Upset National Record Holders Great Oak In 4xMile

More coverage from New Balance Nationals Outdoor

The Great Oak boys from California entered New Balance Nationals as the national high school record holders in the 4x1600m relay. Their time of 16:52.95 from the Mt. SAC Relays converts to 16:58.83 for 4xMile, which also stands as the national high school record. 

But with a slightly different line-up in Greensboro, the Wolfpack couldn't quite keep pace with Ogden High School from Utah, whose quartet narrowly won the national title 17:04.55 to 17:04.61.

Ogden sophomore Christian Warren handed off in the top pack among Kenny Vasbinder from East Aurora, New York, and Tom Sullivan of St. Ignatius, Ohio, in about 4:15.

Great Oak's Nelson Quintana split 4:23 for the opening run and the gap between the two teams held for the following two legs [see full splits below], until California state 800m and 1600m champion Isaac Cortes got the baton.

Cortes split 4:06.53 to catch Ogden anchor Alek Parsons on the final homestretch, but he was able to hold out and lead Ogden to the narrow victory with a split of 4:10.9. Both Cortes and Parsons will attend Stanford next year.

The 17:04.55 mark is the fastest time ever run for the full 4xMile, as Great Oak's mark is converted from 4x1600m. With conversions, Ogden ranks as the No. 2 all-time performer and No. 3 all-time prep mark.