Four Things You Need To Know About The Desert Dream Invite


SPRINTS

The showdown between Fairview's (CO) Gavin Schurr and Tahoma's (WA) Anthony Smith in the sprints

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There's no doubt that Smith has been training during the coronavirus pandemic.

He participated in the MileSplit Virtual Classic and posted three big efforts, one of which was outside the contest: The fastest time in the 100m with a hand-timed 10.20; a non-MileSplit Virtual Classic mark of 20.70 seconds in the 200m; and the second fastest time in the 400m at 48.60.

Smith also ran the nation's 25th fastest time in the 60m this indoor season (6.83) and had a top mark in the 200m with a 21.92.

But on Saturday, he will have competition from Schurr, a Coloradoan who is also coming off a stellar indoor season as well. This year he ran 21.57 in the 200m and 6.82 in the 60m, which were top 20 times nationally in both events.

Schurr said he is also gunning for the Colorado state record of 20.70 this weekend. Both Smith and Schurr are scheduled to run the 100m, 200m and 400m at this meet.


Jahzara Richardson of Oaks Christian (CA) and Camille Peisner (CO) Looking to Break Through Barriers

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Richardson was on the cusp last year of breaking 12 seconds in the 100m. Last May, she placed second at the CIF Southern Section Division Finals with a time of 12.13.

This weekend presents an opportunity for her to get under that mark as she's scheduled to run the 100m and 200m. And in the 200m, she will have Camille Peisner of Valor Christian (CO) to race against.

Peisner was ranked in the top 55 in the country for the 200m and 400m this indoor season with new personal bests of 24.73 and 55.95. Last outdoor season, she set PRs of 24.08 in the 200m and 54.31 in the 400m, which were good for third- and second-place performances, respectfully, at the Colorado State Championships.

Peisner, and Richardson, both seem capable of much more. So breaking 24 and 54 seconds in those sprints events this weekend may be realistic.