Jaden Marchan received dozens of text messages on Dec. 29, shortly after the Leonia (N.J.) High School senior ran 1:17.66 in the 600m, which was the fourth-fastest time ever recorded for a high schooler at the distance.
Among the well-wishers was Georgetown University head track coach Alton McKenzie. Marchan had committed to the program just a few days earlier.
"He was like, 'Great job with the 1:17 ... P.S. I'm still not making you an 800m runner. Don't worry,'" Marchan said.
Marchan laughed as he recalled that exchange.
Until late last month, he was known primarily as a 200m and 400m runner. In fact, he had never competed in the 600m until Dec. 28 when he ran 1:20.57 to win the Coach Glynn Holiday Carnival.
The next day, he ran nearly three seconds faster at the Marine Corps Holiday Classic and beat Quincy Wilson, the top recruit in the Class of 2...
