The Armory will again host talented athletes from around the country, all aiming to win championships and set records. Read on for a summary of the best that will be converging on New York for the three days.
Nick Vena NJ won here last year and is the current US#1 shot putter in the nation. He will throw well as he always does but a high energy challenge will come from Davis Fraker GA, the US#3 ranked putter who has been tearing up the weight throw circuit this winter. Matthew Hoty OH, US#4, and Justin Welch OH, US#8, will also be challenging for the top spots.
The girls pole vault is loaded with the top 6 girls in the nation. Leading the way are a pair of vaulters from Louisiana who have been trading the US lead all season. Morgann LeLeux is at the top with a vault of 13-6 while Merritt Van Meter is at 13-3. Margo Tucker IN, US#3, Lizzie Powell VA, US#4, Emily Urciuoli NJ, US#5, and Kortney Ross CA, US#6 will be providing the pressure from below. LeLeux, Van Meter, and Urciuoli will be competing in the vault at NIN as well.
Ashton Purvis CA returns to New York to defend her 200 meter dash title and is the current US#1 in the event. A strong challenge is expected from Whitney Fountain NY, ranked US#2 and a much improved frosh, Kendall Baisden MI, who is ranked US#5. Deajah Stevens NY is ranked US#6 and will also challenge for a top place.
Ashton Purvis CA will also look to defend her title in the 60 meter dash as she is ranked US#1 in the event. Challenging her will be Chesna Sykes OH, US#2, Alycia Prior GA, US#3, and Whitney Fountain NY, US#7.
Trinity Wilson CA, US#1, is currently the national sophomore record holder in the 60 meter hurdles and seems unbeatable this year. Other top US hurdlers competing are Chalese Davis CA, US#4, Ryesa Whigham TX, US#5, Hannah Goranson CA, US#8, and Erin Morris TX US#9.
Kendall Baisden MI, US#1, is head and shoulders above the competition in the 400 with a time of 53.99. The PA (West Catholic) duo of Chante Moore, US#3, and Michelle Davis, US#4, will do their best to track her down. Amber Allen NJ, US#7, and Chamique Francis NY, US#8, are also capable of breaking out for a big performance.
The boys weight throw competition will certainly be a heavy affair with the likes of Alec Faldermeyer NY, US#1, throwing 86-3.5. Justin Welch OH, US#2, and Davis Fraker GA, US#3, have also thrown over 80' but have a lot of catching up to do to catch Alec. Fraker has thrown the 35# weight all year so this will be a big test of his ability with the lighter implement. Gunning most likely for a 4th place finish will be Brett Hardin GA, US#4, Akil Mills GA, US#6, and Max Milder RI, US#7.
The girls 800 meter run features Megan Tiernan NJ, US#3, who is a clear favorite with her strength over the last 300 meters. Phyllis Francis NY, US#10, and Kalyn Fisher PA, US#11, are the other top competitors.
The girls high jump will be a very tight competition with Amina Smith MD leading the way at 5-10 and three competitors sitting at 5-8 ready to break out. Samantha Yeats NJ, Fiona Paladino NJ, and Tara Richmond CA, are those three jumpers looking for a big jump.
The boys high jump competition will be a tense one as well as the top competitors have all cleared 6-10 this season. Among those vying for top honors are Matthew Jeune CT, Mark Jones NJ, Justin Hunter VA, and Oneil Sandiford NY.
The girls weight throw features a deep field with 7 of the US top-10 in attendance. Shelby Ashe GA, US#1, and Melissa Kurzdorfer NY, US#3, lead the field and are only separated by 5 inches. Daina Levy GA, us#4 and Karen Henning NY, US#6, stand the best shot of breaking out to catch those two. The other top competitors include Taylor Dupont GA, US#7, Patrice Gates GA, US#8, and Angela Onye RI, US#10.
Nicole Cummings NY is ranked US#3 and leads a solid pack of girls above 19' in the long jump. Also above 19' are Nikki Nunn VA, US#4, Mikayla Pearce NY, US#7, and Adenike Pedro MD, US#10.
Cory Duggan NY, US#5, is the only pole vaulter over 16' in the vault at NSIC. He will also be competing at NIN.
The boys 800 will be lacking the top three runners in the nation (at NIN), but 4-6 are only a few strides behind them. Mark McCauley ME, US#4, Quincy Downing OH, US#5, and John McGowan DC, US#6, will all be competing for top honors.
The girls shot put includes Adrienne Alexander NY, US#8, and Theresa Picciallo NJ, US#9 as well as Shelby Ashe GA, who has thrown the shot far outdoors this month.
The girls triple jump features Melia Cox CA, US#3, Shnell Wishart NY, US#4, and Imani Oliver NY, US#12.
Fuquwan Greene NC, US#3, leads the way as the clear favorite in the boys 60 meter dash.
The boys 60 meter hurdles will pit Chris Mamon CA, US#5, Wallace Spencer PA, US#6, and Matt Bundy PA, US#7, together for all the marbles.
Corey Crawford NJ, US#4 and Justin Hunter VA, US#5, will go head to head in the boys long jump.
Clayton Gravesande NJ, US#7, and Mark Filandro NJ, US#8, are the top runners in the boys 400 meter dash.
Zamir Thomas NJ, US#6, and Clinton Collins TX, US#13, are tops in the boys 200 meter dash.
Ricky Blake VA, US#6, leads the way in the boys triple jump.
The boys 2 mile run includes Quinn Raseman NY, Will Geoghagen ME, Mitch Mallory, Andrew Palmer MD, and Cory Puffett MD. Raseman and Geoghagen are both under 9:20 on the year.
Malia Cali LA and Lindsay Crevoiserat CT are the two favorites in the girls 2 mile run.
Malia Cali LA will go at it again in the 5000 meter run against Katie Kinkead PA.