With the indoor track and field season underway in parts of the country, it's the perfect time to unveil the COROS MileSplit50 Preseason Boys Individual Indoor Track and Field Rankings. We're releasing the rankings all at once, giving you an exclusive look at the top athletes across the nation, including standout competitors poised for a big season.
MileSplit has taken a deep dive into the achievements and potential of these athletes, highlighting their journeys and accomplishments as they prepare for the winter season.
Our Top Three athletes are listed below. One has made the Olympics. The other has made Worlds. And the third has a personal best that would have made the final at both.
Be sure to check out the full list linked below as well.
Top of List
#1 - Cooper Lutkenhaus (TX) - At the end of the Outdoor season last year, we had Cooper ranked as US #2. That was June. One month later, and his incredible 1:42.27 shocked the World, qualifying him for the World Championships. It was the stuff of legends. He went on to Worlds, ran in the opening rounds, but a long season caught up to him at the wrong time. He signed a pro contract, skipped XC, and is headed into his first professional running Season.
In years past, we have excluded "pros" from our rankings. The time of NIL's has changed that. Cooper has been invited, and deemed eligible to compete at Nike Indoor Nationals. He is still a part of the Nike Elite Program for HSers. NIN has even created an All-State DMR race born from Cooper's creation, where he has the option to contest in pursuit of the U20 World Best. Defending his National Title in Invite 800m is also an option. Given these circumstances, any high schooler eligible to race against HSers is eligible to be ranked against them, and it's hard to argue his credentials. It's even conceivable we may see him race more often indoors, as Texas HS doesn't have a sanctioned Indoor Season, and he was limited to Millrose last year. We can't wait to see what he comes out the gate with.
#2 - Quincy Wilson (MD) - The Gold Medal Olympian is the King Of Indoor. He is the top returning athlete in both the 400m and 600m, the former of which he holds the National Record at 45.66. The 600m is not too shabby either, sitting at US #2 All-Time. Wilson is also no stranger to the relays, as his Bullis 4x400m set that National Record last year as well. Things are looking good, with a PR already in the 500m, and a National Leader in the 300m, just off his personal best.
#3 - Tate Taylor (TX) - The top sprinter at the end of last year, running 20.15 in the 200m and then an incredible 9.92 in the 100m, both wind-legal. That 100m was the new National Record, but it wasn't his first. Before that, he was tearing up the Armory, setting the Indoor National Record in the 200m with his 20.46, while also taking a silver the 60m that same weekend. He is the top returning athlete in both events. He is the Nation's fastest man, until proven otherwise.