11th Annual Ocean Breeze Invitational: 6 Athletes To Watch

Photo: Derrick Dingle/MileSplit New York

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VIVIAN OSTFELD

Riverdale Country Day (N.Y.)

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The future Yale Bulldog is making her 800m debut this weekend, and she's going to have her work cut out for her. Over the past few weeks, Ostfeld clocked 1:34.75, 2:55.56, and 5:03.5 for the 600m, 1000m, and mile, respectively. All three performances rank her towards the top of New York's statewide leaderboard, and she's looking to carry that momentum over to one of her best events. As a junior, Ostfeld went sub-2:10 at New Balance Nationals Indoor and owns a lifetime PB of 2:09.1 from her sophomore year. In a field packed with talent, expect the senior to be one of the girls up front, dictating the race early. 

CAMERON BOWSER

Bishop O'Connell (Va.)

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Coming off a stellar showing at The VA Showcase earlier this month, Bowser is set to go up against a speedy field in the 200m. In Virginia Beach, Bowser ran 6.43, 21.58, and 33.5 in the 55m, 200m, and 300m, all new indoor PBs, currently leading the state in the 200m and 300m. Last spring, Bowser nearly went sub-21 at the 42nd Draper Invitational, and a competitive field paired with his recent success could be the recipe for a big performance once the gun goes off on Saturday.  

Baldwin (N.Y.)

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Few athletes have had a busier season than Barnett at this point in the year as she gets ready for her 10th meet of the season, dating back to mid-November. At the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, the New York native is making the trip to Staten Island for what's sure to be a blistering quick 400m. Through four 400m races this winter, Barnett is undefeated and has gone as quickly as 54.4, and is coming off a big win at The VA Showcase two weeks ago. The eighth-fastest quarter-miler in New York history, Barnett will have a target on her back as she looks to secure her fifth consecutive win. 

MALIK MOHAMMED

West Side 01 (N.J.)

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One of the best all-around jumpers in the nation, and one of the top entrants in this year's meet, is looking for a triple crown. The top seed in the triple jump (48-7), long jump (23-8), and second best in the high jump (6-10.75), there's a very good chance the junior leaves Staten Island with a trio of titles. He hasn't quite reached the marks he set a year ago, but there's no better atmosphere than the Ocean Breeze Invitational to make a statement.  

CORBIN RASTON

West Orange (N.J.)

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One of the top sprinters in the entirety of the "Garden State", Raston is the top seed in both the 55m and 200m, and has already asserted her dominance in most of the in-state competition. Ranked No. 2 and No. 7 in both events, respectively, the senior is making her third appearance at the Ocean Breeze Invitational after not competing at last year's edition. While this may be her first time attempting the double at this meet, she's no stranger to pushing herself on the same day, already doubling up four times in the last six weeks, last sweeping the pair of sprints in December.