The Arcadia Invitational stands as the Home of National Records. One of the prestigious outdoor track & field meets of the season. Among the accolades for the prep distance runner is the Arcadia two-mile.
In 1976 Thom Hunt ran 8:42.30 to defeat the greatest distance prodigy of all-time Eric Hulst who finished second in 8:44.48. It took a meet record to dethrone the American prep legend Eric Hulst.
Many athletes have come and gone since that fateful showdown in 1976, few have answered the call and far less has established themselves as meet record holders. The effort exemplified by Thom Hunt to defeat the great Eric Hulst has come and gone with few to challenge this extraordinary achievement.
In 1984 Kristin O’Hara set a standard for the girls two-mile which has served as the benchmark for excellence in the coming decades. In 1984 Kristin O’Hara ran 10:18.41 to establish the meet record. Since that time only three athletes have met the standard of excellence.
Girls Pre-Race Favorites
Megan Morgan, SR, Torrey Pines High, CA: US#4 3200m ranking and a stellar cross country campaign have Morgan primed for a break through. Morgan ran 10:30.05 at Asics Mt. Carmel Invitational, a personal best with sub-5 mile speed. The hands down favorite should Grabill not compete.
Sarah Fakler, FR, Xavier High, AZ: Teammate to the great Jessica Tonn has burst onto the scene as the new super-frosh. A recent 10:47.48 to win the 3200m at the Chandler Invitational doubled back with a 4:56.18 1600m.
Molly Grabill, JR, Rancho Bernardo High, CA: US#6 in the 1600m has personal bests of 4:52.91 and 10:23.75. An All-American in cross country last season the state champion looks to become a national champion. Rumors that she may not compete due to injury, if Grabill does compete she is the hand down favorite to win.
Boys Pre-Race Favorites
Colin Barker, SR, Bishop Kenny High, FL: Recently finished second in 9:03.03 at FSU Relays for 3200 meters. Is competing in the mile against Gedyon but has sub-9 potential.
Brian Shrader, SR, Sinagua High, AZ: The cross country All-American enters the season with several sub 4:15 miles in preparation of the Arcadia 3200m. A 9:10 personal best should be shattered as Shrader is an odds on favorite to battle McElroy in his quest to claim the individual Arcadia Two-mile crown.
Ammar Moussa, JR, Arcadia High, CA: The World Cross team USA member and Gatorade Player of the Year in California Moussa touts a 9:03.26 3200m personal best. Moussa gained national notoriety in cross last fall and looks to continue his accent to the top of the prep track world at Arcadia. Definite sub-9 potential.
Matt McElroy, SR, Edison High, CA: Doubled last week at the APU/Arroyo Meet of Champions 4:16.07 and 9:05.80 respectably. Second at Foot Locker Nationals last season McElroy is a threat to claim the individual title. Ferocious finisher with sub-9 potential.
