(Natoya Goule-Clemson)
In our final post of this series we will review the distance runners so far this season. MIDDLE DISTANCE (800 Meters and 1,500 Meters)
In men's middle distance racing Penn State has become a fixture amongst the elite programs in the country. With great recent championship success they have now etched themselves as the premier middle distance program in a crowded Big Ten conference, they can also place themselves amongst the elite in the country. This season is no different. Leading the way would be junior Brandon Kidder. Kidder is currently ranked number 1 in the country with a time of 1:45.58 in the men's 800. His teammate Robby Crease is currently ranked number 2 in the 1,500 with a time of 3:39.02. Both will face stiff competition if the look to earn the national title in their primary events.
In the 800 Kidde will likely see strong competition from Shaquille Walker of BYU ranks number 2 with a time of 1:45.78. In the 1,500 Creese will have to fend of number 1 ranked Chad Noelle (3:38.35) and his Oklahoma State teammate Kirubel Errasa (3:39.05). Noelle has already beaten Creese early this season at the Payton Jordan Invitational, look for Creese to try and make up for the loss with a championship win. Also keep an eye out for Oregon's Edward Cheserek.
On the women's side the 800 has been dominated by Natoya Goule of Clemson. Goule who earned notoriety while previously competing for LSU won the 2013 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor title. When coach Elliott left for Clemson she followed. Goule proved to still be a dominating force by winning the 800 indoor title early this year. Her time of 2:01.63 is number 2 in the country. Expect for Goule to dip under 2 minutes this season and earn the outdoor title.
In the women's 1,500 senior leader Leah O'Connor of Michigan State has been the force behind the Michigan State distance core. For a long time the Big Ten middle distance dominance came in the form of their rival Michigan. This season it is the Spartans who are out front. O'Connor who currently ranks number 1 in the nation in the event with a time of 4:11.04 looks to continue her championship success from early this season at Indoor nationals to outdoors.
Long Distance
In women's long distance running Emily Sisson of Providence set a new NCAA Indoor record in the women's 5,000. However she has looked her best in the women's 10,000 meter run where she is currently ranked number 1 with a time of 31:38.03. She is currently ranked 10th in the 5,000 and has not ran the event often this outdoor season. It is likely that Sisson may truly simply focus on the 10,000 and allow for current leader Jessica Tonn of Stanford to remain at the top. If however Sisson goes for what is a truly grueling double Tonn will give her one heck of race in the 5,000.
In men's long distance racing I find myself asking where are the runners from Oregon. On the national list they seem to be void of top performances. However I am not worried Oregon has a history of performing strong at championship meets. This weekend is also the Pac 12 Outdoor Championships and is likely the best opportunity to for us to become acquainted with the teams outdoor form. For now schools like Arkansas continue to turn out great performers.
Kemoy Campbell by way of Jamaica is the next great distance runner to come out of Arkansas. He leads the nation by 10 seconds in the men's 5,000 with a time of 13:20.39. Campbell was 2nd this past indoor season in the event and will be looking to earn the title this outdoor season. His teammate Stanley Kebenei is also leading his event the 3,000 steeplechase by 10 seconds with a time of 8:23.93. The 2 leaders look to provide Arkansas with a strong 1-2 punch.
In the 10,000 meter run senior Jason Witt of BYU is the early favorite to claim the outdoor crown. He currently leads the nation by almost 30 seconds with a time of 27:54.25.
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