(Posted December 19, 2013)
An interesting little controversy has come to light on an NCrunners.com discussion thread -- concerning NCHSAA-approved spikes that will be legal at the NCHSAA State Indoor Championships.

Many of the newer racing shoes (such as the Nike Zoom Eldoret II) contain what are known as "Christmas tree spikes". However the only spikes allowed at the NCHSAA State meet are pyramid spikes no longer than 1/4 inch. No Christmas tree or needle spikes are allowed.

Many of the top tracks (including JDL Fast Track) have Mondo surfaces, Mondo reps point out that Christmas tree spikes are the best for the track, as they do not penetrate the track, but rather compress it. The facility director for JDL Fast Track says they DO ALLOW Christmas tree spikes. However they will be illegal according to existing NCHSAA rules.

Unless the NCHSAA approves a rule change before then, coaches and athletes should be aware of what spikes are legal and illegal by current NCHSAA rules.

NCrunners.com's Discussion Thread: "illegal spikes"

(Posted December 18, 2013)
Ryan Hill Finds His Identity - RunnersWorld.com

(Posted December 17, 2013)
Former Raleigh Sanderson HS cross country and track coach Carl E. "Eddie" Hereford passed away December 15th after a courageous battle with cancer. Hereford taught science at Sanderson for 15 years and coached there for five years. There will be a gathering of family and friends at 4:00 pm. Wednesday (12/18) at Casdorph & Curry Funeral Home, 110 B St., St. Albans, West Virginia, followed by a celebration of Eddie's life at 7 p.m.

I knew Hereford since I was in high school in the 60s. We were competitors while he was at ECU and I was at ASU, and teammates on the North Carolina Track Club post-collegiately. We saw each other often during our coaching years, and recently every summer at our NCTC annual reunion in the western NC mountains.

Obituary - www.WVgazette.com

(Posted December 12, 2013)
Wilkes athletes perform well at area meet - JournalPatriot.com

(Posted November 27, 2013)
Former Gastonia Ashbrook HS Track Coach Roger Dixon will be recognized December 16 in Anaheim, California at the 44th annual National Athletic Directors Conference. Dixon coached Track at Ashbrook for 12 years and built an excellent track program.
More on Dixon - NCHSAA.org

(Posted November 25, 2013)
At Saturday's NCAA Cross Country Championships UNC's men placed 17th (403), and N.C. State 28th (630). UNC had three former North Carolina high school runners in their top five: Ryan Walling (Cary Green Hope HS) 64th (31:01.0), Isaac Presson (Asheville HS) 108th, 31:23.9, and Scott Morgan (Winston-Salem Calvary Baptist Day School) 155th, 31:50.2. Times were slow due to very muddy, sloppy conditions. (Some teams wore 5/8-inch spikes.)
LeHardy All-American, Men 17th at NCAAs - GoHeels.com
Andrew Colley 7th, Wolfpack men 28th at NCAAs - GoPack.com
Results by all for former NC runners - NCrunners.com
Complete Results | NCAA Meet Central - USTFCCA.org
XCtownUSA.com | NCAA Summary - LetsRun.com

Two interesting summaries by Mo.Milesplit.com using the Milesplit database for the home states (or countries) of the 2013 NCAA Division I Qualifiers:
Men (NC had 6.)
Women (NC had 1.)

(Posted November 19, 2013)
The NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships will be Saturday, in Terre Haute, Indiana and several former North Carolina high school runners will be competing.   Championships Central | Qualifiers - USTFCCCA.org

UNC and NC State's Men Teams qualified as At-Large Teams.   Advancing as an individual qualifier from the Southeast Regional was Virginia Tech's Sarah Rapp, who ran at Cardinal Gibbons HS.

Rapp to compete at NCAA Championships - HokieSports.com
Wolfpack Men, Women 3rd at Southeast Regional - GoPack.com
NC State in NCAA for 8th year in a row - GoPack.com
Tar Heel Men Earn At-Large National Bid - GoHeels.com
UNC's Men 4th, Women 7th at Southeast Regional - GoHeels.com
Alumni Report: Week of 11/16 - NCrunners
Southeast Regional Results - TFRRS.org
Regional Championship Central - USTFCCCA.org
NCAA Previews: Men | Women - ISU Athletics
NCAA Championships Live Webcast
History: NCAA Div. I XC Championships - T&FN

(Posted November 5, 2013)
Two 2013 North Carolina high school graduates did well in the annual voting for Track & Field News' High School Athletes of the Year. Wesley Frazier (Raleigh Ravenscroft School) was 5th in the Girls voting, and John Crossley (West Carteret HS) ended up 8th in the Boys. Story - MileSplit.com | Track & Field News story.

High School All-Americans were selected by event. Crossley was #1 in the 800m. Raleigh Wakefield's girls 4x200 were #1. Frazier was #2 (behind Mary Cain) in the Mile, 2-Mile and 5,000. Knightdale's boys 4x400 was #3. Mollie Williams (Clayton) was #5 in the 100m Hurdles.
----

Alana Hadley (Ardrey Kell HS, Charlotte), who was a 2011 Foot Locker National Finalist, but did not compete in cross country this season nor track last spring, has turned pro, accepting prize money from her recent road race. This means that she will forego the remainder of of her high school and NCAA eligibility. Hadley, 16, last weekend became the youngest qualifier for the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon since 1984, with her performance in the 26.2 mile Indianapolis Marathon. Hadley in 2011 ran a 17:05.16 track 5000m to rank 3rd all-time NC prep behind Wesley Frazier and Mary Shea for the event. She ranks 2nd behind Shea on the all-time 10,000m list with a 34:59.38 in 2012.
Source.   Previous Story - CharlotteObserver.com   Runner's World story
Followup stories (11/6 & 11/7):
16 year old marathoner Alana Hadley opts for the road less travelled - MileSplit.com
Dad explains why 16-year-old Hadley turned pro - LetsRun.com
----

News Item (Citizen-Times.com) on a fine performance by former Carolina day runner Trevor Sleight - now a freshman at William & Mary.

(Posted October 22, 2013)
Javelin fans may enjoy this:
Kultan Keihas Project Fall Clinic #1 (10/22) | More - NationalScholastic.org
----

An update on Wesley Frazier's Freshman year at Duke:
  Sickness hampers Duke's team - DukeChronicle.com

(Posted October 21, 2013)
Track coaches in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and surrounding area are reminded of the scheduling meeting for Indoor & Outdoor Track today (10/21) at 6:30 pm in Room 215 at Providence HS.

(Posted October 15, 2013)
An interesting video that includes former Chapel Hill star Jack Bolas (4:04.38 1600, #2 NC All-Time, 9:12.0 3200, 2006 + '05 State 1600 champion, '05 State XC Champion, '04 & '05 Foot Locker XC qualifier, 14:54) on the Furman Elite group and the trials and tribulations that face post-collegiate runners who are still striving for National, or International success, or to simply to achieve their best. (I am certainly familiar with Furman University having raced there in college meets and post-college road races plus having a very good Graduate Assistant Coach at Appalachian who ran at Furman and later became an Olympic Trials qualifier.)   Video: Furman Elite - RunFurman.com.
----

Story on former Wilmington New Hanover star and NCHSAA 4-A 800 champion (2:11.99) Shelby Howell:
An Altitude Adjustment - StarNewsVarsity.com

(Posted October 2, 2013)
A News & Observer feature from Monday on Wake Forest HS junior Bryce Love:
Wake Forest High's Bryce Love embraces football, writing
The story mentions that Love's dad Chris Love was a standout sprinter at Durham Hillside and that Bryce has achieved noteworthy sprint success himself. He anchored Wake Forest-Rolesville's winning 41.30 in the 4-A State Meet last May (#10 NC All-Time) and was 2nd in the 100m (10.68 +0.3) and 3rd in the 200m (21.64 -1.2).
(Bryce's dad anchored Hillside's 3:13.92 in 1987 which smashed the state record by almost 3 seconds, and remains #3 NC All-Time.)

(Posted October 1, 2013)
Not a cross country or track story, or involving this state, but an interesting one concerning high school sports and character:
Coach Suspends Team - NewsObserver.com

(Posted September 30, 2013)
UNC's cross country team apparently had a better day than their football team Saturday:
UNC's men's cross country team is now ranked #1 in the Southeast following their win Saturday at the Virginia/Panorama Farms Invitational in Earlysville, VA. Two former North Carolina high school runners were among UNC's top 5:  junior Ryan Walling (Cary Green Hope HS) and senior Isaac Presson (Asheville HS). Walling was #4 and Presson #5.  Running #8 for UNC was junior Scott Morgan (Calvary Baptist Day School, Winston-Salem) and #9 was soph Stephen Mulherin (NC School of Science & Mathematics).
Men Win Virginia/Panorama Farms Inv. | Men's XC Ranked No. 1 In Southeast Region - GoHeels.com

UNC's women placed 9th in the meet with 3 former NC high school runners:   Running #4 was freshman Doria Kosmala (Watauga, Boone), and #5 freshman Grace Morken (Carrboro).  UNC's #6 was soph Aundrea Holmes (Cary Christian School).
Compete Results - GoHeels.com

- - - -
A good editorial, from ny.milesplit.com:
Throwback: Musings Of A Rookie Cross Country Dad

(Posted September 26, 2013)
A fairly good, well-written article by long-time cross country coach, writer and guru Marc Bloom:
No hill too high: Girls' toughness wins the race - DyeStat.com

(Posted September 25, 2013)
A news item related to the previous post:
Ryan Hill to Join Schumacher's Group in Portland - flotrack.org
Former North Carolina State star Ryan Hill will be moving from Raleigh, N.C., to Portland, Ore., where he will be coached by Jerry Schumacher out of Nike's Beaverton campus.

(Posted September 19, 2013)
Ryan Hill (Hickory HS '08/NC State), currently competing for Nike, placed 4th Sunday in the 5th Avenue Mile in New York City. Hill's time was 3:53.0 on the straightaway course. Just edging Hill at the finish were New Zealander Nick Willis (3:52.1), and Americans Bernard Lagat (3:52.9) and Garrett Heath (3:53.0).
Video of finish. | Results. | Ryan Hill Profile. - FloTrack.org & nbsp; Story - LetsRun.com   Event Website.   History.   Course Map.

(Posted September 19, 2013)
Yesterday, the NCHSAA named its List of "100 to Remember" Male Athletes for its 100th anniversary.
NCHSAA's "100 to Remember" Male Athletes (9/18) - N&O

Among the Track & Field and Cross Country greats are Jim Beatty, Kelvin Bryant, Carlester Crumpler, Alge Crumpler, A.J. Davis, Tyrell Godwin, Bobby Jones, Randy Jordan, Bob McAdoo, Julius Peppers, Heath Shuler, and Charles Waddell.

Several other greats were overlooked or left out. (see NC Olympians, NC Sub-4 Milers, and NC All-Time List.)  Of course, I understand that football, basketball and baseball stars dominate the NCHSAA list, with many greats in golf, tennis, swimming, wrestling, soccer and other sports missing out. But there are a few track and field stars that I would consider to be noteworthy "near-misses" for the list.  In my opinion, any guy who equals or breaks a National High School Record deserves mention.

(Email me if you think of someone else who belongs with this group of greats.)

Wayne Davis - Southeast Raleigh HS (2009: 13.08 +2.0 National HS Record)
Delton Hall - Grimsley HS, Greensboro (1983: 46.41, Still the NCHSAA record, #1 All-Time NC)
J-Mee Samuels - Mount Tabor HS, Winston-Salem ('05: 10.08 +0.7 National HS Rec.; T&FN HS Athlete Of the Year)
Chunk Simmons - Charlotte Central HS (Silver, Bronze Olympic Decathlon medals; 1941, 1942 NCHSAA High Hurdles champion)
Carter Suggs - Tarboro HS (Runner-up, 1973 T&FN National HS Athlete of the year; Tied Natl 100 Rec; Six NCHSAA titles)
Tony Waldrop - Polk Central HS ('69: Ran 1:53.9 to smash the NCHSAA rec. by 2.3 sec.; '74 ACC Athlete of Year [for all sports] )
Jesse Williams - Broughton HS, Raleigh (4-A High Jump Champ as Soph/Jr/Sr, 7-3 in HS; 2011 World Champion.)
Greg Yeldell - North Rowan HS ('98: 53-11.75 National HS Record that lasted 6 yrs; T&N AOY)

New Bern High's 2009 relay teams also deserve special mention:
800m Sprint Medley (100/100/200/400) - 1:28.20 Natl. HS Rec. (Daishawn Styron, Fuquawn Greene, Andrew Hendrix, Anthony Hendrix 46.39)
1600 Sprint Medley (200/200/400/800) - 3:19.58 Natl. HS Rec. (Fuquawn Greene 21.5, Miles Sparks 21.8, Andrew Hendrix 46.6, Anthony Hendrix 1:49.7)
4x400 - 3:08.05 #2 US HS All-Time. (Fuquauwn Greene 47.6, Andrew Hendrix 45.9, Anthony Hendrix 46.6, Miles Sparks 47.5)

Note: This tool is handy in searching NCPrepTrack for details on an athlete.

(Posted September 13, 2013)
Follow-up items related to the 9/10 post below:
"No running" ban will stand (9/12) - MileStat.com
Save Redford HS Cross Country
The Radford High boys won a 2012 Virginia State Championship in Cross Country.

(Posted September 10, 2013)
An interesting story from one of our neighboring states:
Radford, VA Bars High School Team from Running on Roads - RunnersWorld.com

(Posted August 22, 2013)
A recent story on one of the most sought-after Javelin coaches in the world -- Chapel Hill's Jeff Gorski:
Javelin coach builds his own 'Field of Dreams' - NewsObserver.com

More on Coach Gorski's facility and programs. - NationalScholastic.org | Link to Klub Keihas.

(Posted August 21, 2013)
Former North Carolina high school stars Craig Engels (Winston-Salem Reagan HS/NC State) and Wesley Frazier (Raleigh Ravenscroft/Duke) are mentioned in this College Cross Country Preview (8/21) on RunnersWorld.com

- - - -
Related story: Track & Field News ranks Duke #2 - GoDuke.com

- - - -
An update on another former North Carolina star, Kathy Ormsby (Richmond County HS/NC State -- who was selected Monday by the NCHSAA as one of its "100 to Remember" Female Athletes for 100-year anniversary. Ormsby ran 17:55.1 at McAlpine Park along with 2:14.83/4:56.8/10:54.7 times in high school in the early '80s and still ranks on North Carolina's All-Time High School Lists in the 800, 1600, and 3200.
Ormsby honored by NCHSAA - The Rockingham Daily Journal

(Posted August 13, 2013)
New NCHSAA regional assignments, combo-conferences for upcoming season (8/13) - NewsObserver.com

- - - -
Ryan Hill (Hickory HS/NC State) advanced to the 5000m Final Tuesday at the 2013 World Track & Field Championships in Moscow, with a 13:24.19. The first 5 in each heat qualified, along with the next 5 fastest. Hill was 5th in his heat. The Final will be Friday at 12:45 pm Eastern Time.

Results / Summary - IAAF.org | Tuesday Morning Wrap-Up - USATF.org
Post-Race Interview - FloTrack.org | Hill Races Into 5,000m Final - GoPack.com

Jesse Williams (Raleigh Broughton HS/So. Calif.) competed in the High Jump Qualifying, clearing 2.17 and 2.22 before obtaining 3 straight misses at 2.26. (Metric Conversions). Williams, the 2011 World Champion has been hampered in 2013 by an injury.

(Posted August 10, 2013)
Former NC high school stars Tevin Hester (Granville Central HS/Clemson) and Craig Engels (Winston-Salem Reagan HS/NC State) are on the USATF's Team USA for the 2013 Pan American Junior Championships, August 23-25 in Medellin, Columbia.

Story - NationalScholastic.org   More on the Championships - USATF.org
Pan Am Juniors Mini-Previews: Men | Women (8/10) - NationalScholastic.org

- - - -
NC State Cross Country Announces 2013 Schedule - GoPack.com

(Posted August 7, 2013)
Asheville T.C. Roberson High graduate David Pickett has been added as an assistant coach at Milligan College in Tennessee. In addition to his accomplishments mentioned in the following link, Pickett maintained WNCPrepTrack.com and has also contributed high school news, stats, corrections, links, and more to NCPrepTrack for many years.

Pickett joins Milligan College staff - Citizen-Times.com | Milligan College

(Posted August 6, 2013)
Long-time (13-years!) DyeStat.com editor Steve Underwood has recently been hired by the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation (formerly NSSF) to work in the area of media and public relations. Those of us who created websites back during the 1990s dedicated to high school track & field/cross country certainly respect the outstanding work Steve has done over the years. Steve (known to many of you as "SteveU") has written a couple of brief articles on his love of these sports and his gratefulness to have the opportunity to work with the Foundation.

Steve Underwood leaving DyeStat - DyeStat.com

Steve Underwood looking forward to serving the NSAF - NationalScholastic.org

A 2012 post by SteveU - DyeStat.com

(Posted August 5, 2013)
The N.C. High School Athletic Association realigned teams into new conferences that start this month. A look at the new Mecklenburg County leagues:

SoMeck 8: Ardrey Kell, Berry, Charlotte Catholic, Harding, Olympic, Providence, South Mecklenburg, West Mecklenburg.
Mecka 4-A: Kannapolis AL Brown, Hopewell, Hough, Mallard Creek, North Mecklenburg, Concord JM Robinson, Vance, West Charlotte.
Southwestern: Butler, East Mecklenburg, Garinger, Independence, Myers Park, Porter Ridge, Rocky River.
(Source: Charlotte Observer story)

The three conferences above will compete in the West 4-A Regional October 26th along with the Northwestern, Mountain Athletic, and North Piedmont conferences.

- - - -
New Cross Country Coach at Asheville Christian Academy - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted August 2, 2013)
Former North Mecklenburg, UNC-Charlotte and Clemson University coach Brad Herbster has joined the University of Texas coaching staff. Herbster led North Meck to the 2000 NCHSAA 4-A Cross Country title. Earlier that year they placed 3rd in the national-caliber Great American Race of Champions.
Story/Photo - TexasSports.com

- - - -
Another former UNC-Charlotte and Clemson coach, Tim Hall is the new sprint coach at the University of Kentucky. Hall ran for Charlotte Garinger HS where he was 1988 NCHSAA Indoor Champion in the 1000-yard Run (914.4-meters). That spring he placed 3rd in the 800m (1:55:66) in the NCHSAA 4-A Championships. Hall also worked as an assistant coach at several Charlotte high schools, including Myers Park HS, as well as with the Queen City Striders Track Club.
Story/Photo - UKathletics.com

- - - -
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to launch new athletic site for updates, scores - CharlotteObserver.com
Link to the new site - CMSAthleticZone.com

(Posted July 30, 2013)
Story/Photos on Citizen-Times.com for former Asheville AC Reynolds shot and discus star Courtland Clavette. Clavette won four NCHSAA state titles in the shot and discus.

(Posted July 27, 2013)
Several past North Carolina stars competed in this weekend's London Diamond League meet.
- Johnny Dutch (Clayton HS/South Carolina/Nike) 2nd in the 400H, 48.40.
- Ryan Hill (Hickory HS/NC State) 2nd in the 3000m, 7:42.32.
- Jack Bolas (Chapel Hill HS/Wisconsin/New Balance) 11th in 3000m, 7:50.50.
Day 2 Story - USATF.org &nsbp; Story/Photos - IAAF.org   Meet Website

- - - -
Part Two of Adam Nelson's observations/anectdotes. (Part One is posted under July 26.)

(Posted July 26, 2013)
Fans and enthusiasts of the Shot Put may like this:   Observations by Olympic & World Champion Shot Putter Adam Nelson - TrackAndFieldAthletesAssociation.org  |  Adam Nelson WikiProfile  |  USATF.org Profile

(Posted July 25, 2013)
A new school opening this fall in Wake County, Rolesville High, has named several of its coaches. Among them is Michael Grether, who will coach Cross Country and Boys Track and Field.  Source: Prep Notebook (scroll down) - NewsObserver.com

Rolesville High Website.   Rolesville HS Cross Country.   WikiProfile of Rolesville.

Rolesville HS will compete as a 4-A school, in the same conference with Knightdale, SE Raleigh, E Wake, W Johnston, Clayton, Garner, and Harnett Central.   The Wake County Public Schools now has 28 high schools.   Wake Forest-Rolesville High, which was founded in 1941, has changed its name to Wake Forest High.

- - - -
RunnersWorld.com has an interview with a former Hickory HS star:   5 Minutes With Ryan Hill.

- - - -
Appalachian State University women's track and field competitors Cassie Crawford (Panther Creek HS) and Amanda Hamilton (Apex HS) have been named all-academic track and field team honorees by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for their successes both on the field and in the classroom throughout the 2012-13 academic year.
Story - GoBlueRidge.net   Story/Photo - AppStateSports.com

(Posted July 24, 2013)
Ever wonder how much professional track & field athletes in this country make? A few prominent ones do well while many struggle financially. A July 17th column by Ken Goe of The Oregonian:   Track and Field a sport of haves and have-nots.

A related story by Peter Gambaccini on RunnersWorld.com 7/23: For Elite Runners, Economic Struggles and Disparities Persist.

Survey Results/Visuals - TrackAndFieldAthletesAssociation.org

(Posted July 23, 2013)
A story on former Morganton Freedom HS/Appalachian State University athlete Robert Johnson (47-8.25, 2nd - 1991 NCHSAA State 4-A TJ) appears on a website maintained by University of Oregon students.
Coach Robert Johnson Could Be A PAC-12 Legend - UOpitcrew.com

Johnson graduated from Appalachian State in 1996, and was a two-time triple jump All-American (1995, '96), NCAA high jump qualifier (1996) and school high jump record holder (7-1 3/4). He was '96 Southern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Johnson later competed in the Triple Jump in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Trials, and coached at Appalachian State and UCLA before going to Oregon.

(Posted July 17, 2013)
Former Hickory HS and NC State All-American Ryan Hill has qualified for 2013 World Track & Field Championships in Moscow. Saturday in the 5000-meters at a meet in Belgium. Hill bettered his PR by over 12 seconds running a time of 13:14.22. The performance bettered the IAAF 'A' standard. Hill will join Galen Rupp and Bernard Lagat as the U.S. representatives in the World Championships 5000m.
Story/Interview | Previous story - GoPack.com   The College Kids Did It - ArmoryTrack.com   Ryan Hill in 2006
- - - -
Catching up ... An article on high school coaches in the Durham Herald-Sun that I had overlooked.
- - - -
Probably the U.S.'s most famous indoor track -- The Armory in New York City, is getting a brand-new Mondo surface. Thousands of high school and college athletes use the facility for meets and practice, resulting in wear and tear of the 200-meter banked track's surface.   Story - ArmoryTrack.com

Among the outstanding performances over the years by North Carolina athletes in The Armory are: 33.84 (Fuquwan Green 2010), 15:08.25 (William Roberson 2013), 7.30 (Isaiah Moore 2013), 3:19.22 (Knightdale 2011), 7.09 (Ama-Selina Tchume 2013), 1:32.64 600m (Becca Deloache 2010), 2:15.82 (Mattie Blue 2012), and 2:15.80 (Megan Sullivan 2013).

(Posted July 16, 2013)
Former Hopewell HS athlete Eric Frasure won the first place title in heavyweight athletics Saturday at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Frasure was 2003 NCHSAA 4-A Shot Put champion (55-6) and 3rd in the Discus (158-3) that year. He was 2nd in the Discus (154-9) his junior year.   Story/Photo - WataugaDemocrat.com   Photos - Citizen-Times.com

More typical track & field events are also held at the Highland Games on the McRae Meadows track -- which at an elevation of 4200 feet is the highest track in the eastern U.S. The track has never been converted to metric and is still 440 yards.   Story - Watauga Democrat

(Posted July 13, 2013)
Story on recent Swain County graduate Tyler Wike. - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted July 12, 2013)
Recent Watauga HS graduate Doria Kosmala placed 3rd in "The Bear" Thursday at Grandfather Mountain. Kosmala will be at UNC-Chapel Hill this fall.   Story - WataugaDemocrat.com
- - - -
Watauga HS Cross Country is helping to sponsor and host a benefit 5K race August 10th in Boone.  Story - GoBlueRidge.net

(Posted July 11, 2013)
Tyler Wike, a recent Swain County HS grad, won two 5-Km road races on the same day. Wike, ineligible to compete this past year, placed 38th (18:01) in the 2011 NCHSAA 1-A State Cross Country Championships. He will continue his running at Mars Hill College this fall.   Story - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted July 9, 2013)
Watauga HS may test student-athletes for drugs (7/9) - WataugaDemocrat.com
- - - -

E. Henderson's Tanis Baldwin wins 3 events in Australia (7/8) - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted July 3, 2013)
Story on recent Mount Tabor HS (Winston-Salem) grad and track star Katerra Logan. - JournalNow.com

(Posted July 2, 2013)
Carrboro HS coaches Melvin Griffin and Mimi O'Grady are quoted in this story. - WCHL (Chapel Hill)

(Posted June 30, 2013)
A good story on a Cary Academy runner earning a national award for her nonprofit volunteer work:   At 17, her nonprofit work reaches the dying (6/29) - NewsObserver.com
Emma last month ran on Cary Academy's NCISAA 3-A winning 4x800 (9:43.77), placed 4th in the 3200 (11:22.79), and picked up a point (8th) in the 1600 (5:22.37).

(Posted June 27, 2013)
A cool story. (RunnersWorld.com)  This guy ran only 2:05, 4:42, 10:50, and 16:59 in high school (at Green Sea Floyds, SC -- a 1-A school 35 miles from Myrtle Beach) but now, at 27 may be going to Moscow and representing the U.S. at the World Championships in the 1500m.
Related story.   Who is on the U.S. Team?.   Video - SCrunners.com   Former Green Sea Floyds runner makes impact - MyrtleBeachOnline.com   Green Sea Floyds alumnus' Eugene trip in 2011 - SCrunners.com
- - - -
Readers respond to NCHSAA's list of top 100 coaches - News & Observer

(Posted June 21, 2013 ...Updated 6/22, 6/23)
Performances by former NC high school athletes in the USA Outdoor Championships (Senior):
- Ryan Hill (Hickory HS/NC State) 3rd (behind Bernard Lagat & Galen Rupp) in 5000m (14:55.16). Hill will chase the IAAF B standard (13:20.00) for the opportunity to join Lagat and Rupp in Moscow. Also ran the 1500m - 14th fastest in the Prelims (3:42.34).
- Johnny Dutch (Clayton HS/South Carolina/Nike) 4th in 400m Hurdles (48.21). 1st in Prelims (49.46). 4th in Semis (48.98). Photo.
- Manteo Mitchell (Shelby Crest HS/Western Carolina) 7th in 400m (45.81). 6th in Prelims (45.76).Photo. 9th in Semis (45.67). (Advanced to Final via DQ.)
- Jesse Williams (Raleigh Broughton HS/So. Calif.) 9th (tie) in HJ (7-2.5).
- Kendra Harrison (Clayton HS/Clemson) 10th in 400m Hurdles (57.19). 12th in Prelims (57.08).
- Julia Lucas (Charlotte Myers Park HSNCSU) 12th in 5000 (16:09.51).
- Spencer Adams (Matthews Butler HS/Clemson) 6th overall in 110m Semis (13.39 +2.6) - Fastest non-qualifer for Final. (Top 4 in each semi advanced; Adams was 5th.) 14th in 110m Hurdles Prelims (13.49 +2.6).
- Jack Bolas (Chapel Hill HS/Wisconsin/New Balance) 13th in 1500m Prelims (3:41.98).
- Isaac Presson (Asheville HS/UNC) 21st in 1500m Prelims (3:46.34).
5000m Previews: Women | Men - LetsRun.com
Day 1: Senior Nationals | Day 2 | Day 3 | Final Day - USATF.org
Preview - TrackAndFieldNews.com
10 Things We'll Find Out At the US Championships - Spike-mag

Performances by former NC high school athletes in the USA Junior Outdoor Championships:
- Alexis Perry (Durham Jordan HS/NCSU) 2nd in the 100m Hurdles (13.86 -4.2). Ran 14.01 -3.1 2nd in the Prelims.
Perry also 2nd in Long Jump (19-4 -2.2).
- Tevin Hester (Granville Central HS/Clemson) 2nd in the 100 (10.53 -4.8). Hester led the Prelims with a 10.45Q -2.2.
- Craig Engels (Winston-Salem Reagan HS/NCSU) 2nd in 1500 Final (3:46.77). 10th in 1500 Prelims (3:57.21).
- Madelin Talbert (South Mecklenburg HS/Lipscomb) 3rd in the Steeplechase (10:27.80).
- Thomas Graham (Cary Academy/Stanford) 4th in the 5000 (15:05.38).
- Cameron Hudson (Charlotte Berry Academy/ECU) 4th in the Long Jump (22-8 -1.3).
- Tyler Brockington (Greensboro Dudley HS/S Carolina) 4th in 400m Hurdles (58.83). 5th in Prelims (59.40).
- Alexis Murphy (Apex HS/S Carolina) 7th in 200 (24.17 -3.8).
- Ariah Graham (Raleigh Wakefield HS/NCSU) 8th in 400 (54.81). 3rd in 400 Prelims (53.57).
- Michael Ellis (Mount Tabor HS/Appalachian) 10th in Steeplechase (9:47.14).
- Brianna Tate (Greensboro Grimsley/Appalachian,) 11th in the Shot Put (45-0.5).
- Alvonna Blakney (West Mecklenburg HS/Charlotte) 17th in the 100m Hurdles Qualifying (16.27 -1.3).
- Shelby Howell (Wilmington New Hanover HS/Appalachian) 18th in the 800 (2:14.49).
Frank Quarles (Fayetteville Byrd HS) was entered in the LJ but did not compete.
USATF Live Results - USATF.org
Day 2: Junior Nationals | Day 3 | Day 4 - USATF.org
Perry Takes Silver in 100-Meter Hurdles - GoPack.com
Engels, Moye Medal at Championships - GoPack.com
- - - -

NC State Announces Signing Class (6/18) - GoPack.com

(Posted June 20, 2013)
Schools with good track and field and cross country programs tend to do well in the NCHSAA's annual Wells Fargo Cup standings.
2012-2013 Final Standings - NCHSAA.org
Carrboro HS again recognized for excellence - ChapelHillNews.com
- - - -

As part of the celebration of the centennial of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, the NCHSAA has released the second list of its "100 To Remember" series. The list of "100 To Remember: Coaches" highlights one hundred of the top coaches in NCHSAA history, going back to the founding of the organization in 1913. A special committee, including school administrators and coaches from across the state as well as sports media, put together the list in a series of meetings.

Among the Track/Cross Country coaches on the list are: Stuart Allen (Charlotte Myers Park), Russell Blunt (Durham Hillside), Bob Sawyer (Greensboro Grimsley), Robert Steele (North Rowan), and Norman Trzaskoma (Winston-Salem RJ Reynolds).

In high school I competed against athletes coached by Allen, Sawyer, and Blunt. I feel fortunate to have had the experience of coaching with Coach "Traz" at Reynolds, and to have known Coach Blunt personally. We would call each other up and talk track for an hour or so, catching up with all the latest news and everything. The man was a true legend.

Track, Cross Country Coaches Honored by NCHSAA - NCrunners
Norm Trzaskoma, 8 others honored - JournalNow.com
Story: 100 Coaches - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted June 19, 2013)
Additional stat nuggets from last weekend's New Balance Nationals:

-- Track & Field News in it's latest eTrack Newsletter reports that West Carteret standout John Crossley's 1:48.01 makes him the 8th fastest high school 800 runner ever, and his performance ranks 14th fastest on the 800 all-time performance list for high school athletes. (T&FN accepts marks set by high school grads through August after graduation.)  East Carolina University must be very happy that John will be joining them next year.

-- Wesley Frazier's 15:55.94 puts her at #5 fastest all-time, and it was the 5th best performance ever by a high schooler at 5000m.

-- Knightdale's 800-Medley time, 1:31.38 makes them fastest nationally for 2013 in that event.

-- Frazier has the fastest Mile run outdoors in 2013 (4:39.17), although it's slower than the incredible 4:28.25i that Mary Cain (Bronxville, NY) ran indoors.

-- Likewise, Frazier has the fastest 2-Mile outdoors (10:01.17 converted). Cain ran 9:38.68i indoors. Nonetheless, Duke University is certainly very happy to have Wesley joining them this fall.

-- Cain incidently, has the fastest 2013 high school times for everything from the 800 through the 5000 (1:59.51, 4:04.62 1500, 4:28.25i, 9:02.10i 3000, 9:38.68i, 15:45.46) ... and she still has her senior year to go.(!)  I don't get Sports Illustrated any more, but if SI covered track and field the way they did decades ago when high schoolers Jim Ryun and Gerry Lindgren made the U.S. Olympic Team, Cain would have certainly have had a cover story by now.
- - - -

A bit of sad news to report today on former North Henderson HS athlete Tre Carter, who graduated in 2012.  Carter, 19, was reported as drowned Monday at Lake Summit - just south of Hendersonville and Flat Rock.  Carter, his junior year ran the 2nd leg on N Henderson's 4x400 which placed 6th (3:31.20) in the 2011 NCHSAA State 2-A Meet. He also ran on N. Henderson's state-qualifying 4x200 that year.  Hopefully we can all work to help prevent tragedies like this from happening to our young people.

Former North Henderson athlete drowns - Citizen-Times.com
Search for drowning victim on hold until morning - Hendersonville Times-News
Tuesday's story | Wednesday story - Citizen-Times

(Posted June 18, 2013)
News item on former South Mecklenburg runner Madelin Talbert:
All-America honors wraps up historic season for Talbert - LipscombSports.com
- - - -
News items on former West Johnston runner Dakota Peachee:
Peachee named All-American at NCAA Championship - HighPointPanthers.com
Peachee named Big South Track Athlete of the Year - HighPointPanthers.com
- - - -
The latest on needed improvements to high school track & field facilities in Chapel Hill. (6/18) - ChapelHillNews.com
Earlier story (4/6)

(Posted June 16, 2013)
Wanted to Buy or Trade Pole Vaulting Poles. Let me know what length, weight and brand you have and what price you want for it or what pole you are looking to trade for it. Contact Coach Eric Morell at 336-392-5708 or email esmhome@bellsouth.net
- - - -
Hailey Cook's jersey retired at Hendersonville High - Citizen-Times
- - - -
Isaac Presson to work WNC running camp - Citizen-Times

(Posted June 12, 2013)
A good story for parents of high school runners ...and likely others:
Kicking away the stones (6/11) - ChapelHillNews.com
- - - -
Virginia Tech Women's Track & Field announced eight signees for 2013, among them Wakefield's Kristen Lee and High Point Andrews' Nora McKiver.
Story - HokieSports.com

(Posted June 11, 2013)
Ideal Start Propels Davis to NCAA Title (6/10) - N&O

(Posted June 10, 2013)
The following article on Cary High's Bakri Abushouk has a typo ("Upstead" Park instead of Umstead) but is otherwise an excellent story:
Sharing in the Journey - RunningTimes.com

(Posted June 9, 2013)
NCAA Championships:
Wayne Davis II (Southeast Raleigh HS '09/Texas A&M junior) is the 2013 NCAA Champion in the 110m Hurdles. Davis won in a time of 13.14w (+3.8). Texas A&M tied with Florida (53 points) for the team championship. It was the first time the men's championship has been shared since 1978.   Spencer Adams (Matthews Butler HS '08/Clemson) placed 3rd in 13:34.
Results | Complete Results - FlashResults.com
Story - AggieAthletics.com
Story - ClemsonTigers.com
Soph. Keni Harrison 4th in 400m Hurdles - ClemsonTigers.com
Madelin Talbert 23rd in Steeplechase - LipscombSports.com
Aggie's Wayne Davis II wins title in 100m Hurdles - DailyEmerald.com NCAA Photos Great! - DailyEmerald.com
- - - -

A couple of good quotes by 2011 World Champion and London Olympic Silver Medalist in the 110m Hurdles, Jason Richardson:

"It's funny how the sport can sometimes grab you by the shoulders and shake you up. The biggest wakeup call that natural talent runs out. Natural talent has to be paired with hard work."

"Most of all, I want to have fun and just trip every metal detector in the airport with all my medals."

--Jason Richardson ('04 grad of Cedar Hill HS, Texas, '08 NCAA Champion for South Carolina, '11 World Champion, '12 Olympics: 2nd.

Source: Track & Field News, July 2013 issue, Jason Richardson interview, pp 12-14.

(Posted June 7, 2013)
NCAA Championships:
13.24w Clemson School Rec. for Spencer Adams - ClemsonTigers.com
Wayne Davis II Wins Heat in PR of 13.25w (+3.0) - AggieAthletics.com
Freshman Cameron Hudson Earns All-American Honors - ECUpirates.com
Ryan Hill Advances to 1500m Final - GoPack.com
Jake Deaton Throws Friday - Charlotte49ers.com
UNC's Tristine Johnson competes Friday. - GoHeels.com
Day 2 Notes | Championship Central - USTFCCCA.org
- - - -
UNC junior Isaac Presson (Asheville HS, '10) ran his first Sub-4-Minute Mile Saturday in Nashville, TN. Presson became the 7th former NC high school runner to ever break the 4:00 barrier.   Story/Photo - GoHeels.com
- - - -
Owen senior Imani Stewart has committed to the Western Carolina University track and field program.  Story/Photo - Citizen-Times.com

Swain County senior Dana Thompson has signed with the Mars Hill track and field program. Story/Photo - Citizen-Times

(Posted June 6, 2013)
Some interesting college track news...
Duke University has received a $5 million donation from University trustee emeritus Morris Williams, Trinity '63 and his wife Ruth, Women's College '63.   The Williams' gift will support Duke's track and field programs in particular.
Duke Track and field programs receive $5 million - DukeChronicle.com

...And for fans following the NCAA Championships:
Live Results - FlashResults.com
Live Stream - Pac-12.com
Stories - RegisterGuard.com
Championships Central - UTsports.com
Coverage FloTrack.org
Track & Field News Forum
NCAA Meet History - TrackAndFieldNews.com
NCAA All-Time Lists - TrackAndFieldNews
Top-Seeded Texas A&M Clicking on All Cylinders - NCAA.com
Keni Harrison wins 400H Semi - ClemsonTigers.com
TCU's 4x100, Harvey McSwain advance (39.15) - GoFrogs.cstv.com
Tristine Johnson Jumps to Nationals - GoHeels.com
Lubarski, Padgett End Season at NCAA Championships - ECUpirates.com
South Carolina Day 1 Recap - GameCocksOnline.com
Laser System Makes Debut at the NCAA - TrackAndFieldNews.com
#1 & #2 Aggies eager to add team titles to their collection - AggieAthletics.com
Carolina Ready for Championships - GoHeels.com
3 Pirates Set to Compete - ECUpirates.com
7 Head to NCAAs - GoPack.com
Sequoia Watkins and Ryan Hill (NC State) compete today.

(Posted June 3, 2013)
Former Shelby Crest star Harvey McSwain II (Texas Christian University) will be competing this week at the NCAA Div. I Championships in Eugene, Oregon. McSwain is a freshman.
4x100 Story/Photo | 4x400 Story - GoFrogs.cstv.com

(Posted May 30, 2013)
Mitchell senior Chase Stevens has committed to run college cross country and track for UNC Asheville.
Story/Photo - Citizen-Times.com
- - - -
UNC Wilmington will NOT be cutting Men's Track and Field or Cross Country.
Press Release (5/30) - UNCWsports.com

(Posted May 29, 2013)
An article on youth cross country and track & field programs in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area:
Story - ChapelHillNews.com

(Posted May 28, 2013)
Former NCHSAA Athletes on Record-Setting Collegiate Relay Team - NCHSAA.org

(Posted May 27, 2013)
A number of former NC high school stars advanced last weekend to the 2013 NCAA Championships, June 5-8 in Eugene, Oregon. For those not moving on to Eugene, qualifying for the Regionals is a noteworthy accomplishment in itself.

Ryan Hill, Tremanisha Taylor Qualify - GoPack.com   Ryan Hill: "Just get in the top 5!" - FloTrack.org   Ryan Hill: Contract hunting - FloTrack.org   5 to Represent UNC at Nationals - GoHeels.com   Dakota Peachee advances to NCAAs - HighPointPanthers.com   Tigers Qualify 11 Athletes, 2 Relays for NCAA - ClemsonTigers.com   Spencer Adams Interview - FloTrack.org   Gamecocks Earn NCAA Bids - GamecocksOnline.com   ECU Trio Headed to Nationals - ECUpirates.com   NCAA Wraps Up Meet at A&T - NCATaggies.com   4 Cavaliers Advance - VirginiaSports.com   Duke Advances 4 - goDuke.com   Tennessee Vols Punch NCAA Ticket - UTsports.com   30 Texas A&M Aggies Qualify for Eugene - AggieAthletics.com   11 Hoosiers Will Compete at NCAA Championships - IUhoosiers.com   Niners wrap up East Prelims - Charlotte49ers.com   Hanover grad 14th in 200 - nccuEaglePride.com   Appalachian Concludes Season - GoASU.com   UNC-Wilmington Concludes Season - UNCWsports.com  

Regional Results: West | East.   Qualifiers for Nationals: Men | Women
NCAA Championships Schedule - FloTrack.org

(Posted May 24, 2013)
Alumni news -- featuring several former North Carolina high school stars:
Jake Deaton qualifies for NCAA Championships - Charlotte49ers.com   Cameron Hudson Punches Ticket to NCAA Championships - ECUpirates.com   Scott Houston Advances to Eugene in Vault - IUhoosiers.com   10.21 for Tevin Hester; Keni Harrison breaks Clemson record - ClemsonTigers.com   State's Graham Crawford narrowly misses advancing - theTimesNews.com   Jake Hurysz advances to 1500 Quarterfinals - CUbuffs.com   Former So. Durham star advances to 100 Quarterfinals - NCATaggies.com   Five Gamecocks Advance - GamecocksOnline.com   Four Advance to Finals on First Day of NCAA Regional - GoPack.com   Five Move On at NCAA Opening Round - GoHeels.com   Six Cavaliers advance during first day - VirginiaSports.com   Two End Season at NCAA East Regional - CatamountSports.com   Reid, Walton Compete at NCAA Regional - UNCWsports.com   Broaden, Stalling Finish Day One of Prelims - GoASU.com   Tavis Bailey advances to Eugene | Tennessee sending 25 to NCAA Regional - UTsports.com   2 NCCU Seniors Headed to NCAA Prelims - nccuEaglePride.com   Dakota Peachee leads 4 Panthers into NCAA Prelims - HighPointPanthers.com   Tanner Anderson one of 27 Blue Devils in First Round - goDuke.com   Wayne Davis II One of 58 Aggies to Compete | Stats - AggieAthletics.com   W&M Opens Competition at NCAA East - TribeAthletics.com
- - - -
North Buncombe senior Faith Jewkes has decided to continue her track career in college at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. Jewkes ran on N. Buncombe's 4x400 which was 4th at the 2012 NCHSAA 3-A State Meet and 4th in 2013 and on their 4x800 which in 2013 which placed 4th.
Story/Photos - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted May 22, 2013)
Johnny Dutch (Clayton HS '07/South Carolina/Nike) won the 400-meter Hurdles Saturday (5/18) at the Ponce IWC meet in Ponce, Puerto Rico with a time of 48.02 -- to become the current world leader in that event for 2013. Dutch was 2006 NCHSAA State 4-A 110m Hurdles Champion (13.55) and again in 2007 (13.39w +3.2). He also was 300m Hurdles Champion in 2006 (36.60) but narrowly lost to Spencer Adams in '07 (36.04 to 36.09). He is #10 on the All-Time U.S. High School List for 400m Hurdles (50.07), and #21 in the 110m Hurdles (13.46).
Story/Photo - IAAF.org   Results - FloTrack.org

(Posted May 21, 2013)
Junior Colin Minor from South Brunswick HS in Southport, will be competing in the Hammer Throw Saturday, June 8th in the 3rd Annual Chicagoland Throwers Series at Benedictine U. in Lisle, Illinois. The high school and elite athletes will compete together (the high school boys will use high school weight implements). The event is sponsored by the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation, the directors of the New Balance Nationals Indoor and the New Balance Nationals Outdoors.
More on the meet | - NationalScholastic.org

(Posted May 17, 2013)
From Bryan Backney:
Hello my name is Bryan Brackney and I am a senior at Watauga High School. Next year I am running at UNC Wilmington. If you haven't heard, UNCW could lose their men's XC and Indoor Track teams.

I would really appreciate it if you visit the petition one of the members on our team made to help save UNCW XC and show support for the program and running in NC:
Save UNC-W Men's XC/Indoor Track Teams

Thanks,
Bryan Brackney

(Posted May 9, 2013)
Opinion column:  Nontraditional schools a ball that keeps slipping through NCHSAA's fingers (5/8) - Carteret Co. News-Times

(Posted May 3, 2013)
News items today from south of the border:
Coastal Carolina (Conway, SC) announced Thursday that it will eliminate its men's cross country and track and field programs after the 2013-14 school year in a move the university says is to satisfy necessary budget cuts and Title IX compliance.
Story - MyrtleBeachOnline.com
----

Coaches who have been around for awhile may recall longtime Rock Hill (SC) coach Bob Jenkins.  Coach Jenkins passed away Monday at age 79.  Stories:
Legendary track coach dies at 79 - HeraldOnline.com
Coaches remember Bob Jenkins - SCrunners.com
Coach Jenkins influenced many - Herald
Runners, co-workers, fishing buddies and family came to celebrate the life and passion of longtime York County coach Bob Jenkins:
"Coach for life" touched lives at Northwestern - CharlotteObserver.com

(Posted May 1, 2013)
East Henderson soph Tanis Baldwin named Athlete of Week for 3rd Time.
Story - BlueRidgeNow.com
- - - -
White Oak's J.T. Booker to UNC-G - JDnews.com
- - - -
Asheville School's Ben Fiedler to Amherst - Citizen-Times.com
- - - -
Asheville High's Will DuBose to Sewanee - Citizen-Times

(Posted April 30, 2013)
Wayne Davis II (Southeast Raleigh HS/Texas A&M) won the the College Men's 110m Hurdles Saturday at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia with a time of 13.67 (-0.3). On Friday, Davis won his qualifying heat with a 13.90 (-0.6), the 2nd fastest time in the prelims.

Also at the Penn Relays former Shelby Crest HS '05/Western Carolina University sprinter Manteo Mitchell ran a 44.8 leg (2nd leg) on the U.S.'s winning 4x400 (3:00.91) over Jamaica and the Bahamas.
- - - -

Johnny Dutch (Clayton HS '07/South Carolina/Nike) finished 2nd Friday in the 400m Hurdles at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa, in 48.73. The winner, Michael Tinsley (adidas) ran 48.55 -- the world-leading time thus far for 2013.
- - - -

Raleigh Millbrook, Jones Senior to receive major awards at annual meeting - NCHSAA.org

(Posted April 29, 2013)
Asheville A.C. Reynolds HS senior Chris Cubra is one of two Citizen-Times/Western NC Athletes of the Week.
Story/Photo - Citizen-Times.com
- - - -

Former East Burke HS star and current Duke junior Tanner Anderson won the High Jump (7-2.5) last weekend at the 119th Penn Relays in Philadelphia. Duke athletes broke three school records at the Penn Relays.
Story - DukeChronicle.com   Anderson wins HJ - GoDuke.com
- - - -

Results by former NC high school athletes at Sunday's 18th Annual Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational (Stanford, California):
Jake Hurysz (Eastern Alamance HS/UNC/Colorado) - 1500m: 3:40.63 PR (5th) in 2nd section.
Jack Bolas (Chapel Hill HS/Wisconsin/New Balance) - 1500m: 3:39.73 (6th) in 1st section.
Graham Crawford (Burlington Williams HS/NC State) - 1500m: 3:43.30 (3rd) in 3rd section.
Dylan Ferris (East Forsyth HS/Stanford) - 1500m: 3:50.29 (5th) in 5th section.
Thomas Graham (Cary Academy/Stanford) - 5000m: 14:09.53 (6th) in 3rd section.
Sandy Roberts (Raleigh Broughton HS/NC State) - 5000m: 14:03.85 (15th) in 2nd section.
Bobby Mack (North Forsyth HS/NC State) - 10,000m: 28:31.14 (16th) in 1st section.
Andy Wacker (Southern Pines Pinecrest HS/Colorado/BRC-adidas) - 10,000m: 29:12.01 (7th) in 2nd section.
Samantha George (Raleigh Millbrook/NCSU) - 1500m: 4:33.40 8th) in 4th section.
Julia Lucas (Charlotte Myers Park HS/NC State/Oregon TC) - 5000m: 15:23.77 (3rd) in 1st section.
Addie Bracy (Northwest Guilford HS/UNC/Brooks) - 10,000m: 33:46.52 (19th) in 1st section.
 Complete Results - rpspt.com   Story - GoStanford.com

(Posted April 26, 2013)
Pinecrest runner Hayden Rudd has been named a winner of the 4th annual Charles Adams Endowed Scholarship awarded by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.
Press Release - NCHSAA.org
- - - -

Announcement from Jamal Willis:
Raven Hamilton of the Southern Guilford Track Team will be signing her National Letter of Intent to attend Winston-Salem State University next Tuesday April 30th at 10 am in the Media Center or Cafeteria at Southern Guilford High School, 5700 Drake Rd. Greensboro, NC 27406. We would love for all of you to attend to help us celebrate and document this tremendous accomplishment. I am especially proud of Raven because she is actually the first athlete that I have coached that has earned a scholarship to run at the next level coming out of Southern. Team members, family, and friends will be in attendance for picture opportunities.
- - - -

A Last Chance Meet has been scheduled for May 2nd at North Lincoln HS. Interested coaches can learn more on NCPrepTrack's Schedule page.

(Posted April 25, 2013)
Waynesville Tuscola senior Sarah Golden has signed with the UNC Pembroke track and field program.
Story/Photo - Citizen-Times.com
- - - -

The USATF Foundation announced today it has awarded 42 youth grants to track & field clubs throughout the country. Among the North Carolina clubs receiving grants are:
Evolution Track Club - Johnston County ($1500)
Virgil Simpson Roadrunners Track Club - Winston-Salem ($1500)
Raleigh Walkers ($1500)
Cross Country for Youth ($2500)
Complete List/Press Release - USATFfoundation.org  |  NC USATF Clubs - USATF.org
- - - -

Among former NC high school athletes accepted for this weekend's 18th Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational (Stanford, California) are:

Some great [!] old historical photos from the Penn Relays (several from over 100 years ago) are available at: University of Pennsylvania Archives: Penn Relays.   For example, check out this photo of the 1917 100-yard High Hurdles.  (They don't make hurdles like that any more!).  1908 Pole Vault photo. (I'd sure hate to land on that rake to the left of the landing pit!).  Look out!.
- - - -

Video: Duke University Track & Field - Trackstreet Boys

(Posted April 23, 2013)
Several familiar names appear among the top 3 placers at last weekend's ACC Track & Field Championships in Raleigh:

Spencer Adams (Matthews Butler HS '08/Clemson) 1st in 110m Hurdles (13.70 -2.2).
Kendra Harrison (Clayton HS/Clemson) 1st 400m Hurdles (56.58) and 2nd, 100m Hurdles (13.04 -1.4).
Isaac Presson (Asheville HS/UNC) 2nd, 1500m (3:45.18).
Jacinda Evans (Southern Durham HS/UNC) 2nd, Long Jump (21-1w +6.43).
Stormy Kendrick (Gastonia Forestview HS/Clemson) 2nd, 100m (11.58 +1.5).
Tremanisha Taylor (Southern Vance HS/NC State) 2nd in Shot (53-5).
Sequoia Watkins (Asheville TC Roberson HS/NCSU) 2nd in Discus (172-9).
Andie Cozzarelli (Apex HS/NCSU) 2nd in 10,000 (34:15.47).
Freshman Tevin Hester (Granville Central HS/Clemson) 3rd in the 100m (10.22 +0.9) and 3rd in the 200m (20.90 -0.4).
Redshirt Freshman Graham Crawford (Burlington Williams HS/NC State) 3rd, 1500m (3:45.34).
Chrishawn Williams (SE Raleigh HS/UNC) 3rd, Long Jump (20-8w +6.31).
Florida State's men and Clemson's women won the team championships.
- - - -

An article with good advice for high school coaches and runners:
When to Back Off - RunnersWorld.com

(Posted April 22, 2013)
Padding permitted for Pole Vault planting boxes in High School Track & Field:
Story - NCHSAA.org
- - - -

Former Gastonia Ashbrook Track & Field Coach Roger Dixon has been selected as one of the NCHSAA's "100 Administrators to Remember" - part of the NCHSAA's 100th anniversary. Dixon, a graduate of both Gardner-Webb and St. Andrews Presbyterian, served more than 18 years as an athletic director with stints at Z.B. Vance, Charlotte Christian, Gastonia Ashbrook and North Gaston. He is a former president of the North Carolina Athletic Directors' Association and the 2002 recipient of the NIAAA State Award of Merit. Dixon retired as the Socastee (SC) High athletic director in July 2012.

Also selected was Ralph Holloway, who was a standout coach at Burlington Cummings and Kinston, leading teams to state championships in women's track and football. Holloway was a successful athletic director at West Carteret and principal at East Carteret HS. He was a recipient of the Dave Harris AD of the Year award in 2002. Holloway has been involved in almost every aspect of NCHSAA activities, including as a former president of the NCHSAA Board of Directors.

Complete List: 100 Administrators to Remember - NCHSAA.org

(Posted April 19, 2013)
Former Asheville TC Roberson star Sequoia Watkins, currently an NC State redshirt freshman, placed 2nd Thursday in the Discus at the ACC Track & Field Championships in Raleigh. Her throw was a personal best 172-9.
Story - Citizen-Times.com

Teammate Andie Cozzarelli (Apex HS/NCSU) placed 2nd in the 10,000m (34:15.47).

Cozzarelli and Watkins take 2nds in ACC - GoPack.com
NC State Hosts ACC Outdoor T&F Championships - GoPack.com
Live Results | Live Video Stream
----
Anthony James, founder and head coach of the Charlotte Flights Track & Field Club, has been selected to be Assistant Manager of the U.S. Youth Team for the 2013 IAAF World Youth Track & Field Championships to be held July 10-14 in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Announcement - USATF.org
More on Anthony James.  2005 story.

(Posted April 18, 2013)
Stephen Underwood ("Steve U") of DyeStat.com has a good commentary on the sport of Track and Field. (4/17)

(Posted April 17, 2013)
(Announcement from Coach Alton E. Tyre:)   Barry Harris and Daijia Ervin, members of the Southeast Guilford High School Track Teams, will be signing national letters of intent to attend North Carolina A & T State University and Winston-Salem State University on Thursday afternoon, April 25 in the Southeast Cafeteria at 4:00 PM. Athletes and their families will be available to the media for pictures and interviews after the signings. The Southeast Track Teams will sponsor a cookout in honor of Barry and Daijia immediately after the pictures and interviews. We hope you can join us.

Barry has run for Southeast Guilford during his junior and senior year. Barry set new school records in 4 events in Indoor Track and was a key member of the 2012 4A Indoor State Co-Champions. Daijia Ervin signs with Winston-Salem State. Daijia has run for Southeast Guilford since her sophomore year. She is part of 4 school records at Southeast in Indoor and Outdoor Track. Barry and Daijia has both been All Guilford County, All Conference, and All State Performers.

NCPrepTrack notes:  Barry Harris has a 500m best of 1:04.69 (#10 NC All-Time), a 300m best of 35.52, and outdoor bests of 11.51, 22.69, 49.43, 44.97 300H, 59.25 400H, and 19-0. (Source: NCrunners.com stats).  Daijia Erwin has indoor bests of 7.38 (55m), 42.64 (300m), 1:24.00 (500m), and outdoor bests of 12.24, 26.04, and 1:01.99. (Source: NCrunners.com stats).

(Posted April 16, 2013)
Three North Carolina high school student/athletes are currently leaders on the National High School Lists.

Bakri Abushouk (Cary HS) is #1 in the Boys 5000m (14:34.44).

Wesley Frazier (Raleigh Ravenscroft School) is first in the Girls 5000m (16:18.01i - indoors). That time, run in March at the New Balance Indoor Nationals was a U.S. HS Indoor Record.

Tametris Morrison (Southeast Raleigh) is tops for the Girls 400m Hurdles (61.67). Morrison's best was in July 2012 at the USATF Region III meet (59.92).

Link: 2013 High School Leaders - TrackAndFieldNews.com
----
Carolina Day's Trevor Sleight has committed to run college cross country and track for William & Mary. Sleight set a School Record in the 3200 meters (9:17.24) Saturday at the Taco Bell Invitational. He has a best 5000m time of 14:57.68.
Story/Photo | More on Trevor - Citizen-Times.com
Follow-up story/photos (4/19) - Citizen-Times
----
Richmond County's Morgan Tedder has signed with St. Andrews.   Story - Richmond Co. Daily Journal

(Posted April 11, 2013)
Former North Carolina high school hurdles star Johnny Dutch (Clayton HS '07/South Carolina/Nike) currently has the fastest time in the world for 2013 in the 400-meter Hurdles with a 49.09. Dutch won last weekend at the 69th Pepsi Florida Relays.

Also last weekend, Spencer Adams (Matthews Butler HS '08/Clemson) won the 110-meter Hurdles at the Auburn Invitational and became this year's Collegiate leader in that event. Adams ran 13.40 (-0.2).
Results - AuburnTigers.com
----
Coach Robert Steele, who led North Rowan to a total of 15 NCHSAA state championships in Track & Field (including five in a row for his men's teams from 1994 - 1998) will be inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame Saturday in Chapel Hill. The annual NCHSAA Hall of Fame banquet and induction ceremonies are set for the Friday Center on the campus of the University of North Carolina, with dinner starting at 6 p.m.
Press Release - NCHSAA.org
----
In non-NC high school news ... UNC will honor a Carolina Great (..not a North Carolinian but an Ohioan) Saturday at the Joe Hilton Invitational in Chapel Hill. This guy has held the UNC school 800m record (1:47.14) since 1973!
Story - GoHeels.com
----
60's distance legend Gerry Lindgren (Rogers HS '64, Spokane, Washington) shares his opinions on racing. - MileSplit.com

(Posted April 10, 2013)
Watauga High boy's and girl's track coach Randy McDonough has announced that senior Peter Vandenberg will walk on to run track and cross country at Appalachian State University next season.
Story - GoBlueRidge.net
----
Erwin HS senior Rachael Johnson has signed to run college cross country and track for Western Carolina University.
Story - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted April 9, 2013)
UNC's Tar Heel Running Camp will return to Asheville School this summer with Blues coach Randy Ashley serving as co-director.
Story - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted April 8, 2013)
Fans and enthusiasts of cross-country may be interested in the latest on the construction and changes at historic McAlpine Greenway Park -- home of the Foot Locker South Regional, Wendy's Invitational, Providence Invitational, numerous other meets (including the NCISAA State Meet), and former site of the NCHSAA State Meet.   (some history)

(Posted April 6, 2013)
Not NC, it's from Lousiana ... but still an interesting story:
All records aren't made to be broken in high school track and field - Bossierpress.com

(Posted April 5, 2013)
Southern Pines Pinecrest's Jennie Cunningham is Dartmouth-bound. Cunningham has collected three NCHSAA 1000m titles and has an 800m best of 2:13.99. She is ranked 4th academically in her class of 440 students.
[Good!] Story - ThePilot.com
- - - -
Erwin High's Rachael Johnson has committed to run cross country and track for Western Carolina University. Johnson was 20th in the 2012 NCHSAA 3-A Cross Country Championships (19:41.78). As a soph, she was 5th in the NCHSAA 3-A 1600 with a 5:18.28.
News item - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted April 4, 2013)
Story/photo on former Cary Academy's Thomas Graham:
  Bloodied Graham shows toughness during World Junior Cross Country Championships - NewsObserver.com
See related links posted March 25th below.
- - - -
Former Apex HS runner Amanda Hamilton, currently at Appalachian State University, has been named Southern Conference Student-Athlete of the Week. Hamilton was 5th in the 10,000m at last Friday's Raleigh Relays with a time of 34:52.76 and broke a 24-year old ASU school record.

(Posted April 1, 2013)
Former Asheville AC Reynolds athlete Courtland Clavette set a Brown University record for the discus on Saturday at a track meet in Providence, R.I.
Story - Citizen-Times.com  Another - BrownBears.com

(Posted March 27, 2013)
Several former North Carolina high school athletes will be competing Friday/Saturday at the 29th Annual Stanford Invitational at Stanford University:
Isaac Presson (Asheville HS/UNC) 1500m.
Andy Wacker (Southern Pines Pinecrest HS/Colorado/BRC-adidas) 10,000m.
Carolyn Baskir (East Chapel Hill HS/Bowdoin College/Duke) 1500m & 5000m.
Addie Bracy (Northwest Guilford HS/UNC/Brooks) 5000m.
Andie Cozzarelli (Apex HS/NC State) 10,000m.
This is the first of two big meets at Stanford this spring that should attract national-caliber talent. The Payton Jordan Invitational will be April 28th.
Coverage/Live Feed - FloTrack
Heat Sheets/Schedule - GoStanford.com
Preview - RunnersWorld.com
Meet Website
- - - -
Crazy-Weather News... Watauga County Schools are closed again today due to winter weather. This is their 19th [yes, that's nineteenth!] snow day. Two more days of next week's spring break have been cancelled and will be make-up days. The last day of school may be June 12. As of 11 am Wednesday, Boone is receiving light snow and it's 26 degrees. Story   Snow Totals.

(Posted March 25, 2013)
Chapel Hill High seniors Chris Reeder, and Norman Archer, both of whom ran on the school's cross-country team, have both won Morehead scholarships at UNC. Reeder was 3rd in last fall's NCHSAA 3-A State Cross Country Championships (15:56.64).
Story/Photo - ChapelHillNews.com
- - - -
At Sunday's IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, former North Forsyth HS/NC State star Bobby Mack placed 19th. Mack was the 4th American across the line and helped the U.S. team to a surprising 2nd place finish. (The top 4 score.) Ethiopia won with 38 points, with the U.S. 2nd (52) and Kenya 3rd (54). The last time Kenya failed to place in the top two was in 1984, when they finished 4th.

In the Junior Men's Race Thomas Graham (Cary Academy/Stanford) was 40th, and the #5 American. The U.S. team placed 4th, behind Ethiopia, Kenya, and Morocco.

Team USA men grab best finish since 1984 at World Cross Country Championships - USATF.org
Video/Photos (scroll down) - US.MileSplit.com
Juniors solid, but Team USA Sr. Men the story - DyeStat.com
Oficial Meet Website - IAAF.org
Twenty-Nine Years Later, Team USA Takes Silver - FloTrack.org
World Championships Coverage - LetsRun.com
Britain's Junior Women make the podium - European-Athletics.org
Cross Country legend Ngugi decries lack of Kenyan teamwork
Team USA Profile (Sr. Men) - Runnerspace.com
US Jr. Team Profiles - Runnerspace.com
- - - -
Burke Co. alumni in college - Morganton.com

(Posted March 20, 2013)
Update (video story) on former Shelby Crest HS '05/Western Carolina University sprinter Manteo Mitchell. - WLOS.com

(Posted March 19, 2013)
Fans who were hoping that Charlotte's Alana Hadley would focus on some major track meets this spring may be a bit disappointed by this news item today on RunnersWeb.com. Hadley ranks 3rd on the North Carolina All-Time 5000-meter list (17:05.16 in 2011) and 2nd for the 10,000 (34:59.38 last April in Knoxville). The current 10th-grader was 34th at the 2011 Foot Locker National Cross Country.
---
Track fans who follow the rising new talent from the island of Jamaica continue to be amazed by eye-opening performances. The Jamaican High School Championships are held in March (outdoors), many schools have "College" in their name (NC of course has Harding University), and athletes compete in age divisions in Class 1, Class 2 and Open events ranging in age from 10 to 19. Among the events are the 400-meter hurdles, 2000-meter steeplechase, 1500, 5000, Javelin, Heptathlon, and Decathlon. The relays are the 4x100, 4x400, and sprint medley. The meet was held this past Tuesday through Saturday in the capital, Kingston. 27 records were broken.

Looking at differences/similarities between the NCHSAA's and Jamaica's championships, consider these marks by the Jamaican high schoolers last week: 100m 10.28, 200m 20.27, 400m 46.21, 800m 1:52.21, 110mH 13.24, 400mH 49.98, 5000m 15:46.86, HJ 7-2 (by a 16-year-old), 4x100 39.85, 4x400 3:09.21 ...and for the women: 200m 22.98, 400m 51.60, 800m 2:09.56, 100mH 13.38, LJ 19-7.5, 4x100 45.10 and 4x400 3:30.51. A 13-year-old boy ran 10.85 (+1.0) and 21.87. A 12-year-old girl ran 100m in 11.75 (-0.2) and 24.28 (-1.4) for the 200. In the Under-14 400m, a new record of 49.13 was set. ...All inspired by Usain Bolt perhaps. North Carolina has a population of 9.7 million, Jamaica 2.8 million.
Article - IAAF.org   Full Results - ISSAsports.com

(Posted March 18, 2013)
Several athletes from Charlotte Providence Day competed with college athletes Friday and Saturday at the 49er Classic at Charlotte.
Ben Huffman, a junior: 1500, 4:00.57; 800, 1:58.88
Nick Linder, a sophomore: 1500, 4:06.02; 800, 2:00.86
Emma Brown, a sophomore: 1500, 4:47.96; 800, 2:22.67

Brianna Heisnis, Apex HS threw 141-4 in the Hammer Throw (#3 NC All-Time).

Results - FlashResults.com   Story on meet - Charlotte49ers.com   Meet page - NCrunners.com

(Posted March 16, 2013)
A really good article on former Charlotte Myers Park HS/NC State star Julia Lucas:
Julia Lucas puts her trials behind her - Eugene Register-Guard

(Posted March 15, 2013)
Asheville T.C. Roberson senior River Gordon has committed to run college cross country and track for Olivet Nazarane, in Illinois.
Photo/story - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted March 14, 2013)
Asheville T.C. Roberson senior Anisia Starege has committed to the UNC Wilmington track and field program. Starege placed 5th (5-0) in the NCHSAA State 4-A Indoor High Jump last month. She cleared 5-6 in a meet at JDL Fast Track 1/12.
Photo/story - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted March 13, 2013)
Asheville T.C. Roberson alum Megan McDonald has been named a Division III All-American after her freshman season of indoor track at Johns Hopkins.   Story - Citizen-Times.com
- - -
Proposed bill would allow homeschooled kids to play HS sports on public school teams - Wilmington Star-News

(Posted March 12, 2013)
Hayesville's Dylan Johnson signs with Young Harris (3/12) - Citizen-Times.com
Johnson was NCHSAA State 1-A Cross Country Champion last November.
- - -
Hendersonville's Grant Rivers signs with NC State (3/11) - Citizen-Times.com
Rivers was NCHSAA State 1-A High Jump Champion in 2011 (6-4) and 2012 (6-6).
- - -
Watauga's Taylor Drummonds signs with ECU (3/12) - GoBlueRidge.net
Story - WataugaDemocrat.com
Drummonds was 5th in the NCHSAA Indoor State 4A Pole Vault (10-0) last month.

(Posted March 11, 2013)
Two former North Carolina high school stars finished 2nd & 3rd in the 60-meter Hurdles at this weekend's NCAA Indoor Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Wayne Davis II (Southeast Raleigh HS/Texas A&M) placed 2nd (7.59) and Spencer Adams (Matthews Butler HS '08/Clemson) was 3rd (7.60). Ryan Hill (Hickory HS '08/NC State) placed 2nd in the Mile (3:55.25). It was Hill's 8th All-American award. Stormy Kendrick (Gastonia Forestview HS/Clemson) placed 6th in the Women's 60 (7.40). Freshman Tevin Hester (Granville Central HS/Clemson) was 7th in the 60 (6.70). Freshman Tyler Brockington (Greensboro Dudley HS/South Carolina) ran on South Carolina's 10th-place 4x400 (3:35.49). Taylor Gilland (Chapel Hill HS/Virginia anchored Virginia's 10th-place Distance Medley (9:43.70).

Former Morganton Freedom HS/Appalachian State athlete Robert Johnson (47-8.25, 2nd - NCHSAA State 4-A TJ 1991) and now the Head Track Coach at The University of Oregon led their women's team to their 4th straight NCAA Indoor title.   Story - RegisterGuard.com

Complete Results - FlashResults.com   Story - GoDucks.com   Interview - FloTrack.org
- - -
Interesting nugget:
Did you know that 7 of the top 8 in the Girls Indoor 5000 on NC's All-Time High School List are from the Raleigh/Cary area? (...And Raleigh legends Mary and Julie Shea never ran an indoor 5000 in high school.)

(Posted March 8, 2013)
A handy link to (Live Splits & Results) for track fans following this weekend's NCAA Indoor Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

(Posted February 28, 2013)
Paul Leak, a senior at Appalachian State University is currently in a Research and Evaluation studies course and has set up two surveys to obtain analysis of five cross country courses in the state of North Carolina. He is trying to get these surveys out to as many coaches and athletes as possible. There are two surveys, one for coaches, and one for athletes.
Links: for Coaches | for Athletes
- - -

Former Erwin HS thrower Andrew Nallenweg, now a senior at Wingate, has received all-region honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for his first season of college indoor track.
Story/Photo - Citizen-Times.com
- - -

Sprint fans will enjoy this YouTube video of Michael Cherry's 300-meter National Record of 33.05 at last weekend's Virginia State Meet. Cherry attends Oscar Smith HS (Chesapeake, Virginia). Faster 300 times are usually run on banked tracks. This was on a *flat* 200m track. The old National Record (33.19) was set 27 years ago in 1986 by William Reed Jr. of Philadelphia's Central High.

Cherry also won the 500m (1:03.13) at his State Meet and anchored his team's 4x400 with a split of 46.5. He ran 46.37 for 400m outdoors in 2012 and has indoor 400m and 500m times of 48.08 and 1:02.61 this winter, and will be running for Florida State next year.

Interview: Michael Cherry - MileSplit   Story - DyeStat.com
Photos of William Reed Jr. (see p.36, 38)   What ever happended to William Reed? | Reed: All-Time Great - LetsRun.com   1986 Story on Reed - Philly.com   Penn Relays All-Time Top Splits

(Posted February 27, 2013)
Asheville School senior Robert Cook has committed to run college cross country and track for Army.
Story - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted February 26, 2013)
Asheville T.C. Roberson HS grad Megan McDonald had three gold-medal performances Saturday at her first Centennial Conference championship track meet for Johns Hopkins.
Story - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted February 22, 2013)
Bobby Mack (North Forsyth HS/NCSU) and Thomas Graham (Cary Academy/Stanford) will be members of the U.S. teams competing in the 2013 World Cross Country Championships, March 24 in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Story - USATF.org
 ---
N Buncombe's Katarina Ruehl signs with WCU - Citizen-Times.com

(Posted February 21, 2013)
A high school in Asheville now has a Jumbotron in its stadium. The stadium will be the site of the Blue Ridge Classic in April and the West 4-A Regional in May.   Photo/Story - Citizen-Times.com
 ---
Former T.C. Roberson HS track coach Jerry Wilkins has been selected as an inductee for T.C. Roberson's Athletic Hall of Fame.
Story - Citizen-Times
 ---
Asheville High senior Brandon Washington (3rd, 2012 NCHSAA 3-A 300m Hurdles, 39.66) recently had a unique opportunity off the track.   Story/Photo - Citizen-Times   Story - Cougar Sports Network
 ---
A handy link (Live Results) for track fans following this weekend's ACC Indoor Championships in Blacksburg, VA.

(Posted February 19, 2013)
Former Madison HS runner Josey Weaver, a senior at Western Carolina set a school record in the 5000-meter run (14:46.60) at the Tiger Paw Invitational held Feb. 8-9 at Clemson. The previous record had lasted 28 years. Soph teammate Travis Alfaro (Lincolnton HS) placed 3rd with a PR of 15:00.60. WCU competes next at the Southern Conference Indoor Championships (schedule), Friday-Saturday Feb. 23-24 at the JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem.
Story - Citizen-Times.com | Story - CatamountSports.com

(Posted February 18, 2013)
A very good article on the East Coast's premier track venue ("..where speeds soar and records fall"):
Up In Washington Heights, An Indoor Track Mecca.. - StadiaFile.com

Several former NC high school athletes now competing for Charlotte excelled in this past weekend's Atlantic 10 Indoor Championships. Joann Blakney (W Mecklenburg HS) was named the Most Outstanding Track Performer for the 2nd straight year. Alvonna Blakney (W Mecklenburg HS) was named Most Outstanding Rookie Performer. Cordell Livingston (SW Guilford HS) was the Most Outstanding Field Performer. Jake Deaton (Mooresville HS) set a school and conference record in winning the SP (60-10.5). T'Sheila Mungo (Charlotte Independence HS) set a Meet Record in the 500m (1:11.50). Freshman Anthony Bynum (Charlotte Hopewell HS) won the 200 in 21.74. Trey McRae (Scotland Co. HS) won the HJ (6-11.5).

Several others contributed to Charlotte's titles: Sean Kluttz (S Stanly HS) was 2nd in the 800 (1:54.08). Maraya Slatter (W Johnston HS) was 3rd in the Women's 800m (2:14.20). Freshman Will Thomas (Topsail HS) placed 3rd in the HJ (6-8.25). Michael Tamayo (Eastern Alamance HS) was on the 3rd-place 4x800 (7:43.96) along with Kluttz.
49ers sweep final Atlantic 10 Indoor Championships - Charlotte49ers.com   Results - FlashResults.com
Interviews: Joann Blakney Cordell Livingston

(Posted February 17, 2013)
Ryan Hill (Hickory HS '08/NC State) ran a Mile PR of 3:54.89 and placed 5th in the Wanamaker Mile at the 106th Millrose Games at The Armory in New York City.  Results.

The meet included highlights such as Mary Cain setting a new National HS Indoor Mile Record of 4:28.25 and Edward Cheserek running 8:39.15 for 2-Miles, breaking the National HS Indoor Record of 8:40.0 by Gerry Lindgren set in 1964!
Coverage - US.Milesplit.com   Hill Races into Record Books - GoPack.com   Story - USATF.org   Story - NYdailyNews.com

(Posted February 14, 2013)  (Additional links added 2/15)
Ryan Hill (Hickory HS '08/NC State) will be competing in the Wanamaker Men's Mile at 9:50pm EST Saturday (2/16) at the 106th annual Millrose Games in New York City.

The historic meet, held for decades in Madison Square Garden is now held in The Armory.   Hill, who won the 2006 Foot Locker South Regional and placed 11th in the '07 Nationals, had high school bests of 4:11.8 (1600) and 9:03.01 (3200). Currently a NCSU senior, he is a seven-time NCAA All-American and has a best Mile of 3:56.78 and 1500m of 3:38.36. Hill has the fastest time by an American in the 5000 (13:43.52) this year. He won the 3000m (7:49.20) last weekend at the Husky Classic in Seattle for the 2nd year in a row.

Lineups for The Millrose Miles.   ESPN Will Show Millrose Games - NYTimes.com   Lineups: Elite Events - RunnerSpace.com   Coverage Page - MileSplit.com   Coverage Page - RunnerSpace.com   Coverage Page - FloTrack.org   Millrose Games Facebook Page   Story - BleacherReport.com   Event-by-Event Breakdown - Runnerspace.com   Past Wanamaker Mile Champions - RunningPast.com   Catching Up With NC State's Ryan Hill - Runnerspace.com   Sub-4:00 Milers from NC - NCPrepTrack
 ---
A news item today on former Shelby Crest HS '05/Western Carolina University sprinter Manteo Mitchell.

(Posted February 12, 2013)
Several North Carolina high school athletes are mentioned in this article as contenders for a position on the U.S. team for the 2013 IAAF World Youth Track & Field Championships to be held July 10-14 in Donetsk, Ukraine:

 2013 World Youth Championships Prospects (2/10) - US.Milesplit.com

The 2013 U.S. World Youth Championship Trials will be June 25-26 June 25-26 in Edwardsville, Illinois.
Eligibility & Qualifying Standards - USATF.org
 ---
Hendersonville's Hailey Cook signs (2/12) - Citizen-Times.com
Hendersonville's Cook heading to WCU (2/11) - BlueRidgeNow.com
Earlier story (2/11) - Citizen-Times.com
 ---
TC Roberson's Brooke Gordon makes college choice (2/8) - Citizen-Times
 ---
The Charlotte Observer's Langston Wertz Jr. has covered Mecklenburg County high school sports for 25 years and has written his list of the top 10 coaches in county history:   Mecklenburg's All-Time Greatest Coaches ... and two of his top ten were track and cross country coaches.

(Posted February 8, 2013)
Area College Signings (2/8) - N&O   Signings, Photos - NCrunners

(Posted February 7, 2013)
Conferences have some tweaks (2/6) - the-dispatch.com

(Posted February 6, 2013)
The latest news on former Charlotte Myers Park HS/NC State star Julia Lucas:
OTC Elite's Brown, Lucas share spotlight (2/5) - Eugene Register-Guard

(Posted February 5, 2013)
Myers Park's Kwame Donyinah has committed to attend the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Here's a recent story/video on Donyinah on WBTV.com.

Charlotte area high school teams are set for realignment - CharlotteObserver.com

Clemson documents outline NCAA track violations - TheGardenIsland.com

Spencer Adams (Matthews Butler HS '08/Clemson) won the 60m Hurdles this past weekend at the Armory Collegiate meet at The Armory in New York City. His time, 7.59 is the fastest by an American (and for College athletes) this indoor season. Adams broke the old Clemson school record held by Duane Ross (7.60 in 1995). Wayne Davis II (Southeast Raleigh HS/Texas A&M) placed 5th with a 7.86. Eric Winfrey (Fayetteville Douglas Byrd HS/South Carolina) was on South Carolina's winning 4x200 (1:25.81) - the fastest U.S. time this season. Freshmen Tyler Brockington (Greensboro Dudley HS/South Carolina) and Alexis Murphy (Apex HS/South Carolina) ran on the winning women's 4x200 (1:38.07) - 3rd best this season in NCAA Rankings. Clemson's women's 4x400 placed 2nd (3:38.06) with Keni Harrison (Clayton HS/Clemson) contributing a leg.  Freshman Tevin Hester (Granville Central HS/Clemson) was 3rd in the 200 with a 21.25.  Soph Carolyn Baskir (East Chapel Hill HS/Bowdoin College/Duke) ran a PR 2:49.34 1000m and placed 6th.
Friday story | Saturday story - ClemsonTigers.com

Results from Saturday's USA Cross Country Championships in St. Louis:
Junior Men: Thomas Graham (Cary Academy/Stanford) - 5th, Craig Engels (Winston-Salem Reagan HS/NCSU) 34th.
Junior Women: Kaitlyn Kramer (Pineville Ardrey Kell HS/NCSU) - 10th, Samantha George (Raleigh Millbrook/NCSU) - 12th.
Open Men: Bobby Mack (North Forsyth HS/NCSU) - 7th, Andrew Wacker (Southern Pines Pinecrest HS/Colorado) - 11th.
Open Women: Addie Bracy (Northwest Guilford HS/UNC) - 31st.
Story | Complete Results - USATF.org   Story - GoStanford.com

(Posted February 1, 2013)
Appalachian State's Ana DeLeon and Amanda Hamilton were named Southern Conference Women's Indoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week. In high school DeLeon competed for TC Roberson and Hamilton for Apex.
Story (1/31) - Citizen-Times.com   More | More - GoASU.com

(Posted January 30, 2013)
Former Cary Academy star Thomas Graham, currently at Stanford and former Winston-Salem Reagan runner Craig Engels (now at NC State) will compete in the Junior Men's race (8K) Saturday at the USA Cross Country Championships in St. Louis. Samantha George (Raleigh Millbrook HS/NC State) and Kaitlyn Kramer (Ardrey Kell HS/NC State) will be in the Junior Women's race (6K).

Addie Bracy (Northwest Guilford HS/UNC) will be in the Women's race (8K). Former North Forsyth HS/NC State star Bobby Mack should be a contender in the Senior Men's race (12K). Mack, a sub-4-minute miler is the defending champion. The USA Cross Country Championships have been held since 1890. Women's races were added in 1964. Among past champions have been several other former NC high schoolers, Mary Shea, Joan Nesbit, and Blake Russell. This year's meet is the qualifier for the 2013 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz Poland.

Previews: Jr. Men | Jr. Women - MileSplit.com   Preview - NYRR.org   Preview - USATF.org   Meet Website  Course Info   Live Webcast   Wikipedia entry
- - - -
Green Hope's Maura McDonnell has committed to East Carolina University. Also, with NCHSAA realignment occuring next fall, several Triangle-area conferences will have new names.  Story | Related story - News & Observer
- - - -
Best headline of the week... - SpikesMag.com

(Posted January 29, 2013)
Clemson informs NCAA of track and field violations - TheLedger.com

(Posted January 28, 2013)
Former Charlotte Providence HS star Alex Taylor, now a senior at Appalachian State University, ran a personal best 1:50.81 800 yesterday at the Kentucky Invitational. The time ranks him 2nd all-time for ASU.
Story - GoBlueridge.net   Story - GoASU.com   Complete Results - TFRRS.org

Former Morganton Patton HS runner John Schilkowsky, now a Cornell junior, ran the Mile Saturday at the Boston University Terrier Invitational, placing 10th in 4:02.91. The time qualified Schilkowsky for the IC4A meet and is the fifth-best time in Cornell history. Note: Schilkowsky did not race in the fast section (with Galen Rupp) but in the #2 ("slow") section ... which was won in 3:58.55.
Story - CornellBigRed.com

Former Huntersville Hopewell HS star Alphonso Jordan, who holds the Georgia Tech school record in the Triple Jump (53-9.25) won the TJ Saturday at the McCravy Memorial meet in Lexington, Kentucky. Jordan, competing unattached won with a 52-4 (15.97) jump.
Meet Coverage - UKathletics.com

Former Kannapolis A.L. Brown HS athlete Tavis Bailey, a sophomore at the University of Tennesee, won the Shot Put at the Mondo Challenge in College Station, Texas. His 60-0.25 (18.29) throw is a personal best, 10th best in UT indoor history, and ranks 15th in the nation this year.
Story - UTsports.com

At the same meet in College Station, Wayne Davis (Southeast Raleigh HS/Texas A&M) won the 60mH in 7.88.
Story | Complete Results - AggieAthletics.com

(Posted January 25, 2013)
DyeStat expected to be up and running in the next month.   Story - OregonLive.com

(Posted January 23, 2013)
Those of you who are stat guys or track history nuts should be interested in the latest edition of Jack Shepard's annual booklet -- High School Track 2013.

There are separate indoors and outdoors sections for: National Records, All-Time Lists (Top 30 for most events), Class Records, Age Records, Lists for 2012 (Top 50 for most events), and results for the 2012 Golden West, New Balance Nationals (indoors & out), and USATF Junior Nationals. 68 pages.

Did you know that Mount Tabor's J-Mee Samuels holds the National Freshman 200 Record? (20.99, 2002). Or that North Rowan's Greg Yeldell has the Age 14 TJ Record (48-4.5, 1995)? That the top 4 all-time for 5000m are Galen Rupp, Gerry Lindgren, Dathan Ritzenhein, and Steve Prefontaine? ...and the current Mayor of Greensboro is #14? ...and he's 12th on the 10,000m list? That 3 of the top 11 all-time triple jumpers are from NC? ...as well as the fastest two ever in the 55m Hurdles? Kathy McMillan (Hoke Co., 1976) has 8 of the top 10 LJ performances in history? (Marion Jones & Carol Lewis have the other two). Mary Shea (Cardinal Gibbons, 1979) still has the fastest-ever 10,000m - 32:52.5.  Bob Mathias is still on the Decathlon list ...from 1948!  In what event does NFL legend Terry Bradshaw appear?  What records does Robert Griffin III hold?

To order a copy, mail $12 (includes shipping & handling) to: Jack Shepard, 14551 Southfield Dr, Westminster, CA 92683.  Email shepwest@aol.com for info on obtaining copies of past booklets.

(Posted January 22, 2013)
Fans of cross country may be interested in knowing that 37 teams have already entered the Providence Invitational, at McAlpine Greenway Park in Charlotte set for August 24th. Schools from Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina will be among those competing. Entries will likely close soon. The list of teams accepted is on the Meet Webpage.

(Posted January 21, 2013)
News on former North Carolina track & field stars...

Manteo Mitchell (Shelby Crest HS '05) has recovered from his broken leg that occurred last summer at the London Olympics. This past weekend Mitchell competed and tested his condition running 6.80 (60-meter) and 21.37 (200-meter) times at the 35th annual Niswonger Invitational at East Tennessee State University.
Story - RunBlogRun.com
A late December story on Mitchell. - theHerald-NC.com
- - - - -
At last weekend's Dick Taylor Invitational at UNC, Tristine Johnson (Durham Jordan HS/UNC) won the TJ with 40-6.75 and Chrishawn Williams (SE Raleigh HS/UNC) was 2nd with 40-5. Jacinda Evans (Southern Durham HS/UNC), now competing unattached, won the LJ (20-3) with Williams 2nd (20-1). Isaac Presson (Asheville HS/UNC) won the 800 in 1:54.21. Tremanisha Taylor (Southern Vance HS/NC State) won the SP (51-0).
Story - GoHeels.com
- - - - -
Spencer Adams (Matthews Butler HS '08/Clemson) won the 60mH in 7.74 at the Auburn Invitational this past weekend. Johnny Dutch (Clayton HS/South Carolina), competing unattached, was 3rd in 7.84. Freshman Tevin Hester (Granville Central/Clemson) was 3rd in the 200 with a 21.40.
Story - ClemsonTigers.com
- - - - -
Another story on Jesse Williams (Raleigh Broughton HS '02):
"If I can jump higher then size doesn't matter" - SpikesMag.com

(Posted January 17, 2013)
For fans and enthusiasts of the pole vault, and anyone else wanting to become better versed in the terminology of the event, here is a good primer:   Part 1 | Part 2.   ...The continuation of this blog: Part 3 | Part 4.

National Pole Vault Summit: Official Website | Who's There | MileSplit page.

(Posted January 15, 2013)
Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville, NC is looking for an assistant track coach (perferably sprints, but does not have to be) and it can be part time. Contact Robert Youtz at rysteelers@aol.com or ry@bmhs.us for more information on payment, schedule, etc.
-----
Bishop McGuinness is hosting a home meet on March 13th and we are searching for 1-2 more teams to make the meet a tri or quad meet. Please let Coach Youtz know if you are interested. (email addresses above)
-----
The January 14th issue of eTrack Newsletter from Track & Field News contains the 2013 Indoor HS Leaders. Two NC girls, one girls relay team and one NC boy are currently leading the national lists.

Soph Layla White (Cary HS, Cary) is #1 in the 500 (1:15.42).
Wesley Frazier (Ravenscroft School, Raleigh) is leading the Mile (4:48.33).
Raleigh Wakefield HS is fastest in the Girls 4x400 (3:55.50).
Trevor Sleight (Carolina Day, Asheville) is leading the Boys 5000 (14:57.68).

Former Hickory HS star Ryan Hill (NC State) is currently leading the World Indoor List in the 5000 (13:43.52).

2007 (36.04) and 2008 (13.51, 4x100, 4x200) NCHSAA 4-A Champion Spencer Adams, currently a Clemson senior, is the World Leader in the 60m Hurdles (7.62).

Online version of T&FN lists.

(Posted January 14, 2013)
Aleshia Reece (Madison HS/Western Carolina Univ.) won the 3000m (10:45.13) Saturday at Clemson's Tiger Challenge indoor meet. Josey Weaver (Madison HS/WCU) won the men's 3000 (8:38.00). Alisha Bradshaw (Salisbury HS/WCU) won the SP (12.76m).
Tevin Hester (Granville Central HS/Clemson), running in his first college race won the 60 (6.68). Hester later won the 200 in 21.81.
Source - Citizen-Times.com   Story - CatamountSports.com   Complete Results | Story | Photos - ClemsonTigers.com
- - - - -
Several former North Carolina high school athletes had good performances Saturday in the first of two University of South Carolina Indoor Open meets that will be held at the USC Indoor Complex in January.
Story | Complete Results - GamecocksOnline.com
- - - - -
Some other familiar names appear on the fall semester Dean's List at the University of North Carolina. A total of eight men and 11 women from UNC's Track & Field program made the list.
-- Dean's List:
Freshman Richard Miller (Raleigh Millbrook HS) (perfect 4.0 G.P.A.)
Senior Peter Rehder (Cary Green Hope HS)
Freshman Houston Summers (Northwest Guilford HS)
Freshman Matus Kriska (Mount Airy HS)
Sophomore Scott Morgan (Calvary Baptist Day Sch.)
Sophomore Cori Floyd (Covenant Day)
Freshman Aundrea Holmes (Cary Christian)
Senior Ashley Miess (Charlotte Latin)
Sophomore Julie Swaim (Winston-Salem Reagan HS)
A total of 45 earned semester grade point averages of 3.0 or higher. (See link below)
Story/Complete List - GoHeels.com
- - - - -
Update: A familiar name in this story on the Watauga Swimming team last week. (Source: GoBlueRidge.net)

(Posted January 12, 2013)
Polk County HS will be hosting a Throws Clinic conducted by April Smith (ASU) on January 27. Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Clinic fee of $50 will cover discus and shot put instruction by Coach Smith and several of her athletes from ASU as well as lunch and refreshments. There must be at least 10 paid registrations, by January 23 (Wednesday), in order to assure the clinic, so send in your registration as soon as possible. Make checks payable to PCHS Track and send to: J. Alan Peoples, Polk County High School, 1681 E NC 108 Hwy, Columbus, NC 28722. Contacts: J. Alan Peoples, silverfishltd@windstream.net 828.817.1594; or Amanda Simoncic, vams@windstream.net 828.894.8903.

(Posted January 11, 2013)
Info/Photos on the new high school - Stuart W. Cramer High School - to open in August in Gaston County. The school was built on 99 acres on the old Lakewood Golf Course in Cramerton. It will open with only 9th and 10th graders, and add one grade a year over the next 2 years. Cramer will relieve overcrowding at East Gaston and South Point.

The school is named for a former area mill owner in the early 20th century, Stuart Warren Cramer who attempted to create a system to remove lint from the air and ended up refining, naming and patenting an early version of air conditioning.

(Posted January 9, 2013)
Coaching change at Clemson:
Good news, bad news collide for Clemson T&F program - OrangeAndWhite.com
Johnson out as Clemson track director - The Greenville News

  - - - -

Three former NC high school runners -- Ryan Hill (Hickory HS/NC State), Isaac Presson (Asheville HS/UNC), and Alex Taylor (Providence HS/Appalachian) have been invited to participate in the Camel City Mile in the Hilton Garden Invitational at JDL Fast Track on February 2nd.

Another story mentioning Hill - TheWoodRunningReport

(Posted January 7, 2013)
Saturday February 23, 2013 -- Wildcat Throwers Camp at East Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill, NC.
(A camp focused on the fundamentals of the high school shot put and discus throw). 9:30 am to 12:00 pm). The event is open to all high school track athletes. Fee: $25 per athlete, no charge for coaches and parents. We will cover the power-throw, disc spin, shot spin and the shot glide as well as various drills and techniques. Coach Jeff Gorski, a national level throws coach, will be at the camp to work with the athletes. If interested, please contact Coach Jason Reese (e-mail: jreese@aicpa.org or call or text 919.357.6649).

(Posted January 6, 2013)
Former North Forsyth HS/NC State runner Bobby Mack won Saturday's Men's 8-Km Race at the 2013 Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country in Scotland. Mack is preparing for the US championships in three weeks and is hoping to compete at the World Cross Country Championships in Poland March 24th.

Story/Photos - LetsRun.com   Video - Runnerslife.co.uk   More video - YouTube   Coverage - IAAF.org   Mack Athlete of the Week - USATF.org

Former Northwest Guilford HS/UNC runner Addie Bracy placed 16th in the 6 Km Senior Women's Race. She was the 4th runner on the US team across the line. Story - USATF.org

- - - -

The latest in training?  Take a look at Olympic Silver Medalist Galen Rupp running on his underwater treadmill.

(Posted January 2, 2013)
Send NCrunners Your Commitments - NCrunners.com

The 10 B's of Getting Recruited - US.MileSplit.com