The NCAA, then the HS'ers at the New Balance Nationals, then the USATF/WC Trials, followed weeks later by the World Championships themselves!!
Year after year, we believe the best comes last!
Yet each year this Collegiate final produces the most drama, some of the greatest performances (several unexpected!), plus many who will later perform on the Big Stage--whether it be the WC's or the Olympic Games!!
The meet begins in less than 10 hours!
The meet begins in less than 10 hours!
Following is my Preview of the entire meet, divided into two posts--one for each gender!
The meet itself is divided by gender also--something I'm strongly against!!--but each gender's days look exactly the same--except that the Decathlon has 10 events, while the Heptathlon has seven!
I'll provide the schedule, but with no times!
As noted, the order of events are exactly the same, so I'll have just ONE schedule!
I'll Preview the events in order of the FINALS!
Each event will have the Meet Record, the 24th A-T Performer on my Collegiate DDD's, followed by my comments.
I'll Preview the events in order of the FINALS!
Each event will have the Meet Record, the 24th A-T Performer on my Collegiate DDD's, followed by my comments.
At the bottom of each event's Preview, I'll name those (if any!!) who are CURRENTLY on my DDD lists, but ONLY those who will be competing here!!
Okay, lots to do, so let's get started!
Okay, lots to do, so let's get started!
Wednesday
1st Day of Decathlon
HT Final
4X100 Relay Semi's
1500 Semi's
PV Final
3000SC Semi's
110H Semi's
JT Final
100 Semi's
4X100 Relay Semi's
1500 Semi's
PV Final
3000SC Semi's
110H Semi's
JT Final
100 Semi's
400 Semi's
LJ Final
800 Semi's
400H Semi's
SP Final
200 Semi's
10000 Final
4X400 Relay Semi's
Thursday
2nd Day of Decathlon
Friday (ALL Finals!)
HJ, DT, 4X100, TJ, 1500, 3000SC, 110H, 100, 400, 800, 400H, 200, 5000, 4X400
(Friday's events are listed in their scheduled order!!)
HT (MR 265-3, 24th A-T Performer 241-8)
While newcomer Gleb Dudarev has been consistent, Rudy Winkler has the best PR.
LJ Final
800 Semi's
400H Semi's
SP Final
200 Semi's
10000 Final
4X400 Relay Semi's
Thursday
2nd Day of Decathlon
Friday (ALL Finals!)
HJ, DT, 4X100, TJ, 1500, 3000SC, 110H, 100, 400, 800, 400H, 200, 5000, 4X400
(Friday's events are listed in their scheduled order!!)
HT (MR 265-3, 24th A-T Performer 241-8)
While newcomer Gleb Dudarev has been consistent, Rudy Winkler has the best PR.
I'm giving this one to Winkler, but the MR is safe!
Alexander Young and Denzel Comenentia are others to watch!
(On my DDD) Dudarev & Winkler
PV (MR 19-1, 24th A-T Performer 18-8.25)
Chris Nilsen should take this, and looks ready for his first 19 footer!
Alexander Young and Denzel Comenentia are others to watch!
(On my DDD) Dudarev & Winkler
PV (MR 19-1, 24th A-T Performer 18-8.25)
Chris Nilsen should take this, and looks ready for his first 19 footer!
But weather (predicted rain!) might hinder the PV's!
Devin King, Audie Wyatt, Matt Ludwig, and Jake Wooten could move in if Nilsen falters!
Devin King, Audie Wyatt, Matt Ludwig, and Jake Wooten could move in if Nilsen falters!
(On my DDD) Nilsen & King
JT (MR 268-7, 24th A-T Performer 258-6)
Ioannis Kyriazis had a monster throw in early season!
But in 2 meets, he threw the spear just once, then passed the remaining throws!
IF he's healthy, look for the MR to go the way of T-Rex!!
Curtis Thompson is another with a good PR, just a meter or so from MR level!
Matti Mortimore and Chris Mirabelli are 2 other strong men!
Lower place contenders include Sindri Gudmundsson, Reinhard Van Zyl, and Michael Shuey!
(On my DDD) Kyriazis & Thompson
LJ (MR 28-0, 24th A-T Performer 26-11.75)
JT (MR 268-7, 24th A-T Performer 258-6)
Ioannis Kyriazis had a monster throw in early season!
But in 2 meets, he threw the spear just once, then passed the remaining throws!
IF he's healthy, look for the MR to go the way of T-Rex!!
Curtis Thompson is another with a good PR, just a meter or so from MR level!
Matti Mortimore and Chris Mirabelli are 2 other strong men!
Lower place contenders include Sindri Gudmundsson, Reinhard Van Zyl, and Michael Shuey!
(On my DDD) Kyriazis & Thompson
LJ (MR 28-0, 24th A-T Performer 26-11.75)
Not the best event, there ARE 2 contenders to focus on--KeAndre Bates and Grant Holloway!!
Bates is a Double Dipper, as he's also one of the TJ favorites!
Holloway is one of the best Frosh, and is also one of the best at the 110H!!
Because Frosh are normally erratic, I'll go with Bates for the win!
But the MR is VERY safe!!
(On my DDD) NONE
SP (MR 72-2.25, 24th A-T Performer 67-11.50)
Mostafa Hassan is THIS close to 70 feet!
While no MR for the Egyptian, he could top the 70 barrier!
Filip Mihaljevic appears to be his strongest foe!
Bates is a Double Dipper, as he's also one of the TJ favorites!
Holloway is one of the best Frosh, and is also one of the best at the 110H!!
Because Frosh are normally erratic, I'll go with Bates for the win!
But the MR is VERY safe!!
(On my DDD) NONE
SP (MR 72-2.25, 24th A-T Performer 67-11.50)
Mostafa Hassan is THIS close to 70 feet!
While no MR for the Egyptian, he could top the 70 barrier!
Filip Mihaljevic appears to be his strongest foe!
Nicolai Ceban is one to watch.
Youngsters such as Willie Morrison, Matt Katnik, and Nick Ponzio might be ready to move up!
(On my DDD) Hassan & Mihaljevic
10000 (MR 28:01.30, 24th A-T Performer 27:58.3)
This COULD be a fast race!
After all, Mr Walk & Kick (aka Ed Cheserek) ain't here!
This leaves race strategy a mystery, although most Championship distance races follow King Ches's pattern!
One of the few events where 24th A-T is better than the MR!!
Marc Scott seems to be the consensus favorite, and I'll go along with that!
(On my DDD) Hassan & Mihaljevic
10000 (MR 28:01.30, 24th A-T Performer 27:58.3)
This COULD be a fast race!
After all, Mr Walk & Kick (aka Ed Cheserek) ain't here!
This leaves race strategy a mystery, although most Championship distance races follow King Ches's pattern!
One of the few events where 24th A-T is better than the MR!!
Marc Scott seems to be the consensus favorite, and I'll go along with that!
But watch for Alfred Chelanga, Jacob Choge, Gil Kirui, and Grant Fischer (NOT the Stanford guy named Grant FISHER!!) to contend!
Tanner Anderson is the dark horse!
(On my DDD) NONE
Decathlon (MR 8457, 24th A-T Performer 8126)
Once, Twice, THRICE???
Tanner Anderson is the dark horse!
(On my DDD) NONE
Decathlon (MR 8457, 24th A-T Performer 8126)
Once, Twice, THRICE???
Lindon Victor will win, barring some disaster!
But can he break the Collegiate Record a THIRD time in ONE season??
With the WC's yet to come, will he want to "just" win, saving his best for London?
I'm predicting ANOTHER Collegiate Record, possibly over 8600 points!!
One reason I'm saying that is named Devon Williams--Kendell's brother!!
DW seems ready to top 8500 also, which could push Victor to perform above and beyond!
With the WC's yet to come, will he want to "just" win, saving his best for London?
I'm predicting ANOTHER Collegiate Record, possibly over 8600 points!!
One reason I'm saying that is named Devon Williams--Kendell's brother!!
DW seems ready to top 8500 also, which could push Victor to perform above and beyond!
If both are ON, this could be the best Dec in Collegiate history!!
But watch for Brit Tim Duckworth, Luca Weiland, and Karl Saluri to be in the hunt!
With the Hayward Field crowd on his side, Duck Mitch Modin could surprise!
(On my DDD) Victor, D Williams, Wieland
HJ (MR 7-9.75, 24th A-T Performer 7-7)
But watch for Brit Tim Duckworth, Luca Weiland, and Karl Saluri to be in the hunt!
With the Hayward Field crowd on his side, Duck Mitch Modin could surprise!
(On my DDD) Victor, D Williams, Wieland
HJ (MR 7-9.75, 24th A-T Performer 7-7)
No MR, and probably no additions to the DDD list!!
Another weak event, Trey Culver, Clayton Brown, and Christoff Bryan should be the main podium contenders.
But watch for Kyle Landon!
Another weak event, Trey Culver, Clayton Brown, and Christoff Bryan should be the main podium contenders.
But watch for Kyle Landon!
(On my DDD) NONE
DT (MR 215-8, 24th A-T Performer 211-9)
Brian Williams has the best mark, and could hit a big one in MR territory!
The SP guy, Filip Mihaljevic is here, but look for Jordan Young as Williams's main foe!
DT (MR 215-8, 24th A-T Performer 211-9)
Brian Williams has the best mark, and could hit a big one in MR territory!
The SP guy, Filip Mihaljevic is here, but look for Jordan Young as Williams's main foe!
Reno Tuufuli is good, as is Macklin Tudor.
While not among the favorites, watch for brothers Reggie & Phil Jagers!!
(On my DDD) B Williams
While not among the favorites, watch for brothers Reggie & Phil Jagers!!
(On my DDD) B Williams
4X100 Relay (MR 38.04, 24th A-T School 38.99)
The old saw that one man a winning relay doesn't make should stand true here too!
Christian Coleman will likely anchor Tennessee's squad, but they don't have the needed back-ups!
Nathaneel Mitchell-Blake tops LSU's team, while Houston has Cameron Burrell!
Other teams with at least ONE stud are Alabama (Jereem Richards), Auburn (Odean Skeen), and Georgia (Kendel Williams).
Oregon will have Kyree King to watch for!
The MR will survive, but a School or 3 or 4 could see new Best Evers!
(On my DDD) MOST of the Schools here are on my list--too many to name!
The old saw that one man a winning relay doesn't make should stand true here too!
Christian Coleman will likely anchor Tennessee's squad, but they don't have the needed back-ups!
Nathaneel Mitchell-Blake tops LSU's team, while Houston has Cameron Burrell!
Other teams with at least ONE stud are Alabama (Jereem Richards), Auburn (Odean Skeen), and Georgia (Kendel Williams).
Oregon will have Kyree King to watch for!
The MR will survive, but a School or 3 or 4 could see new Best Evers!
(On my DDD) MOST of the Schools here are on my list--too many to name!
TJ (MR 57-7.75, 24th A-T Performer 55-8.25)
KeAndre Bates has been steady, and should win this--but no MR!
Clive Pullen went 56+ INdoors, but this is another season, and he hasn't come close to that OUTdoors!
Eric Sloan is solid, as is Jordan Scott.
Felix Obi and Clayton Brown are others to watch!
(On my DDD) NONE
Clive Pullen went 56+ INdoors, but this is another season, and he hasn't come close to that OUTdoors!
Eric Sloan is solid, as is Jordan Scott.
Felix Obi and Clayton Brown are others to watch!
(On my DDD) NONE
1500 (MR 3:35.30, 24th A-T Performer 3:37.27)
Josh Kerr beat Mr Cheserek in a shocker!
In his breakout year, look for him to win this!
Blake Haney and Ben Saarel seems his strongest challengers.
Josh Thompson and Craig Engels are others to watch!
The MR should be safe!
(On my DDD) Kerr
3000SC (MR 8:12.4, 24th A-T Performer 8:26.83)
Edwin Kibichiy seems the consensus favorite, and he'll probably win!
Other Africans to watch are Bernard Keter and Emmanuel Rotich!
HSR holder Bailey Roth is much improved, and could contend.
MJ Erb is another to watch!
(On my DDD) Kerr
3000SC (MR 8:12.4, 24th A-T Performer 8:26.83)
Edwin Kibichiy seems the consensus favorite, and he'll probably win!
Other Africans to watch are Bernard Keter and Emmanuel Rotich!
HSR holder Bailey Roth is much improved, and could contend.
MJ Erb is another to watch!
Jamaine Coleman might be another to sneak into the front pack!
I'm naming Aidan Tooker as a possible point man (or maybe even TWO points!).
(On my DDD) NONE
110H (MR 13.16, 24th A-T Performer 13.36)
Reuben Walters has a faster time, but I'm going with Grant Holloway for the Gold!
Walters is an unknown entity (at least to ME!!), so I'll stick to the fast-improving Frosh!
The MR will survive, but Holloway has a chance to reach the Top 24 A-T!!
Walters could shock, as could Chad Zallow, who was much better INdoors!!
Watch for Ameer Lattin, Aaron Mallett, Jamiel Trimble, Nick Anderson, and Misana Viltz!
(On my DDD) NONE
100 (MR 9.89, 24th A-T Performer 10.00)
This MR could go down!!
The main barrier would be excessive wind--with or against!
Christian Coleman is the Ace, but this could be VERY close at the line---a true photo-finish!!
Cameron Burrell, Nathaneel Mitchell-Blake, Jaylen Bacon, Odean Skeen, Brandon Carnes, Senoj Jay-Givans and Kenzo Cotton are all FAST!!
Look for Oregon newcomer Kyree King to be pushed along by the Duck faithful!!
(On my DDD) Coleman, Mitchell-Blake, Bacon, Givans & Skeen
400 (MR 44.00, 24th A-T Performer 44.62)
Fred Kerley already took down the MR---except he didn't do it here!!
He did it in the HEATS at the Regionals!!
(Don't get me started on the "Regionals" BEING this meet!! Grrrrr!!!!)
Anyway, look for another Record Smasher here---maybe even 43.5 or faster!!
Following in his Jet-Stream should be Akeem Bloomfield, Nathan Allen, Michael Cherry, and Wil London!
Other possible sub-46's should come from Aldrich Bailey, Steven Gayle, Marcus Chambers, and Fred's brother Mylik!!
Want a REAL shocker??
Keep your eyes peeled on Michael Norman!!
(On my DDD) F Kerley & N Allen
(NOTE--Sorry for the length! The Women's Preview will be shorter!! Just 5 more events!! Hang in there!!)
800 (MR 1:43.55, 24th A-T Performer 1:45.24)
The big question here is whether Emmanuel Korir goes for time, or for the win!!
He has 44.5 speed--enough to allow for an "easy" 50.0 first lap!
That in turn could lead to a new Collegiate (and Meet!) Record!!
But Eliud Rutto, Isaiah Harris, and Andres Arroyo could challenge---at least through 600!!
Look for Drew Piazza, Strymar Livingston, and Carlton Orange to vie for points!
(On my DDD) Korir & Harris
400H (MR 47.56, 24th A-T Performer 48.59)
This could be a close race, despite Byron Robinson's fast time!
HS INdoor stud Rai Benjamin is going good, and should be Robinson's main challenger!
But Amir Lattin, TJ Holmes, Eric Futch, and Kenny Selmon aren't softies!
And watch for Sydney McLaughlin's brother Taylor to give solid chase!!
(On my DDD) Robinson
200 (MR 19.87, 24th A-T Performer 20.07)
Christian Coleman should be an easy victor, as he was INdoors!
And, given a good LEGAL wind, he could take down the MR!!
But Nathaneel Mitchell-Blake is ready to challenge.
Jereem Richards cut a fast one earlier this season, and Chris Belcher is close to the 19's too!
As noted earlier, watch for Duckie Kyree King to emerge from the dust!
(On my DDD) Coleman, Mitchell-Blake, Richards & Belcher
5000 (MR 13:18.36, 24th A-T Performer 13:25.19)
I could easily just say--check out my 10K Preview---and be done with it!!
No Ches here either (Didn't run Regionals due to injury, and has since turned Pro!!), so the same logistics apply!
The opportunity to RUN this race is open to all!!
(Ironic that Ches's PR came in LOSING the 2014 race to Lawi Lalang's MR!!)
Anyway, while Marc Scott is seen as the likely winner, I'll go with Grant Fisher!
Justyn Knight might complain, and should be in the lead pack at the bell!
Emmanuel Rotich, Jacob Choge, Aman Terer, and John Dressel are others to watch!
Add in Zach Perrin as a potential point contender!
(On my DDD) Knight
4X400 Relay (MR 2:59.59, 24th A-T School 3:02.47)
With Mylik & Fred Kerley, Texas A&M are the faves---for the win AND the MR!!
But Auburn has Nathan Allen and Akeem Bloomfield!!
Should be a Barn-Burner!!
Alabama has a good squad, but watch for USC, with Michael Norman probably anchoring!!
LSU has Michael Cherry!
A 2:57+??
Odds are 60-40!!
90-10 for the MR!!
(On my DDD) As with the other Relay, MOST of the teams here are on my DDD of Top 24 Schools!! But we could see a few revisions!!
OK, guys and gals, thanks for staying with me!!
As noted above, my Women's Preview will be shorter!!
Hopefully posted in a few hours!
I'm naming Aidan Tooker as a possible point man (or maybe even TWO points!).
(On my DDD) NONE
110H (MR 13.16, 24th A-T Performer 13.36)
Reuben Walters has a faster time, but I'm going with Grant Holloway for the Gold!
Walters is an unknown entity (at least to ME!!), so I'll stick to the fast-improving Frosh!
The MR will survive, but Holloway has a chance to reach the Top 24 A-T!!
Walters could shock, as could Chad Zallow, who was much better INdoors!!
Watch for Ameer Lattin, Aaron Mallett, Jamiel Trimble, Nick Anderson, and Misana Viltz!
(On my DDD) NONE
100 (MR 9.89, 24th A-T Performer 10.00)
This MR could go down!!
The main barrier would be excessive wind--with or against!
Christian Coleman is the Ace, but this could be VERY close at the line---a true photo-finish!!
Cameron Burrell, Nathaneel Mitchell-Blake, Jaylen Bacon, Odean Skeen, Brandon Carnes, Senoj Jay-Givans and Kenzo Cotton are all FAST!!
Look for Oregon newcomer Kyree King to be pushed along by the Duck faithful!!
(On my DDD) Coleman, Mitchell-Blake, Bacon, Givans & Skeen
400 (MR 44.00, 24th A-T Performer 44.62)
Fred Kerley already took down the MR---except he didn't do it here!!
He did it in the HEATS at the Regionals!!
(Don't get me started on the "Regionals" BEING this meet!! Grrrrr!!!!)
Anyway, look for another Record Smasher here---maybe even 43.5 or faster!!
Following in his Jet-Stream should be Akeem Bloomfield, Nathan Allen, Michael Cherry, and Wil London!
Other possible sub-46's should come from Aldrich Bailey, Steven Gayle, Marcus Chambers, and Fred's brother Mylik!!
Want a REAL shocker??
Keep your eyes peeled on Michael Norman!!
(On my DDD) F Kerley & N Allen
(NOTE--Sorry for the length! The Women's Preview will be shorter!! Just 5 more events!! Hang in there!!)
800 (MR 1:43.55, 24th A-T Performer 1:45.24)
The big question here is whether Emmanuel Korir goes for time, or for the win!!
He has 44.5 speed--enough to allow for an "easy" 50.0 first lap!
That in turn could lead to a new Collegiate (and Meet!) Record!!
But Eliud Rutto, Isaiah Harris, and Andres Arroyo could challenge---at least through 600!!
Look for Drew Piazza, Strymar Livingston, and Carlton Orange to vie for points!
(On my DDD) Korir & Harris
400H (MR 47.56, 24th A-T Performer 48.59)
This could be a close race, despite Byron Robinson's fast time!
HS INdoor stud Rai Benjamin is going good, and should be Robinson's main challenger!
But Amir Lattin, TJ Holmes, Eric Futch, and Kenny Selmon aren't softies!
And watch for Sydney McLaughlin's brother Taylor to give solid chase!!
(On my DDD) Robinson
200 (MR 19.87, 24th A-T Performer 20.07)
Christian Coleman should be an easy victor, as he was INdoors!
And, given a good LEGAL wind, he could take down the MR!!
But Nathaneel Mitchell-Blake is ready to challenge.
Jereem Richards cut a fast one earlier this season, and Chris Belcher is close to the 19's too!
As noted earlier, watch for Duckie Kyree King to emerge from the dust!
(On my DDD) Coleman, Mitchell-Blake, Richards & Belcher
5000 (MR 13:18.36, 24th A-T Performer 13:25.19)
I could easily just say--check out my 10K Preview---and be done with it!!
No Ches here either (Didn't run Regionals due to injury, and has since turned Pro!!), so the same logistics apply!
The opportunity to RUN this race is open to all!!
(Ironic that Ches's PR came in LOSING the 2014 race to Lawi Lalang's MR!!)
Anyway, while Marc Scott is seen as the likely winner, I'll go with Grant Fisher!
Justyn Knight might complain, and should be in the lead pack at the bell!
Emmanuel Rotich, Jacob Choge, Aman Terer, and John Dressel are others to watch!
Add in Zach Perrin as a potential point contender!
(On my DDD) Knight
4X400 Relay (MR 2:59.59, 24th A-T School 3:02.47)
With Mylik & Fred Kerley, Texas A&M are the faves---for the win AND the MR!!
But Auburn has Nathan Allen and Akeem Bloomfield!!
Should be a Barn-Burner!!
Alabama has a good squad, but watch for USC, with Michael Norman probably anchoring!!
LSU has Michael Cherry!
A 2:57+??
Odds are 60-40!!
90-10 for the MR!!
(On my DDD) As with the other Relay, MOST of the teams here are on my DDD of Top 24 Schools!! But we could see a few revisions!!
OK, guys and gals, thanks for staying with me!!
As noted above, my Women's Preview will be shorter!!
Hopefully posted in a few hours!
Thank you for the great preview! I always appreciate your previews because I don't know that much about the contenders until I read your blog! I enjoy the competition much more when I know who the players are, and that's what you give me.
ReplyDeleteBut is it Dudorev or Gudorev in the men's hammer? (I mention this only because I know you are obsessive about accuracy -- a great virtue! -- and you'll probably want to make a correction.)
Well, one out of two ain't bad, right??
ReplyDeleteIt's Dudorev---as in DUDE!!
LOL
Thanks for your sharp eye!!
Actually, it's DudArev---and THAT correction has been made also!!
DeleteLOL