Preconference Recap

The first time we got the sense of race atmosphere this season was at the annual season starting SWSC Preconference Meet. Tuesday night all the teams from both sides of our conference get together for a great meet. The first meet of the year is always such a fun an exciting experience the miles and miles of summer running with no chance to see how it will pay off when you spike up and cross the starting line.

The Phoenix always use this night to work on some pacing as well as racing. Tempo through two miles and then open it up the third mile is the plan for all the returners. For everyone new to racing the goal is see how racing three miles feels then we can get an idea of what areas of racing need to be worked on to improve going forward.

Across the board the team executed race plans beautifully. Lots of strong packs of Phoenix cruising through the first portion of the race, working as a unit.

Here are a few of the highlights from the evening:

4 guys ran all time PRs (and all executed a controlled race plan) Jung (:19), Donovan (1:06), Farmer (:38), Magee (:38).

12 guys ran their 3rd mile as their fastest of the race, highlighted by Jeremy “Drop the Hammer” Stajkowski who closed in 5:34 just 10 seconds off his mile PR. Yes, Jeremy ran the 3rd mile of his first ever XC race within 10 seconds of his mile PR from this past spring.  The other 11: Jung, Purcell, K. Belavich, R. Trost, Witkowski, White, J. Chomiak, Healy, Harri, Panici, and Donovan.

4 guys were at least 25 seconds faster than J. Chom last year, and John went on to run 15:15 three weeks later. (J. Chom, Panici, Healy, and Harris). And 2 more were within 20 seconds of that time (Bechtold, Belavich)

19 guys ran faster than 20:00, last year we had only 12

Last year the top 5 frosh/soph guys ran a 3:23 split, this year they ran a :56 split. That is a result of the strong pack we see at practice every day.

And finally our top five last year average right at 17:20 for 3 miles, this year our top 5 averaged 16:20.

Overall it was a great day with very well executed races. A wonderful chance to see where our fitness is at.