We'll see a rematch of sorts in the boys' mile from January's Kevin Dare Invitational
Boys' Distance Preview
The mile brings us an interesting rematch of the same race from the Kevin Dare Invitational back in early January. Then, we saw West Chester's Brandon Hontz, Wyomissing's Joe Cullen, and Springfield (Delco)'s Joe Cardie all enter the final lap in a pack, fighting it out for the win. Well, the narrative gods have blessed us with a gift, as all three return for the Carnival on Saturday. Hontz took the win at Kevin Dare, but Cullen and Cardie will surely be looking for some redemption (and a fast time).
It's more than just those three in the field, though. Souderton's Connor McMenamin is probably the favorite after running a big 3K last week at the TFCAofGP meet. Carlisle's Isaac Kole should be strong, and so will Southern Lehigh's Stephen Gray. Look out for Cedar Crest's Jesse Cruise and Germantown Academy's Owen Ritz, as well.
Photo by Bill Shearn
The 800 meters should be a good race as well. Pottsville's Collin Ebling will look to improve upon his PA#9 in the event. But he'll get a good test from Kole, Owen J. Roberts' Liam Conway, Central Dauphin East's Luke Everidge, Milton Hershey's Austin Padmore, Lebanon's Derin Klick. This race looks like it's up for grabs.
But no distance race on the day is as deep as the 3000 meters. Returning is the defending champ in the event from the Carnival, Nathan Henderson from JP McCaskey. He's run 4:20 for 1600 meters, now he'll bump up to the event where he took third in the state last winter. The Syracuse recruit will be tested, though. His Lancaster-Lebanon League rival Zach Lefever of Ephrata is in the field. So is Pleasant Valley's Seth Slavin and North Pocono's David Haines. Conestoga freshman Carlos Shultz, Coatesville's Colin Mihalak, and Southern Lehigh's Thomas Matsumura will have their eyes on the 9 minute barrier.