New Balance Games - Meet Preview
Some big names and relays will head to The Armory this weekend for the New Balance Games. Be on the lookout for some big performances in a number of events. We break down the invitational events below:
Girls
The DMR features a number of PA teams that should have some intriguing pieces to put together a solid relay. Central Bucks West was a young squad that turned heads during the XC season. Now we'll see what West can offer in the DMR. Owen J. Roberts, another solid XC team will toe the line, along with Hershey, Cheltenham, and Villa Joseph Marie.
The lone PA entry in the mile is Katie Dammer of Abington Heights. She'll face off with Saratoga Springs (NY)'s Kelsey Chmiel. Dammer clocked a 4:48 for 1,600 meters last spring and this will be her indoor season debut after an XC season that included a trip to NXN in Portland.
Jessica Slagus of North Pocono is entered in the weight throw. She enters the weekend at PA#1, where she's been for most of the season. She'll look to improve upon her US#8 throw of 51-3.
Boys
The mile is loaded with PA talent and we should see a number of very quick times. Headlining the field is Neshaminy's Rusty Kujdych, the XC state champ. He's US#2 in the 3K and also ran a PA#4 in the mile (both at TFCAofGP meets), but now Kujdych will get some top-notch competition in New York.
But it's not just him in the field. Pottsville Area's Collin Ebling (PA#1 in the 800m) is moving up to the mile this weekend and should be able to drop a fast time. Wyomissing Area's Joe Cullen (PA#3 800m, PA#5 3K) is also entered. Cullen has a 4:13 1,600 to his name. Wallenpaupack's Tyler Wirth, who ran 4:17 in the 1,600 meters last spring should hang well in this field, as well. Look, too, for Hershey's Andrew Sullivan and Stroudsburg's Matt Bodon.
We've already talked about the Shanahan boys, which will look to drop a very fast DMR time in Virginia, but in New York, the Seneca Valley boys should make a big climb up the state rankings as well. The Raiders have the pieces to drop a quick DMR time in what should be a very competitive race. Hershey also has a team in the field.
In the weight throw, we'll see Thomas Kitchell of Notre Dame-Green Pond. He enters the weekend at PA#3 with a best toss of 51-2.25.