Last year, Josh Hoey ran to the record books. After setting the indoor national record in the 800 meters, Hoey had an impressive outdoor campaign that saw him go 1:48.07 at the IAAF U20 Championships in Finland, breaking the state record. Fast forward to this season and it's a new crop of talented half milers -- not quite on Josh Hoey's level -- but strong nonetheless.
The top returner based on time is none other than Josh's little brother Jonah Hoey, now a junior at Bishop Shanahan. Hoey went 1:52.59 at the post-state John Hay meet at Henderson. He went after the 1600 at states, but he may look to the 800 this season. Pennridge's Matt Eissler also went sub-1:53 last spring, going 1:52.96 at Henderson. Eissler took a fall at indoor states, which cost him a shot at the win, so he'll be motivated this spring.
Then there's the indoor 800 meter state champion, Tyler Shue of Ephrata. The junior overcame a fall in the mile to win the 800 title at PSU. He was second in AAA at states last year (...
