One of the top moments from the PTFCA Indoor State Championship came in the boys 800 meters when Kendall Branan turned on the jets and kicked to an impressive victory.
The Indiana Area senior and University of Pittsburgh signee
After leading the way through the opening lap, the reigning indoor and outdoor state champion from Ephrata, Tyler Shue, assumed the lead. Shue then led through 600 meters and even opened up a slight gap on the field.
But Branan never fully lost touch.
Then Branan found another gear. On the backstretch on the bell lap, Branan quickly made the pass around Shue. Like he was shot out of a cannon, he kept rolling. He didn't slow down at all from there to the finish, crossing in a new PR of 1:52.14, the third fastest time in the country.
Branan, who ran a flat track 49.21 over 400 meters earlier in the indoor season, split an F.A.T. 26.44 for the final 200 meters of the race. The senior opted to go all-in with the 800 against a very strong field and it paid off. That speed came into play and helped him win his first state title.
Watch the race above and check out an interview with Branan after the race below:
