Mike Formica's big senior season keeps rolling along, and the Knoch distance runner made a big statement with a state-leading performance over the weekend.
The Youngstown State commit went across statelines from PA to Ohio for the SPIRE Ohio Championship Preview Meet in Geneva. Formica claimed a third place in the 1,600 meters in 4:16.77, the fastest indoor time by a Pennsylvanian over the distance so far this season. It's also a US No. 14 time.
The performance also netted Formica a major personal best. It's nearly nine full seconds fast than Formica's time over the same distance from the first YSU meet back on Jan. 9.
Formica had a breakthrough XC season, where he went 16:15 in some less-than-ideal conditions at White Oak Park to win the WPIAL Class AA title and then he placed 11th in AA at the state meet a week later. It will be interesting to see how Formica continues to progress in his senior season.
Watch the first section of the boys 1,600 meters from SPIRE and check out the race results below.
| PLACE | ATHLETE | TEAM | RESULT | H# | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Owen Karas | 12 | St. Charles | 4:14.18 | 1 | ||
| 2 | Izaiah Steury | 11 | Hornet Track Club | 4:16.01 | 1 | ||
| 3 | Mike Formica | 12 | Unattached - PA | 4:16.77 | 1 | ||
| 4 | Connor Ackley | 10 | Hil. Davidson | 4:16.94 | 1 | ||
| 5 | Carson McCoy | 11 | Unattached USA | 4:18.57 | 1 | ||
