Boston: Are You Read For Some Track And Field ?
Even though the Patriots have fallen off the radar, Boston sports fans have something really special on tap for this weekend. If you like fast-paced, high-energy, and some possible record-breaking performances head over to Boston University for some track and field action. The track and field community will be in store for a real treat, as the Nike Oregon Project and its superstars will be invading the B.U.'s John Thomas Terrier Classic.The Alberto Salazar-led squad will attempt a few records, and for those who were lucky enough to catch it last year, the B.U.facility was as electric as a playoff game. Let's walk you through the schedule of events.
Friday Night
Mary Cain, Jordan Hassay, and Trenier Moser will attempt to break a 32 year old American Record in the mile. The mark was set back in 1982 by Mary (Decker) Slaney at 4:20.5. Cain, the high school phenom turned pro, set a World Junior record a few weeks ago in the 1,000-meter run at the same venue. At the very least, she will be looking to break the World Junior record of 4:24.10, set by Kalkaden Gezahegn.
Saturday
Day 2 of the Terrier Classic should be the highlight of this weekend's action.
The opening act for Galen Rupp's American record attempt should be spectacular as there will be two Olympians meeting in the middle for a showdown at 500 meters. Olympic 400-meter bronze medalist Lalonde Gordon from Trinidad will lock horns with Olympic 800-meter runner Julius Mutekanga of Uganda. This race is right before the Rupp's bid to set an AR in the two mile. This should fire the crowd up at B.U.'s Tennis and Track Center.
The main event will feature Rupp, a silver medalist for 10K at the 2012 Olympics. He is looking to recapture his own AR in the two mile. Rupp previously held the record of 8:09.72 back in 2011, a makr that was lowered to 8:09.49 by Bernard Lagat in 2013. At this very same meet last year, Rupp came up short as he attempted to break the 3:50 barrier in the mile, running a US #2 all-time performance at 3:50.92. Like both of his previous efforts in Boston, he most likely will be running solo the last few laps of the race. This time he seems to be in better condition, and the electric crowd will certainly be ready to bring him home and potentially witness another American record.
Not to be outdone by these Olympians and record-holders, we have the best high school track meets of the season over at Reggie Lewis Center. The top high school athletes will gather Sunday for the MSTCA Elite Invitational, while thousands of additional athletes will compete all day Saturday at the State Coaches Invitational.
Back in 1994 the high school kids were treated to a World Master Record in the mile, when Ireland's Eamon Coghlin ran 3:58 in the mile at age 41. Coghlin couldn't believe the noise generated by the high school kids. "They created more noise than at any other track I've run at, including Madison Square Garden," said Coghlan. The meet was held as an Invitational race during the MIAA State Finals.
Mmmmmm........Alberto, doesn't that sound like something we could rekindle in the future.
