USATF Masters Championships Day 2 Results

USATF Masters Championships Day 2 Results HERE
Susan Loyd 6th in W55 400m finals in 1:13.32
Jim Schoffman 4th in M60 400m in 1:02.24

MavBlog Q&A with MSU Mankato Alum Emmanuel Matadi

MavBlog Q&A with MSU Mankato Alum Emmanuel Matadi  HERE

Agnes Esser Wins Two Bronze Medals at NACAC U23 Championships

It's a bronze medal for Agnes Esser in the hammer (58.44m) at the NACAC U23 Championships. 🇨🇦💪👏 pic.twitter.com/FaQ8ZowtGd

— Minnesota W TrackCC (@GopherWCCTF) July 15, 2016

Agnes Esser bronze women discus @AthleticsCanada pic.twitter.com/zHVzYJYKJh

— Richard Parkinson (@YUThrows) July 16, 2016

Agnes Esser bronze women discus @AthleticsCanada pic.twitter.com/zHVzYJYKJh

— Richard Parkinson (@YUThrows) July 16, 2016

NACAC full results are HERE.

Herculis Monaco Diamond League Meet Results

Herculis Monaco Diamond League Meet Results HERE
Gabe Grunewald 10th in 3K HERE
Barbora Špotáková 3rd in the women's javelin HERE

And as for my race, I went for it but my legs were just not having it. When Monaco calls, you go -- gotta get back on the horse sometime.

— gabriele grunewald (@gg_runs) July 15, 2016

Updated: USATF Masters Championships Day 1 Results

USATF Masters Championships Results Day 1 HERE

400 Meter dash prelims
Susan Loyd 5th in 1:14.02 in W55. qualifies for final. Finishes 4th in the W55 800m
Jim Schoffmann(M60) entered in the 400m
Jim Schoffmann(M60) 5th  in 800m and Patrick Eastman(M55)5th in the 800m

Gopher Men's 2016 XC Schedule

2016 #Gophers Schedule: #Griak2016 highlights slate while the B1G meet returns to campus.https://t.co/9QBVUf9GHZ pic.twitter.com/7Gy6uSCefO

— Minnesota M CC/TF (@GopherMCCTF) July 14, 2016

WCCO’s Mike Max interviews Gopher men’s coach Steve Plasencia

WCCO’s Mike Max interviews Gopher men’s coach Steve Plasencia, talks about training, the Olympic Trials, Hassan Mead and Ben Blankenship, etc. HERE

Heather Kampf 3rd in 800 at Meeting Internazionale di Atletica Leggera SPORT SOLIDARIETA

800 Results are HERE.
Lignano SPORT SOLIDARIETA Full results HERE.

"Two weeks out from the Trials she incurred a calf injury.  'No great story comes without hiccups,' she wrote on her Facebook page, 'and mine just unfortunately came in the final preparation for the Trials. 

“It took nine days of treatment, pool workouts and prayers to get to running pain free the Saturday of Trials week.  However, my legs weren’t quite back to pre-injury ‘pop’ to finish the semi-final 1500 meter race like I needed to.”

Still feeling fit, Kampf decided to head to Europe and further test herself on the track.  When she returns stateside, the four-time U.S. Road Mile Champion plans to compete in a number of mile races  through mid-September.--Team USA Minnesota press release

NDSU's Erin Teschuk Goes Pro

NDSU's Erin Teschuk Goes Pro HERE

Spikes Guide to "Being Blankenship"

Spikes Guide to "Being Blankenship" HERE

NACAC Mountain Running Championships Recap

NACAC Mountain Running Championships Recap and photos HERE
Still no complete results, just a snapshot of results for top M&W finishers

USATF MN Summer League Meets #3 Results

USATF MN Summer League Meets #3 Results HERE

Gopher and Gopher Women Alums Summer Meets

Gopher women and Gopher Women Alums Summer Meets HERE

Morton Games women`s mile @HeatherRaeKampf for Santry debut: https://t.co/Q1cyIawse9 pic.twitter.com/R4izfL7ByK

— Morton Games (@MortonGames) July 12, 2016

No more crying when you're headed to ✈️ Monaco 😎 and Budapest 🤗

— gabriele grunewald (@gg_runs) July 12, 2016

Julia Lucas Writes about Hassan Mead and the Value of Sport

I still believe in the value of sport. There’s just too much evidence to deny it. Nelson Mandela used Rugby to help unite post-apartheid South Africa. Low-cost sports like Boxing and Running were tools to uplift neighborhoods during the Great Depression. Title IX laws helped redefine the female form. These are more than history lessons. In my deeply democratic heart, there is nothing more hope-inspiring than stickball on East Harlem side streets or the subtle culture of pickup basketball in The Cage on West 4th st. Still, in particularly sad or angry or hopeless moments, trying to pen the power of sport feels silly. People are being gunned down on the street and I’m writing about jogging. It feels like a joke. • The picture up there is my friend and former teammate Hassan Mead. He’s one of those guys whom everyone’s always rooting for. The guy you want on your side. Always kind. Always thinking of his teammates. Always positive and uplifting at practice. Earlier this week, after 13 years of training, he dropped out of the Olympic Trails 10k. It was hot. He responded badly. For some reason it hit him harder than it did the other bodies in the pack, and he went from the lead group to flat on his back in a matter of minutes . • Yesterday, he got a second shot. Though rattled and despondent after the 10k, his teammates and coach rallied around him and convinced him he still had a chance of making the team in the 5k. It wasn’t as good a chance as the 10k, admittedly, but it was something. And he made it. In a bigger surge and sprint than anything I’ve ever seen come from those legs, he made his first Olympic Team. He crossed the line, smiled, dazed. Then he walked straight to the side of the track, to his college coach who had jumped the fence separating the fans from the athletes, and started sobbing into his arms. In the background you can see the reporters surrounding Barnard Lagat, the race winner. Lagat’s a great story in his own right, a 41 year old father and a Kenyan-American. But it is this quiet moment that makes me believe myself again. Look at Hassan's hand. The world around them is still sad and angry and unfair, but this is pure. . .📸: @finley1188

A photo posted by Julia Lucas (@justrunjulia) on Jul 10, 2016 at 1:56pm PDT

Didn't Know Al Franken Is A Track Fan

Sen. Al Franken ‏@SenFranken  6h6 hours ago

Congrats to former #Gophers @HassyHass35 and @benfblankenship on punching your tickets to the Olympics. Minnesota will be rooting for you.

11 retweets35 likes

USATF Region 8 Junior Olympics Results

USATF Region 8 Junior Olympics Results HERE.

US Olympic Trials Day 9 Results

US Olympic Trials Day 9 Results HERE

Women's Pole Vault
Leslie Brost failed to clear the opening height of 4.40m/ 14'5.25"

Unfortunately @LeslieBrost failed to clear the opening height of 14' 5.25". pic.twitter.com/O7JaRTKx7M

— RunMDRA (@RunMDRA) July 10, 2016

Heptathlon
Heather Miller-Koch 2nd in the heptathlon with 6423 points. On the team for Rio
Jess Lehman 12th with 5806 points.

Toe the line at #TrackTown16 and at the Olympic Games.@hmillerkoch, @TrackBarbie7 and @kendell61495 are Rio bound! pic.twitter.com/vKUo51x6ER

— TrackTown USA (@GoTrackTownUSA) July 10, 2016

@SCSUHUSKIES Miller-Koch qualifies for 2016 Summer Olympics #NCAAD2 #NSIC https://t.co/fHN9RjVQUI

— SCSU HUSKIES (@SCSUHUSKIES) July 11, 2016

Heather Miller-Koch, second place, 6423 points

“This year the mentality was just don’t get fourth place. Last year at the championships, I came in fourth place by 18 points, missed going to World Championships. It’s just been a steady climb. I came out of Division II college. My PR in college was only 5230 points. This year it has just been do not get fourth place.”

“First time I competed against [Barbara Nwaba] was the last Olympic Trials, so we’re known each other since then. It’s been great to get to know Kendell. I had never competed against against her, just know she’s a high school phenom, the best college. She’s the next best thing.”

“The depth of the entire field, the scores were huge — the best it’s ever been in a national championship and it would have been even bigger had we had better conditions. It was a little rainy today. We were running into the wind yesterday. Those don’t produce the best heptathlon scores and we still did it. To get to this meet, you had to take 6,000 points essentially to get into this meet almost. That’s  a huge climb from four years ago. It’s just going to keep going up.”

“I can’t really describe the feeling right now. The whole goal was for this meet. I had done other heptathlons throughout the year but it was all leading up to this competition. I just put it all out there, training specifically for this meet to make the team because I knew it was going to be so competitive. It was just great that we were able to put up such big scores considering head winds yesterday and rain today. It’s pretty awesome.”

“I know that Barbara is a very strong 800 runner, and so is Sharon, who was only a second and a half behind me – she had to beat me by a second and a half – so I knew I had to run. Our plan was for Barb to lead the race and I didn’t want to break stride and I kind of went out a little hot around the corners. I just went with it. I don’t usually like leading. I usually like coming from behind but I knew I just had to trust my training. Coming through the 600 I saw that we were a little slower than what I had been training at so I was just about to finish strong.”

Women's 1500 final 
Gabe Grunewald 12th in 4:18.73

I don't have a lot to say other than TOKYO 2020!

— gabriele grunewald (@gg_runs) July 11, 2016

#SquadGoals@MollyHuddle, @shelbo800 and @KimConley are Rio Bound in the 5000m! #TrackTown16 pic.twitter.com/m26stsqGcp

— TrackTown USA (@GoTrackTownUSA) July 11, 2016

This is @shelbo800 's mirror. Today she became an olympian. So stinkin' proud! pic.twitter.com/H6LhPCmUin

— Olivia (@omicklepickle) July 10, 2016

Men's 1500 final
Ben Blankenship 3rd in 3:36.13 Going to Rio

Victory lap for @benfblankenship pic.twitter.com/JqaMt5JDkf

— RunMDRA (@RunMDRA) July 11, 2016

Yellow flag???

Official word is that results stand and Blankenship is safe. He will be heading to Rio for Team USA #TrackTown16

— Ryan Fenton (@ryanmfenton) July 11, 2016

Eric Avila on shove from Blankenship: "It's totally within his right. He's protecting his space." We'll see if officials agree. #TrackTown16

— Kevin Liao (@RunLiao) July 11, 2016

That was a nice block by Blankenship. Not sure Manzano's team is gonna stay quiet #TrackTown16

— Pat Price (@WritingAboutRun) July 11, 2016

Last year, @benfblankenship missed the world championships by .02 seconds to Leo Manzano. Makes the Olympic team over Manzano by .44 seconds

— Chris Chavez (@ChrisChavezSI) July 11, 2016

 Ben Blankenship, third place, 3:36.18

“It’s really good (to make the Olympic team). For everybody here at TrackTown, they did such a damn good job to put on such a good meet. It’s one of the best venues you can run at in the world.”

On the question if today was the best race of his life:

“Yes. Yeah. I haven’t had the time to process it all, but yeah.”

On the bumping in the race:

“I really think it was the first 200 meters or 300 meters -- in the first lap. (Leo Manzano) tried to come out and I was right there. It was either going to tangle up or one of us has to make a move. It was easier for him to go forward. If anything it helps us.”

“Every time anyone goes out and race, their goal is to make it to a U.S. championship. It was really a solid three years of training under Mark Rowland to get me here.”

Ben Blankenship After Taking 2nd in 1500 at 2016 Olympic Trials: https://t.co/yCRDMxMbSu via @YouTube

— LetsRun.com (@letsrundotcom) July 11, 2016

NACAC Mountain Running Championships

Women's podium at #NACAC - @MegRoche33 @LadiaHallie and @MegganFranks - well done ladies! #RunLikeAGirl pic.twitter.com/8Rrq3Ocwyi

— USA Mt. Running Team (@usmrt) July 10, 2016

Photo Gallery HERE
Race summary HERE
Results posted when available.

US Olympic Trials Day 8 Results: Hassan Mead Qualifies for Rio

US Olympic Trials Day 8 Results HERE

WHAT. A. FINISH!
Lagat, Mead, and Chelimo are going to Rio in the men's 5K!
Lagat wins in 13:35.50! pic.twitter.com/Qkjr3DkzAt

— TrackTown USA (@GoTrackTownUSA) July 10, 2016

#🇺🇸 #dreaming pic.twitter.com/QVHrx0f25F

— John Jefferson (@jwjeffer) July 10, 2016

Heptathlon Day 1
Heather Miller-Koch is 3rd with 3822 points
Jess Lehman 19th  with 3.322 points

Women's Javelin Final
Nicolle Murphy 5th in the javelin 56.35m/185'10"

Nicolle Murphy

Men's 5K Final

We stick together https://t.co/pGhECL7b0X

— Kurt Decker (@mntrailrunner) July 10, 2016

Hassan Mead 2nd in 13:35.70. Makes the Olympic team for Rio

                             Garrett Heath 13th in 13:55.58

Former CTTC counselor @HassyHass35 is going to Rio! #CTTC2016 #TrackTown16 pic.twitter.com/BKqkEG0NT8

— C Tolle Run (@CTolleRun) July 10, 2016https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cm-fpMOVYAArOIC.jpg

I love track.

— John Millea (@MSHSLjohn) July 10, 2016

Victory lap with @HassyHass35 and Minnesota fans! pic.twitter.com/MRgiMo1jYF

— RunMDRA (@RunMDRA) July 10, 2016

Former CTTC counselor @HassyHass35 is going to Rio! #CTTC2016 #TrackTown16 pic.twitter.com/BKqkEG0NT8

— C Tolle Run (@CTolleRun) July 10, 2016

That was without a doubt the best 5000 meter race I have ever seen. I might never see better.

— Jesse Squire (@tracksuperfan) July 10, 2016

Gopher women's summary HERE.  Men HERE
Daily Relay Photo Gallery HERE

Post Race Press Conference:
Hassan Mead

“I kind of expected it to be an unpredictable race with people going and coming back. One thing I had to do was cover every move being made and had to give myself a chance on the last lap. As my coach said, stay smooth, stay within the race, and bring it home strong.”

“I can’t put any words on it. As a kid I used to watch people become an Olympian and how they reacted when they made it. I was trying to picture what my reaction would’ve been when I made it, and to be able to go through the line knowing I’m going to the next Olympics hasn’t hit me yet, but I’m sure when it does, it’s going to be a great feeling.”

On coming back from 10k DNF:

“To be honest, after that 10k I was devastated. I wasn’t even thinking about the 5k, my mind was a cluster. The people around me, my coach and my agents, everybody was just rushing to help me recover and getting ready for the 5k: fluid, wet towels, everything they could think of. From that point on I forgot about the 10k, and said I’ve got the fastest 5k coming in, I said I was the man to beat and that was the mindset I had.”

"To go to the line and know you're going to the Olympics, it hasn't hit me yet." --Hear @HassyHass35 next on @kare11 pic.twitter.com/c6q528Csl2

— Dave Schwartz (@Dave_Schwartz) July 10, 2016

Agnes Esser 5th in the Hammer Throw at the Canadian OT

Agnes Esser 5th in the Hammer Throw at Canadian OT.
Result HERE

It's a 5th-place finish for Agnes Esser in the #ACTrials hammer with a mark of 59.11m. 🇨🇦https://t.co/PmvzIvSapO pic.twitter.com/z3bvr26JdY

— Minnesota W TrackCC (@GopherWCCTF) July 10, 2016

InForum follow up story on Amanda Smock

InForum follow up story on Amanda Smock HERE

USATF Region 8 Junior Olympics Championships Days 1 &2 Results

USATF Region 8 Junior Olympics Championships Days 1 &2 Results HERE

Barbora Špotáková 5th at the Euro Champs

Gopher grad Barbora Špotáková 5th at the European  Championships javelin.  Results HERE.

Erin Teschuk First in Canadian OT Steeplechase

NDSU's Erin Teschuk finished first in the steeplechase at the Canadian Olympic Trials making the team for Rio.  Results HERE.

Congrats to Erin Teschuk -- Canadian national champ in the steeplechase! She'll be on Team Canada for the Olympics! pic.twitter.com/VMbp72X3mq

— NDSU Athletics (@NDSUathletics) July 9, 2016

Olympic dreams realized!

Great photos of @ErinTeschuk winning the Canadian steeplechase title. (📷 @AthleticsCanada) pic.twitter.com/c3nhXpJT8q

— NDSU Track & Field (@NDSUTrackField) July 9, 2016

US Olympic Trials Day 7 Results

US Olympic Trials Day 7 Results HERE

Men's 1500 Semis
Ben Blankenship 1st in heat 2 in 3:44.24. Qualifies for final

#Gophers great @benfblankenship runs 3:44.24 in the #TrackTown16 1500 semis, fastest qualifying time. pic.twitter.com/ZlU1IgY562

— Minnesota M CC/TF (@GopherMCCTF) July 8, 2016

Onwards. #TrackTown16
📷@GoTrackTownUSA pic.twitter.com/kkEU3syEu4

— Benjamin Blankenship (@benfblankenship) July 9, 2016

Women's Pole Vault
Leslie Brost 7th clearing 4.40m/14'5.25"qualifies for final

.@LeslieBrost is HEADED TO THE FINALS after her 7th place finish in pole vault @ #TrackTown16!

Photo: @McCarthysan pic.twitter.com/3x0YvBfpPo

— TwinCities TrackClub (@TwinCitiesTC) July 9, 2016

Women's 1500 semis
Gabe Grunewald 6th in heat 1 in 4:11.86. qualifies for final
Heather Kampf 10th in heat 1 in 4:13.28 does not qualify for finals

I made the final. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! @brooksrunning #runhappytorio #tracktown16

— gabriele grunewald (@gg_runs) July 9, 2016

I'm at a loss. In many ways this has been a perfect season with great races and even better workouts. Rather than... https://t.co/6QsovEyk5l

— Heather Kampf (@HeatherRaeKampf) July 9, 2016

Gabe Grunewald after Making It to 1500 Final at 2016 Olympic Trials: https://t.co/e7W0JWySht via @YouTube

— LetsRun.com (@letsrundotcom) July 9, 2016

A calf issue hampered @HeatherRaeKampf in the last week just enough to take her edge off, but she still competed like the champion she is.

— Team USA Minnesota (@TeamUSAMN) July 9, 2016

Men's steeplechase final
Mason Ferlic 5th in 8:30.03

Ferlic, Forys Top Six in Olympic Trials Steeplechase; Porter Advances in Eugene

Recap » https://t.co/V2uXrga38d pic.twitter.com/2bw4tgShXb

— Michigan Track&Field (@UMichTrack) July 9, 2016

Daily Relay Photo gallery HERE 

Ruby Stauber MileSplit All American at 800 Meters

2016 MileSplit All-Americans
Girls 800m
🇺🇸: https://t.co/ji2lFnU84q pic.twitter.com/QDqnLrf2tp

— MileSplit US (@milesplit) July 8, 2016

WDAY feature on NDSU's Erin Teschuk

WDAY feature on NDSU's Erin Teschuk, who is attempting to make the Canadian team in the steeplechase tonight HERE

Gophers' Agnes Esser Wins Discus in Canadian Olympic Trials

Gophers' Agnes Esser Wins Discus in Canadian Olympic Trials. Results HERE

Esser's throw of 50.32m is good for the win and a national title in discus at the #ACTrials! 〽️🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/ScR3hO7DBe

— Minnesota W TrackCC (@GopherWCCTF) July 8, 2016

How to Make the US Olympic Track Trials Even Better

How to Make the US Olympic Track Trials Even Better HERE

Sarah Barker Takes You on a Trip Through Tracktown USA

Sarah Barker Takes You on a Trip Through Tracktown USA HERE

US Olympic Trials Day 6 Results

US Olympic Trials Day 6 Results HERE.

Women's Javelin Prelims
Nicolle Murphy 12th 52.25m/171'/5" qualified for finals
Sierra Rosenau  23rd  48.19m/158'1"

Nicolle Murphy

Women's 5K prelims
Gabe Grunewald 11th in heat 2 (20th overall) in 15:58.72 did not qualify for finals

Gabe Grunewald Explains How She Bombed Out of 5000 but Made It Out of 1500 Rounds: https://t.co/Gqt0cFDLjJ via @YouTube

— LetsRun.com (@letsrundotcom) July 8, 2016

Women's 1500 prelims
Heather Kampf 5th in Heat 1 in 4:14.12(5th overall) qualifies for semis
Gabe Grunewald 6th in heat 3 in 4:18.07(13th overall) qualifies for semis

Women's Triple Jump Final
Amanda Smock 10th with 13.12m/43'05"

Took these puppies for their last ride. Please nobody be sad for me. I've had a heck of a ride… https://t.co/aGJll9ae95

— Amanda Smock (@AJTSMOCK) July 8, 2016

Wish I knew this, but has anyone done a one-day distance double at the OT? Incredible. https://t.co/zk0SNmFrye

— Jesse Squire (@tracksuperfan) July 8, 2016

Men's 1500 prelims
Ben Blankenship 1st(18th overall) in heat two in 3:49.61
Will Leer 10th(29th overall) in heat two in 3:54.31

Get off me. pic.twitter.com/KSUZ94woK2

— Oregon TC Elite (@OregonTCElite) July 8, 2016

Gopher women's summary HERE.

Ben Blankenship talks at 2016 US Olympic Track and Field Trials: https://t.co/7VP31JgsDS via @YouTube

— LetsRun.com (@letsrundotcom) July 8, 2016

Road to Rio: Mason Ferlic on Friday's Steeple Final

Road to Rio: Mason Ferlic on the build up to Friday's Steeple final HERE

Barbora Špotáková Qualifies for European Championships Women's Javelin Finals

Gopher alum Barbora Špotáková finished first in the prelims of the women's javelin. Results HERE.

House of Run Interview with Tom Heinonen

Another podcast from Eugene by @HouseofRun! Listener emails + chat with coach Tom Heinonen: https://t.co/bq8s26I0K2 pic.twitter.com/c3nkdFNDy4

— Daily Relay (@dailyrelay) July 7, 2016

Midsummer Mile Results

Midsummer Mile Results HERE

US Olympic Trials Day 5

US Olympic Trials Day 5 Results HERE.

Maggie Ewen 9th in Women's hammer with 66.35m/217'8"
Sean Donnelly 9th in the Men's hammer with 68.96m/226'3"

Congrats on a great season, @SDThrows!#Gophers HT Record ✅
All-B1G ✅
All-American ✅#TrackTown16 Qualifier ✅ pic.twitter.com/PlLzNKHW8i

— Minnesota M CC/TF (@GopherMCCTF) July 7, 2016

The Hardest Part of making the Olympics: the money

The hardest part about making the Olympics for these Americans? Affording it.https://t.co/t7qSeB0qDD

— Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 6, 2016

The Hardest Part of making the Olympics: the money   HERE

Gopher Women's Recap of US OT; Preview of US and Canadian OT

Gopher Women's Recap of US Olympic Trials; Preview of US and Canadian OT HERE

FloTrack Garrett Heath Interview

FloTrack  interview with Garrett Heath Post 5K prelims  HERE

KARE 11 Road to Rio Interview with Ben Blankenship

KARE 11 Road to Rio Interview with Ben Blankenship HERE

Fear and Loathing in Eugene

BGSU grad Jesse Squire pens a Hunter Thompsonesque piece on the Olympic dream HERE

InForum Feature onTriple Jumper Amanda Smock

InForum Feature on Triple Jumper Amanda Smock HERE

Former #NDSUBison Smock working on final chapter in decorated track career at Olympic Trials https://t.co/YCILJdPvo2 pic.twitter.com/aZ1gaRWY6P

— Eric Peterson (@FargoBigE) July 5, 2016

An outline of the Proposal for Governance Structure Reform of the IAAF

An outline of the Proposal for Governance Structure Reform of the IAAF  HERE

Winona Daily News Feature on Garrett Heath

Winona Daily News Feature on Garrett Heath HERE

Olympic Trials Day 4 Results

Olympic Trials Day 4 Results HERE

Riley Dozal 3rd with a throw of 79.67/261'4" On the Olympic Team
Women's Steeplechase prelims
Maddie Van Beek 16th in 9:49.56. did not qualify for final
Jamie Cheever 24th in 10:01.46.  did not qualify for final

I'm in the best shape of my life, but ran the the worst nats of my life. anything can happen on race day. thanks for the support y'all.

— Jamie Cheever (@JamieCheever) July 5, 2016

Men's Steeplechase prelims
Mason Ferlic 2nd in heat 2 qualified for final

.@masonferlic, @craigforys on to Friday's Steeplechase Final at #USOlympicTrials

RECAP » https://t.co/uEE0QxBbv9 pic.twitter.com/f6cQ45zIhG

— Michigan Track&Field (@UMichTrack) July 5, 2016

Women's Triple Jump prelims

Amanda Smock 11th jumping 13.44m/44'1.25" qualified for final

Phew! Got through for more fun on Thursday! Counting my blessings, ready for more. https://t.co/6Gr39VGH6U

— Amanda Smock (@AJTSMOCK) July 5, 2016

Men's 5K prelims
Hassan Mead 4th in second heat in 13:48.81 qualified for final
Garrett Heath 8th in first heat in 13:50.63 qualified for final
Biya Simbassa 11th in first heat in 13:53.56. did not qualify for final

@_garrettheath up next in 5k semifinal. pic.twitter.com/Guw2LLkzR1

— RunMDRA (@RunMDRA) July 5, 2016

Pretty proud of how @Biya_simba35 competed in his first US Olympic Trials! https://t.co/nwYOrIGp8F

— Dennis Barker (@dbinsaintpaul) July 5, 2016

Men's 800

Harun Abda 7th in 1:47.05

@Ha_RunAbda finishes 7th. pic.twitter.com/HGhMZbF1rl

— RunMDRA (@RunMDRA) July 5, 2016

😱😱😱@Clayton_Murph wins the men's 800M Final in 1:44.76! #RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/gX8f0ddSLO

— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) July 5, 2016

Gopher women's summary HERE.
Eugene Register Guard Day 4 Photo Gallery HERE

Mason Ferlic's Road to Rio Blog: Steeple Heats Today

Mason Ferlic's Road to Rio Blog  HERE

Train Cool, Bathe Hot

Beat the heat in #Rio2016. Editors choice SJMSS. Train cool bathe hot. @Jeukendrup https://t.co/X0PpGDbZf4 pic.twitter.com/PePMzicMpb

— Neil Peter Walsh (@ProfNeilWalsh) July 4, 2016

Ben Sathre, Lauren Rice Win Red, White & Boom TC Half Marathon

Red, White & Boom TC Half Marathon Results HERE
5K Results HERE.
Mixed Team Relay HERE

AAU Region 14 National Qualifier Results

AAU Region 14 National Qualifier Results HERE

USATF MN Summer League Meet #2 Results

   USATF MN Summer League Meet #2 Results  HERE

Olympic Trials Day 3 Results

Olympic Trials Day 3 Results HERE

Masters Men 1500 (exhibition)
Joey Keillor 7th in 4:05.35
Lance Elliott 9th in 4:06.17

Congrats to @LanceRunsALot & Joey Keillor @TCRUNNINGCO for representing MN in the Masters 1500! pic.twitter.com/KHWPyjYgPo

— Terry Goeman (@tpg7988) July 4, 2016

Gopher Women's summary HERE
Jamaican Olympic Trials 110 Hurdles prelims results HERE
Eugene Register Guard photos from Day 3 HERE

Message from Lance Elliott

Here is a little post I wrote this morning about my upcoming race tonight in Eugene. https://t.co/AEkneh8fkH

— Lance Elliott (@LanceRunsALot) July 3, 2016

Ladia Albertson Junkans 4th, Earns a Place on the 2016 US Mountain Running team

Top 4 finishers make the team.  Ladia on the far right)

Full Results HERE. (Click on Filter, then click on Overall results. Ladia was 39th overall, 4th in the women's race). World Championships are September in Bulgaria.

Ladia Albertson Junkans climbing the mountain

Sports Business Journal "sit down" with USATF CEO Max Siegel

Sports Business Journal "sit down" with USATF CEO Max Siegel   HERE

Let's Run Video Interview with Nick Symmonds

Nick Symmonds talks about athletes, sponsors, rules, and what it would take to make track & field a professional sport for the athletes.

2016 Western States 100 Post-Race Story Roundup

2016 Western States 100 Post-Race Story Roundup HERE

FloTrack Interview with Will Leer

FloTrack Interview with Will Leer about the finances of a pro runner.  His situation with Nike. The mental aspect of sport, etc. HERE

US Olympic Trials Day 2 Results

US Olympic Trials Day 2 Results HERE

Women's Discus final
Liz Podominick 4th with 60.07m/197'1"
Rachel Longfors 7th with 58.87m/193'1"
Maggie Ewen 12th with 53.61m/175'10"

Women's 10K final
Emma Bates 21st in 34:32.44

Tough time on the track..but Germany beat Italy, I had the best nap ever &now I'm watching Freaks and Geeks. It's a pretty ok day after all

— Emma Bates (@emmajbates) July 3, 2016

ALL THE WAY UP @Ha_RunAbda pic.twitter.com/BRQCMrWNB0

— Oregon TC Elite (@OregonTCElite) July 2, 2016

Men's 800 semi's
Harun Abda 5th in heat 1 in 1:46.28. Qualifies for final

Men's Pole Vault qualifying
Zach Siegmeier  Three misses at 5.40m/17'8.5"

Men's javelin qualifying
Riley Dolezal 1st in qualifying 76.69m/251'7"

Eugene Register Guard photos from Day 1 HERE. Day 2 HERE
Photo Run Day 2 photos HERE

Jamaican Olympic Trials results HERE.
Gopher women Olympic Trials recap HERE.
Gopher men Day 2 recap HERE.

Afton Trail Run 25K & 50K/USATF MN Trail Championship Results

Afton Trail Run 25K & 50K USATF MN Championship Results HERE

Progress of Gopher Women in Jamaican and US Olympic Trials

#Gophers senior @MarklandTitania (🇯🇲 400m) & alum @LizPodominator (🇺🇸 discus) advance. https://t.co/SrLapAJI4w

— Minnesota W TrackCC (@GopherWCCTF) July 2, 2016

Jamaican OT Day 2 results HERE.

Olympic Trials Day 1 Results

Live Results are HERE.

Men's 800 
Harun Abda qualfies for semis; 3rd in heat four 1:47.88
Goaner Deng 8th in heat 4 1"49.61. Does not advance

Women's 800
Laura Roesler 4th in heat four in 2:03.55. Does not advance

Women's Discus(Top 12 qualify for finals)
Rachel Longfors 10th with 56.19m/184'4"
Liz Podominick 11th with 55.75m/182'11"
Maggie Ewen 12th with 55.73m/182'10"

10K Final
Jonathan Grey 9th in 29:00.28
Hassan Mead DNF

Started slow, 70+ seconds per lap for the first 2000 meters.  Galen Rupp took charge, threw in 64/65 second laps, slowed down for the next three laps.  Race for first started at 5K when Rupp put the hammer down, running between 63-68 per lap.  Took a breather for two laps with a mile to go, then gradually picked it up to the finish with a 60 second last lap to triumph over Shadrack Kipchirchir. Mead was in contention for 3rd until until five laps to go. Pace went from 65-66 laps to 70 and over. Collapsed on the track.  Got up with a mile to go and ran 2:44.43, then 1:41.62, and then six minute mile pace for the next two  laps before dropping out. 

In 4th with 9 laps to go. pic.twitter.com/eCeAyyDKBG

— RunMDRA (@RunMDRA) July 2, 2016

Tough day on the track. pic.twitter.com/xHSRllLANK

— RunMDRA (@RunMDRA) July 2, 2016

Spoke too soon. Mead back on his feet. Finished 18th. pic.twitter.com/gJa2eWhszr

— RunMDRA (@RunMDRA) July 2, 2016

Thanks for the support over the last 5 years. I'm disappointed, but my running career does not stop here. The best days are ahead! Bless up.

— GOANER DENG (@gdengXX) July 2, 2016

Recap of USATF Club Nationals

Mathew Shannon, Jerrell Hancock, Tray Linde, and Ethan Mignard

Last Saturday, June 25, at historic Franklin Field in Philadelphia, the Twin Cities Track Club debuted on the USATF National Club Track circuit by finishing sixth out of 34 men's teams.   With only five TCTC athletes competing against much larger and more well-established clubs, most did not expect that big a showing. 

The most impressive and lasting memory was from the 4x400 relay team that came from behind and beat eight teams. Tray Lide (54.5) led off, followed by Jerrell Hancock (47.9), Mathew Shannon (50.4), and Ethan Mignard (47.7)  the anchor. As Mignard brought home the victory members of other track clubs were heard expressing their disbelief. It was a great way to end the meet. [Video here]

 [Results here and additional photos here]

More highlights

Earlier in the meet, the same foursome that would bring home the gold in the four by 400 finished third in the 4x100 relay in 41.79. Ethan to Jerrell to Mathew to Tray kept that baton moving. Remarkable, because before Saturday the team had done zero work on relay handoffs. (To put this into perspective, at the USATF Coaches school I am attending this week, they recommend a minimum of six workout sessions to correct 4x100 relay handoffs.) The team was able to use their collective track experience to get the stick around the track. [Video here]

Everyone competed in individual events.Hancock  was second in the 200 in 21.44, Mignard ran 48.99 to take eighth in the 400. Lide competed in the 100. Shannon long jumped (for the first time in many years), and Francis Shen finished seventh in the 110 Hurdles (and tenth in the 400 hurdles). 

The performances themselves are great, but just as important was the experience of competing as a team, against other clubs. For post-collegiate and Masters athletes, too often the experience of competing is solely an individual one. Our trip to Philly reminded everyone why it’s important to compete together.

I hope that next year we’ll travel with distance runners, throwers, and other field event athletes. If we can do that, we can give those bigger East Coast clubs a run for their money. But thanks to the dedication of our sprinters, the coaching and expertise of Coach Anton Kokorin, and the support of TCTC and Mike Reneau, we exceeded expectations.

Thanks to all who supported our inaugural year of training, and hope to see you on the track for some fun local meets this summer as well as base training for next year

From Frances Shen

Will Leer Talks to Sarah Barker About His Battle with Nike

Will Leer Talks to Sarah Barker About His Battle with Nike HERE

Masters Track Preview of the Masters Races at the Olympic Trials

Masters Track preview of the Masters races at the Olympic Trials HERE

TCTC Pole Vaulters Leslie Brost and Zach Ziegmeier's Journey to the US Olympic Trials

Strib Story on  TCTC Pole Vaulters Leslie Brost and Zach Ziegmeier's Journey to the US Olympic Trials HERE