Gopher Thinclads Grab More Accolades

Heading into this weekend's Big Ten Indoor Championships, three University of Minnesota stars will enter the competitions in Champaign, Illinois (men) and West Lafayette, Indiana (women) as the conference's Athletes of the Week.

Micah Hegerle, the sophomore throwing star from Kasson-Mantorville, was named the Big Ten's Field Event Athlete of the Week after marking a school record 71-3 1/2 in the weight throw at Friday night's Snowshoe Open at the U of M Fieldhouse.

Hegerle’s throw is the top mark in the Big Ten this season and ranks him #2 in the nation.

Ryan Todhunter, a Gopher hurdler from Grand Forks, North Dakota, earned Big Ten Track Event Athlete of the Week honors after his 60-meter hurdles victory on Friday in 8.00. The sophomore moves up to #7 in the Big Ten standings heading into conference. In Gopher history, Todhunter’s time ties him for #3 on the all-time.

Gopher pole vaulter Samantha Sonnenberg earned her second consecutive Big Ten Field Event Athlete of the Week honor after clearing a season-best 13-11 1/4 to win the U of M's Parents’ Day Open on Saturday.

The Gopher All-American owns the top vault in the Big Ten this season.

Big Ten Indoor Championships action gets underway on Saturday. Follow the lead-up to the meets HERE (men) and HERE (women).

Find complete big Ten indoor performance lists HERE.

H.S. Girls' All-Time Lists: 3200-Meters

Here's this week's opening installment of "Moorhead's Lists," Champlin Park coach Kevin Moorhead's compilation of the all-time best Minnesota high school girls' track and field performers.

Moorhead encourages corrections and amendments. He can be contacted at:

Kevin [DOT] Moorhead [AT] anoka [DOT] k12 [DOT] mn [DOT] us

All-Time Girls' 3200m

Bria Wetsch, Holy Family 10:10.50 2006
Elizabeth Yetzer, Lakeville North 10:12.09 2006
Shannon Bergstedt, Hopkins 10:26.61 2004
Lisa Dyer, Moorhead 10:27.80 2001
Joanna Deeter, Eden Prairie 10:29.75 1996
Lisa Waanen, Maple Grove 10:29.94 2003
Carrie Tollefson, Lac Qui Parle 10:30.28 1994
Michelle Marthaler, Belgrade Brooten 10:32.56 1986
Lani Granowski, Owatonna 10:33.94 1979
Bonnie Sons, Norwood Y-America 10:34.14 1983
(10)
Heidi Lindeman, Coon Rapids 10:38.40 2003
Tracy Dahl, Anoka 10:39.74 1988
Nancy Gieske, Henry Sibley 10:40.74 1980
Jamie Piepenburg, Alexandria 10:41.29 2010
Maria Hauger, Shakopee 10:41.87 2010
Molly Moulton, Rush City 10:42.37 1991
Hannah Grinnaker, Detroit Lakes 10:43.67 2005
Kim Kauls, Forest Lake 10:43.98 1986
Alex Gits, Edina 10:44.01 2007
Pam Drietz, Canby Minneota 10:44.59 1991
(20)
Missy Peterson, Sartell-St.Stephen 10:45.43 1994
Emily Naslund, Bloomington Jefferson 10:45.56 1998
Eva Ljungstrom, Minnetonka 10:45.79 1978
Kara Parker, BILLP 10:47.06 1986
Jill Slettedahl, Granite Falls 10:47.23 1984
Kara Wheeler, Duluth East 10:48.47 1993
Danielle Brendt, Bloomington Kennedy 10:49.30 2006
Chrissy Monson, Albert Lea 10:49.44 2010
Kaila Urick, Chaska 10:49.61 2010
Barb Jones, St. Paul Central 10:49.88 1995
(30)
Mallory Van Ness, Mounds View 10:50.23 2005
Donna Ganly, Edina West 10:50.44 1978
Jennifer Diedrich, Marshall Co. West 10:51.36 1991
Ladia Albertson, Stillwater Area 10:52.22 2003
McKenzie Melander, Eastview 10:52.32 2007
Christine Abbott, Winona 10:52.72 1987
Heidi Peterson, Sartell-St.Stephen 10:52.79 2010
Maddie McClellan, Perham 10:52.98 2010
Alison Liewen, Minnetonka 10:53.02 2003
Catherine Ferrell, St .Paul Academy 10:53.11 2001
(40)
Victoria Moses, Irondale 10:53.25 1998
Laura Hughes, Mankato West 10:53.41 2007
Marta Watson, Stillwater Area 10:53.44 1979
Annie Yetzer, Lakeville 10:53.47 2004
Lisa Witty, Plainview 10:53.50 1988
Snuffy Alto, Alexandria 10:53.61 1989
Amy Wicker, Duluth East 10:54.90 1998
Nikki Swenson, Dawson-Boyd 10:55.15 2004
Alyssa Salava, North 10:55.65 2009
Nicole Calabrese, Kingsland 10:55.85 2004
(50)
Jessica Goeden, Grand Rapids 10:55.88 1998
Stephanie Herbst, Chaska 10:56.15 1984
Casey Klein, Henry Sibley 10:56.63 2002
Laura Docherty, Cretin Derham Hall 10:56.80 2009
Jenny Trump, Bloomington Jefferson 10:56.92 2000
Charlene Hubbard, Becker 10:56.97 1984
Carolyn Baird, Stillwater Area 10:57.14 2005
Zoe Nagell, Armstrong 10:57.73 2000
Rachel Drake, White Bear Lake 10:57.75 2009
Michelle Volz, Lakeville North 10:57.82 2007
(60)
Angela Aukes, Elmore 10:58.10 1985
Julie Gifford, Tracy-Milroy 10:58.24 2000
Rachel Stangler, Albany 10:58.40 2003
Katie Dyson, Roseville Area 10:58.41 2006
Jen Hess, Paynesville Area 10:58.95 2002
Gretchen Farkas, Totino Grace 10:59.12 1986
Jill Peterman, New London Spicer 10:59.21 1988
Emily Schwitzer, Hopkins 10:59.25 2005
Sarah Fredrickson, Elk River 10:59.31 2003
Julie Anderson, Pillager 10:59.77 1984
(70)
Sarah Gandrud, Bloomington Jefferson 11:00.27 1986
Megan Brandeland, Prior Lake 11:00.59 2005
Emma Bates, Elk River 11:00.65 2007
Sara Hartman, Albert Lea 11:00.96 1987
Kari Higdem, Willmar 11:01.18 2003
Disa Hillstrom, Northland 11:01.27 1993
Maggie Zirbes, Glencoe-Silver Lake 11:01.50 2003
Nicole McCann, Owatonna 11:01.71 2001
Callie Malone, Eden Prairie 11:01.89 2005
Rebekah Yetzer, Lakeville 11:01.96 2000
(80)
Kendall Wheeler, Duluth East 11:02.14 1998
Ann Bokman, Blake 11:02.40 1987
Stacy Johnson, La Crescent 11:02.94 1994
Connie Hayden, Minnetonka 11:03.14 1983
Donna Gathje, Rochester Lourdes 11:03.24 1977
Tami Holker, Hopkins Lindbergh 11:03.24 1981
Tina Forthmiller, St. Francis 11:03.37 1991
Beth Tacl, St. Cloud Cathedral 11:03.40 2005
Denise Ward, Aurora 11:03.41 1985
Sheila Pexsa, Alexandria 11:03.57 1987
(90)
Lauren Burks, Park Cottage Grove 11:03.79 2002
Jenna Carlson, Edina 11:03.89 2005
Jill Field, Barnsville/Rothsay 11:04.02 1996
Caitlin Olson, Stillwater Area 11:04.05 2005
Chelsea Pettit, Academy of Holy Angels 11:04.07 2009
Monica Schliep, Rochester Lourdes 11:04.15 1981
Linda Keller, Paynesville Area 11:04.25 2009
Kristin Asp, Lamberton 11:04.30 1981
Sho Kroeger, Lake Crystal 11:04.58 1993
Mara Olson, St. Louis Park 11:04.75 2008
(100)

Lehmkuhle Wins Ohme 30K in Japan

Team USA Minnesota's Jason Lehmkuhle became the first American in 28 years to win Tokyo's challenging Ohme 30K Road Race with his victory there on Sunday.

Lehmkuhle ran the challenging course in 1:32:08 -- sub-5:00 pace for 18.6 miles -- edging Japan's Toyoyuki Abe by one second.

There's a report on the race and a photo of Lehmkuhle sprinting to the finish, HERE, on the English language Japan Running News web-site.

(The official web-site for the race is HERE, but, alas, it's written in Japanese.)

Greg Meyer, the last American champion at the Boston Marathon in 1983, was the last American to win the Ohme 30K prior to Lehmkuhle, doing so the same year. Some 15,000 runners ran in the 30K event and another 5,000 participated in the accompanying 10 km, according to a Team USA Minnesota media release.

“I was with the lead pack from the beginning, occasionally leading,"Lehmkuhle said. "I was wary of the course though, and I didn’t want to press early on. I made a little move at the turnaround then another at around 22 km up a big hill that broke up the remaining pack of five. I had a little gap by 23 or 24K, but Toyoyuki Abe caught me at the 25K and we ran the rest of the way in together. I had just enough left to get him by a second at the line."

“The course was definitely difficult, more so than I had expected,” Lehmkuhle said. “It’s an out-and-back that rises about 250 feet from the start to the turnaround point, and there are a couple of big hills through the middle. It was a very nice day for running, about 50 degrees, and cloudy with a little breeze. The crowd was tremendous and lined the street the whole way."

Lehmkuhle is scheduled to run the New York City Half Marathon on March 20 and then the London Marathon on April 17.

“I think [Ohme] displayed that the London preparations are going well," Lehmkuhle acknowledged.

Yes/No: Three Women Over 13-6 in Pole Vault?

This week brings us to the final track meet for the Gophers before the Big Ten Conference Championships. Many local colleges and universities will gather to compete as the Gopher men host the Snowshoe Open on Friday and the women host the Parents' Day Open on Saturday.

Some of the events will be relatively tame because athletes are resting up for the Indoor Conference and National meets. But the women's pole vault seems to be a competition to watch.

How high will they fly? Take a guess on this question ...

Y/N: Will three or more women vault 13-6 or higher at the Parents' Day Open?

North Dakota State's Leslie Brost is the top seed at 13-11. Alicia Rue and Samantha Sonnenberg, the former and current Gopher All-Americans, are next in line with identical marks of 13-9 1/4. Another Gopher, Becca Pilkerton, is just behind with a seed of 13-7 1/4. Lauren Stelten from Minnesota State, Mankato is listed at 13-1 3/4.

To play our game, simply type "yes" or "no" into the subject line of an e-mail and send it to us at DtBFantasy [AT] gmail [DOT] com before 10:00 A.M. CST, Saturday, February 19th. Please put your answers in the subject line of the e-mail and make sure your full name appears somewhere in the e-mail. We will offer a bonus for participants making their 2011 debut in Yes/No - a correct answer will be worth two points for anyone who has not played yet this year.

My answer: No

Last week's question was: Will Trey Davis throw over fifty-six feet in the shot put on Saturday at Iowa State? The answer was no. Davis missed the mark by a mere 5 1/2 inches. Only five contestants answered correctly last week and there are now two players tied for the lead. Chris Rivers and Matt Rantala are the leaders with three points.

For all the results, please visit DtB Fantasy Corner.

H.S. Girls' All-Time Lists: 1600-Meters

Here's the week's final installment of "Moorhead's Lists," Champlin Park coach Kevin Moorhead's compilation of the all-time best Minnesota high school girls' track and field performers.

Moorhead encourages corrections and amendments. He can be contacted at:

Kevin [DOT] Moorhead [AT] anoka [DOT] k12 [DOT] mn [DOT] us

All-Time Girls' 1600m

Elizabeth Yetzer, Lakeville North 4:43.12 2005
Shannon Bergstedt, Hopkins 4:48.56 2004
Jeanne Kruckeberg, Blooming Prairie 4:48.79 1986
Bria Wetsch, Holy Family 4:49.42 2006
Jamie Cheever, Mpls Southwest 4:51.11 2005
Molly Lehman, Minnetonka 4:52.16 2006
Michelle Marthaler, Belgrade Brooten 4:53.44 1986
Nikki Swenson, Dawson-Boyd 4:53.67 2006
Lisa Dyer, Moorheadq 4:54.35 2001
Heidi Lindeman, Coon Rapids 4:54.75 2003
(10)
Lani Granowski, Owatonna 4:55.14 1979
Val Horan, Rochester John Marshall 4:55.24 1977
Tracy Dahl, Anoka 4:56.14 1988
Kendall Wheeler, Duluth East 4:56.14 2000
Lisa Waanen, Maple Grove 4:56.34 2004
Kim Kauls, Forest Lake 4:56.46 1987
Sarah Renk, Winona 4:56.53 1987
Eva Krueger, Robbinsdale Cooper 4:57.14 1976
Jamie Pipenburg, Alexandria 4:57.23 2010
Jody Eder, Stillwater Area 4:57.44 1981
(20)
Kasandra Hendricks, Hutchinson 4:57.80 2000
Liz Palkie, Carlton/Wrenshall 4:58.01 2003
Molly Moulton, Rush City 4:58.49 1992
Carrie Tollefson, Lac Qui Parle 4:58.49 1992
Mary Stepka, Lakeville 4:58.54 1978
Michelle Volz, Lakeville North 4:58.68 2007
LIsa Koelfgen, Robbinsdale Armstrong 4:58.74 1982
Becca Dyson, Roseville Area 4:59.07 2010
Emily Naslund, Bloomington Jefferson 4:59.09 1998
Charlene Hubbard, Becker 4:59.14 1984
(30)
Julie Gifford, Tracy-Milroy 4:59.21 2000
McKenzie Melalnder, Eastview 4:59.25 2007
Heather Doyle, Moorhead 4:59.26 1987
Maria Hauger, Shakopee 4:59.40 2010
Hannah Grinaker, Detroit Lakes 4:59.42 2005
Cassy Opitz, Eden Prairie 4:59.53 2009
Snuffy Alto, Alexandria 4:59.80 1989
Mary Beth Spencer, Anoka 5:00.00 1975
Zoe Nagell, Armstrong 5:00.01 2000
Emma Bates, Elk River 5:00.13 2010
(40)
Lynn Ranfranz, Rochester John Marshall 5:00.34 1979
Mara Olson, St. Louis Park 5:00.63 2010
Anita Menden, Eden Prairie 5:00.71 1999
Catherine Ferrell, St. Paul Academy 5:00.92 2000
Kara Wheeler, Duluth East 5:00.92 1996
JoAnna Deeter, Eden Prairie 5:00.93 1996
Kailaa Urick, Chaska 5:00.95 2010
Virginia Senf, St. Paul Como 5:01.10 2005
Cara Daniels, Anoka 5:01.14 1986
Nicole Calaabrese, Kingsland 5:01.35 2005
(50)
Steph Bruening, Alexandria 5:01.38 1989
Mallory Van Ness, Mounds View 5:01.43 2005
Chelsea Pettit, Holy Angels 5:01.45 2009
Annie Yetzer, Lakeville 5:01.59 2002
NIcole Kuznia, BOLD 5:01.67 1997
Stephanie Herbst, Chaska 5:01.74 1984
Dana Peters, Kenyon Wanamingo 5:01.85 2003
Jill Slettedahl, Granite Falls 5:02.22 1983
Caitlin Hewes, Stillwater Area 5:02.54 2008
Chrissy Monson, Albert Lea 5:02.58 2010
(60)
Ladia Albertson, Stillwater Area 5:02.84 2002
Laura Hughes, Mankato West 5:02.86 2007
Tammy Fenske, Elgin Millville 5:02.94 1981
Nicole Sherr, Morris 5:02.94 1988
Katie Moraczewski, White Bear Lake 5:02.95 2007
Diane Krueger, Robbindale Cooper 5:02.98 1980
Peggy Saracino, Hill Murray 5:03.14 1980
Bonnie Sons, Norwood Young America 5:03.14 1983
Jill Stevenson, Tartan 5:03.14 1983
Heather Dorniden, Rosemount 5:03.17 2005
(70)
Colleen Flaherty, Hopkins 5:03.20 1997
Marie Borner, Park Cottage Grove 5:03.21 2004
Rebekah Yetzer, Lakeville 5:03.23 2002
Julie Golla, Rochster John Marshall 5:03.25 1993
Jen Hess, Paynesville Area 5:03.29 2001
Alison Liewen, Minnetonka 5:03.44 2003
Leslie Seymour, Regina 5:03.44 1978
Sho Kroeger, Lake Crystal WM 5:03.54 1993
Pam Willey, Eden Prairie 5:03.54 1981
Erica Seidenkranz, Monticello 5:03.77 2010
(80)
Katie Anderson, Blaine 5:03.93 2004
Molly Kafes, Maple Grove 5:03.99 2008
Sheila Wagner, Barrett 5:04.06 1980
Nancy Gieske, Henry Sibley 5:04.14 1980
Loree Haugland, Owatonna 5:04.15 1980
Danielle Berndt, Kennedy 5:04.26 2007
Kayla Uphoff, Lakeville South 5:04.26 2010
Emily Meese, Minnetonka 5:04.28 2007
Emily Schwitzer, Hopkins 5:04.31 2005
Alison Titcomb, Robbinsdale Armstrong 5:04.32 1980
(90)
Julie Kramer, Fulda 5:04.40 1986
Trina Steffes, St. Cloud Tech 5:04.48 1991
Victoria Moses, Irondale 5:04.71 1998
Kaylea Brase, Centennial 5:05.01 2008
Stephanie Sjostrom, Champlin Park 5:05.03 2009
Danielle Burke, Waseca 5:05.11 2006
Lauren Bergstrom, Rochester Century 5:05.18 2004
Megan Mahle, Plainview 5:05.24 1993
Anne Hills, Mounds View 5:05.44 1984
Christine Patten, Holy Angels 5:05.53 1980
(100)

New Web-Site to Help Budding Professionals

Want to make it as a professional distance runner?

Now, thanks to Team USA Minnesota and USA Track and Field, there's a web-site to help you do exactly that -- provided, of course, you can contribute the talent and dedication.

Yesterday, the Twin Cities-based elite long distance training group launched the web-site www.runpro.com, which it developed with the support of a 2010 Excellence Challenge Grant from USA Track & Field. The site aims to put in one place all the pertinent information aspiring elite athletes need to become professional distance runners.

Work on the site began last fall with design and content provided by Team USA Minnesota athletes and board members. A companion four-day camp for selected recent graduates will be held in Minneapolis this summer.

"Our intent is to provide promising collegiate distance runners with a comprehensive overview of what it takes and what is involved in becoming a professional runner," Team USA Minnesota president Pat Goodwin said in a media release.

"If we can attract more talented runners to the sport - from the 800-meters up through the marathon - the U.S. will continue its re-emergence toward competitive excellence in long distance running both nationally and internationally."

Sections on the site include information about training centers, agents, elite competitions in track, cross country and the roads, financial and health support, anti-doping, and USATF, among other topics. The site plans to post interviews with runners and others in the distance running field, as well as news and announcements.

The target audience for the web site and camp is collegiate distance runners, coaches and parents/families with secondary audiences of training centers, current athletes, future elite runners, elite recruiters, agents, and anyone else interested in the sport of distance running.

USATF's Excellence Challenge Grants support the advancement of performance excellence in five areas including long distance running. The 2010 awards were announced last July.

H.S. Girls' All-Time Lists: 800-Meters

Here's the next installment of "Moorhead's Lists," Champlin Park coach Kevin Moorhead's compilation of the all-time best Minnesota high school girls' track and field performers.

Moorhead encourages corrections and amendments. He can be contacted at:

Kevin [DOT] Moorhead [AT] anoka [DOT] k12 [DOT] mn [DOT] us


All-Time Girls' 800m

Jeanne Kruckeberg, Blooming Prairie 2:08.24 1984
Jennifer Watson, Anoka 2:10.39 1991
Heather Dorniden, Rosemount 2:10.42 2005
Andrea Wahlin, Rocori 2:10.55 2004
Elizabeth Yetzer, Lakeville 2:10.77 2004
Molly Lehman, Minnetonka 2:11.32 2005
Ada Anderson, Roseau 2:11.60 2001
Megan Smith, Eden Prairie 2:11.87 2007
Nikki Swenson, Lac Que Parle 2:12.08 2006
Maggie Carruth, Minnetonka 2:12.14 2010
(10)
Danijela Vicanovic, Minnetonka 2:12.19 1986
Haylie Zenner, Fergus Falls 2:12.19 2010
Paula Class, St. Paul Academy 2:12.30 1977
Dana Glidden, Mounds View 2:12.50 1977
Ruth Harris, Henry Sibley 2:12.80 1975
Lisa Koelfgen, Armstrong 2:12.80 1982
Missy Levine, Hopkins 2:12.90 1982
Laura Roach, Lakeville North 2:12.92 2006
Alissa Kurke, Anoka 2:13.02 2004
Lori Phipps, Elgin Millview 2:13.10 1981
(20)
Sarah Renk, Winona 2:13.23 1987
Anne Hills, Mounds View 2:13.40 1983
Cindy Seikkula, Cooper 2:13.50 1974
NIcole Calabrese, Kingsland 2:13.62 2005
Nicole Scherr, Morris 2:13.77 1986
Sarah Schellinger, Sartel 2:13.85 2007
Erin Krause, Wayzata 2:13.86 2010
Kelly Brinkman, Hutchinson 2:13.92 1999
Paula Leu, Anoka 2:13.96 1983
Cassy Opitz, Eden Prairie 2:13.98 2009
(30)
Lori Bearson, Lanesboro 2:14.10 1978
Ann Klein, Hill Murray 2:14.10 1980
Gabriele Anderson, Perham 2:14.14 2004
Hannah McAllister, Brainerd 2:14.15 2007
Megan Manthe, Anoka 2:14.16 2001
Tammy McGrane, Park Rapids 2:14.30 1978
Toni St. Pierre, Hopkins Eisenhower 2:14.30 1973
Colleen Flaherty, Hopkins 2:14.34 1998
Emma Lucken, Roseville Area 2:14.38 2010
Melissa Varpness, Montevideo 2:14.42 2008
(40)
Amber Affeldt, Coon Rapids 2:14.43 1994
Nikki Schultz, Cedar Mountain 2:14.48 2006
Karla Zylstra, Hendricks Ivanhoe 2:14.49 1985
Lauren Domski, Woodbury 2:14.53 2010
Megan Lundgren, Mankato West 2:14.54 2005
Lauren Bergstrom, Rochester Century 2:14.56 2003
Mollie Hupp, Eden Prairie 2:14.57 2001
Brittany Gigstead, Perham 2:14.58 2006
Savana Weller, Sauk Centre 2:14.62 2008
Megan Brinkman, Northfield 2:14.64 1999
(50)
Megan Daymont, Northfield 2:14.64 1999
Tanna-Marie Simmons, St. Louis Park 2:14.65 1999
Laura Joyce, Wayzata 2:14.75 1996
Anne Ferguson, Eastview 2:14.76 2007
Kathy Lee, Rochester Lourdes 2:14.80 1975
Trina Steffes, St. Cloud Tech 2:14.87 1991
Katie Class, St. Paul Highland 2:14.90 1980
Jenna Halverson, Barnum 2:14.90 2006
Ruth Swanson, Alexander Ramsey 2:14.90 1980
Christine Fries, Eastview 2:14.94 2007
(60)
Virginia Senf, Woodbury 2:15.00 2007
Avery Buresh, Wadena Deer Creek 2:15.14 2002
Heidi Evans, Roseau 2:15.14 2003
Anita Menden, Eden Prairie 2:15.15 1999
Sarah Becker, Rocori 2:15.16 2003
Jody Eder, Stillwater Area 2:15.20 1981
Sarah Decker, Rocori 2:15.21 2002
Tatum Garrity, Hibbing 2:15.25 2009
Emily Montgomery, Woodbury 2:15.25 1991
Carrie Tollefson, Lac Que Parle 2:15.26 1995
(70)
Heather Brun, Rogers 2:15.28 2007
Alice Lehman, Minnetonka 2:15.28 2005
Ally McSherry, Totino Grace 2:15.31 2010
Annie Yetzer, Lakeville 2:15.34 2003
Jenny Reff, Fergus Falls 2:15.36 2001
Lisa Johnson, LaCrescent 2:15.40 1984
Kelly Valliere, Henning 2:15.42 1980
Hailey Jerabek, Benilde St. Margaret's 2:15.49 2010
Kelly Anderson, Monticello 2:15.52 1996
Jenny Guibert, Rochester Century 2:15.54 2010
(80)
Mikaya Larson, Edina 2:15.55 2006
Katie Shelerud, Esko 2:15.59 2010
Cindy Schmiesing, Sauk Centre 2:15.60 1985
Sarah Chapman, Apple Valley 2:15.63 2004
Savana Weller, Sauk Centre 2:15.77 2010
Tatum Garrity, Hibbing 2:15.79 2010
Paige Foster, Prior Lake 2:15.80 2010
Ann Lundin, Columbia Heights 2:15.80 1980
Kelly Moss, White Bear Mariner 2:15.80 1978
Kim Magee, Bloomington Jefferson 2:15.83 2001
(90)
Chelsea Haviland, Thief River Falls 2:15.84 2000
McKenzie Melander, Eastview 2:15.94 2007
Michelle Danielson, Fergus Falls 2:15.95 1993
Shannon Bergstedt, Hopkins 2:16.06 2004
Shelia Haugh, Rosemount 2:16.06 1984
Bobbi VanAmber, Alexandria 2:16.10 1983
Jamie Cheever, Mpls Southwest 2:16.11 2002
Kristin Mulliner, Mankato West 2:16.20 1988
Christal Armendariz, Janesville 2:16.28 1985
Jessica Faith, St. Cloud Apollo 2:16.30 1994
(100)

Gopher Pole Vaulters Earn Big Ten Awards

University of Minnesota pole vaulters Samantha Sonnenberg and Ben Peterson earned Big Ten Field Event Athlete of the Week honors thanks to their high-flying exploits over the weekend.

Sonnenberg, a Waukesha, Wisconsin native, won the pole vault event Iowa State Classic on Friday, clearing a season-best 13-9 1/4. The mark is currently the top clearance in the Big Ten this season and ranks Sonnenberg #13 in NCAA Division I.

Sonnenberg shared the award with Michigan State thrower Beth Rohl.

Peterson, a Cody, Wyoming native and the defending Big Ten champion, cleared a career-best 17-9 to win at Iowa State. Peterson’s vault, the fifth-best in Gopher history, currently ranks him first in the Big Ten and #4 in the nation this season.

Rising in the Rankings ... The Gopher men rose six spots to #25 in the latest NCAA Division rankings released yesterday. The Gopher women, ascended twelve places to #39.

Complete rankings can be found HERE.

Tollefson to Get Cold, Wet for Special Olympics

2004 Olympic 1500-meter semi-finalist Carrie Tollefson will brave the elements for a good cause next Saturday.

The 13-time Minnesota State High School League champion will participate in the Polar Plunge to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics on February 26. Tollefson (pictured) will brave the icy waters at Crystal Beach in Burnsville along with her husband, Charlie Peterson, and the video production crew for her podcast C Tolle Run.

"I’ve never done a Polar Plunge before and what a great way to do it," Tollefson said in a media release. "Knowing that these athletes will benefit from me freezing my buns off is awesome! It is just another way to spread the word about what athletics and physical fitness means to each and every one of us.”

The local Polar Plunge consists of 14 different plunge events held across the state, in which participants plunge into a frozen lake. Plungers raise a minimum of $75 to participate, with the proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics. In its fourteenth year, the Polar Plunge last year raised $1.4 million and had more than 7000 participants.

As part of the Polar Plunge, Tollefson will be documenting the experience for an episode of C Tolle Run, a new video podcast about Tollefson and her racing comeback targeting the 2012 Olympics. The podcast features “Day In the Life” episodes about Tollefson and her family, as well as informative videos about running and other endurance sports.

Videos are available at www.CTolleRun.com. The Polar Plunge episode will air Wednesday, March 2, 2011.

Photo by Victor Sailor/Photo Run.

H.S. Girls' All-Time Lists: 400-Meters

Here's this week's opening installment of "Moorhead's Lists," Champlin Park coach Kevin Moorhead's compilation of the all-time best Minnesota high school girls' track and field performances.

Moorhead encourages corrections and amendments. He can be contacted at:

Kevin [DOT] Moorhead [AT] anoka [DOT] k12 [DOT] mn [DOT] us


All-Time Girls' 400m

Vanessa Clarida, Bloomington Kennedy 54.36 2001
Jane Oas, Mound Westonka 54.60 1971
Sasha Davis, Park Center 55.09 2010
Sade Pollard, St. Paul Harding 55.09 2005
Christy Viste, Rochester Mayo 55.10 1977
Bridget Sweeney, Hopkins 55.14 2010
Lindsy Mattson, Grand Rapids 55.18 2010
Heather Dorniden, Rosemount 55.29 2004
Amber Affeldt, Coon Rapids 55.67 1995
Ashley Tingelstad, East Grand Forks 55.83 2008
(10)
Deborah Cordner, St. Louis Park 55.91 1998
Anne Hillier, Blake 55.93 2001
Kou Lougon, Park Center 55.94 2001
Jessica Mittelstadt, Mankato West 55.99 1999
Shade Pratt, Rosemount 56.06 2010
Jessica Shuster, Mpls Washburn 56.06 1997
Renee Crep, Bemidji 56.07 1987
Wren Schafer, Buffalo Lake 56.10 1977
Lexy Brown, Eastview 56.17 2008
Anne Hills, Mounds View 56.20 1984
(20)
Jennifer Bell, Bloomington Lincoln 56.20 1982
Sue Chopskie, Park Cottage Grove 56.22 1986
Paige Stratioti, Duluth Denfeld 56.27 2010
Sandy Jorgensen, Woodbury 56.29 2004
Dana Watts, St. Paul Central 56.30 1978
Sue Faus, Rocori 56.31 1987
Lisa Michkelson, Burnsville 56.33 1988
Erica Dombro, St. Paul Highland Park 56.44 2009
Laura Hermanson, Burnsville 56.54 2004
Heather Van Norman, Windom 56.56 1988
(30)
Shanda Larsen, Holdingford 56.62 2002
Nancy Golie, Irondale 56.66 1985
Danijela Vicanovic, Minnetonka 56.69 1985
Leighton Lerum, Providence Academy 56.71 2009
Sophie Charlton, Rochester Mayo 56.73 2008
Trisha Schumacher, Planview 56.76 1993
Kristi Kropp, Anoka 56.79 1982
Shade Pratt, Rosemount 56.80 2008
Cathy Anderson, Stillwater 56.80 1980
Lisa Bublitz, Winona 56.80 1979
(40)
Teresa Huberty, South St. Paul 56.80 1979
Kelsey Conrad, Robbinsdale Cooper 56.81 2006
Emily Bartusek, Albert Lea 56.84 2000
Niki Martineau, Park Cottage Grove 56.85 1993
Jennifer Pietenpol, Rochester Mayo 56.90 1981
Tara Kazemba, Winona 56.90 1977
Kristi Buerkle, Forest Lake 56.91 2007
Jeanne Kruckeberg, Blooming Prairie 56.91 1983
Bridget Sweeny, Hopkins 56.92 2009
Cassie Toepfer, Egan 56.94 2006
(50)
Collen Everson, Murray Cnty Central 56.95 2008
Malayshia George, Breck 56.95 2010
Laura Mottaz, Maple Grove 56.96 2004
Stacy Slapnicher, Bemidji 57.00 1981
Deanne Olson, Elbow Lake 57.00 1977
Nikki Swenson, Dawson Boyd 57.01 2007
Jessica Smith, Mankato East 57.02 2005
Megan Geyen, Watertown Mayer 57.03 2006
Maureen Leonard, Minnetonka 57.03 1986
Carol Peterka, St. Cloud Apollo 57.03 1980
(60)
Kelsey Leonard, Hermantown 57.04 2006
Amanda Mueller, Forest Lake 57.10 2001
Kris Rens, Little Falls 57.10 1977
Barb MacLeod, Moorhead 57.10 1975
CeeCee Cox, Mounds View 57.10 1974
Karma Suttles, Mankato West 57.12 1988
Karen Ryan, Chaska 57.13 1986
Kaitlyn Marsolek, Bemidji 57.14 2004
Alana Eason, Champlin Park 57.15 2008
Kelsey Ostberg, Visitation 57.15 2002
(70)
Jenny Higgins, Hutchinson 57.17 1996
Beth Johnson, Mahtomedi 57.18 1994
Amber Bohman, Park Rapids 57.20 1993
Sarah Parks, Owatonna 57.20 1981
Katherine McQuin, Mankato West 57.27 1998
Liz Tracy, Mankato West 57.29 2001
Kris Berg, Burnsville 57.29 1998
Jane Timm, St. Peter 57.30 1984
Kathy Merkel, Eleveth 57.30 1977
Kyndal Hargrow, Blake 57.32 2003
(80)
Diana Hassell, Anoka 57.32 1996
Paula Behrendt, Rush City 57.33 1981
Brooke Campbell, Lakeville North 57.39 2007
Laura Schnitker, Maple Grove 57.39 2009
Paige Stratioti, Duluth Denfeld 57.39 2009
Meri Schwartz, Red Wing 57.40 1989
Frani Loftness, Winona 57.40 1983
Laura Hernke, Cannon Falls 57.40 1979
Katie Gewerth, Cedar Mountain 57.41 2004
Andrea Harens, Apple Valley 57.41 1994
(90)
Denise Bullocks, Mt. St. Benedict 57.41 1981
Katie Bierlein, Eastview 57.46 2002
Kayla Steeves, Mounds View 57.48 2007
Brigitte Stuewe, Norwood Young America 57.48 1986
Tracy Brown, Brainerd 57.50 1986
Jane Hale, Mpls Washburn 57.50 1978
Kathy Schmitz, Park Rapids 57.50 1977
Angela Olson, Eagan 57.52 2004
Caitlin Perra, Zumbrota Mazeppa 57.52 2004
Christy Mueller, Thief River Falls 57.54 1985
(100)

State's Golden Boys Romp in Seattle

Between 2005 and 2009, Minnesota enjoyed a veritable Golden Age in high school boys' middle and long-distance running. In those years, the Minnesota high school all-time lists were rewritten in wholesale fashion and new all-time records were established at 800-, 1600-, and 3200-meters.

In those halcyon days, names like Finnerty, Heath, Mead, Blankenship, Mellon, and Abda graced the top of State Meet and high school national championship results.

Golden Boys from a Golden Age.

The "Golden Boys" are men now, racing in uniforms that represent track and field powers like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Stanford. On the over-sized indoor track at the University of Washington this weekend, the group, and a handful of other North Star state natives, made a striking impression on the 2011 collegiate scene.

In all, four Minnesotans notched NCAA automatic qualifying times and raced with distinction at the Flotrack Husky Classic, the largest gathering of Division I distance talent short of the NCAA Championships themselves.

Kicking off the golden weekend on Friday was Winona native Elliott Heath of Stanford. The two-time MSHSL Class AA 3200m champ and the fastest Minnesota high school 3200m runner of all time used a furious kick to win the 5000m event and clock a PR 13:37.77.

The performance, puts Heath #2 on the NCAA entry list for 5000m, behind Liberty University's superstar Kenyan Sam Chelanga.

You can watch Heath's race HERE and view a post-race interview HERE,

On Saturday, Buffalo High School alumnus Zach Mellon, who runs for the Wisconsin Badgers, notched an auto-qualifier at 800m with a 1:47.87 4th-place finish. You can watch his race HERE.

Mellon is currently ranked #7 in D1.

Saturday's 3000m was loaded with Minnesota stars. Professional runner Garrett Heath finished runner-up in the race in 7:50.28. The Winona native (and older brother of Elliott Heath) was followed closely the Gopher's Ben Blankenship, 8th in an auto-qualifying 7:52.52, and Brainerd native Justin Tyner, 11th with his own auto-qualifier in 7:53.91.

Blankenship, a two-time MSHSL Class AA champ at Stillwater, broke the University of Minnesota record with his time.

Tyner, whose top State Meet finishes as a prep were a pair of modest 13th-place runs in the Class AA 1600 and 3200m as a junior, continues his striking ascent as a runner while a cadet at the Air Force Academy.

Blankenship is ranked #9 in the 3000m in D1, Tyner ranks #15. Elliott Heath's 7:52.27 from earlier in the season ranks him #7.

You can watch the fast section of the 3000m HERE.

Also Notable ... Other notable performances from Seattle include Hassan Mead's return to the Gopher line-up after a 15-month lay-off due to Achilles tendon and then collapsed lung issues with a 8:07.47 3000m.

Burnsville alumnus Rob Finnerty ran 8:11.96 for Wisconsin in the 3000m.

The Gophers' Nick Hutton ran 1:49.02 for 800m, teammate Harun Abda ran 1:49.85.

Find complete Husky Classic results HERE.

Find the NCAA D1 performance lists HERE.

Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon Opens Monday

Registration for one of the toughest tickets in Minnesota road racing, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, opens on Monday.

The entry process for the half marathon run in conjunction with Grandma's Marathon on June 18th, is conducted through a lottery in which 5700 participants will be randomly selected.

Beginning February 14 and continuing through February 25, registration will be available at GrandmasMarathon.com for all half-marathon hopefuls. Lottery participants can submit registration any time during the 12-day online registration period.

Participants will be randomly selected and their acceptance into the race will be confirmed via e-mail during the week of Feb. 28. Runners not selected will receive an e-mail notifying them that their entry was not among those chosen.

The entry fee for the 2011 race is $75, plus a processing charge. Only the 5700 runners selected through the lottery will have their credit cards charged.

Find complete information on the race and the registration process HERE.

Yes/No: Trey Davis Over 56 feet in the Shot Put?

The Gopher track teams are back in action this week with most of their squads participating at the over-sized indoor track at Iowa State. The Gopher men's team is currently ranked #31 in the USTFCCCA National Team Rankings. The men are preparing to defend their Big Ten title in Illinois in just two weeks.

The Gophers have strength and depth throughout the events this year and are always especially powerful in the throws. We will check out one of their key weight men this week with this question...

Y/N: Will Trey Davis throw over fifty-six feet in the shot put on Saturday at Iowa State?

Trey Davis placed fourth in the 2010 Big Ten indoor shot put and was second outdoors. He has thrown 60-0 1/2 outdoors and 59-11 3/4 indoors in his career. In 2011, Davis has competed in the shot put three times. On January 15, he threw 53-11 1/4. The next week, he improved to 56-1 3/4. Davis competed at Iowa State on January 29 and threw 55-8 1/2. He will also compete in the weight throw this weekend.

To play our game, simply type "yes" or "no" into the subject line of an e-mail and send it to us at DtBFantasy [AT] gmail [DOT] com before 2:00 P.M. CST, Saturday, February 12th. Please put your answers in the subject line of the e-mail and make sure your full name appears somewhere in the e-mail. We will offer a bonus for participants making their 2011 debut in Yes/No - a correct answer will be worth two points for anyone who has not played yet this year.

My answer: Yes

Last week's question was: Will any Team USA Minnesota runners finish in the top six at the 2011 USA Cross Country Championships on Saturday? The answer was no. Andrew Carlson finished 8th and Matt Gabrielson was 19th for the men. On the women's side, Meghan Armstrong and Jamie Cheever finished back-to-back in 15th and 16th. This week marked the highest number of Yes/No participants ever with 47 players making a guess. Sixteen answered correctly and there are now thirteen contestants tied for first place with two points.

For all the results, please visit DtB Fantasy Corner.

H.S. Girls' All-Time Lists: 200-Meters

Here's the next installment of "Moorhead's Lists," Champlin Park coach Kevin Moorhead's compilation of the all-time best Minnesota high school girls' track and field performances.

Moorhead encourages corrections and amendments. He can be contacted at:

Kevin [DOT] Moorhead [AT] anoka [DOT] k12 [DOT] mn [DOT] us


All-Time Girls' 200m

Vanessa Clarida, Bloomington Kennedy 23.93 2001
Sasha Davis, Park Center 24.20 2010
Heather Van Norman, Windom 24.29 1986
Analisa Huschle, Bagley 24.51 2009
Jessica Mittelstadt, Mankato West 24.54 1999
Rosey Erickson, Alexandria 24.62 2009
Jennifer Bell, Bloomington Lincoln 24.65 1982
Liesa Brateng, Roseua 24.66 1987
Liza Conteh, Moorhead 24.66 1998
Kylie Peterson, Apple Valley 24.68 2008
(10)
Kadeshia Fortune, Mpls Washburn 24.71 2005
Amber James, Woodbury 24.72 2000
Shanda Larsen, Holdingford 24.72 2002
Antoinette Goodman, Burnsville 24.74 2009
Jane Oas, Mound Westonka 24.75 1972
Kim Watts, St. Paul Central 24.75 1978
Sade Pollard, St. Paul Harding 24.75 2007
Chichi Omeoga, Irondale 24.77 2004
Deborah Cordner, St. Louis Park 24.79 1998
Kelsey Conrad, Robbinsdale Cooper 24.79 2006
(20)
Paige Kuplic, Prior Lake 24.81 2009
Ashley Tingelstad, East Grand Forks 24.81 2009
Kou Lougon, Park Center 24.83 2001
Kim Troung, Apple Valley 24.83 2004
Jasmine Dittrich, Rochester John Marshall 24.86 2009
Taylor Anderson, Hopkins 24.89 2010
Anne Hillier, Blake 24.9 2002
Arteshia Knight, Minneapolis Washburn 24.9 2010
Jaylene Gerenz, Rosemount 24.91 1987
Kyndal Hargrow, Blake 24.91 2003
Leighton Lerum, Providence Academy 24.92 2009
(30)
Denitria Nichols, Owatonna 24.95 2006
Kristi Buerkle, Forset Lake 24.96 2007
Sophie Charlton, Rochester Mahyo 24.96 2009
Erica Rhodes, Mpls Edison 24.98 2004
Abby Berens, Shakopee 25.00 2009
Taylor Browning, Apple Valley 25.02 2010
Quina Davis, Mpls Henry 25.03 1990
Christy Vitze, Rochester Mayo 25.04 1976
Tara Kazemba, Winona 25.04 1977
Julie Kosowski, South St. Paul 25.04 1979
(40)
Shelly Johnson, Blue Earth 25.04 1985
Anuli Okonkwo, Osseo 25.04 2009
Akumoa Moeoga, Irondale 25.05 2009
Joy Krekelberg, Pelican Rapids 25.06 1995
Jummy Alowonle, Park Cottage Grove 25.08 2001
Ashley Magelssen, Concordia Academy 25.08 2010
Jaylon White, Blake 25.09 2000
Natasha Holt, Henry Sibley 25.11 1998
Nicole Ryan, Apple Valley 25.12 1995
Bri Fernholz, Willmar 25.12 2008
(50)
Emily VanHeel, Little Falls 25.12 2009
Megan Geyen, Watertown Mayer 25.13 2009
Kristin Mulrooney, Visitation 25.14 1987
Nikki Martineau, Park Cottage Grove 25.14 1993
Abbey Fischer, Stillwater 25.14 2001
Akuoma Omeoga, Irondale 25.14 2010
Jane Timm, St. Peter 25.17 1984
Megan Sartor, Faribault 25.17 2001
Linnea Johnson, Robbinsdale Armstrong 25.18 2006
Anuli Okonkwo, Osseo 25.18 2010
(60)
Alex McCannel, Delano 25.19 2002
Leah Hansen, Mounds View 25.19 2008
Sue Faus, Rocori 25.2 1987
Sue Chopskie, Park Cottage Grove 25.20 1988
Majik Reed, DeLasalle 25.2 2001
Dominique Thompson, Robbinsdale Armstrong 25.22 2009
Karen Ryan, Chaska 25.23 1987
Kalesha Taylor, Rochester Mayo 25.23 2009
Laura Lepsche, Hill Murray 25.24 1976
Sara Jones, Martin Cty West 25.24 1991
(70)
Camille Kyte, New Richmond 25.24 2002
Mel McClaskie, North Branch 25.25 1997
Jean Schuller, Prior Lake 25.26 1979
Sarah Mismash, Elk River 25.26 1996
Nicole Drangstveit, Andover 25.26 2008
Danielle Jones, Mpls Washburn 25.26 2009
Maureen Leonard, Minnetonka 25.27 1988
Sandy Jorgensen, Woodbury 25.27 2003
Amanda Darling, jackson Cnty Central 25.28 2007
Jennifer Newsom, Breck 25.29 1996
(80)
Dana Watts, St. Paul Central 25.31 1979
Angela Lindsay, Richfield 25.31 1993
Holly Gondeck, Foley 25.31 1996
Emily Bartusek, Albert Lea 25.31 2001
Erin Donnalley, Red Wing 25.34 1976
Teri Snoddy, Mpls North 25.34 1977
Julie Raub, Alexander Ramsey 25.34 1981
Becky Schwartz, Red Wing 25.34 1989
Karla Stromme, Bryon 25.34 1989
Jenni Porter, Champlin Park 25.34 1993
(90)
Kathy Novak Hopkins Lindbergh 25.35 1978
Anna Ratzloff Little Falls 25.35 1991
Nancy Golie Irondale 25.36 1984
Heather Dorniden Rosemount 25.36 2004
Janet Cullen Coon Rapids 25.37 1986
Janene Grutzmacher Shakopee 25.37 1988
Julie Hay Duluth East 25.38 1982
Tamara Webb Roseville 25.39 1988
Shyla McKibbon Hibbing 25.39 1996
Jennifer Hale Concordia Academy 25.40 1989
(100)

Hall of Fame Inductee: Harry Nash

Editor's Note: Here's our final installment in our profile series of the 2010 Minnesota Track and Field Hall of Fame inductees.

Harry Nash

Nash's stellar sprinting career began in mythical fashion -- in his first 100-yard race he clocked a 10-flat and broke the Wheaton High school record. From that auspicious beginning, Nash went on to compete in three-straight MSHSL State Meets, culminating his prep career in 1951 with 100-yard dash victory and a runner-up finish at 220-yards.

Nash (pictured) attended the University of Minnesota where he got his college career started on the right foot by setting a freshman school record in the 100y with a 9.8 and leading the team in the 220y with a 21.8 clocking.

The four-time letter-winner at the U, Nash never placed worse than fourth at the Big Ten outdoor championships -- finishing 3rd (100y) and runner-up (220y) in 1953 as a sophomore, 2nd (100y) and 4th (220y) as a junior in 1954, and 2nd (100y) and 3rd (220y) as a senior in 1955.

Nash had the tough luck of racing in the Big Ten at the same time Northwestern's Jim Golliday ruled the sprinting world. Golliday set the world record for 100y at the 1955 Big Ten meet with a 9.3.

Nash ran 9.4 five times in his career.

Perhaps the best sprinter ever to don the maroon and gold, Nash graduated from Minnesota holding the school 100y (9.4) and 220y (21.1) records. He led the Gopher 440 relay team to a Drake Relays title (and school record 41.3) in 1955 and placed 4th in the 100y at the NCAA Championships later than year.

Find the profiles of all of the 2010 Hall of Fame inductees HERE.

Photo by Charlie Mahler.

H.S. Girls' All-Time Lists: 100-Meters

It's been a Down the Backstretch tradition to publish Minnesota high school all-time lists on our web-site. Beginning later this month, we'll post Tim and Bill Miles' annual and all-time boys lists for the fourth year in a row.

Kicking off the stats-fest this year are the all-time Minnesota high school girls' lists compiled by Kevin Moorhead, the Champlin Park cross country and distance coach. Moorhead, starting with lists fashioned by the Miles brothers compiling top girls' performances from 1972 until 1992, has brought those lists up-to-date and has added the 4 x800, triple jump and pole vault to the effort.

Moorhead stresses that the lists are "living documents," so he encourages corrections and amendments that come to light thanks to publication. Moorhead can be contacted at:

Kevin [DOT] Moorhead [AT] anoka [DOT] k12 [DOT] mn [DOT] us


All-Time Girls' 100m

Heather Van Norman, Windom 11.73 1986
Kylie Peterson, Apple Valley 11.79 2008
Kadeshia Fortune, Mpls Washburn 11.88 2003
Denitria Nichols, Owatonna 11.88 2007
Sasha Davis, Park Center 11.92 2010
Vanessa Clarida, Bloomington Kennedy 11.93 2002
Jessica Mittelstad,t Mankato West 11.94 2000
Jaylene Gerenz, Rosemount 11.96 1988
Paige Kuplic, Prior Lake 12.01 2009
Shai Nichols, Owatonna 12.02 2007
(10)
Tammy Robertson, Osseo 12.06 1990
Toni Lawshea, St. Paul Arlington 12.06 1998
Kim Troung, Apple Valley 12.07 2004
Amber James, Woodbury 12.08 2000
Ashley Tingelstad, East Grand Forks 12.08 2009
Sid'reshia Floyd, Armstrong 12.08 2010
Katie Dosch, Rochester John Marshall 12.09 2001
Analisa Huschle, Bagley Fosston 12.10 2010
Jennifer Bell, Bloomington Lincoln 12.11 1982
Nicole Ryan, Apple Valley 12.11 1995
(20)
Lisa Conteh, Moorhead 12.12 1998
Karolina Haraldsdottir, Rochester Mayo 12.13 2004
Caitlin Dhein, St. Cloud Tech 12.13 2007
Alex Beckman, Eastview 12.13 2010
Mary Tanoe, Hopkins 12.13 2010
Tamara Webb, Roseville 12.14 1988
Becky Schwartz, Red Wing 12.14 1989
Megan Sartor, Faribault 12.14 2001
Kelsey Conrad, Robbinsdale Cooper 12.14 2006
Stormy Nesbit, Park Center 12.14 2009
(30)
Liesa Brateng, Roseau 12.15 1987
Kristin Mulrooney, Visitation 12.15 1987
Carolyn Kruse, St. Croix Luthern 12.15 1988
Deborah Cordner, St. Louis Park 12.16 1996
Zoraa Quoie, Woodbury 12.17 2003
Erica Rhodes, Mpls Edison 12.17 2003
Sharon Kunz, Fergus Falls 12.18 1982
Kaitlyn Seberson, Waseca 12.18 2009
Tracy Eckert, Cretin Derham Hall 12.19 1995
Antonette Tanoe, Hopkins 12.19 2007
(40)
Tonnisha Bell, Mpls Washburn 12.20 2002
Taylor Browing, Apple Valley 12.20 2010
Sade Pollard, St. Paul Harding 12.21 2007
Jada Narveson, Lakeville South 12.22 2007
Quina Davis, Mpls Henry 12.23 1990
Jerry Domes, Albert Lea 12.24 1980
Rosalyn Smaller, S.t Paul Central 12.24 1981
Teresa Nelson, Spring Lake Park 12.24 1984
Karla Stromme, Bryon 12.24 1990
Cara Vetter, Redwood Falls 12.24 1990
(50)
Alycia Ashburn, MACCRAY 12.24 1992
Jordan Ojanpa, Mankato East 12.24 1997
Majik Reed, DeLaSalle 12.24 1999
Bobbi Jo Buyck, Tracy Milroy Balaton 12.24 2004
Amanda Beckman, Eastview 12.24 2009
Megan Geyen, Watertown Mayer 12.24 2009
Joy Krekelberg, Pelican Rapids 12.25 1996
Alex McCannel, Delano 12.25 2003
Amy Knudson, Mankato East 12.25 2005
Ashley Magelssen, Concordia Academy 12.26 2010
(60)
Kyndal Hargrow, Blake 12.27 2003
Ann Kiecker, Coon Rapids 12.28 1985
Charlene Butler, Bertha Hewitt Verndale 12.28 1996
Julia Rozman, Edina 12.28 2007
Samantha Zopfi, Providence Academy 12.28 2009
Sue Chopskie, Park Cottage Grove 12.29 1987
Paty Wilson, Silver Bay 12.29 1990
Jenny Newsome, Breck 12.29 1995
Becky Schwartz, Red Wing 12.30 1989
Angela Lindsey, Richfield 12.30 1992
(70)
Lauren Cochlin, Owatonna 12.30 2004
Leah Hanson, Mounds View 12.30 2008
Akuoma Omeoga, Irondale 12.30 2009
Claver Williams, St. Paul Como Park 12.31 1984
Carmen Richardson, Irondale 12.31 1994
Chichi Omeoga, Irondale 12.31 2003
Taylor Anderson, Hopkins 12.31 2009
Mary Tanoe, Hopkins 12.31 2009
Angela Klatt, Eagan 12.33 2000
Jessica Smith, Mankato East 12.33 2006
(80)
Dominique Thompson, Robbinsdale Armstrong 12.33 2008
Rosey Erickson, Alexandria 12.33 2009
Janet Knopik, St. Cloud Apollo 12.34 1979
Jandro, Owatonna 12.34 1980
Denise Bullocks, Mt. St. Ben 12.34 1981
S. Lawdermilt, East Grand Forks 12.34 1981
Shannon Rauch, St. Cloud Tech 12.34 1981
Linda Pachel, Park Rapids 12.34 1984
Deb Hoogeveen, Luverne 12.34 1989
Melissa Schuft, Watertown Mayer 12.34 1990
(90)
A Lindsay, Brooklyn Center 12.34 1991
Anne Parker, Mounds View 12.34 1992
Denise Bitz, Grey Eagle Swanville 12.34 1993
Kara Biesener, Henry Sibley 12.34 1995
Aspen James, Woodbury 12.34 2000
Lisa Peterson, Minn Valley Lutheran 12.34 2004
Kristen Haak, Mounds View 12.34 2005
Bri Fernholz, Willmar 12.34 2006
Jes Vork, Cloquet 12.34 2007
Julie Kosowski, South St. Paul 12.35 1979
(100)
Heidi Kjolhaur, Clearbrook Gonvick 12.35 2005
Antoinette Goodman, Burnsville 12.35 2009

Big Marathons Happy with Registration Pace

Officials at the Grandma's and Medtronic Twin Cities Marathons say they are happy with the pace of registration for their respective races.

Grandma's Marathon, which is scheduled for June 18, announced late last week that it was more than half-full -- registering more than 5000 runners for what will be the 35th anniversary of the Duluth event.

“We are very pleased with the rate of marathon registrations," Scott Keenan, executive director of Grandma’s Marathon said in a media release. "Our numbers are well ahead of where we were last year at this point and we are seeing a steady pace of runners securing spots for our 35th marathon celebration."

Last year, the Grandma's field topped out at 7387 runners. In 2009, after filling to capacity for 15 straight years, Grandma's hosted 8377 marathoners. The race's capacity is 10,000 runners.

This morning, Twin Cities In Motion officials told DtB that registration for the 30th Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon had gotten off to a good start. Nearly 3300 marathoners had registered through Monday for the race which has a capacity of 11,2o0. TCM opened registration last Wednesday.

The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon has filled for the past 23 years.

Also ... Last week, Twin Cities In Motion unveiled a new log for its signature event, the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. The logo below will replace the "Leaf Man" logo that had been the icon for the race since 1985.

"Leaf Man" will live on, however, as part of Twin Cities In Motion's organizational logo.

Garrett Heath Miles 3:55.87 for 2nd in Boston

Winona native Garrett Heath ran an indoor PR 3:55.87 for second place in the mile at Saturday's New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston.

Heath finished behind former Stanford University teammate Russell Brown who won in 3:54.81. New Zealand's Nick Willis, a University of Michigan alumnus, was 3rd in 3:56.29.

Minnetonka High School alumnus Will Leer finished sixth in the race, one place ahead of American outdoor mile record-holder Alan Webb, in 4:00.70.

You can read story's about the race HERE (Race Results Weekly) and HERE (Boston Globe)

Heath's mark puts him #17 on the U.S. all-time list in the indoor mile by our count, one place ahead of 1970's star Marty Liquori. Heath has a bit of local company on the list: Richfield High School grad Steve Holman is ranked #12 with a 3:55.41 from 1993 and Leer is ranked #14 with his 3:55.66 last year in Boston.

Bernard Lagat holds the American Record for the mile indoors at 3:49.89.

Hicham El Guerrouj holds the World Record at 3:48.45.

Lance Elliott is Master Runner-Up ... Edina resident Lance Elliott was the runner-up in the meet's masters mile. The Iowa State alum ran 4:23.72 to finish behind winner Charlie Kern's 4:19.73.

Find our more about Elliott HERE, thanks to MastersTrack.com.

Find complete results of the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix HERE.

Yes/No: Team USA Minn. at USA Cross Country

For the second week of Yes/No in 2011, we will again feature a question regarding Team USA Minnesota runners traveling to warm weather to compete with the best distance runners in the United States.

This time, five runners will travel to San Diego to run the USA Cross Country Championships. The races will occur Saturday afternoon at Mission Bay Park and feature names like Shalane Flanagan, Matt Tegenkamp, Abdi Abdirahman and Duluth native Kara Goucher.

Five athletes from Team USA Minnesota will make the trip: Matt Gabrielson, Emily Brown, Andrew Carlson, Jamie Cheever, and Meghan Armstrong. Runners that finish in the top six will automatically earn a berth to the World Cross Country Championships, and Team USA Minnesota seems to qualify runners every year for the world meet.

Will this year be any different? Let us know by answering this question...

Y/N: Will any Team USA Minnesota runners finish in the top six at the 2011 USA Cross Country Championships on Saturday?

Matt Gabrielson will attempt to qualify for his fourth Team USA squad. Gabrielson chose to compete at USA Cross Country after a strong performance at January's Bupa Great Edinburgh International cross country race where he finished 18th.

Andrew Carlson has two national road championships to his credit (8K and 25K) and competed on the U.S. team at the World Half Marathon Championships in 2010. Emily Brown won the 2009 USA Cross Country Championship and qualified for the national squad in 2010 as well.

Meghan Armstrong finished in the top fifteen at the USA Cross Country race in both 2009 and 2010. Jamie Cheever is making her professional debut at a USA Championship after earning three All-American awards at the University of Minnesota.

To play our game, simply type "yes" or "no" into the subject line of an e-mail and send it to us at DtBFantasy [AT] gmail [DOT] com before 3:00 P.M. CST, Saturday, February 5th. Please put your answers in the subject line of the e-mail and make sure your full name appears somewhere in the e-mail. We will offer a bonus for participants making their 2011 debut in Yes/No - a correct answer will be worth two points for anyone who has not played yet this year.

My answer: No

Last week's question was: Will Jason Lehmkuhle AND Katie McGregor finish among the top 6 Americans in their respective races at the USA Half Marathon Championship on Saturday in Houston? The answer was yes. McGregor was fourth and Lehmkuhle fifth. Twenty-five contestants answered correctly and tied for first place.

For all the results, please visit DtB Fantasy Corner.

State Champions Commit to Minnesota

State high school champions Sasha Davis, Alex Beckman, and Adam Zutz signed letters of intent yesterday to compete for the University of Minnesota as collegians.

Park Center's Davis (pictured) was the MSHSL Class AA girls' 100, 200, and 400-meter champion last spring, running 12.06, 24.44, and 55.09 en route to her historic triple.

Eastview's Beckman, who will be joined in maroon and gold by her sister Amanda, was the Class AA girls' triple jump champion in 2010. She also placed in the 100-meters. Amanda Beckman placed in the long jump and 200-meters.

The Gopher women also signed Dickinson, North Dakota javelin thrower Jess Herauf.

The Gopher men landed 2010 Class AA cross country champion Adam Zutz of St. Francis who out-kicked Burnsville's Cole O'Brien for the state harrier title last fall in Northfield.

The team also landed Owatonna thrower Jake Fenske, Rosemount sprinter/jumper Goaner Deng, and Minnetonka middle distance runner Christian Skaret.

Pole vaulter Zach Siegmeier of Lakewood, Illinois also intends to transfer to Minnesota from Cuesta College next season.

Follow the latest Gopher signings and U of M track news on the teams' Facebook pages HERE (women) and HERE (men).

Photo by Gene Niemi.

Twin Cities Marathon Opens Registration

Registration for October's Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon opened today.

Runners interested in competing in the event can find information and register for the October 2 event HERE.

This year's race will represent the 30th running of the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, which originated in 1982. Registration fees are $100 per entrant, plus a processing fee.

Last year, the Medtronic Twins Cities Marathon filled to capacity in early June, the 23rd consecutive year the field had filled. The race is limited to 11,200 runners.

USATF Minnesota to Honor 2010's Best

USA Track and Field Minnesota will honor the state's top athletes of 2010 at its annual Awards Celebration on Saturday, February 19 at the Braemar Country Club in Edina.

Ahead of the gathering, which is free to USATF-Minnesota members, award-winners, and their guest, and costs $10 for other attendees, the organization has announced its award winners.

They are:

Bantam Athletes of the Year - Ben Olson, J'ianna Cager
Midget Athletes of the Year - Jesse Delgado, Lauren Smith
Youth Athletes of the Year - Matthew Rosen, Elise Anderson
High School Athletes of the Year - Devin Crawford-Tufts, Jessica January, and Sasha Davis
Masters Runners of the Year - Patrick Billig, Sonya Anderson
Open Track & Field Athletes of the Year - Aaron Studt, Gabriele Anderson
Masters Track & Field Athletes of the Year - Ralph Maxwell, Tweety Wolf
Race Walker of the Year - Phil Rogosheske
Cross Country Runners of the Year - Patrick Parish, Amy Lyons
Mountain/Ultra/Trail Runners of the Year - Chris Lundstrom, Helen Lavin
Mountain/Ultra/Trail Contribution Award - Larry Pederson
Officials of the Year - Donna Zirgibel, Marc Hoyer
Life Time Contribution Award - Merrill Fischbein

Also honored will be Long Distance Runners of the Year Dan Greeno and Michelle Frey, and a host of age-group Runners of the Year, listed HERE.

Find more information on the Awards Celebration HERE.