Finnerty, Rains Named Athletes of the Month

The Minnesota Association of USA Track & Field announced that Rob Finnerty and Katelin Rains are USATF Minnesota's Athletes of the Month for January 2008.

Finnerty (pictured) was honored for finishing 9th at the Footlocker Cross Country Nationals last month. The MSHSL Class AA cross country champion from Burnsville High School is bound for the University of Wisconsin next year.

Rains, a Minnesota State Mankato junior, was recognized for breaking her own NCAA Division II best in the pole vault with a clearance of 14 feet 1/2 inch in December. Rains is the defending Division II indoor champion in the event.

USA Track & Field Minnesota selects Athletes of the Month to honor excellence in track and field and its related sports in Minnesota. USA Track & Field is the governing body of the sport in the United States and the Minnesota Association of USATF sanctions and sponsors track and field, cross country, road racing, and racewalking events for athletes of all ages in the state.

Photo by Victor Sailer http://www.photorun.net/.

The Miles Lists: High Jump

It's high jump day today, as we feature that event from the 2007 and all-time high school boys performance lists compiled by Tim and Bill Miles ...

HIGH JUMP

2007 BESTS
Derek Jerde 10 Chaska 6-8
Matt Clauer 12 Elk River 6-7 ½
Ryan Boeddeker 12 Owatonna 6-6
Mike Bredeson 11 Litchfield 6-5 ¼
Michael Harley 11 Stillwater Area 6-5
Jacob Murphy 12 Irondale 6-5
Brady Hannigan 12 North St. Paul 6-5
Ryan Barnes 11 Brainerd 6-5
Drew Daggett 12 Frazee 6-5
Andrej Tomasek 12 Pillager 6-5
(10)
Colin Belcher 12 Hopkins 6-4 ¾
Marcus Dennis 12 Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 6-4 ½
Julian Chike 12 Rochester Century 6-4
Andrew Storsveen 12 Winona 6-4
Tony Johnson 11 New Prague 6-4
Luke Parker 9 Eagan 6-4
Drew Benson 9 Park 6-4
Tommy McNamara 12 Mounds View 6-4
Mike Lien 12 Mounds View 6-4
Isaac Hoffman 12 White Bear Lake 6-4
(20)
Kyle Paradis 12 White Bear Lake 6-4
Andrew Bates 12 Robbinsdale Armstrong 6-4
Mike Nielson 11 Sartell-St. Stephen 6-4
Cory Stauffer 12 Blue Earth Area 6-4
Jacob Kieper 12 Cedar Mountain/C-S 6-4
Dale Haberer 11 West Central Area 6-4
Jake Bahnmiller 12 Warroad 6-4
Brandon Erichsen 11 Kasson-Mantorville 6-2 ¾
Aaron Staples 12 Hutchinson 6-3
Jake Gabor 12 Pine Island 6-3
(30)
Andy Wendroth 12 Zumbrota-Mazeppa 6-3
Darius Clare 9 Delano 6-3
Paul Wagner 11 Fisher/East Grand Forks SH 6-3
Derek Alderks 11 Northfield 6-2
Zach Womeldorf 10 Northfield 6-2
Dayo Ologunde 12 Rosemount 6-2
Bertrand Doh 12 Andover 6-2
Turner Tracy 12 Mounds View 6-2
Tony Kablan 10 Roseville Area 6-2
Michael Woods 12 Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony 6-2
(40)
Jovon Myles 11 Osseo 6-2
Michael Woodward 12 Burnsville 6-2
Nate Tibbetts 11 Eden Prairie 6-2
Arsenio Ross 10 Hopkins 6-2
Tho Kieu 12 Minneapolis Southwest 6-2
Joshua Allen 11 Minnetonka 6-2
Jonas Schwanemann 12 Wayzata 6-2
Chris Golv 12 Chisago Lakes 6-2
Nick Shafer 12 Grand Rapids 6-2
Kendall Smith 11 St. Cloud Apollo 6-2
(50)
Cole Hanson 11 Stewartville 6-2
Jake Peymann 12 Fairmont 6-2
Tim Peterson 12 Minnesota Valley Lutheran 6-2
Amos Bessler 12 United South Central-AC 6-2
Kenton Johnson 12 Yellow Medicine East 6-2
Cody Allen 12 Jordan 6-2
Eric Spengler 11 St. Croix Lutheran 6-2
Eric Rose 12 Glencoe-Silver Lake 6-2
Casey Lipp 11 Breckenridge/Campbell-Tintah 6-2
Ryan Hoelscher 12 Browerville/Eagle Valley 6-2
60)
Derek Schmidt 11 East Grand Forks 6-2

ALL TIME BESTS
7-1 Rod Raver, Rochester JM 1973
7-1 Jon Markuson, Chaska 1993
7-0.5 Jon Pontius, Fergus Falls 1993
7-0.25 John Albert, Bloomington Jefferson 2001
7-0 Van Troup, Mounds View 1979
7-0 Ken Larson, Fulda 1980
7-0 Shawn Nielsen, Cambridge 1994
6-11 Nathan Dahlager, Belview-D-R-SH 1994
6-10.75 Marcus Westberry, Mpls Washburn 1995
6-10.75 Josh Paulson, Sauk Rapids-Rice 2000
(10)
6-10.5 John Bauer, St Cloud Apollo 1993
6-10.25 Andy Kolars, Mankato Loyola 1992
6-10 Brett Bohanon, Anoka 1980
6-10 Dave Rauker, Duluth East 1980
6-10 Greg Lawson, Blaine 1982
6-10 Gary Beaudot, Austin Pacelli 1984
6-10 Dan Erickson, Irondale 1987
6-10 Leonard Jones, Mpls Henry 1990
6-10 Ryan Lesnau. Alexandria 2000 & 2001
6-10 Julian Morris, Osseo 2005 & 2006
(20)
6-9.75 Paul Burmeister, Rochester Mayo 1981
6-9.25 Ty Farley, Edina 1985
6-9.25 Chad Weeks, Blaine 1992
6-9.25 Am Nunyakpe, White Bear Lake 1992
6-9 Jason Velgersdyk, Edina East 1979
6-9 Dave Strobel, Hill-Murray 1980
6-9 Larry Mohr, Mankato West 1982
6-9 Terry Scherer, Ortonville 1984
6-9 Jeff Tikala, Chaska 1984
6-9 Steve Luzum, Apple Valley 1986
(30)
6-9 Mark Terwilliger, Stillwater 1987
6-9 Luke Frieling, Blaine 1987
6-9 Mike Lutz, West Central 1988
6-9 Doug DeBoer, Milaca 1988
6-9 Sean McLeod, Hibbing 1988
6-9 Lester Mitchell, Rushford-P-H 1988
6-9 Nate Jensen, Albert Lea 1991
6-9 Craig Hanscom, Rosemount 1992
6-9 Erik Stiehm, Apple Valley 1992
6-9 Nathan Frantz, Wayzata 1993
(40)
6-9 Craig Fredrickson, Detroit Lakes 1995
6-9 David Bauer, Hastings 1997
6-9 Thristin Andrew, Benilde-St Margaret 1998
6-9 Ryan Zenzen, Becker 1999
6-9 David Kelley, Sauk Rapids-Rice 2001
6-9 Parker Robinson, Crosby-Ironton 2003
6-9 E.J. Buschmann, Chaska 2006
6-9 Edgar Kirabira, St. Cloud Tech 2006
6-8.75 Darren Christensen, Lakeville 1982-3
6-8.5 Mark Krenik, Mankato West 1982
(50)
6-8.25 Gerald Burrell, Mpls North 1973
6-8.25 Tom Nelson, Pine City 1980
6-8.25 Ned Wrightson, Sartell 1996
6-8 Brian Campbell, White Bear Mariner 1975
6-8 Gary Keith, Coon Rapids 1975
6-8 Greg Jerve, Glencoe 1976
6-8 Jeff Summers, White Bear Lake 1976
6-8 Rohn Stark, Pine River 1977
6-8 Steve Fritz, Waconia 1979
6-8 Jim Tieslar, Ellsworth 1979
(60)
6-8 Tom Campbell, Bemidji 1980
6-8 Aren Haugtevedt, Moorhead 1981
6-8 Clayton Walker, Tartan 1982
6-8 Brad Gillingham, Little Falls 1984
6-8 Ken Rothenberger, Jordan 1984
6-8 Matt Baldwin, Hopkins 1985
6-8 Bob Flett, Osseo 1985
6-8 Mike Deranek, Hill-Murray 1985
6-8 Mike Fairchild, Owatonna 1985
6-8 Mike Berndt, Blaine 1985
(70)
6-8 Joe Healy, Kenyon-Wanamingo 1985
6-8 Ed Nowak, Hibbing 1986
6-8 Wade Frauendienst, Winthrop/G 1987
6-8 Steve Dahlin, Minnetonka 1988
6-8 Jamal Harut, SP Highland Park 1988
6-8 Jesse Thomas, Mpls Roosevelt 1988
6-8 Mike Cihlar, Alexandria 1991
6-8 Israel Moses, Cretin-DH 1991
6-8 Jeremy Underdahl, Marshall Co Central 1991
6-8 Martez Williams, Mpls Henry 1991
(80)
6-8 Mike Zender, Bl Jefferson 1991
6-8 Jared Johnson, Bl Jefferson 1991
6-8 Henrik Eikass, Braham 1991
6-8 Matt Pasche, Blaine 1992
6-8 Brian Hatlevig, Rushford-P-H 1992
6-8 Chad Halverson, Rochester Mayo 1993
6-8 Jim Pederson, Lincoln 1993
6-8 Will Kurth, Rochester JM 1993
6-8 Tom Vonderbrink, Wayzata 1993
6-8 Dan Linder, United South Central 1994
(90)
6-8 Tyler McCormick, White Bear Lake 1994
6-8 Aaron Bond, Belview-D-R-SH 1994
6-8 Eric Peterson, SP Central 1994
6-8 Troy Shoberg, Forest Lake 1995
6-8 Brian Czech, Royalton 1995
6-8 Brian Rehnke, Bloom Kennedy 1996
6-8 Josh Salic, Rochester JM 1997
6-8 Jason Irsfeld, Mahtomedi 1997
6-8 Derek Sykes, North Branch 1998
6-8 Chuck Clutter, Eagan 1998
(100)
6-8 Mike Bauer, Hastings 1998
6-8 Aaron Lindstrom, Frazee-Vergas 1998
6-8 Mitch Potter, St Michael-Albertville 1999
6-8 Ben Borgen, Roch John Marshall 2000
6-8 Bryant Howe, Park-CG 2000
6-8 Joe Thomas, St Thomas Academy 2000
6-8 Jesse Richert, Anoka 2001
6-8 Steve Schreiber, Chisago Lakes 2001
6-8 James Lundberg, Robbinsdale Armstrong 2002
6-8 Bryan Pearson, Anoka 2003
(110)
6-8 Jonathan Thompson, St Louis Park 2003 & 2004
6-8 Julian Hamilton, Robbinsdale Armstrong 2005
6-8 Zach Turner, Wayzata 2005
6-8 Derek Jerde, Chaska 2007

JUNIOR BESTS
7-1 Jon Markuson, Chaska 1993
7-0 Ken Larson, Fulda 1980
6-10.5 Andy Kolars, Mankato Loyola 1992
6-10 Ryan Lesnau. Alexandria 2000
6-10 Julian Morris, Osseo 2005
6-9 nine tied

SOPHOMORE BESTS
6-10 Greg Lawson, Blaine 1982
6-9 Mike Lutz, West Central 1988
6-9 Nathan Dalager, Belview-D-R-SH 1992
6-8.75 Ryan Lesnau, Alexandria 1999
6-8 Jon Markuson, Chaska 1992
6-8 Ryan Zenzen, Becker 1998
6-8 Derek Jerde, Chaska 2007
6-7.25 Craig Fredrickson, Detroit Lakes 1994
6-7 five tied

FRESHMAN BESTS
6-9 Nathan Dalager, Belview-D-R-SH 1991
6-6 Mike Kieffer, Foley 1996
6-6 Ryan Zenzen, Becker/Autumn Ridge Academy 1997
6-5 Mike Lutz, West Central 1987
6-5 Ryan Lesnau, Alexandria 1998
6-5 Adam Hendricks, Watertown-Mayer 2004
6-4.5 Jeff Paulson, Pipestone-Jasper 1994
6-4 ten tied

On-line Grandma's Registration Opens Today

Registration for the 32nd running of Grandma's Marathon is officially open ...

... and as of 8:30 a.m., 2,600 runners have entered the race!

The 26.2-mile race, which has reached its field capacity for 13 consecutive years, is limited to the first 9,500 registrants. As reported earlier, the event's 2008 registration process has been converted to an online format so runners looking to register need to do so by visiting http://www.grandmasmarathon.com/.

“Given that this is our initial year utilizing online registration, it is going to be more difficult than ever to predict how quickly this race will reach its capacity. The best advice we can give to anyone interested in running Grandma’s Marathon is to register as soon as they can,” Scott Keenan, executive director of the event, said in a media release.

For more information on any of Grandma's Marathon ’s races or events, visit http://www.grandmasmarathon.com/ or call (218) 727-0947.

2008 Grandma’s Marathon Online Registration Schedule ...

Grandma's Marathon (Limited to first 9,500 entrants) Is now open.

Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon (4,500 entrants selected via lottery) Lottery registration open from February 20 through March 2

William A. Irvin 5K (Limited to first 1,200 entrants)Registration opens Wednesday, March 19

The Miles Lists: 200 Meters

Today we present the 2007 and all-time high school boys 200 meter lists as complied by Wayzata coach Bill Miles and St. John's University coach Tim Miles. Click HERE to see all the Miles List events published so far.

200 METERS

2007 BESTS
B.J. Otto 12 Hill-Murray 21.42
Jerrell Hancock 12 Anoka 21.43
Sean King 11 Cretin-Derham Hall 21.74
Brock Keaton 11 Hopkins 21.77
Tyler Key 12 Apple Valley 21.91
Joe Rancourt 11 Faribault 21.93
Clarence Suttle 12 St. Paul Johnson 21.7
Jeff Brunette 12 Mounds View 21.95
Chris Anderson 12 Duluth Central 21.95
George Dudley 12 Hopkins 21.97
(10)
Kyle Henderson 12 Robbinsdale Armstrong 21.8
Sam Johnson 11 Wayzata 22.26
Garrett Cora 12 Duluth East 22.33
Kevin Koglin 12 Hutchinson 22.1
Leon Cheneyon 11 Robbinsdale Cooper 22.34
Isaac Kolstad 11 Mankato East 22.36
Ethan Mignard 12 Meadow Creek Christian 22.38
Kris Strang 12 Sauk Rapids-Rice 22.45
ChiChi Ojika 10 Irondale 22.46
Alex Williams 12 Lester Prairie/Winsted HT 22.46
(20)
Javon Copley 12 Mounds View 22.48
Quinn Evans 12 Mounds View 22.50
Micah Andros 12 St. Peter 22.50
Cory Kessler 12 St. Michael-Albertville 22.51
Brad Kelley 12 Coon Rapids 22.3
Nicholas Ward 12 Coon Rapids 22.3
Tendeh Brownell 10 Osseo 22.3
Darren Thompson 11 Glencoe-Silver Lake 22.54
Paul Yerhot 11 Chaska 22.56
Mosic Greenprice 12 Buffalo 22.59
(30)
Bryce Prax 11 LeSueur-Henderson 22.60
Matthew Dvorak 11 St. Croix Lutheran 22.60
Charlie Hrdlicka 11 United North Central 22.62
Luke Skay 12 St. Cloud Apollo 22.63
Dan Holmgren 12 Andover 22.4
Jonathan Roberts 10 Robbinsdale Cooper 22.64
Brent Jansen 11 Renville County West 22.4
Jonny Weinrich 12 Plainview-Elgin-Milliville 22.66
Robbie Wilson 12 Chaska 22.67
Antwan Hollie 10 Minneapolis South 22.67
(40)
Chris Spong 12 Bloomington Jefferson 22.67
Chris Weidenbacher 12 Monticello 22.69
Josh Jackson 10 Farmington 22.70
Cameron Boy 10 Jordan 22.70
Dalton Keep 11 Forest Lake 22.72
Brian Lewis 12 Rushford-Peterson/Houston 22.73
Kyle Winkelman 11 Foley 22.73
Andy Boersma 12 Willmar 22.5
Josh Wiseman 11 Champlin Park 22.74
Chris Stoks 11 Virginia/Mountain Iron-Buhl 22.5
(50)
Jon Hoese 12 Glencoe-Silver Lake 22.74

ALL TIME BESTS
20.92 Jon Boyd, Mankato East 2004
20.96 Ibrahim Kabia, Champlin Park 2004
21.22 Jerry Burch, SP Cretin-Derham Hall 1998
21.0 Mark Lutz, Rochester Mayo 1969 (21.1y)
21.27 Robb Merritt, Hopkins 2001
21.30 Tim Whitney, SP Arlington 1998
21.42 B.J. Otto, Stanford 2007
21.43 Jerrell Hancock, Anoka 2007
21.49 Jay Thomas, Tartan 2004
21.57 Jason Bruce, Burnsville 1984
(10)
21.59 Antwon Simmons, Minneapolis North 2003
21.65 Bob Ewings, Forest Lake 1993
21.66 Lamonta Bronaugh, Burnsville 1999
21.70 Jeff Tarnowski, Wayzata 1995
21.72 Joe Hemberger, Park 1988
21.72 Melvin Carter, SP Central 1997
21.5 Billy Nadeau, Hibbing 1927 (21.6y)
21.5 Randy Melbourne, Mpls Washburn 1993
21.74 Sean King, St. Paul Cretin-Derham Hall 2007
21.75 Tim VanVoorhis, Apple Valley 1993
(20)
21.75 Jeremy Heckman, Centennial 1997
21.76 Josh Wilske, Lakeville 1997
21.77 Adam Freed, Duluth Marshall 1996
21.77 Rolando Peco, Duluth Central 2000
21.77 Shayne Shaw, Eastview 2003
21.77 Brock Keaton, Hopkins 2007
21.79 Demetre Martin, Mpls Henry 1987
21.79 Richard Lewis, SP Highland Park 1998
21.82 Jeff Byrd, Mpls Central 1979
21.82 Nick Herold, North St. Paul 2006
(30)
21.83 Jason Erickson, Alexandria 2001
21.6 Paul Bearman, St Louis Park 1967 (21.7y)
21.6 Mike Keenan, Glencoe 1976 (21.7y)
21.6 Paul Otto, Edina East 1977 (21.7y)
21.6 Ryan Lamppa, Benson 1977 (21.7y)
21.6 Bob Sobieck, Alexander Ramsey 1981
21.6 Tracy Martin, Brooklyn Center 1983
21.6 Jason Crocker, Minnehaha Academy 1985
21.6 Todd Haferman, Prior Lake 1988
21.84 Pat Schottel, Roseville Area 1999
(40)
21.6 Brandon Smith, New London-Spicer 2000
21.6 Jerald Burton, Osseo 2003
21.6 Cory Johnson, Moorhead 2004
21.85 Lorenzo Martin, Mpls Roosevelt 1984
21.85 Rhashidi VanLeer, Woodbury 1995
21.86 Stan McClure, Hopkins 1986
21.88 Andre Billups, SP Central 1979
21.89 Rich Kleber, Northfield 1983
21.90 Scott Beadle, Moorhead 1992
21.90 Greg VanLeer, Woodbury 1993
(50)
21.90 Tom Gerding, Waconia 1997
21.90 Jamar Stromberg, Mpls Henry 2000
21.91 John Shevlin, Eastview 2002
21.91 Tyler Key, Apple Valley 2007
21.92 Matt Skulborstad, Rosemount 1995
21.93 Jordan Wilkie, Eagan 2001
21.93 Joe Rancourt, Faribault 2007
21.7 Elwin Burditte, Minnetonka 1976 (21.8y)
21.7 Steve Makie, Eden Prairie 1977 (21.8y)
21.7 Bob Galle, Rosemount 1983
(60)
21.7 Garrett Veal, Buffalo 1991
21.94 Justin Suss, Lakeville 2005
21.7 Joe Clark, Rochester Century 2005
21.7 Clarence Suttle, St. Paul Johnson 2007
21.95 Matt Taylor, Duluth East 1998
21.95 Matthew Shannon, Mpls Washburn 2000
21.95 Wade Lescault, Minneapolis Roosevelt 2003
21.95 Jeff Brunette, Mounds View 2007
21.95 Chris Anderson, Duluth Central 2007
21.96 Venus Griffin, North St. Paul 2002
(70)
21.97 Neuby Ras, Alexandria 1998
21.97 George Dudley, Hopkins 2007
21.98 Dave Guinn, Bloom Jefferson 1978 (22.11y)
21.99 Kamiba Polk, Champlin Park 1998
22.00 Cassidy Glad, Rocori 2001
22.00 Jonathan Thompson, St. Louis Park 2002
22.01 Carl McCullough, SP Cretin-DH 1992
22.02 Chuck Easterlin, Duluth Central 1982
22.02 Matt Vought, Cooper 1986
22.03 Rod Hutton, Shakopee 1984
(80)
22.03 Dean Paulson, Kennedy 1989
22.03 Mark Rasmussen, Detroit Lakes 1995
22.03 Derek Thaden, Robbinsdale Cooper 2000
21.8 Dick Gehring, Mpls Washburn 1942 (21.9y)
21.8 Jerry Jacobs, Robbinsdale 1964 (21.9y)
21.8 Terry Wooley, Alexander Ramsey 1964 (21.9y)
21.8 Pete Shea, Richfield 1966 (21.9y)
21.8 Ron Dachis, St Louis Park 1967 (21.9y)
21.8 Fred Merrill, Orono 1969 (21.9y)
21.8 Leo Bond, Faribault School for Deaf 1971 (21.9y)
(90)
21.8 Jim Gravalin, Moorhead 1972 (21.9y)
21.8 Dave Thompson, St Charles 1973 (21.9y)
21.8 Terry Lewis, Mpls North 1974 (21.9y)
21.8 Darrin Wolke, Kennedy 1981
21.8 John Bodine, Barnesville 1982
21.8 Nate Cooper, Climax 1983
22.04 Rod Smith, Roseville 1988
21.8 Lawrence Means, Rochester JM 1988
21.8 Jimmy Brown, Mpls Southwest 1988
22.04 Ryan Murray, St Thomas Academy 1990
(100)
21.8 Ethan Allen, St Peter 1990
21.8 Neville Grant, Mpls Washburn 1993
21.8 Chuck Harris, Minnetonka 1994
21.8 Luke Pfeifer, Frazee-Vergas 1996
21.8 Charlie Lenn, Pine Island 1999
22.04 Keith Hartman, Rochester Lourdes 1999
22.04 Monte Stewart, North St. Paul 2001
21.8 Fletcher Terrell, St. Louis Park 2002
22.04 Keith Carter, St. Paul Harding 2006
21.8 Kyle Henderson, Robbinsdale Armstrong 2007
(110)

220 yds on straight- 20.7 Mark Lutz, Roch Mayo 1970

JUNIOR BESTS
21.0 Mark Lutz, Rochester Mayo 1969 (21.1y)
21.30 Tim Whitney, St Paul Arlington 1998
21.49 Jay Thomas, Tartan 2004
21.52 Jon Boyd, Mankato East 2005
21.63 Jerry Burch, Cretin-DH 1997
21.65 Ibrahim Kabia, Champlin Park 2003
21.66 Lamonta Bronaugh, Burnsville 1999
21.70 Jeff Tarnowski, Wayzata 1995
21.72 Joe Hemberger, Park 1988
21.5 Randy Melbourne, Mpls Washburn 1993
21.74 Sean King, Cretin-DH 2007

SOPHOMORE BESTS
20.92 Jon Boyd, Mankato East 2004
21.77 Rolando Peco, Duluth Central 2000
21.83 Jason Erickson, Alexandria 2001
21.84 Jerry Burch, Cretin-Derham Hall 1996
21.86 Joe Hemberger, Park 1987
22.00 Jonathan Thompson, St. Louis Park 2002
21.8 Leo Bond, Faribault Schl for the Deaf 1971 (21.9y)
21.8 Jeff Byrd, Mpls Central 1978 (21.9y)
22.13 Lashay Whittaker, DeLaSalle 1993

FRESHMAN BESTS
21.60 Jon Boyd, Mankato East 2003
22.40 Jason Miller, Mahnomen 1990
22.43 Chuck Harris, Minnetonka 1992
22.2 Jeff Byrd, Mpls Central 1977 (22.3y)
22.63 Adrian Perryman, St. Paul Central 2000
22.64 Charlie Lenn, Pine Island 1996
22.76 Jermaine Brown, Champlin Park 1994
22.76 Jonathan Roberts, Robbinsdale Cooper 2006

Rue Named Big Ten Athlete of the Week

It's not a Pan Am Games gold medal, but ...

University of Minnesota sophomore pole vaulter Alicia Rue added another honor to her lengthening resume by earning Co-Big Ten Field Event Athlete of the Week honors. The award is the first weekly Big Ten honor for Rue (pictured), who won the Junior Pan American Games gold medal last summer.

Rue, a Robbinsdale Armstrong graduate, won the pole vault competition at last Saturday’s season-opening Northwest Open. She cleared an indoor personal best of 12 feet, 11 1/2 inches, an NCAA provisional qualifier and the second-best vault in school history. Pole vaulters led the Gophers at the meet -- Seniors Ashley Nord and Andrea Smith tied for second place with a height of 12-5, senior Laura Massey was fourth at 11-11 3/4, and freshman Samantha Sonnenberg was fifth at 11-11 3/4.

A full report on the women's meet, via the Gopher sports information office, is HERE.

A men's wrap-up is HERE.

Minnesota hosts its second indoor track meet of the season, the Minnesota Open, on Saturday. Action gets underway at 11 a.m. at the University Fieldhouse.

Photo courtesy of the U of M.

The Miles Lists: Triple Jump

Today we present the triple jump from Tim and Bill Miles' high school boys 2007 and all-time top performance lists ...

TRIPLE JUMP

2007 BESTS
Tommy McNamara 12 Mounds View 48-5 ¼
B.J. Otto 12 Hill-Murray 47-4 ¾
Robbie Wilson 12 Chaska 46-2 ½
Michael Woodward 12 Burnsville 46-0
Austin Delaney 11 St. Louis Park 45-4 ¼
Tony Johnson 11 New Prague 45-4
Cory Hanson 12 Willmar 45-3
Michael Woods 12 Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony 44-8 ½
Ryan Boeddeker 12 Owatonna 44-7
Brady Hannigan 12 North St. Paul 44-6 ¾
(10)
Dan Smelter 12 Stewartville 44-6
Addison Demer 12 Tartan 44-5
Julian Chike 12 Rochester Century 44-4 ¾
Ben Johnson 12 Roseville Area 44-4 ¾
Aalix Dydell 12 Rochester Century 44-1 ½
Kenny Schofield 10 Cotton/Cherry 43-10
Adam Michel 11 New Prague 43-9 ¼
Omar Longoria 12 Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 43-7
Sam Gilsrud 12 Mahtomedi 43-6 ¼
Tony Schepers 12 Holy Family Catholic 43-5
(20)
John Oberg 11 Burnsville 43-4 ½
Henry Ndikum 11 West Lutheran 43-4 ½
Cecil Doe 10 Wayzata 43-3 ¼
Dan Johnson 12 Yellow Medicine East 43-3
Bertrand Doh 12 Andover 43-2 ¾
Jordan Waiwaiole 11 Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony 43-1 ¾
Ben Bursaw 11 St. Louis Park 43-1 ¼
Mark Bader 12 Burnsville 43- ¼
Mike Bredeson 11 Litchfield 43-0
Jake Bahnmiller 12 Warroad 42-11 ½
(30)
Cooper Wahlo 10 Woodbury 42-11 ¼
Jordan Jarland 9 Lanesboro/Fillmore Central 42-11
Travis Pedersen 11 Worthington 42-10 ½
Bryce Thomsen 12 Rusell-Tyler-Ruthton/Lk Benton 42-10 ¼
Tommy Udermann 11 Foley 42-10 ¼
Erich Johnston 11 Burnsville 42-9 ¾
Alex Bade 12 Big Lake 42-9 ¼
Tyler Mattai 12 White Bear Lake 42-9
Wendell Booth 11 Grand Rapids 42-9
Robert Gunderson 11 Eden Prairie 42-8 ½
(40)
Deuntae Broadnax 11 Buffalo 42-6 ¾
Kolt Therkilson 11 New London-Spicer 42-6 1/4
Adam Magnuson 12 Eden Valley-Watkins/Kimball 42-5 ¾
Steve Halvorson 12 Concordia Academy 42-5 ½
Jack Trebelhorn 11 Alexandria 42-5 ¼
Dustin Jordan 12 Zimmerman 42-5
Laquane Robinson 10 Brooklyn Center 42-4 ¾
Eric Dack 12 Montevideo 42-4 ¼
Drew Nelson 11 Tracy-Milroy-Balaton 42-4 ¼
Brent Hansen 11 Sartell-St. Stephen 42-3 ½
(50)

ALL TIME BESTS
50-4 Reondo Davis, Blaine 1999
49-8.5 Tyrone Minor, St Paul Central 1989
49-3 Rondell Mershon, Apple Valley 1998
49-0 Pat Akpaette, Richfield 2001
48-11.5 Jade Ellis, Totino Grace 2004
48-9.75 Leonard Jones, Mpls Henry 1989
48-8.5 Ed Heglund, Appleton/Milan 1987
48-7.75 Pat Horst, Stillwater Area 2001
48-5.25 Tommy McNamara, Mounds View 2007
48-0.25 Martez Williams, Mpls Henry 1990
(10)
47-10.5 Eric Buss, Coon Rapids 2005
47-8.25 Dan Lynch, White Bear Lake 1988
47-8 Seth Anderson, Mounds View 1996
47-6 Kyle Duininck, Prinsburg C Christian 1986
47-5.25 Marcus Westberry, Mpls Washburn 1995
47-4.75 B.J. Otto, Hill-Murray 2007
47-4.5 Jeremy Ticey, Burnsville 2006
47-4.25 Jim King, Watertown-Mayer 1986
47-4 Kwadwo Mensah, Irondale 2000
47-4 Joey Schwecke, Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop/McLeod West 2006
(20)
47-1.75 Greg Ries, Simley 1984
47-0.5 Adam Johnson, Irondale 1993
47-0.25 Chris Dixon, Apple Valley 1998
46-11 Tom Johnson, Monticello 1984
46-10.75 Mark Stewart, Mounds View 1985
46-9.5 Jamie Hagness, Moorhead 1987
46-9 Jeff Bergstrom, Mounds View 1998
46-7.75 Dan Krenzel, Apple Valley 1991
46-7.75 Kyle Lee, Burnsville 2005
46-7 Jon Pontius, Fergus Falls 1993
(30)
46-6.5 Sean Picha, Hopkins 1990
46-6.5 Tony Asay, Hutchinson 1994
46-5.25 Ryan Wold, Spring Lake Park/SA 1998
46-5 Ryan Achterhoff, Edgerton 1978
46-5 Dave Bergstrom, Mounds View 1994
46-3.5 Greg Williams, Robbinsdale Armstrong 1985
46-3.5 Sam Adegoke, Mounds View 2001
46-3 Jerry Smith, Mpls Roosevelt 1986
46-3 Troy Walz, Anoka 1993
46-3 Matt Gordon-Jackson, Champlin Park 2000
(40)
46-2.75 Mike Thompson, Lewiston-Altura 1986
46-2.5 Mark Wallace, White Bear Lake 1990
46-2.5 Robbie Wilson, Chaska 2007
46-2.25 Bob Quast, Concordia Academy 1991
46-2.25 Phil Ayeni, Totino Grace 2004
46-2 Andy Kisielius, Totino Grace 1999
46-2 Paul Ferber, St. Cloud Tech 2001
46-1.5 Pete Eastman, Mounds View 1977
46-1.5 Andrew Ryder, Bloomington Jefferson 2005
46-1 Craig Rowe, Apple Valley 1989
(50)
46-1 Brian Schletty, SP Cretin-Derham Hall 1996
46-1 Travis Little, Anoka 2000
46-0.5 Thristin Andrew, Benilde-St Margaret 1998
46-0.25 Josh Trees, Paynsville Area 2002
46-0 Michael Woodward, Burnsville 2007
45-11.5 Dennis Baker, Mankato West 2001
45-11.5 Ted Rud, New York Mills 2005
45-11.25 Mike Hesse, Wayzata 1984
45-10.75 Rupert Bannerman-Thompson, Roseville Area 2005
45-10.5 James Ewer, Lakeville 2005
(60)
45-10 Brad Swanson, Little Falls 1987
45-10 Robby Bunke, Rushford-P-H 1992
45-10 Phil Olson, Faribault 2003
45-9.75 Andrew Aakre, Stephen-Argyle Central 2000
45-9 Tim Feine, Blaine 1992
45-8.75 Kingston Hollman, SP Johnson 1997
45-8.5 Matt Dawson, Mpls North 1988
45-8.5 Rob Haedt, Austin 1993
45-8.5 Scott Rendall, Eden Prairie 1999
45-8.25 Troy Lindner, Brainerd 1995
(70)
45-8.25 Erik Anderson, Eden Prairie 2005
45-8 Dey Chak Wuol, Mankato West 2005
45-7.75 Arden Beachy, Staples-Motley 1989
45-7.5 Sam Ebute, Mpls South 1987
45-7.5 Rodney Walker, St Cloud Apollo 1988
45-7.25 Greg Wilson, Mankato East 1976
45-7.25 Matt Anderson, Mounds View 1993
45-7.25 Marcus Barto, Chisholm 2001
45-7 Andy Harrington, North Branch 1984
45-7 Shane Hoag, Atwater-Cosmos-GC 1998
(80)
45-7 Ryan Melena, Mounds View 1999
45-6.5 Scott Sovreign, Northfield 1982
45-6.5 Greg Kimbrough, Bloom Jefferson 1992
45-6 Todd Nash, Rochester JM 1980
45-6 Kris Medlock, Mpls Roosevelt 1986
45-6 Terrell Johnson, Mpls Henry 1987
45-6 Brian Hatlevig, Rushford-P-H 1992
45-6 Jim Mattson, Pine Island 1995
45-5.75 Gary Pegues, Park Center 1983
45-5.5 Steve McTavish, Mounds View 1987
(90)
45-5.5 Dave Dewald, Rochester JM 1987
45-4.25 Darren Brinker, Rocori 1990
45-4.25 Josh Salic, Rochester JM 1996
45-4.25 Austin Delaney, St. Louis Park 2007
45-4 Steve Alms, Red Wing 1983
45-4 Rich Kleber, Northfield 1983
45-4 Rodney Robbins, SP Central 1989
45-4 Tony Johnson, New Prague 2007
45-3.75 Jeff Esler, Blaine 1985
45-3.75 Tony Schmitt, Shakopee 1995
(100)

JUNIOR BESTS
49-0 Pat Akpaette, Richfield 2001
48-9.75 Leonard Jones, Mpls Henry 1989
48-4 Reondo Davis, Blaine 1998
48-0.25 Martez Williams, Mpls Henry 1990
47-6 Kyle Duininck, Prinsburg CC 1986
47-4.5 B.J. Otto, Hill-Murray 2006
47-4.25 Jim King, Watertown-Mayer 1986
47-4 Kwadwo Mensah, Irondale 2000
46-11.5 Jade Ellis, Totino Grace 2003
46-10 Rondell Mershon, Apple Valley 1997

SOPHOMORE BESTS
46-11 Tom Johnson, Monticello 1984
46-6.25 Reondo Davis, Blaine 1997
46-6 Jade Ellis, Totino Grace 2002
46-4 Jim King, Watertown-Mayer 1985
46-2.5 Kwadwo Mensah, Irondale 1999
45-6 Troy Walz, Anoka 1992
45-4.5 Sam Adegoke, Mounds View 1999
45-3 Kyle Lee, Burnsville 2003
45-0.5 Jerome Cheatham, Woodbury 1991
45-0 Steve Wenzel, White Bear Lake 1992

FRESHMAN BESTS
45-2.5 Kwadwo Mensah, Irondale 1998
43-10.5 Jim King, Watertown-Mayer 1984
43-10.5 James Lundberg, Robb Armstrong 2000
43-10 Reondo Davis, Blaine 1996
43-4.75 Marc Brown, SP Highland Park 1993
43-2.75 Tom Strukel, Biwabik 1988
43-1.5 Kingston Kollman, Mounds View 1995
42-11 Kenny Schofield, Cotton-Cherry 2006
42-11 Jordan Jarland, Lanseboro/Fillmore Central 2007
42-5.5 Benjy Kiehne, Preston-Fountain-Harmony 1990
42-5.5 J.R. Gray, Worthington 1997

Lehmkuhle 2nd at USA Half Marathon

Jason Lehmkuhle finished 2nd at Sunday's USA Half Marathon Championships in Houston with a PR 1:02:32. The Team USA Minnesota star, who finished 5th at the Men's Olympic Marathon Trials two months ago, matched the runner-up finish he achieved at the USA 10 Mile Championship held in conjunction with the Medtronic TC-10 Mile last October.

James Carney of Boulder, Colorado won the men's title in 1:02:21 after pulling away from Lehmkuhle in the eighth mile of the race. Team USA Minnesota's Matt Gabrielson, the runner-up in the event in 2005, was 10th in 1:04:06.

"We went out more aggressive than I thought we would and had a headwind in our face through the first 5k," Lehmkuhle said in a Team USA media release. "Just after seven miles I struggled for about a mile and then found my rhythm after that to finish strong. I thought this race was a solid effort a couple of months after the marathon."

Lehmkuhle's wife Kristen Nicolini-Lehmkuhle continued her successful transition to longer distance road racing with a 5th place finish in the women's competition in 1:13:00. Kate O'Neill of Mammoth Lakes, California won in 1:11:58.

Full results are available HERE.

You can find USATF's description of the racing HERE or via the "News from USATF" headlines on the DtB sidebar.

The Miles Lists: 100 Meters

Here's the next installment of the "Miles Lists" -- the comprehensive 2007 and all-time high school boys performance lists compiled by St. John's University coach Tim Miles and Wayzata High School coach Bill Miles.

Today's event ...

100 METERS

2007 BESTS
Jerrell Hancock 12 Anoka 10.58
Chris Anderson 12 Duluth Central 10.74
Clarence Suttle 12 St. Paul Johnson 10.82
Kevin Koglin 12 Hutchinson 10.87
Garrett Cora 12 Duluth East 10.89
Sean King 11 Cretin-Derham Hall 10.92
Joe Rancourt 11 Faribault 10.93
Matthew Dvorak 11 St. Croix Lutheran 10.95
Micah Andros 11 St. Peter 10.97
Brock Keaton 11 Hopkins 10.98
(10)
Sam Johnson 11 Wayzata 10.99
George Dudley 12 Hopkins 10.8
Alex Williams 12 Lester Prairie/Winsten HT 11.04
Charlie Hrdlicka 11 United North Central 11.04
Ethan Mignard 12 Meadow Creek Christian 11.05
Greg Klingelhutz 11 Holy Family 11.06
Jeff Brunette 12 Mounds View 11.07
Alex Kisch 11 North St. Paul 11.07
Tyler Key 12 Apple Valley 11.07
Lekpea Kordah 10 St. Louis Park 11.08
(20)
ChiChi Ojika 10 Irondale 11.11
Trent Johnson 10 Moorhead 11.11
Bryce Prax 11 LeSueur-Henderson 11.11
Kyle Kosloske 12 Robbinsdale Armstrong 11.12
Cal Yanes 12 Eden Prairie 11.12
Jon Oie 12 Concordia Academy 11.12
Isaac Kolstad 11 Mankato East 11.14
Derek Ludwig 12 Alexandria 10.9
Zach Gran 11 Caledonia/Spring Grove 10.9
Josh Thomas 11 Crookston 10.9
(30)
Cameron Boy 10 Jordan 11.15
Mario Butler 11 Rochester Mayo 11.16
Josh Jackson 10 Farmington 11.17
Dillon Grant 11 Forest Lake 11.17
Caleb Rissman 11 Triton 11.18
Mason Matz 12 Sibley East 11.18
Ben Alphin 12 St. Paul Humboldt 11.19
Mike Schmidt 12 Andover 11.19
Jonny Weinrich 12 Plainview-Elgin-Millville 11.19
Michael Duncombe 12 Mounds View 11.20
(40)
Diahn Zeon 11 Richfield 11.20
Josh Carter 11 Duluth Denfeld 11.20
Kris Strang 12 Sauk Rapids-Rice 11.20
Omar Longoria 12 Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 11.20
Nicholas Ward 12 Coon Rapids 11.21
Keraus Holiday 11 Minneapolis Southwest 11.21
Dennis Carter 12 Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony 11.22
Davo Obilade 10 Champlin Park 11.23
Brian Kiedrowski 11 Burnsville 11.23
Matt Swanson 11 Eden Prairie 11.23
(50)
Kris Adams 11 Barnum 11.23

ALL TIME BESTS
10.45 Ibrahim Kabia, Champlin Park 2003
10.3 Joe Hemberger, Park 1988
10.3 Lawrence Means, Rochester JM 1988
10.3 Tim Whitney, St Paul Arlington 1998
10.58 Jon Boyd, Mankato East 2004
10.58 Jerrell Hancock, Anoka 2007
10.59 Jerry Burch, SP Cretin-Derham Hall 1998
10.4 Rod Smith, Roseville 1988
10.67 Nick Herold, North St. Paul 2006
10.71 Rolando Peco, Duluth Central 2000
(10)
10.71 Jay Thomas, Tartan 2004
10.72 Brandon Smith, New London-Spicer 2000
10.74 Jeff Byrd, Mpls Central 1979
10.74 Ethan Allen, St Peter 1990
10.5 Darren Wolke, Bloom Kennedy 1981
10.5 Jason Crocker, Minnehaha Academy 1985
10.5 Chad Hilton, Redwood Falls 1985
10.5 Dan Samion, Minnetonka 1990
10.5 Keith Harris, Eagan 1999
10.5 Anthony Dew, Coon Rapids 2001
(20)
10.5 Darby Ursell, Buffalo 2004
10.74 Trammelle Powell-Scott, Roseville Area 2005
10.74 Chris Anderson, Duluth Central 2007
10.75 Lamonta Bronaugh, Burnsville 1999
10.75 Chris Easterling, Morris Area 2001
10.76 Jeff Tarnowski, Wayzata 1995
10.77 Jermaine Brown, Champlin Park 1996
10.77 Erik Hanson, Mesabi East 1996
10.78 John Bodine, Barnesville 1982
10.78 Bob Ewings, Forest Lake 1992
(30)
10.78 Antwon Simmons, Minneapolis North 2003
10.79 Billy Allen, SP Highland Park 1992
10.79 Matt Skulborstad, Rosemount 1995
10.79 Ricky Thomas, Champlin Park 1997
10.79 Monte Stewart, North St. Paul 2001
10.79 Venus Griffin, North St. Paul 2003
10.80 Garrett Veal, Buffalo 1990
10.80 Johann Eckstrom, Mounds View 1992
10.80 Mike Graham, Tartan 2003
10.81 Mark Larson, St Francis 1990
(40)
10.81 Jesse Keller, Fergus Falls Hillcrest Luth. 1998
10.82 Bobby Libby, Elk River 1989
10.82 Richard Lewis, SP Highland Park 1998
10.82 Jeff King, East Grand Forks 1998
10.82 Paul LaClaire, Irondale 2003
10.82 Justin Suss, Lakeville 2005
10.82 Clarence Suttle, St. Paul Johnson 2007
10.83 Melvin Carter, SP Central 1997
10.83 Tyler Buchholz, Robbinsdale Cooper 2006
10.84 Andre Billups, SP Central 1979
(50)
10.6 Tom Andersson, Cannon Falls 1981
10.6 Jason Bruce, Burnsville 1984
10.6 Jim Berglund, Milaca 1986
10.6 Mike Freeman, Hopkins 1990
10.6 Mike Loge, Morris 1990
10.84 CJ Simonsen, Coon Rapids 1995
10.6 Joey Gleason, Minnesota Valley Lutheran 1995
10.6 Marc Brown, St Paul Highland Park 1995
10.6 Charlie Lenn, Pine Island 1999
10.6 Robb Merritt, Hopkins 2000
(60)
10.6 Jerry Fonville, St Agnes / St Bernard’s 2000
10.6 Eric Schmidt, Anoka 2001
10.6 Jerald Burton, Osseo 2003
10.6 Isaac Anderson, Blake 2005
10.84 Alex Rooker, Totino Grace 2006
10.85 Demetre Martin, Mpls Henry 1987
10.85 Jason Braaten, Perham 1997
10.85 Matt Taylor, Duluth East 1998
10.85 Jordan Wilkie, Eagan 2001
10.85 Keith Hartman, Rochester Lourdes 1999
(60)
10.85 John Shevlin, Eagan 2002
10.85 Shayne Shaw, Eastview 2003
10.85 Jared Sandin, Minneapolis South 2003
10.85 Jonathan Thompson, St Louis Park 2003
10.86 Neville Grant, Mpls Washburn 1993
10.86 Joe Bowen, Eastview 2003
10.87 Stan McClure, Hopkins 1986
10.87 Bob Chvatal, Holy Angels 1998
10.87 Kevin Koglin, Hutchinson 2007
10.89 Jason Miller, Mahnomen 1989
(70)
10.89 LaShay Whittaker, DeLaSalle 1994
10.89 Matt Bramwell, Robbinsdale Armstrong 1995
10.89 Ryan Buttenhoff, St Cloud Tech 1996
10.89 Jeremy Heckman, Centennial 1997
10.89 Demetrius Charles, Mounds View 2000
10.89 Garrett Cora, Duluth East 2007
10.90 Johnny Houston, Mpls North 1986
10.90 Adewole Adebayo, Rochester Century 2003
10.90 A.C. Udeaja, Rochester John Marshall 2004
10.91 Chuck Easterlin, Duluth Central 1982
(80)
10.91 Erik Sorenson, Waconia 1999
10.92 Chuck Harris, Minnetonka 1992
10.92 Ted Simon, Blue Earth Area 1996
10.92 Corey Bergman, East Grand Forks 1996
10.92 Travis Jackson, North St. Paul 2005
10.92 Frankie Adams, Burnsville 2005
10.92 Sean King, SP Cretin-DH 2007
10.93 Carl McCullough, SP Cretin-DH 1992
10.93 Josh Wilske, Lakeville 1997
10.93 Nate Riveness, Moose Lake/Willow River 1998
(90)
10.93 Fletcher Terrell, St. Louis Park 2002
10.93 B.J. Otto, Hill-Murray 2006
10.93 Joe Rancourt, Faribault 2007

JUNIOR BESTS
10.45 Ibrahim Kabia. Champlin Park 2003
10.3 Joe Hemberger, Park 1988
10.3 Tim Whitney, St Paul Arlington 1998
10.71 Jay Thomas, Tartan 2004
10.71 Jon Boyd, Mankato East 2005
10.74 Jeff Byrd, Mpls Central 1979
10.5 Dan Samion, Minnetonka 1990
10.5 Keith Harris, Eagan 1999
10.5 Anthony Dew, Coon Rapids 2001
10.5 Darby Ursell, Buffalo 2004

SOPHOMORE BESTS
10.58 Jon Boyd, Mankato East 2004
10.71 Rolando Peco, Duluth Central 2000
10.75 Jerry Burch, Cretin-Derham Hall 1996
10.78 Jermaine Brown, Champlin Park 1995
10.91 Charlie Lenn, Pine Island 1997
10.7 Jeff Byrd, Mpls Central 1978
10.7 Adam Freed, Duluth Marshall 1994
10.94 Adewole Adebayo, Rochester Century 2002
10.94 Keith Badger, Park 2003
10.7 Nick Herold, North St. Paul 2004

FRESHMAN BESTS
10.76 Jon Boyd, Mankato East 2003
10.89 Jason Miller, Mahnomen 1989
10.92 Chuck Harris, Minnetonka 1992
11.00 Ashton Allan, Mounds Park Academy 1996
11.03 Adrian Perryman, St. Paul Central 2000
11.09 Aric Perry, Fridley 2002
11.12 Jermaine Brown, Champlin Park 1994
11.13 Rolando Peco, Duluth Central 1999
11.17 Joe Rancourt, Faribault 2005
11.23 Charlie Lenn, Pine Island 1996
11.23 Keith Harris, Eagan 1997

Team USA Minnesotans to Compete in Houston

Olympic Marathon Trials 5th place finisher Jason Lehmkuhle, his wife Kristen Nicolini-Lehmkuhle, the TC-10 champ last October, and 2007 World Cross Country Championships participant Matt Gabrielson are set to compete in the USA Half Marathon Championships on Sunday at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

Lehmkuhle placed 5th at the USA Half Marathon Championship last year, running a PR 1:02:51 on the Houston course. Gabrielson, who has a 1:04:06 PR for the distance, was runner-up in the 2005 USA Half Marathon. Nicolini-Lehmkuhle continues her transition to longer distance racing at Houston. She won the TC-10 in 56:17.

The men's field includes 2004 Olympian Dan Browne, a two-time USA Half Marathon champion. The women's race is headlined by two-time Olympian Elva Dryer, the defending USA Half Marathon titlist. You can read more about the field HERE.

(Note: Team USA Minnesota's Michelle Lilienthal is not competing in Houston although mentioned in the USA Championships media release. She plans to compete at the Austin Half Marathon on February 17 as part of her build-up for the Olympic Marathon Trials in Boston on April 20.)

We expect results from the USA Half Marathon to appear HERE on race day.

Gophers Open Season at Home on Saturday

The Golden Gopher Track and Field teams will open their 2008 campaigns this weekend with the Northwest Open on Saturday. Action gets underway at noon.

The Gopher sports information staff recently released comprehensive previews of the Minnesota squads heading into a season where the Gopher women, currently ranked #15 in the NCAA, hope to defend their big Ten Indoor title -- at home on March 1-2 -- and the Gopher men hope to build on last year's runner-up conference finish.

"We have a good chance, but it’s going to be a tight race,” women's coach Matt Bingle said of his squad's Big Ten chances. “We need to have those kids that were middle of the pack to move up into the top five and then hopefully have our freshmen provide some additional depth in scoring.”

You can find the full women's preview HERE.

“This is going to be an interesting year,” men's coach Phil Lundin said. “One has to be realistic about the youthful nature of the squad; we are talking about a team with just six seniors. That youth is not an excuse though, because we expect to be right there with the best teams in the Big Ten."

The men's preview is HERE.

Heat sheet for the Northwest Open are up on Raceberryjam ...

WOMEN
MEN

Update:

WOMEN'S RESULTS
MEN'S RESULTS

The Miles Lists: Long Jump

Tim and Bill Miles, the brothers who coach at St. John's University and Wayzata High School, respectively, have generously given Down the Backstretch the liberty to publish their comprehensive statistical lists of the best 2007 and all-time track and field performances by Minnesota High School boys. The brothers Miles began compiling these records in 1981 -- Tim deserving the lion's share of credit for the annual lists, Bill deserving the bulk of the kudos for the all-time compilation -- which are, quite frankly, a treasure trove for the statistically minded track and field fan.

In an effort to share their work with a wider audience, review last year's historically strong track season, and whet our appetites for the coming 2008 prep campaign, DtB will publish -- event by event -- the "Miles Lists" over the course of the next few weeks. We'll kick off the series today with the long jump where last year Hill-Murray's B.J. Otto came within a half an inch of breaking Von Shepard's state all-time best of 24-9 1/4

Thanks, Tim and Bill, for the lists and the effort of putting them together!

(Note: If you spot omissions or errors please contact Bill Miles at: Bill DOT Miles AT wayzata DOT k12 DOT mn DOT us .)

LONG JUMP

2007 BESTS
B.J. Otto 12 Hill-Murray 24-8 ¾
Tommy McNamara 12 Mounds View 23-8
Tony Johnson 11 New Prague 22-9 ½
Zach Bork 11 Rocori 22-7
Kellen McCrary 12 Bloomington Kennedy 22-5 ¼
Alex Farber 12 Little Falls 22-5
Dennis Carter 12 Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony 22-4 ¾
Dominique Johannessen-Hawkins 12 Robb. Armstrong 22-4 ¾
Nick Vignalo 12 Roseville Area 22-4 ¼
Robbie Wilson 12 Chaska 22-2
(10)
Wendell Booth 11 Grand Rapids 22-1
Tyler Mattai 12 White Bear Lake 22- ¼
James Iverson 10 St. Cloud Apollo 21-11 ½
Eric Rose 12 Glencoe-Silver Lake 21-10 ¾
Maxwell McQuirter 12 Minneapolis South 21-10 ½
Mark Bader 12 Burnsville 21-10 ¼
Dayo Ologunde 12 Rosemount 21-10
Andy Blaufuss 11 North St. Paul 21-9
Michael Woods 12 Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony 21-8 ¾
Mike Schmidt 12 Andover 21-8 ½
(20)
Luke Buchholz 12 Ottertail Central 21-8 ¼
Jordan Campa 9 St. Michael-Albertville 21-8
Ben Alphin 12 St. Paul Humboldt 21-8
Casey Lipp 11 Breckenridge/Campbell-Tintah 21-7 ¾
Erich Johnston 11 Burnsville 21-7 ½
Alex Williams 12 Lester Prairie/Winsted HT 21-7 ¼
Christian Metz 10 Cambridge-Isanti 21-7
Andrew Taubel 11 Wabasha-Kellogg 21-6 ¾
Omar Longoria 12 Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 21-6 ½
Michael Duncombe 12 Mounds View 21-6 ¼
(30)
Alex Kisch 11 North St. Paul 21-4 ½
Michael Ross 12 Osseo 21-3 ¾
Caleb Rissman 11 Triton 21-3
Alex Bade 12 Big Lake 21-2
Dan Johnson 12 Yellow Medicine East 21-2
Zach Martins 12 Lakeville South 21-1
Jason Bannerman-Thompson 12 Roseville Area 21- ¾
Jack Trebelhorn 11 Alexandria 21- ¾
Matt Gustafson 12 Faribault 21- ½
T.J. Howard 12 Lakeville South 21- ½
(40)
Josh Thomas 11 Crookston 20-11 ½
DeWarren Harris 12 White Bear Lake 20-11 ¼
Devonte Davis 10 Cretin-Derham Hall 20-11
Tyler Key 12 Apple Valley 20-11
Tim Yeh 12 Brainerd 20-10 ¾
Collin Miller 12 Northfield 20-10 ½
Jason Adelsman 11 Fergus Falls 20-10 ½
David Tilton 12 Anoka 20-10 ¼
Cory Hanson 12 Willmar 20-10
Mike Leslie 10 Blaine 20-10
(50)


ALL TIME BESTS
24-9.25 Von Shepard, St Paul Central 1982
24-8.75 B.J. Otto, Hill-Murray 2007
24-4.75 Leonard Jones, Mpls Henry 1990
24-3 Dave Eiland, Mpls Roosevelt 1975
24-3 Tyrone Minor, St Paul Central 1989
24-1.25 Reondo Davis, Blaine 1998
24-0.5 Bob Peller, St Paul Cretin 1982
24-0.5 Robby Bunke, Rushford-P-H 1992
23-11.5 Omar ClemmonsRochester JM 1997
23-10.75 Andrew Newman, Eastview 2000
(10)
23-10.5 John Bodine, Barnesville 1982
23-9.25 Matt Gordon-Jackson, Champlin Park 2000
23-8.25 Rolando Peco, Duluth Central 2000
23-8 Dave Dyson, Burnsville 1978
23-8 James Lundberg, Robbinsdale Armstrong 2002
23-8 Tommy McNamara, Mounds View 2007
23-7.5 Adam Freed, Duluth Marshall 1996
23-7 Rod Smith, Roseville 1988
23-6.5 Jeff Gilchrist, Mpls Washburn 1978
23-6.5 Jon Pontius, Fergus Falls 1993
(20)
23-6 Roman Riley, Minnehaha Academy 1980
23-6 James Ewer, Lakeville 2005
23-5 Walter Davis, Apple Valley 1986
23-5 Jason Greene, Mpls Washburn 1995
23-4.75 Jack Trittin, Apple Valley 1984
23-4.75 Jay Thomas, Tartan 2004
23-4.5 Duane Proell, St Cloud Tech 1968
23-4.5 Todd Jorgenson, Detroit Lakes 1982
23-4 Cal Jacobs, Mpls North 1941
23-4 Demetre Martin, Mpls Henry 1987
(30)
23-4 Dan Lynch, White Bear Lake 1988
23-3.5 Neal Guggemos, Wnstd Holy Trinity 1982
23-3.5 Mark Freitag, Princeton 1992
23-3.25 Drew Fleigle, Mounds View 2006
23-3 Walter Groce, Mpls Central 1971
23-3 Frank Elli, SP Harding 1971
23-3 Trammelle Powell-Scott, Roseville Area 2005
23-2.5 Ray Tharp, Mpls Washburn 1942
23-2.5 Jay Bunke, Rushford 1976
23-2.5 Wayne Larson, Coon Rapids 1977
(40)
23-2 L C Hester, Mpls Roosevelt 1956
23-2 Clyde Thomas, SP Central 1969
23-2 Jim Gustafson, Bloom Lincoln 1979
23-2 Ed Hegland, Appleton/Milan 1987
23-2 Jesse Appel, Waterville-Elysian-Mrrstwn 2000
23-1.75 Gary Pegues, Park Center 1983
23-1.75 Dan Krenzel, Apple Valley 1991
23-1.75 Carl McCullough, Cretin-Derham Hall 1991
23-1.5 Jade Ellis, Totino Grace 2004
23-1.25 Scott Tryggeseth, Pillager-Motley 1985
(50)
23-1 Greg Agnew, Mpls North 1981
23-1 Kyle Duininck, Central MN Christian 1987
23-1 Terrell Johnson, Mpls Henry 1988
23-0.75 Brian Trombley, Anoka 1984
23-0.5 Trevor Berg, Walker-Hackensack 1985
23-0.5 Marcus Westberry, Mpls Washburn 1994
23-0 Ralph Wirtz, Coon Rapids 1967
23-0 Robert Blakely, SP Central 1978
23-0 Jason Crocker, Minnehaha Academy 1985
23-0 Melvin Carter, SP Central 1997
(60)
22-11.75 Rick Johnson, Anoka 1977
22-11.75 Rod McClendon, Hopkins Lindbergh 1978
22-11.5 Rich Ryan, St Peter 1973
22-11.5 Tom Luckemeyer, St Cloud Tech 1974
22-11.5 Doug Weirens, Sauk Rapids 1982
22-11.25 Dave Finneman, Anoka 1975
22-11.25 Darrel Thompson, Rochester JM 1985
22-11.25 Dan Samion, Minnetonka 1990
22-11 John Vipond, Herman-Norcross 1989
22-11 Tyler McCormick, White Bear Lake 1994
(70)
22-11 Lloyd Parsons, Mpls Roosevelt 1936
22-10.75 Rick Kjosling, Litchfield 1975
22-10.75 Gary Beaudot, Austin Pacelli 1984
22-10.5 Byron Gigler, Moorhead 1961
22-10.5 Ray Durham, SP Central 1969
22-10.5 George Honza, Montgomery 1969
22-10.25 Cam Stottler, Forest Lake 1996
22-10 Julius Crawford, Mpls North 1961
22-10 Dan Neubauer, Bird Island 1976
22-10 Jim Black, Apple Valley 1982
(80)
22-10 Steve Boudreau, St Louis Pk 1985
22-10 Sam Moen, Mahtomedi 2006
22-10 Ojullo Madho, Richfield 2006
22-9.75 Gene Lewis, Mpls North 1956
22-9.75 Joel Hartiel, New Ulm 1978
22-9.75 Joe Schmidgall, Morris Area 1998
22-9.75 Jason Kupcho, White Bear Lake 1999
22-9.5 Ray Durham, SP Central 1969
22-9.5 Craig Rowe, Apple Valley 1989
22-9.5 Sam Adegoke, Mounds View 2000
(90)
22-9.5 Jason Spaargaren, Northfield 2006
22-9.5 Tony Johnson, New Prague 2006
22-9.25 Carl Pederson, West St Paul 1957
22-9.25 Craig Rixman, Fairmont 1978
22-9.25 Daniel Lawson, Sartell-St. Stephen 2004
22-9 Lon Ellis, Mpls Central 1961
22-9 Ryan Schutz, Park 1997
22-8.5 Charles Dent, SP Central 1962
22-8.5 Steve Jensen, Mayer Lutheran 1991
22-8.5 Matt Smoldt, Rochester Mayo 1992
(100)
22-8.5 Flurohn Crutch, Park Center 1993
22-8.5 Jason Sheehy, Mahtomedi 1994
22-8.5 Darius Lloyd, St Agnes/St Bernard’s 2000

JUNIOR BESTS
24-9 Von Shepard, SP Central 1982
24-4.5 B.J. Otto, Hill-Murray 2006
24-1.25 Reondo Davis, Blaine 1998
23-11.5 Omar Clemmons, Rochester John Marshall 1997
23-11 Bob Peller, St Paul Cretin 1981
23-10.75 Andrew Newman, Eastview 2000
23-9.25 Tyrone Minor, SP Central 1988
23-4.75 Matt Jackson, Champlin Park 1999
23-4.75 Jay Thomas, Tartan 2004
23-3 Leonard Jones, Mpls Henry 1989

SOPHOMORE BESTS
23-8.25 Rolando Peco, Duluth Central 2000
23-1.75 Von Shepard, St Paul Central 1981
23-1.75 Carl McCullough, Cretin-DH 1991
23-1.5 Dave Eiland, Mpls Roosevelt 1973
22-10.5 B.J. Otto, Hill-Murray 2005
22-8.75 Jade Ellis, Totino Grace 2002
22-8.5 Darius Lloyd, St Agnes/St Bernard’s 2000
22-7 Dale Curtis, Park Center 1987
22-5.5 Tony Paul, Marshall County Central 1991
22-5.5 Omar Clemmons, Rochester John Marshall 1996

FRESHMAN BESTS
23-1.75 Rolando Peco, Duluth Central 1999
22-2.75 J.R. Gray, Worthington 1997
22-2 Dean Nyberg, Cromwell 1993
21-9.25 Kee Lockhart, Breck 1995
21-8.25 Todd Bouman, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton 1988
21-8 Jordan Campa, St. Michael-Albertville 2007
21-3 Tony Dallavalle, Rochester Mayo 2003
21-1.5 Mike Miller, Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial 1996
20-11.75 David Kelley, Sauk Rapids-Rice 1999
20-11 James Combs, Park Center 1989

Tollefson, MinnPost Eye the Beijing Olympics

It's January 9, 2008 so I guess we better start talking about this year's Olympics before the year gets too far along!

MinnPost, the ambitious new web-site sanctuary of so many Star-Tribune and City Pages refugees, just ran a THIS long profile of Carrie Tollefson to kick off its Olympic year coverage. Jay Weiner, who has covered every winter and summer Games since 1984, catches up with Tollefson who made the 2004 team in the 1500 meters.

As she told DtB back in September, HERE, 2007 was a difficult year Tollefson, but one that ultimately led to relief from injury for the Dawson native and renewed hope for another Olympic berth in 2008.

TCM Offers $5000 College Scholarships

Wanted: Intelligent, other-oriented, fast, metro-area high school runners who can write well!

Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. seeks applicants for its 2008 college scholarship program. The organization makes two $5,000 scholarships available for one male and one female college-bound high school senior living in the eleven county metro-area.

Recipients will be selected on academic achievements, community service, running accomplishments -- in either cross country or track -- as well as a personal essay.

“According to recent studies, the average cost to attend a public college or university is more than $6,000 per year,” Twin Cities Marathon executive director Virginia Brophy Achman said in a media release. “We hope that this scholarship helps offset a significant portion of education expenses allowing student athletes more opportunity to continue to pursue
their passion for the sport of running."

The funds can be used to attend a public or private institution. Applications are being accepted until March 1. Winners will be notified in May.

2007 winners were Alison Liewen from Minnetonka High School, who is currently attending Harvard University, and Kyle Robert Peterson from Watertown-Mayer High School, who attends the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse.

For more information on the program click HERE.

For an application click HERE.

Grandma's Announces On-line Registration Details

In news that should disappointed only the barons of the envelope industry, Grandma's Marathon officials announced details for their inaugural on-line registration program.

For the first time in more than three decades, Grandma's registrants will no longer be required to mail paper entry forms and checks. Instead, beginning Thursday, January17 when online registration officially opens for the 32nd running of Grandma’s Marathon, participants will be able to sign up by visiting the Grandm'as Marathon web-site. Grandma's has partnered with MarathonGuide.com to provide 2008 online registration services for Grandma's Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and the William A. Irvin 5K.

Registration for all three races will be conducted solely through http://www.grandmasmarathon.com./

“The response that we have received from our runners has been tremendous and we are equally excited about this opportunity to offer the convenience and ease of registering online. The entire process takes just a few minutes and entry confirmation is virtually instant,” Scott Keenan, executive director of Grandma's Marathon, said in a media release. “We could not be happier with our decision to make this conversion to a more streamlined registration process."

Informational postcards, which include important registration dates and deadlines, were mailed last week to people who registered for last year’s Grandma’s Marathon, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon or William A. Irvin 5K. Those interested in more information regarding online registration can visit http://www.grandmasmarathon.com/ or call (218) 727-0947.

Important dates for Grandma's registration ...

-- Grandma's Marathon registration opens Thursday, January 17. (Race limit: first 9500 entrants.)

-- Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon lottery registration is open from Feb. 20 through March 2 (Race limit: 4500 entrants chosen by lottery.)

-- William A. Irvin 5K registration opens Wednesday, March 19 (Race limit: first 1200 entrants.)

Mankato's Rains 6th at Pole Vault Summit

NCAA Division II indoor pole vault champion Katelin Rains finished in a tie for 6th at the Reno Pole Vault Summit over the weekend. The MSU - Mankato star who vaulted a D2 best of 14-0 1/2 last month, cleared 12-11 1/2 at the Nevada pole vault only gathering.

Jillian Swartz won the event at 14-1 1/4.

The IAAF has a story from the event HERE.

The Mankato Free Press wrote THIS story about the Rains and the Mankato vault crew.

Carlson Opens 2008 with NYC Victory

What were you up to at midnight on New Year's Eve?

Team USA Minnesota's Andrew Carlson was ringing in 2008 on a high note at the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in New York City early New Year's Day. Carlson won the 4-mile Central Park race in 18:12, which bettered the course record of 18:28 set in 2004. Runner-up Macharia Yuot crossed the finish line in 18:33. The event starts at midnight and marks the start of the New Year.

"I felt really good through 2 miles and at that point there were still guys around me," Carlson said in a Team USA Minnesota media release. "The third mile was all up hill so I knew that was going to be my spot to go. It was a surprisingly good field and I didn't want to have it come down to a kick at the end. The strength part is where I excel and I knew that was going to be my best chance to win."

Carlson said he wasn't bothered by cool temperatures of around 40 degrees.

"I did my last long run in Fargo on December 23 in negative 15 windchill, so last night seemed like it was hot out. This was my first time in New York City at the Midnight Run and I really enjoyed it. I am trying to do things a little differently this year and everything I do is geared toward Eugene and the Trials. Last night was a good night so I am on my way."

Next up for Carlson will be the Bermuda 10k on January 19.

A Quiet Christmas with the Fulkrods

We told you last week not to look for any new DtB posts until January 7th, but then we noticed THIS nice Christmas Day feature about University of Minnesota - Duluth coach John Fulkrod and his wife Linda in the Duluth News-Tribune.

It's a touching holiday story about the challenges and blessing the couple has seen in recent years.

Happy Holidays and Thank You from DtB!

Are you ready for the Holidays and the new year?

We at Down the Backstretch are. It's been an exciting first year for us covering running and track and field in Minnesota on a daily basis. We've been impressed and heartened at every turn by the following our little web-site has gained. On behalf of everyone here who has helped bring the latest running and track news to you, THANK YOU for joining us!

I'd like to offer my own sincerest thanks to everyone who has contributed or commented to DtB. Special thanks go to Pete Miller, who has been involved in the web-site from the beginning and always has something wise to say about it. Also worthy of specific acknowledgement are our most regular contributors Chris Marshall, Chad Austin, and photographers Gene Niemi and Sean Hartnett. I appreciate every ounce of effort they've offered to DtB this year!

We're going to take the next two weeks off for the holiday -- mostly. (If important news breaks between now and early January -- and we're not deep in the woods on our skis -- we'll break into the holiday and let you know.) Mainly, though, we'll try to appreciate the joy and peace of the season and let the slumbering track world take care of itself for a spell.

When we're back again for real in 2008, you can expect some exciting changes to Down the Backstretch ... as well as all the things we hope you've come to appreciate from us.

Happy Holidays and Thank You!

Gopher Women's Track Ranked #15

When the University of Minnesota's women's track team opens the season on January 12, they'll do so as the #15 team in the nation.

The U.S. Cross Country and Track and Field Coaches Association pre-season poll ranks the defending Big 10 indoor champions as the third-best team in the conference, behind #4 Michigan and #12 Penn State.

LSU tops the poll followed by Arizona State and Tennessee.

Florida State tops the men's poll followed by Washington and Tennessee. Defending Big 10 indoor and outdoor champs Wisconsin is the only ranked conference men's team -- at #15.

Full rankings are HERE.

The Gopher teams open the 2008 season at home with the Northwest Open at the University Fieldhouse.

The 2:19 Standard and USATF-Mn's Concerns

One of the most significant pieces of news coming out of the recent USA Track and Field convention in Hawaii was the tightening of the 2012 Men's Olympic Marathon Trails standard from 2:22:00 to 2:19:00. The change in the standard came as a surprise to most in the long distance running community and would likely reduce the event's field to around 70 runners.

DtB noticed in the minutes of the December USATF-Minnesota monthly meeting that treasurer Chris Kartschoke, the former Men's Long Distance Running chairman for the state, was eager to work toward rolling back the new standard.

We traded e-mail with Kartschoke recently to get his take on the situation ...

DtB: Did you know a change to the Men's Olympic Marathon Trials standard was coming?

Kartschoke: I had no idea that a change was even being proposed. From my perspective, it was disappointing that the change was made when the annual convention was in Hawaii, being that many delegates who typically go to the convention did not go because of the prohibitively high cost of travel.

DtB: What was your initial reaction to the changed Trials standard?

Kartschoke: When I found out about the change, I was pretty disappointed. My philosophy is that the association is in place for two purposes: 1. To develop Olympic level athletes 2. To develop the sport. I do not think that this change will have any impact on the association's ability to develop Olympic level athletes, good or bad. I do believe that it will be detrimental to the development of track and field in this country. Two years ago, I spoke with Craig Masback, and I actually suggested lowering the standard to possibly 2:30.

DtB: How did you see a 2:30 standard helping the situation?

Kartschoke: My thought was that a slightly slower standard would encourage more people to actively try to qualify. It would also promote the sport. For example, a guy from Thief River Falls who runs a 2:28 could be portrayed by his local media as being their local "Olympic Hopeful". This would only provide the sport with more positive publicity. Finally, the actual trials race could be more of an event with more participants. Glenn Latimer [USATF National Men's LDR Chairman] wants only ~65 athletes participating in the trials. My thinking is similar to the women's position on the trials which is to encourage participation. The more people that are actually in the race, the more it is an event. I am not advocating that USATF pay for any of these individuals, so the incremental cost would be non-material for the association. On balance, I firmly believe that more participants is better for the event and the sport.

DtB: How do you think the new standard will affect men's distance running in Minnesota?

Kartschoke: I think that the new standard could have a detrimental effect on distance running in MN. It is not a foregone conclusion that it will be negatively impactful, but I would guess that we have a number of individuals who were right on the cusp of qualifying with the standard being 2:22. For those guys, qualifying for the Trials would be a lifelong achievement; it would be their Olympics. That was probably a significant motivator for them to do more in pursuit of that dream. The gap between 2:22 and 2:19 is a large one. I have spoken with a couple of people already who thought that 2:22 was achievable with great preparations followed by a great race, but those same people do not think that they could hit the 2:19 standard under any circumstances.

DtB: Is there anything you and USATF - Minnesota might be able to do change the standards back to what they've been previously?

Kartschoke: USATF MN is beginning the process of exploring how to change the standard. Our entire board believes that the wrong decision was made, in this case. We are lucky to have an attorney (Dave Coyne) on the board who is respected and active at the national level. He should be able to help us weed through the red tape. We also have committed members of the LDR committee, who can help effect a change. I would encourage other associations and individuals who would like to see the standard changed to contact our association. The more support we have for a change, the more effective our efforts can be