Sam Ritz wins the Millrose games qualifier in 4:16.69. Ritz let Gavigan (4:09 NY State Champ) take it out slow in 68. The race apparently took off with Patrick Tucker taking the lead with a 58 3rd lap Ritz must have held on nicely and taken the leader with ~150-200 to go and finished really strong. Blaise Ferro finished 2nd in 4:20.68 and Tucker finished 3rd in 4:20.72. Congratulations Ritz on a really smart victory. I think we'll see something similar at the state meet if he wants to realistically win double goal. I think trying to go for both records is a bit out of his reach, but he looks like a total stud who could double 4:15/1:53 by states if he races smart.
--ForrestCRN
Just watched ritz interview and he said he WILL be doubling the at the state meet
ReplyDeleteHe might want to ask Russell how doubling at states worked out for him.
DeleteOr he could ask Wade Endress? Russell did the mile/3k double (never has been done successfully). The mile/800 double has been done successfully
DeleteGreat point ^ Tom Mallon also completed the double quite well. He would have won his heat in the 800, but the slow heat was faster.
DeleteEndress didn't have to face a 1:50.01 Lewis and a 4:09.27 Brehm.
DeleteThe fastest times Brehm has run indoors was last year with a 1:58 800m and a 4:30 1600m. No offense but unless Brehm ramps it ups and really goes after it this season (where we haven't really seen him a lot) we won't be seeing him. Lewis also has team title and relay duties to handle. So the 400m,4x4, and maybe the 4x8 (I know that's pushing it) are possible considerations. He's dropped the 800 before and he could do it again (not saying he will).
DeleteHOWEVER, I will say that the amount of racing Ritz is doing is worrisome. He is pounding out races where he has to "go to the well" over and over again. He's got 3 races where he's gone 4:14/4:15 as well as the shorter stuff. Not to mention he's got the Yale mile tomorrow. The dude needs to slow down or he's right on pace for a burnout. I sure as hell hope it doesn't happen but caution is caution.
-RunFaster
This guy is a stud. If he peaks well, I see taking him the two titles.
ReplyDelete