Photo by PhotoRun.net

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The presence of Kansas State track and field was felt at the 17th Annual Thorpe Cup again this year with two volunteer coaches and an incoming transfer student-athlete shinning in Marburg, Germany.

Sophomore Ryann Krais stands in 20th-place after day one of the heptathlon at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, OR.

Photos courtesy of PhotoRun.net

As the year draws to a close, we will be counting down what we felt were the 10 best performances of 2008.Today we relive the moment voted #10 by our staff and webmasters as well as some other performances deserving of mention.

Ryann Krais will leave her Pennsylvania prep career with two outdoor state records, a remarkable 57.20 in the 400 hurdles that broke the previous mark by future teammate, and now world class hurdler Nicole Leach (West Catholic).... and her 41.20 300 hurdles set earlier this summer at the Great Southwest Classic in New Mexico. But Krais also holds two of the top five all-time prep performances in the heptathlon - #2 of 5522, also set at Great Southwest, and #5 of 5457 set at this month's IAAF World Junior Championships in Poland. Those who know Ryann, know she is as gracious in victory as she is when the occasional disappointment strikes. And in true Krais form, she was gracious enough to take time after a whirlwind summer jetting and competing from Albuquerque, NM; to Columbus, OH; to Eugene, OR; to Bydgoszcz, Poland... to share her throughts on her final competitions. Ryann Krais' career stats    

After careers that improved every year since they were freshmen, four of Pennsylvania's best-ever have garnered post-season honors by being named to the 2008 USA Today all-USA Track & Field Team. Chanelle Price and Neely Spence were named in the distances, Ryann Krais in the hurdles, and Karen Shump in the throws. No PA boys were named to the team. The story in USA Today.

With all the athletes home safe and sound after competing in the World Junior T&F Championships this past week, we take a look back at the top performances by prep athletes in the competition. While performances were abundant, we single out the top eight, led by none other than new national high school hammer throw record holder Conor McCullough (CA) (pictured right by Joy Kamani of NationalScholastic.org). We break down performances and discuss their significance, as the track and field season nears the finish line. MileSplit Daily Coverage - Day: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 IAAF Official Meet Website NSSF/Joy Kamani Photo Gallery

Day four had Team USA looking good with numerous medals and some great preliminary results from some of the top high school athletes in the land. Leading the way were Rachel Laurent (LA) and Ryann Krais (PA)(pictured left by Joy Kamani of NationalScholastic.org), both coming up big in their respective competitions. Laurent placed fourth overall in the women's pole vault final, nearly eclipsing 14 feet, soaring over 13-11.25. Meanwhile, Krais finished well on day one of the women's heptathlon, finishing the day in sixth place. Day two takes place Saturday. Jim Spier Blog (NSSF) / Joy Kamani Photo Gallery (NSSF) Official Website World Junior Friday Results - Rachel Laurent (LA) clears 13-11.25 in women's PV, fourth overall - Ryann Krais (PA) finishes with 3345 during day one of competition - Christian Taylor (GA) places eighth in men's TJ final with 51-02.50 - Leslie Brost (SD) finishes eighth in women's PV final with 13-05.50 - Jordan Hasay (CA) qualifies for final in women's 1500m with 4:20.82

Wow! What a day it was for Team USA on the fifth day of the World Junior T&F Championships. Leading the way on Saturday was Conor McCullough (CA) (pictured right courtesy of Joy Kamani of NationalScholastic.org), earning silver in the men's hammer throw. The California junior threw a best of 248-11.50. McCullough's performance led a total medal count of five on the day for the US squad, including four gold. Other top prep performers were Laurynne Chetelat (CA) in the women's 3k, Ryann Krais (PA) in the women's heptathlon and Booker Nunley (NC) in the men's 110m hurdles. See what else took place on the second to last day. Jim Spier Blog (NSSF) / Joy Kamani Photo Gallery (NSSF) Official Website / Day Five Results World Junior Saturday Performances - Conor McCullough (CA) earns silver in men's hammer throw - Laurynne Chetelat (CA) sixth in women's 3,000m, 9:15.11 - Ryann Krais (PA) ninth in heptathlon with 5457 pts., U.S.#5 all-time - Booker Nunley (NC) wins semi-final 110m hurdle heat in 13.55 - Marquise Goodwin (TX) helps Team USA win men's 4x100m relay

The last day of the USATF Junior National T&F Championships took place Sunday and the results presented were the perfect way to end an excellent weekend. Six Junior National champions Sunday were high school athletes, including Jordan Hasay (CA), Rachel Laurent (LA), Ryan Fleck (OH), Ryann Krais (PA), Geoffrey Tabor (OK) and Laurynne Chetelat (CA). Each one booked their ticket to Poland to compete at the World Junior T&F Championships, July 8-13. See who brought their best on the final day. (Rachel Laurent pictured left by Margot Kelly) Top Sunday Highlights - Rachel Laurent (LA) vaults 13-10 to win women's pole vault - Ryan Fleck (OH) leaps 7-01.50 to take mens high jump - Jordan Hasay (CA) runs 4:18.44, winning womens 1500m - Ryann Krais (PA) takes womens heptathlon crown, 5217 pts. - Geoffrey Tabor (OK) throws 195-05 to wins mens shot put - Laurynne Chetelat (CA) wins women's 3,000m in 9:29.45 Video Interview - Conor McCullough (CA) throws 233-05, second in hammer - Victoria Jordan (TX) second in womens 200m with 23.73

The decision for many athletes this year was hard. Go to Nike Outdoor Nationals, our sports high school track and field champion, or take their talents to Ohio and compete at the USATF Junior National T&F Championships and try to make the world team. Both meets fell on the same weekend this year, so athletes had to make a choice. Well, it turns out many of the top athletes across the country want their shot to make Team USA and the Junior National meet is loaded with talent. See who's got a shot to make the team.

Standing outside the athlete's gate at last months PIAA State Championships in Shippensburg, soon-to-be Methacton grad Ryann Krais was immediately recognized by virtually every athlete who walked by. Many would ask to have their picture taken with her. All who asked would get their wish. Krais is that kind of person. Gracious. Generous. Friendly. Krais gets a 41.20 PR on Saturday in the competitive 300 hurdles - photo by Alan Versaw, ColoradoRunners, a MileSplit US affiliate Fast forward two weeks, and with the scene shifted west to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the Great Southwest Classic, the recognition factor didn't seem to diminish much according to her coach Rob Ronzano. "Coaches, parents and athletes came up to me all weekend and said how great it was to see her compete."

Although many of the most highly-anticipated match-ups did not take place, there was still plenty of action and excitement to go around at the Great Southwest Track and Field Classic.   Tennessee's Jacquelyn Coward, at left, lights up the track with a wind-aided 13.00 in the 100 hurdles. Complete Meet Results Photo Gallery

What a fantastic weekend it's been. Big championship style invitationals (Golden South, Golden West, Great Southwest) state meets (Ohio, Minnesota, New Hampshire, etc.) and the prestigous Prefontaine Classic hosted great high school competition all weekend long. A handful of U.S. top ten all-time performances took place, including Ryann Krais' (pictured left by Alan Versaw) U.S. #2 all-time heptathlon. **Chanelle Price (PA) runs 2:01.61 in Pre Classic 800m, U.S. #2 All-Time!!! **Laura Roesler (ND) runs 2:03.08 for 800m in California, U.S. #8 All-Time!!! **Jacquelyn Coward (TN) blazes 13.00 100m hurdles at Great Southwest, U.S. #2 All-Time!!! **Ryann Krais (PA) scores 5522 points at Great Southwest in heptathlon, U.S. #2 All-Time!!! Top Boys Weekend Highlights - Luke Puskedra (UT) runs 8:46.41 in Prefontaine Classic two-mile - D'Angelo Cherry (GA) blazes 10.16w in 100m at Golden West - Trotwood-Madison (OH) runs 1:25.44 4x2, 3:13.46 4x4 at OH State - Zach Wills (OH), only a freshman, wins OH State 3200m in 9:15.34 - Zachary Mellon (MN) runs 1:49.69 800m at MN State, U.S.#3 - Apple Valley (MN) wins 4x800 at MN State in U.S.#4 of 7:45.31 - Curtis Beach (NM) wins Great SW decathlon with 7262 points - Nick Vena (NJ) beats Mike Alleman (NJ) with 65-03.50 SP in NJ - Brett Johnson (NJ) runs 56.5 last lap to win NJ 1600m in 4:09.03 Top Girls Weekend Highlights - Alitta Boyd (CA) leaps 42-00 TJ, 19-06.25 LJ at Golden West - Ebony Eutsey (FL) blazes U.S.#1 400m in 53.23 at Golden West - Ryann Krais (PA) wins 300mH in 41.20 at Great Southwest - Hannah Carson (AZ) throws 160-11 javelin at Great Southwest - Three Texas high jumpers clear 6-00 at Great Southwest - Meshawn Graham (OH) runs U.S.#2 400m at OH State in 53.30 - Aareon Payne (OH) blazes 11.78 100m, 23.88 200m at OH State - Jillian Smith (NJ) runs U.S.#3 800m of 2:05.26 in NJ, U.S.#3 - Melanie Thompson (NJ) wins NJ MOC 3200m in 10:17.18, U.S.#5 Meet Pages & Results: Great Southwest T&F Classic - NJ Meet of Champions

Video of Chanelle Price's 2:03.20 800 Saturday May 10 at Icahn Stadium, New York City - shot by Ricky Goettel Neely Spence reclaims tops in PA in the 1600 - using a big Chanelle Price PR for motivation. Spence's race - by Trey Jackson, who provided timing and FAT splits What's the deal with PA rankings and what you can do to keep them current 2008 PA Outdoor Leaderboard: Girls / Boys SATURDAY: At the SOL Continental Conference Champs, there were lots of PA#10 performances in one of the deepest meets of the season. Council Rock South senior Ije Iheoma is responsible for three of the with her 24.73 PA#2 200, a 54.8h PA#2 400 and a PA#7 12.16 100. Her teammate, pole vaulter Tory Worthen, cleared a PA#2 12-7. Ali Gillen, Central Bucks East, went 43.59 in the 300 hurdles, PA#3. Council Rock North's Joe Capecci went 1:53.90 in the 800, PA#2, and was folowed across the line by PA#3's Chris Pregler of Central Bucks West in 1:54.60. Hatboro-Horsham's Steve Topper ripped through the 300 hurdles in a PA#2 38.19. And Norristown's Godwin Omo-Expadi triple-jumped a PA#2 47-6. At the Pioneer Athletic Conference Champs, Ray Quill, Pottstown, led a strong high jump competiton with his PA#2 6-8. Kyriq Williams, Phoenixville, was an inch shy, nd Ryan Brumfield, Owen J. Roberts, was over at 6-6. Tony Shirk, Phoenixville, cleared a PA#4 15-4 in the pole vault. Boyertown's Elizabeth Simpson won the 3200 in a PA#7 10:55.61. Teammate Mark Dennin tuned up for states with a 4:21.32 PA#15 1600 and 3200 win. At the 3-day Loucks Games in White Plains NY, Archbishop Ryan PA#2 DMR 10:14.91 - PA#14 4x800 in 8:00.72; Sean Mallon, Archbishop Ryan, 1:58.06 800, 3rd place; Leon Wormley, Ryan, PA#11 59.91 400 hurdles. At the Susquehanna Valley Conferences, Lauren Redington, Shikellamy, and Keenan Michael, Mountoursville, were the athletes of the meet. Lauren won the 100 and 200 and finished 2nd in the long jump and the 4x100 relay. Keenan won the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 200 meters, and the 4x400 relay. Michael's 38.60 300H is PA#6. At the Lebanon-Lancaster League Champs, Emily Dresser, JP McCaskey, won the 100 in 12.27 and the 200 in 25.20 (PA#10). Kayleigh Perry, Eastern Lebanon, won the 1600 in a PA#7 5:00.93 and the 3200. Kyle Fisher, Cocalico, won the 100 in 10.91, the 200 in 21.91 (PA#6), and the 400 in 49.38. Vince McNally, Conestoga Valley, won the 1600 in 4:17.80 and finished 2nd to Kevin Hull in the 800 with a time of 1:57.66. Hull won the 800 with a time of 1:56.49. Andrew Batula, Annville Cleona, won the high jump with a leap of 6-08. Chanelle Price was #1 in PA in the 1600 for three days. Neely Spence, who Price had passed with a PR 4:46.7 on Wednesday at the LVIAC meet, passed her back with a 4:44.38 at the Mid-Penn Conference Champs at Central Dauphin HS. She doubled back with a 2:17.90 800. Cumberland Valley kicked it into gear with the help of senior Juan Steward. His 21.60 is PA#2 in the 200, and their 42.89 is PA#6 in the 4x100, where they ran into the buzzsaw of Bishop McDevitt (3), who went a PA#3 42.46. Chambersburg's Anyssa Barbour posted two top times, running a PA#3 24.84 in the 200 and a PA#5 12.12 for 100. In the trials of the 200, Harrisburg's Alysha Cook posted a PA#2 24.74, and finished 2nd in the finals. Cook was busy all day, winning the 300 hurdles in 45.10 (she is already PA#3); taking 2nd in the 100 hurdlers where she is PA#4 after posting a 15.07, fastest time one the day; and winning the 400 in 58.06. Teammate Hanif Johnson was just .75 short of his PA#2 47-1 triple jump. Hurdle specialist Michael Brown of Lower Dauphin won both his events, gong 14.34 (PA#2 14.33 in prelims) in the 110, and 38.60 in the 300, where he is currently ranked PA#1. Saturday night at Icahn Stadium in New York City at the New Balance, NYC Qualifying Challenge, Price improved her PA and US#1 800 to 2:03.20 in a solo effort. At the Girls Inter-AC Championships, Springsde's Taylor Ellis-Watson had a huge day, running a PA#2 24.73 200, a PA #3 55.91 400 and a very quick 12.39 100. Notre Dame's Ayanna Fields was 2nd in the 400 in a PA#14 57.54. Fields also took 2nd in the 100 in 12.53. At the SOL National meet, PA#1 48.18 400 from Abington's Chris Morales, who led six under 50 seconds, adding all to the top 20 in PA. North Penn PA#4 4x400, 3:20.04. Central Bucks South PA#3 4x800 in 7:53.64. Derek Hynes, Central Bucks South, PA#3 pole vault of 15-6. Top 20 PA 800's from North Penn's Zack Montijo (1:56.52) and Steve Franks (1:56.79). Kevin Steinberg won the 100 in 10.87 (he is already PA#1) and the 200 in a PA#4 21.69. At the SOL American, Ryann Krais added two more PA#1 performances to her senior resume, clearing 5-8 in the high jump and posting a 42.03 in the 300 hurdles. She had a good look at 5-10 in the high. She's already PA#3 in the long jump, but added an 18-4, and ran 13.98 to win the 100 hurdles, where her 13.50 is already PA#1. Methacton's 4x800 ran a PA#5 7:58.95. Plymouth Whitemarsh ran 49.04, a PA#7 4x100. Nick Crits, Wissahickon, is now top 10 in two events, running a PA#5 1:55.55 800. Steve Roberts, Quakertown, is #7 in PA with a 21.98 200 and #12 with his 49.26 400 At the Mercer County T&F Inv, Kristy Woods, Grove City, launched a PA#4 discus of 137-10. She threw 44-9 in the shot, but had a bigger throw for PA#2 at Baldwin May 2. Lakeview soph Fawn Miller sent the jav 149-3. She has been over 150 and is PA#1. Wilmington's Ryan Bell neared 200 in the jav at 197-8. He is PA#4 with a 200+ throw. At the Bicentennial Athletic League Champs, Holy Ghost Prep's Matthew Chylak won two events, the 800 in 1:57.84 and the 1600 inb 4:26.10. Teammates James Budzinski (177-0) and David Cyhan (164-7) captured the top two spots in the javelin. David Cuevas, Bristol, won the shot and discus. And the Dock girls swept the three relays. At the Mid-Atlantic Prep League, the Hill School's Trevor Cordivari took 1st in the 400 in 50.76. Mercersburg Academy's Whitney Matthey was 3rd in the 400 in 1:01.62. Teammate James Finucane captured the distance double, as did his sister, Lena Finucane, who added the 800 title for a little family bragging rights. At the Northern Tier Meet @ Smethport, lots of double champs, Athens' Hannah Townsend and Towanda's Ronald Chesla in the 100 and 200 (Chesla added the 400 for good measure); Susan Learn, North Penn, in the distances; Verena Reed, North Penn, in the hurdles; Mariah Conrad, Athens, in the long and triple jumpts; Ashley Bristol, Troy, and Adam Harris, in the discus and shot. The Athens girls won the 4x100 and 4x400. At the Redbank Track & Field Inv, double winners included Alex Kerr, Brookville in the hurdles; Anthony Stimac, Karns City, in the short sprints; and Skyler Ganoe, Clarion, in the 200 and 400. At the Firing Memorial Victory Meet at Governor Mifflin, Conrad Weiser junior Lamont Fowler tied for PA#4 with a 10.81 100 and tied for PA#9 in the 200 with his 21.98. Holy Name senior Hillary Monger ran 14.88 for the 100 hurdles, PA#6, and 45.71 over the 300m barriers, a top 20 time in the state. Governor Mifflin's Nadia McKenna, a junior, was 2nd in the 100 hurdles in a PA#9 14.98. Top 15 times were posted in the boys' hurdles... Trey Cox, Wilson, ran 14.91 and Darian Garman went 39.11. FRIDAY: At the Erie County Track Classic, AJ Dohanic of Girard won the 110 and 300 hurdles, plus the 100 and 200. Double winners included Lauren Zarger, Harbor Creek, in the 1600 and 3200, and Sam Havko, Fairview, in the 800 and 1600. Harbor Creek junior Ryan Repoff threw a PA#17 154-6 discus. On Day One of the Mid-Penn Conference Champs, Harrisburg's Alysha Cook posted a PA#2 24.74 in the 200 meter trials (results posted). At the North Tier League Meet @ Smethport HS, there's was a youth movement as top performances cam from freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Soph Emily Giannotti of Coudersport pulled off the distance double, taking the 1600 in 5:12.76 and the 3200 in 11:22.16. She was joined by five other underclassmen as multiple event winners. The top senior was Northern Potter's David Cobb, who captured top honors in the long jump (21-7), the triple jump (42-01.25), and the 400 (50.68). THURSDAY: Swenson soph Shanae Bailey vaulted to PA#1 in the 100 with her 11.81. Imhotep Charter's Herman Kirkland jumped his way to the top of PA with a leap in the long of 23-07.23 (Both school are AA). Kirkland also ran a PA#4 10.81 100 and a PA#8 22.12 200. Bailey's teammate, Anthonia Ballard, ran a PA#5 14.87 100 hurdles, and also captured the 300 hurdles in 44.16, where she is already ranked PA#4. Khaliff Featherstone, Simon Gratz, jumped to PA#4 in a solo 400 at 48.79. Teammate Frank Wainwright hurdled to a PA#3 38.53 300 hurdles and a PA#17 110 hurdles of 14.99. Engineering & Science freshman Cierra White won the 200 in a PA#9 25.42. Teammate Jenna Arnold captured the distance double, as did Terence Lee, who added a PA#25 800. And Robeson's Katurrah Hayman ran a PA#9 57.30 400. At the Colonial League Champs at Bangor Memorial Park, Palmerton's Austin Cseh and Wilson (Easton) Area's Anthony Davidson zipped to PA#3 and #4 400's of 48.55 and 48.72, respectively. Cseh also won the 200. Wilson's Adam Eckhart leapt a PA#6 46-00.25 triple jump. Kyle Miller, Catasauqua, cleared a PA#6 15-00 pole vault. Palmerton's Casey Ord won four events, the 100-200, long and triple jumps. Strong javs at the Elk County Meet from Johnsonburg's Eric Wonderly (174-9) and Saint Mary's Michael Feldbauer, (174-5). Elk County Catholic held off Ridgway's girls in the 4x400, 4:08.85 to 4:10.89. At the Tue-Wed Ches-Mont League Champs, Coatesville throwers put themselves near the top of the state rankings with big efforts. Kaleena Gray sent a 141-3 discus flying, which is #2... along with a #3 43-10.50 shot put. Teammate DJ Thomas was out there with a 56-06.25 shot put, PA#2. Kennett's Blake Davenport is PA#8 win the discus with a 159-6. He was 2nd in the shot with a 53-04.75 #12. Alanna Owens, Rustin, put the shot a PA#4 43-00.75. West Chester Henderson posted a PA#4 4x400 of 3:54.90. WEDNESDAY: At the AACA T&F Champs @ Gwynedd-Mercy Academy, Villa Maria Academy won the team title by 12 over St. Basil and 15 over Gwynedd Mercy. Double champs included Meghan Lutz, Nazareth Academy, in the 1600 (5:04.01) and 3200 (11:14.55); Taylor Bumpas, Gwynedd-Mercy in the 400 (58.75) and 800 (2:18.13); and Lindsey Teuber, St. Basil, in the high jump (5-0) and triple jump (34-7). St. Basil won a quick 4x800, going 9:32.01, with Villa Maria and Gwynedd within 15 seconds. At the Schuylkill League Champs at Mahanoy City, Tamaqua senior Alex Zubey raced to the #3 ranking in PA in the 800 and #15 in the 1600 with his strong 1:55.06-4:22.73 double. The javelin was flying in both competitions. Casey Wagner, Tamaqua, won with a throw of 134 (she is PA#2 from her 146-5 throw at Penn), and Jim Thorpe's Josh Hontz was 2' off his best of 190, which is currently PA#12. Tamaqua's Megan Inama won three events, the long, triple and 100. Competing over two days at the LVIAC Champs @ Glen Birney Stadium in Allentown, Easton's Chanelle Price showed another level in beating a league record by Allentown Central Catholic's Frances Koons by five seconds, and taking the #1 spots in PA in both the 400 and 1600 to go with her signature event in the 800. Price ran the 400 in 54.2, which is US#13, just 25 minutes after her 1600.. She opened the 1600 with a 2:16-2:17 split (7 seconds faster than the boys' race according to the Express-Times, and finished in a PA# 1 4:46.7, US#6. She anchored the 4x400 to a come-from-behind 4:01.9 with a 53.5 anchor, and had split 2:03.5 on the 3rd place 9:34.7 4x800 on the first day of competition. Nazareth's Jenny Betz leapt to a PA#4 38-8 in the triple jump. Big long jumps for the guys, including a tie at PA#5 for Devin Steet of Liberty at 23-1. Whitehall's Matt Hamscher leatp 22-09.50, PA#8. At the Central League Champs at Lower Merion, Haverford Township's Rhian Jones sped to a PA#5 11.9 100. Another PA#5 was posted in the 4x100 as the Upper Darby girls went 48.5. And while not up to her season bests, Karen Shump of Penncrest was on top in two events with a 46-7 shot and a 143-8. discus.The boys' 4x400 got a new PA#9 as the Penncrest guys went 3:22.3. Upper Darby moves into PA#11 with their 2nd place 3:23.3. Ridley sprinter Kevin Wilbank continues to roll, moving into PA#9 in the 400 with his 49.6. He won the 200 in 21.6, which did not improve on his PA#1 ranking. Conestoga's J.C. Rizzo outkicked Penncrest's Anthony Batch in the 800 by .3, going 1:58.6. (front page photo by Ryan Comstock) Easton's Price steals the show - from the Express-Times At the Mountain Valley Conference Champs @ East Stroudsburg University, Natasha McLaren of Stroudsburg was a double winner, jumping 5-4 (tie PA#7) in the high jump, and going 36-03.25 for the triple and taking 3rd with a 16-3 in the long jump. Lehighton's Vanessa Rimbey won the long jump with a PA#12 17-11. Stroudsburg's Steve Garcia is in a PA#7 tie after his 23-0 long jump. In the shot put, East Stroudsburg South's Joe Tritto threw 54-9, PA#9. TUESDAY: WPIAL Qualifiers: AAA Northern @ Butler: Knoch's Carol Cress upped her state in the shot put to #8 with a throw of 40-7. Penn Relays discus champ Matt kann of Fox Chapel already owns the top spot in PA, but has the top two throws after his 171-03.25 at this meet. AA Northern @ Mars: Freedom's Ashley Adams moved up the rankings in her two events, to #7 in the discus with a 133-07 and #12 in the shot put with a throw of 40-00.50. Union's Cameron Lewis is now PA#14 in the long jump going 17-09. Hurdler Nick Spino of Jeanette improved his 110 ranking to #7 with a 14.6, but his 39.4 was not better than his current PA#4 mark. Mount Pleasant's Taylor Funk won the 100 and 300 h hurdles, but has better top 10 season marks in both. Neshannock's Kacey Gibson won the 1600 and 3200, and remains PA#13 and #9 in those events. PCL Northern Girls: Archbishop Ryan and Tamisha Thomas, Archbishop Ryan, 14.9 100H tie PA#9. At the PCL Northern Boys' Jermaine Lowery led Father Judge to the win with three individual wins, going a PA#2 38.38 in the 300 hurdles, aPA#12 50.05 for 400 and 22.39 in the 200. Twin brother Jerome was almost identical in the 300 hurdles with a PA#3 38.58. LaSalle's Tom Barr won the shot with a PA#10 53-11.75, and discus. Under the Lights @ Trinity HS in Camp Hill, Bishop McDevitt's Chris Houston runs a PA#8 10.89 100 and PA#9 49.92 400. Boiling Spring's Kara Millhouse runs a PA#4 10:51.42 3200. Northern's Rachel Wong posts a PA#4 5:00.70 1600. Trinity's Erin Guty wins four, the 100, 200 and horizontal jumps. At the Robert Spagna Inv (Lackawanna County) Champs, North Pocono's Ben Wilk posted a PA#4 discus of 162-4. If you're not over 40 feet in the girls' shot put, you're not in the top 10. April Doyle, Lakeland, inched toward that standard with a PA#11 40-03.50. On MONDAY: at the PCL Southern Division Boys and Girls Champs, Cardinal O'Hara's Robyn Oakley, 2nd in the Penn Relays 400 Hurdles, improved her PA#9 100 hurdles time to 45.2. She also won the 100 hurdles in 15.5. Cardinal O'Hara won the team title for the girls. Saint Joseph's Prep captured the boys title with big help by the 1 and 3 finish in the 800 by J. Castillo, 1:57.9 and P. Clark, 1:59.9. They also captured the 4x800 in 8:18.4. Past weekend results needed for 3/29: Jersey Shore | 4/12: Union Area, and Pacer | 4/19 Moon Mixed, and East Allegheny | 4/26: Fairfield, Tri-County (boys) | 5/3: Bellwood, Liberty Last Chance, Sonny Sheppard, Schuylkill Ct. Relays, York Suburban Relays, NCSAA and North East | 5/10: Laurel Highlands, PIAA D8, Northern Tier (sm. schools), YAIAA, ACSI  

As of May 1, signing will be added only to: PA College Signings database - Class of 2008 Wednesday February 6th was the first day of official signing for Letters of Intent for college selections. PA athletes revealed their choices, and others affirmed ones previously announced. More... Email don@penntrackxc.com.com 2008 College Signings: Pennsylvania List | National List | National Article      

**U.S. Girls 4x800m Relay Record: Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) in 8:43.12!!! Friday just keeps on getting better. In the girls 4x800m relay, Holmwood Tech (Jamaica) beat Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) (photo left by Tim Fulton) 8:41.52-8:43.12 in a simply perfect race. Eleanor Roosevelt's performance broke the U.S. record by seven seconds. Eleanor Roosevelt then came back to win the 4x400m relay in 3:37.16. Thursday marked day one of the high school portion of the Penn Relays. Topping the way in the highlights Thursday was Ryann Krais' (PA) (pictured above by Don Rich) big 400m hurdle win in 59.62. Edwin Allen (Jamaica) ran 45.28 in the 4x100m relay for the top time of the day and Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) ran 3:38.40 in the girls 4x400m relay, top advancing time of the day! We'll be brining you the best coverage around this weekend, so keep checking back inside. Results: Friday Boys / Friday Girls / Thursday Girls Schedule / Live Results / Girls Winners Table / Boys Winner Table Video Interviews / Meet Preview / Official Website

Eleanor Roosevelt breaks the national 4x800 record finishing second in the Championship of America. Roosevelt finished in 8:43.12, more than seven seconds faster than the 8:50.41 Boys & Girls ran in 2002. Cardozo finished fifth in 9:0146 and Boys & Girls placed 12th in 9:12.70. For HS Girls highlights and winners tables, click here

The indoor season pretty much wrapped up this weekend, while outdoors continued to press forward, creating numerous national highlights. In this week's Monday News & Notes, we discuss the growing rivalry between Rachel Laurent (LA) and Shade Weygandt (TX) in the girls pole vault, a great 3200m race between Foot Locker finalists Evan Appel (CO) and Bobby Nicolls (CO) (pictured to left by Beth O'Neill) and a few more tidbits.   News & Notes Highlights - Laurent (LA) v. Weygandt (TX) pole vault rivalry continues - Foot Locker finalists Appel (CO) v. Nicolls (CO) at 3200m in CO - Pennsylvania & Texas weekend wrap-ups - Preview of the exciting week ahead

The 2008 All-State Indoor Track & Field Team was selected by a committee of the PTFCA on 3/12 taking in consideration honors won, quality and consistency of performance and head-to-head competition. Congratulations to all the new All-State athletes.

 Nick Vena (NJ) throws a new U.S. #1 in shot put with 66-00.75 toss(Photo from NJRunner.com)What a weekened it was!  Results poured in from all across the country, and an incredible amount of new U.S. #1's were achieved.  In this week's Monday News & Notes section, we highlight a few more top high school competitions, post a few tid-bit pieces and talk about the week ahead.Monday News & Notes Highlights- Ohio Summaries: Akron Rubber City & Kent State Open- Chris Derrick runs 9:03.1 for 3200m at Proviso West Inv.- Some top PA/NY stars compete at Kevin Dare Inv.- UK H.S. Inv. video highlights are posted- Bob Gourley's weight throw lists are out- The Week Ahead: Big meets in NY, MA, VA, PA & MI

What was eminently apparent during conversations with these remarkable young women on the day they announced one of the most important decisions of their lives was – they are both blessed and thankful for parents who gave them the room to make the choices that are best for them.

 In two of the more anticipated college selections in the great PA class of 2008, Methacton senior Ryann Krais has given a verbal commitment to the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), while Easton's Chanelle Price has given a verbal to the University of Tennessee.Krais, the holder of state and national records in the hurdles and heptathlon, will join former PA star Nicole Leach in a program renowned for their coaching, especially in the hurdles and multis. The short list of schools Krais had considered also included Stanford, Virginia Tech, Texas and South Carolina.Price, who has the 3rd best-ever prep 800, and who made the finals of the US Championships this past summer, selected Tennessee, also because of coaching. Head coach J.J. Clark is married to five-time Olympian Jeryl, and is the brother and coach of four-time Olympian Joetta, and two-time Olympian Hazel. His spouse holds the U.S. record in the 800. Price's final list also included UCLA, along with USC and the University of Michigan.  

 Five PA girls were named to the USA Today 2007 All-USA Track and Field Team. In the distance events (800 through 2 miles), is was Easton's Chanelle Price and Shippensburg's Neely Spence, both rising seniors. Methacton's Ryann Krais; also a rising senior; was named in the hurdles. In the throws, it was Westmont Hilltop grad Karlee McQuillen, and rising Pencrest senior Karen Shump. No PA boys received recognition on the team.

 As we publish these Ostrava journals and Q&A's with PA stars Ryann Krais and Chanelle Price, one of these talented athletes is headed for the mountains of NY to volunteer in helping to build a house, and the other will soon be headed west for her final meet of the season in the USATF Junior Olympics. But despite traveling in different directions as July and their junior year's wane, these rising seniors have had the seasons of their dreams. Krais, of Methacton High School in Norristown, had not broken 59 seconds in the 400 hurdles before a breakthrough race in winning the Penn Relays invitational event in 58.93. Since then, she has run five races faster; four of which were in the 57's; and set a state record of 57.20 with her finals at USATF Juniors in late June. The record had been held by current USA World Team member Nicole Leach, a UCLA sophomore. Krais then captured a Bronze at the IAAF World's with a 57.50. Making her 57.20 even more impressive was the fact that is followed her all-time U.S. junior class record in the heptathlon, scoring 5377 points. Price, of Easton High School, showed signs of the coming special outdoor season with the #3 all-time indoor 800 of 2:04.96. But no one, including her, expected her solo 2:02.76 in winning the Nike Outdoor Nationals in mid-June. That performance had been set up with a 2:04.24 against a world-class Jamaican runner in New York. Armed with increasing confidence, Price entered the USATF Championships to race against the best 800 runners in the country. She survived three races over four days, culminating with another PR of 2:02.38 in the finals, the #3 prep mark of all-time. (And #2 in PA behind US record holder Kim Gallagher, 2:00.07).  

 Highlights posted for both USATF Region II and AAU Region II Championships. On Day Five, the final day of the IAAF World Youth Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Chanelle Price finished 6th in the finals of the 800 meters, running 2:06.55. She apparently fared better than the top seed, Winny Cherbet of Kenya, who was DQed. In the next to last event, the Sprint Medley (100-200-300-400), the U.S. won with Ryann Krais posting a split of 37.5 on the 300 leg. Photo of Ryann Krais with the members of the Gold winning Sprint Medley - photo by Joy Kamani  Read the summary of Krais' and Price's races by NSSF's Jim Spier...  Meet Site Live Results Schedule, Start Lists, Results

Unionville distance runner Paul Springer and junior all-arounder Ryann Krais of Methacton, have been named the Gatorade Track & Field Players of the Year for Pennsylvania. Gatorade State Players of the Year are selected not only for their outstanding athletic performance, but for their academic achievement and exemplary personal character...

  Sunday's finals - that's elite company that Price kept this weekend - photo by Victor Sailor, PhotoRun Day Five Chanelle Price earned her shot in the finals of the Women's 800 in the senior race at the USATF T&F Champs. She led through the 400 in 57.4, but at the 450, the older runners Johnson, Clark and Schmidt took charge. Price fought back, and was in the top four past the 600 mark. She would finish 7th in a PR of 2:02.38. In the 400 Hurdles, West Catholic grad Nicole Leach made the A standard and finished 3rd in 54.49, while Harrisburg grad Dominique Darden was 7th in 57.29. Norristown grad Michael Whitehead took 9th in the Men's triple jump, leaping 51-11.25. Day Four Ryann Krais capped her best meet ever with a state all-time best of 57.20 in taking 2nd in the 400 hurdles. The mark eclipses the 57.25 high school mark run by UCLA sophomore Nicole Leach, who advanced to the finals in the Seniors 400H in 56.00. Harrisburg HS, Miami U. grad Dominique Darden also advanced, running 56.20 in the same heat. Norristown grad Courtney Clark did not advance from the semis. In the junior women's 400 finals, South Carolina-bound Breehana Jacobs, a graduate of Laurel Highlands, captured 3rd, running 53.41. Haverford Township grad Shayne Culpepper was never in the race, finishing 11th in the 1500m finals in 4:22.35. Central Dauphin grad Ryan Whiting took 15th in the shot put with a throw of 60-09.50. For Days One, Two & Three highlights, click the headline.

Junior prep stars Chanelle Price of Easton, and Ryann Krais of Methacton, have been named to the World Youth USA Team that will compete from July 11-15 in Ostrava, Czech Republic. USA Track & Field athletes ages 15, 16, or 17 through December 31, 2007 (born in 1990, 1991, or 1992) were considered for team selection. Price will compete in the 800, and Krais in the 400 Hurdles.

There were championship performances – whether first place, first American or first Pennsylvanian – at nearly every turn of this year's Penn Relays Carnival. PennTrackXC.com talked with  these talented individuals about their performances, and these are their stories... Saturday's Pennsylvania Stories: POSTED WEDNESDAY: The NORTH PENN 4x800 which was the top American team. POSTED TUESDAY:  JOE BERRY and Hatboro-Horsham coach BOB AYTON on the pole vault at Penn. JAMES PITTENGER on his high jump, JOE KOVACS on his discus performance. Friday's Pennsylvania Stories: COATESVILLE'S huge win in the boy's DMR. BRIAN MOORE - the top American in the javelin. WAYNE CRAWFORD and TOM CICOLI on their shot put competition. Thursday's Pennsylvania Stories: SAMANTHA MCMILLAN in the mile - RYANN KRAIS & METHACTON COACH ROB RONZANO on her 400 hurdles win - KARLEE MCQUILLEN in the javelin - ABBY SCHAFFER winning the pole vault - KAREN SHUMP in the shot put - CARLY SEYMOUR in the 3000

 RESULTS FROM MOST MEETS NOW POSTED!NEW FRI: JAGUAR @ THOMAS JEFFERSONRESULTS NEEDED: BRESLIN & DAMIAN FEIN. LET US KNOW OF FRI MEETS THAT WERE CANCELLED OR POSTPONED Posted Wed PM: CLICK HERE FOR the story of the North Penn 4x800 COA.   There were championship performances – whether first place, first American or first Pennsylvanian – at nearly every turn of this year's Penn Relays Carnival. PennTrackXC.com talked with  these talented individuals about their performances, and these are their stories... Saturday's Pennsylvania Stories: POSTED WEDNESDAY: The NORTH PENN 4x800 which was the top American team. POSTED TUESDAY: JOE BERRY and Hatboro-Horsham coach BOB AYTON on the pole vault at Penn. JAMES PITTENGER on his high jump, JOE KOVACS on his discus performance. Friday's Pennsylvania Stories: COATESVILLE'S huge win in the boy's DMR. BRIAN MOORE - the top American in the javelin. WAYNE CRAWFORD and TOM CICOLI on their shot put competition. Thursday's Pennsylvania Stories: SAMANTHA MCMILLAN in the mile - RYANN KRAIS & METHACTON COACH ROB RONZANO on her 400 hurdles win - KARLEE MCQUILLEN in the javelin - ABBY SCHAFFER winning the pole vault - KAREN SHUMP in the shot put - CARLY SEYMOUR in the 3000THREE PA PHOTO GALLERIES:Thursday     -       Friday     -       Saturday   Saturday @ Penn: Hatboro Horsham's Joe Berry jumps 16-03.25 to set a Penn Relays record in the high school pole vault. Justin Germani of Daniel Boone takes 2nd, clearing 15-05. The 4x800 tradition that is North Penn added another chapter as the team of three juniors and a sophomore took home the top American prize, finishing behind three Jamaican teams. In the 400 hurdles, Jarrett Eaton of Abington is 3rd, going 53.26. In the long jump, Reuben Ames, Glen Mills, is 10th. Wissahickon's Folarin Ijelu is 7th in the triple jump.  Joe Kovacs, Bethlehem Central Catholic, is 4th in the discus. In the high jump, James Pittenger of William Tennent is 3rd, while Kyriq Williams of Phoenixville was 4th. In the girls Tri-State 4x100, Harrisburg took 2nd. The Altoona boys took 2nd in the Large Schools 4x100. In the Philadelphia Area 4x400's, the Neshaminy boys were 3rd, and Coatesville took 4th. The Methacton girls took 2nd, with Engineering & Science, Council Rock North, Strath Haven, Chester and North Penn all under 4 minutes in the race.  Friday @ Penn: Coatesville wins the COA in the DMR with anchor Kyle Dawson holding off a furious charge from Colts Neck's  Craig Forys. The small school 4x800's got off on time, but the large school races were delayed by 1.5 hours, followed by another half hour delay. The large school boys follwed the first rain delay and North Penn was the only PA team to advance to the COA. Gwynedd-Mercy took 10th in the girls' 4x800 COA. Unionville's Paul Springer took 2nd in the mile, while Boyertown's Jason Weller and Strath Haven's Rob Speare were 4th and 5th in the 3000. In the javelin, Brian Moore of LaSalle College nearly pulled it out on the last throw, finishing second to an athlete from British Columbia. Wayne Crawford of Chestnut Hil Academy and Tom Cicoli of Archbishop Carroll were 2nd and 3rd in the shot put. PA placed 5th and 6th in the girls discus thanks to Kaleena Gray of Coatesville and Jade Hambrick of North Allegheny.  Thursday @ Penn: Ryann Krais started the day with a win in the 400 hurdles. Karlee McQuillen kicked off the afternoon with a javelin title. Abby Schaffer kept the Easton tradition alive by taking the pole vault. A former Hershey runner who moved to Utah as a sophomore, came back to win the mile. Plus incredible 400 splits by Chanelle Price and Krais. One PA team advances to the 4x800 Champ. of America. Karen Shump takes silver in the shot put. Carly Seymour was 7th in the 3000. Details coming soon.   

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Highlighting the weekend... When a record falls at the PA TRACK CLASSIC, it is usually a pretty impressive one. The meet used to be the only game in town on the last Saturday in March, but with more competition for teams, fields have grown a little smaller. Well, there's no cure for that better than continuing to attract a high level of talent that includes (but is certainly not limited to) junior phenom Ryann Krais (in PTXC photo) of Methacton and senior wide receiver-defensive back-sprinter-triple jumper Brandon Bing of Cheltenham. Their performance on Saturday earned them the female and male Track Athletes of the Meet. Krais set records in the 100 and 300 hurdles. She also posted some impressive splits in anchoring Methacton's 4x100 and 4x400. Bing won the 100 and the 200. There were impressive performances at every turn, circle and runway, as well. Wissahickon did a little switching in the opening event of the day, the Distance Medley Relay. Usually anchored by Nick Crits, the junior took the baton in hand for the start. He quickly established a lead, and pushed to an impressive opening 1200. It was a lead they never relinquished on the way to the win. The Central Bucks West girls put in some great performances. Senior Liz Kearins anchored the DMR to a win. She also came back to front-run to an 800 win. Kearins also anchored their 4x400 to victory, splitting 58.6. In the field, CB West's Justine Robertson earned Field Athlete of the Meet with wins in the shot put, and discus. She also placed 3rd in the javelin. Northampton's Laura Rycek unleashed a big throw on the first toss of the finals to secure the javelin title. Sharing Field Athlete of the Meet honors with Robertson was Wissahickon's Folarin Ijelu, who won the triple jump, and also captured the high jump. Hatboro-Horsham's Christy Ohmott set a meet record in the pole vault. Palisades held the 1ST PIRATE INVITATIONAL, where Council Rock South sprinter Ije Iheoma swept the 1/4 lap, half-lap and full lap events. South also took the 4x100. Alyson Brokaw won both hurdle events. Wilson Area's (Easton), Anthony Davidson won the 200 and the 400. Grant Broach of Palisades was a double champ, taking the discus and javelin. The jav area at Mansion Park in Altoona, site of the IGLOO INVITATIONAL, is as flat as they come. But for whatever reason (probably the talent involved), a lot of athletes throw very well there. At the site of her first PA all-time best, Westmont Hilltop senior Karlee McQuillen started with a bang, ripping a meet record throw. And United junior Eric Skedel also claimed a meet record, setting a PR by over 16 feet, topping 200. Leaping onto the jumping scene is Altoona sophomore Bethany Lender. She won the triple jump and the long jump. The Central Cambria distance crew was busy - winning. Carly Seymour took the 1600 and the 3200. Kelsey Seymour won the 800. The Altoona sprinters wrapped up wins in the 4x100 and the 4x400. One of their best, AJ Alexander, swept the 100 and 200. At the CENTRAL LEAGUE RELAYS, the Upper Darby girls posted a quick 4x100, and also took the 4x200. The Penncrest boys took their 4x200 and the 4x400. Penncrest junior Karen Shump contributed with top throws to relay wins in her two events... the shot put and the discus. Conestoga's Chris Roe threw almost 170' for the top jav of the day. Strath Haven's boys won the 4x100, the 1600 sprint medley and the distance medley relays. At the DIAMOND STATE RELAYS in Delaware, Coatesville put out two distance medley relay squads and placed 1st and 4th. Glen Mill's Reuben Aimes took 1st in the long jump, while teammate Darren Johnson took top honors in the triple jump. Cardinal O'Hara's Brigid Harron won the high jump. Coatesville's Kaleena Gray won the shot put and was 2nd in the discus. At the OXENREIDER RELAYS at Muhlenberg HS, North Penn came south after their trip north with quite a few awards. The girls won the 4x100, the 4x200, the 4x400, the 800 sprint medley relay, and the distance medley relay. The guys won the 4x100, the 4x200, and the 4x400. North Penn's Kaitlyn Dugan went over 17' for the long jump title. Whitehall's Andrew Fahringer opened his season with a strong javelin to go with a win in the shot put. At the TSTCA CHAMPIONSHIPS at West Mifflin, Woodland Hills' Cambrya Jones (in photo by Jeremy Lenzi) swept the 100 and 200. Kelly Langhans of North Allegheny set a meet record in the 400. Kacey Gibson, Neshannock, set a meet (and state) best in the 1600. Sophomore TJ Hobart of Baldwin beat Pittsburgh Central Catholic's Scott Van Kooten in the 1600. Meet records were also set by McDowell's Brice Myers in the 100 hurdles, by Penn Hills in the 4x100, and by North Allegheny in the 4x400. West Banks, Hempfield, won the shot put and the discus in 163-05. Sean Gil of North Allegheny and Zach Meverden of Pine Richland each cleared 15-00 in the pole vault. Both meet records in the 400 were rewritten at the BROTHER JEROME BENWAY INVITATIONAL @ St. Basil Academy. Swenson's Shanae Bailey and John Kennedy of Central the winning runs. Bailey also helped Swenson set a met record in the 4x100. The Neumann-Goretti boys ran for a meet record in the single lap relay. Girls' High of Philadelphia posted a new meet record in the 4x200. Goretti also erased the meet record in the 4x200. A record also dropped in the 4x400... by Girard College. The Archbishop Prendergast squad ran clear of 2nd in setting a record in the DMR. The field was not spared the record barrage, as Colleen Costmen of Prendie and Tom Beasley of Phoenixville set new marks in the high jump. Chestnut Hill Academy's Phil Thomas, in the long jump, and teammate, Wayne Crawford in the shot put, both set meet records. Senior Lara Crofford had an incredible XC season, and she is carrying over that strength after running well in a few open meets during indoor. Her sub-11 3200 at the HAROLD PHILLIPS INVITATIONAL @ Carlisle HS, is a strong statement for this time of year, as she pulled away from Boiling Springs junior Kara Millhouse over the final few laps. Millhouse turned the tables in the 1600 beating Carlisle Marie Lamparter and Crofford. Carlisle's Kacey James must love the home throwing areas, because she was strong in all three events, taking the shot, discus and javelin. Crofford's teammate Amanda Raudabaugh had a strong double, winning the 400 and 800 in 2:23.6. There were four other double champs as well. Harrisburg came and conquered all the sprint relays at the TIM COOK MEMORIAL INVIATIONAL in Chambersburg. But Chambersburg defended their home turf nicely in the girls 100 and the distance events. The Cougar's not only won the girls and boys 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400, they set meet records in all six races. Chamberburg swept the 4x800's in meet record form. Chamberburg sophomore sprinter Anyssa Barbour cruised to a meet record in the 100. Harrisburg's Lhayana Dallas set two meet records in the hurdles. James Buchanan's Dian Lehman set stadium and meet records in the long jump. Harrisburg's Tausha Ellison leapt 17-0 to establish the girls' LJ mark. And welcome back to Chamberburg's Sarah Morrison. The William & Mary signee is back from illness and injury and looks ready to roll after a meet record in the 1600. Trinity (Camp Hill) swept the small school girls and boys team titles at the WHITE ROSE INVITATIONAL at Central York. The girls title is notable because they beat more-often-than-not-state champs Milton Hershey by four points. The Trinity boys were led by two wins in the relays, taking the 4x100 and 4x400. Shane Seymore contributed valuable points to the Shamrocks his win in the 800, while Chris Kearney took the 400. West York's Tyler Real won the hurdles events. In large school girls, it was New Oxford being paced by Jordan Jenkins who won the 1600 and helped the 4x800 set a meet record. The large school boys team title was captured by Central Dauphin East behind the fastest 4x100 on the day. Red Lion's Greg Kareis took the 3200. Red Land's Lindsay Bumbernick won the triple jump. At the BALD EAGLE AREA RELAYS, Amanda Mondack of the host team threw 36-03.25 to win the shot put. Jersey Shore swept most of the events in both boys and girls competition.  

The superlatives escape him. She is not easily impressed.He is Rob Ronzano, coach of one Ryann Krais, the remarkably talented, genuinely humble talent who added another national title to her growing resume with the #3 all-time indoor Pentathlon on Saturday at the Nike Team Nationals. Ronzano saw the talent when she started her indoor season as a freshman. His reaction was to read everything he could find, and talk with as many coaches as he could - all in an effort to try to stay ahead of her talent curve. He's still ahead, but it's like trying to outrun a train. Sometimes it's just best to step off the track and watch. On Saturday at NIN, he coached. But he also watched, and what he saw from the junior again amazed him. "To be a little off and to still set a record, that's pretty special," Ronzano understated. Photo by John Herzog for the MileSplit Network

Weston Banks goes from a 175 lb frosh to a 62'02.75" thrower. Ryann Krais' doesn't win one of her specialties... and is happy for the girl that beat her. No, really! Hempfield's Weston Banks joined the 60-foot club on a perfect day. His throw of 62-02.75 - US#5 mark - eclipsed his outdoor PR of 59-04.25 and his recently set indoor PR of 59-03 by a lot. The throw was not entirely unexpected. Mechacton's Ryann Krais had a great meet as well, winning the 400, taking the long jump, and anchoring the 4x400 to a come-from-behind 2nd place. She also took 2nd in the 60 hurdles. That is where the story gets interesting. 

Already the proud owner of national and state titles, Methacton track star Ryann Krais is working toward the 2012 Olympics in England - From Rise Magazine

Chanelle Price, Ryann Krais, Allyn Laughlin, and Karlee McQuillen have been named to the ALL-USA girls high school track team by USA Today.

It was quite an outdoor campaign for Mechacton\'s Ryann Krais. In May, she set a state record. In June, she established a national class record. And in August, she broke it. She set PRs in 11 events. Four of the events she had never competed in before this year, and she improved with almost every effort.

The final big meets of outdoor, from Blunt to World Juniors. In the Multis at the AAU Junior Olympics in Norfolk, Virginia, Ryan Krais won the Intermediate Girls Heptathlon on the first two days of competition to improve her US Soph Class Record. On Day Five, she won the 400 Hurdles for her 2nd title. And on Day Six, she added a third title, taking the 100 Hurdles in 14.03. And on Day Eight, she took 6th in the 400. Also on Day Eight, a Havertown Middle Schooler, Sophia Meehan set an AAU record in the 3000 Meter Run, going 10:42.77. She runs for the Dashers Track Club. At the USATF Junior Olympics in Baltimore, in the Intermediate Girls 800 Finals, Easton\'s Chanelle Price set a meet and junior Intermediate record with her 2nd best 800 ever (photo by Robert Wallingford, robertwallingford.smugmug.com) Sarah Morrison and Tim Wertner were the individual champs at the 3rd Tim & Susan Cook Memorial Mile Road Race. At the Keystone Games, Andrew Fahringer of Whitehall, threw the Javelin to a US#3 mark.

Trevon Rainford wins the 5000 meter run and then comes back on the final day to win the 1500. Breehana Jacobs takes 2nd in the 200 finals and 3rd in the 100 finals. Phatback Athletics won the bronze in the meet\'s final race, the 4x400. At the AAU Region 2 meet at Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Ryann Krais competed in her second Heptathlon in a week, and won. She also set a PR in the open 400, plus captured the Long Jump, 400 Hurdles and 100 Hurdles on the final two days of the meet. Reggie Carter took two events, as did Kaleena Gray, Philip Wood and Jermaine Lowery. (Krais setting a PR in the Javelin portion of the Heptathlon)

Set state record. Check. Set national sophomore record. Check. It seems as if when rising Methacton junior Ryann Krais sets a goal, she achieves it. And in the future, this remarkably talented hurdler, jumper, sprinter, and multis competitor will surely set many records, in high school, college, and if all goes as dreamed, beyond. (Photo courtesy of Victor Sailer, PhotoRun.NET)

There were quite a few great performances by PA prep athletes. PennTrackXC.com talked with three about their performances and expereriences in Indianapolis this week. First up was be Chanelle Price, the Easton sophomore who finished 3rd in the 800 in a nation-leading time. That was followed by Liz Costello, the Conestoga senior who took 5th in a big PR in the 1500 in a loaded field; and then by Ryann Krais, the other super soph who simply set a US Sophomore Record in taking 5th in the Pentathlon.

The stories and athletes who achieve all-American status on Saturday at the 2006 Nike Outdoor Nationals at North Carolina A&T University, Greensboro, NC. (PHOTOS POSTED MONDAY. STORIES ON CHANELLE PRICE, JUSTIN SHIRK & JOHN AUSTIN, SIMON GRATZ, RYANN KRAIS< BREEHANA JACOBS, ANDREW ROTZ AND PAUL SPRINGER POSTED 6/21)

6/8-2006 PTFCA All-State Track & Field Teams The 2006 All State Outdoor Track and Field Team was selected by a committee of the PTFCA on 6/8 taking into consideration honors won, quality and consistency of performance and head-to-head competition. Congratulations to all the new All-State athletes, and Coaches and and Athletes of the Year.

Mea Culpa. Sometimes keeping track of the stats is overwhelming. And sometimes the workload is, too.

PennTrackXC.com reporter Kim Jaick spent Saturday at States talking to a lot of athetes about their experiences, overcoming obstacles and surprises, near-misses, and exceeding expectations. Read about the Central Bucks West 4x800 near-disaster, why Jake Walker went down after his 3200 victory, why Jamar Jones was no surprise to Adam Smith, and more...

Karlee McQuillen ups her PA all-time best in Javelin to 162-04. Ryann Krais took over the all-time best in the PA history in the 300 Hurdles with a 41.46, bettering the 1996 mark of 41.88 set by Joyce Bates of Simon Gratz. Gratz US#3, North Penn US#4, 3200 meter relay. Brad Miller,4:10.43 1600. Ryann Krais US#4, 41.46. Allyn Laughlin, 50-10.75 SP. Fast 800\'s including a sub-1:52. Front page: Karlee McQuillen improves her PA best (photo by Megan Zeller)

Front page photo: Three over 48\' in AAA TJ: Tyrone Faverey (48-04.75), Ceasar Westbrook (48-09.75), John Carelli (48-06.25) After missing the semis of the 100 Hurdles because of a fall at Hurdle #1, Ryann Krais regrouped and unleashed a monster 20-03 Long Jump on her final attempt to win the AAA Girls event. Caesar Westbrook lead two Parkland athletes over 48 feet in the AAA Triple Jumpl. Natalie Clickett hit a huge PR in the Discus to win the AA Girls. Karen Shump repeated with a throw over 47. Erin Hannon and Brittany Maun each cleared 5-07 to win the AAA and AA High Jumps. And that doesn\'t include all the running trials (and tribulations), includng Ryann Krais\' mishap over the first hurdle.

Amazing Krais, and other PA surprises at NIN. Some champions won. Others fought through pain and disappointment, which in itself, is victory. All deserved to be there. All will excel in the future... the stories of the girls Pentathlon, boys 400, girls Mile, and boys 4x400 from a PA view. (photo of Brehanna Jacobs by PennTrackXC.com)

Ryann Krais is ranked No. 1 in the state and among the elite nationally in the long jump, 400-meter dash and 60 hurdles. So that would make the Methacton High sophomore the favorite for each event heading into Saturday\'s PTFCA state championship meet. But there\'s no open 400 on her schedule this weekend.

SELECT PIX BY DON RICH FROM 2/11 PTFCA INDOOR TRACK CARNIVAL

It\'s an all-time SE PA record for West Catholic senior Latavia Thomas. Karen Shump, Penncrest is throwing well. And Ryann Krais and Carrington Queen are tearing through the short (distance, not height) hurdles for this early in the season.

The 2005 Pennsylvania Foot Locker Finalists needed some workouts, and they also needed some qualifying times for the Indoor season. Lucky for them there were some meets with good competition the week between the regional and the finals. And several top performances from 2005 outdoor are back in action right where they left off... (pictured: Now soph Karen Shump, Penncreast, at the 2005 PTFCA Indoor State Champs.)

PA ahletes born 1987 or later who meet 2004 World Junior standards as of August 7, 2005, hoping to go to the 2006 World Junior Championships in Beijing, China.

Competing as a freshman for the final time before she moves into the 10th grade, Methacton star Ryann Krais showed the rest of the US the future of the sprint hurdles for the next three years. But that was just the beginning. And Allyn Laughlin uncorked a great Shot to take 2nd. Jermaine Lowery, Alex Holcombe star for PA boys. More...

Rising Methacton sophomore Ryann Krais competed in four events in a single day - a 90 degree day in 70% humidity - at the AAU Region II Championships in Hampton, Virgiinia.

Clarenchell Tate, Ryann Krais and Da\'Rel Scott keep it going at a quick pace at the AAU Mid-Atlantic Association JO Championships.

Nicole Smith, Ryann Krais and Brad Kanuch excelled in both running and field events at the 2005 PIAA Track & Field Championships. PennTrackXC.com interviewed all three...

It\'ll be quite a show by vets Krista Simkins, Nicole Smith, Rachel Gehret, Erin Hannon...plus super freshmen Chanelle Price, Ryann Krais and Karen Shump.

The athletes had to overcome the rain and cold on Friday, but when they did, it was a beautiful day of competition Saturday for the District 1 Track and Field Championships at Coatesville HS. North Penn boys and Coatesville girls picked up the AAA team titles and Gwynedd Mercy Academey and Octorara boys picked up the AA teams titles.

If this is just a league meet, just wait until the Districts, States and beyond. Krista Simkins... now a seasoned veteran who has met not only competition, but expectations from track fans that began before high school...

The show started on the first afternoon of the Suburban One League American Conference at Plymouth-Whitemarsh. In what may arguably be one of the strongest conferences for the girls, there will be amazing matchups between Wissahickon senior Krista Simkins and frosh star Ryann Krais of Methacton, and Krais and Plymouth Whitemarsh\'s Chanel Williams. And Springfield Montco anchor Mike Malizia split 1:54.7 as they set a new meet record.

Ryann Krais has been making noise since her first indoor meet last year. She has earned records and more importantly, respect from competitors, as well as her coaches, including Rob Ronzano...

Ryann Krais rested overnight after racing in the 4x400 at the Penn Relays on Thursday...then won four events Friday.

It was another record-setting day at the Great Valley Relays. The sky and track were blue, so good things were bound to happen.

Breaking twelve meet records - even in a meet which is relatively new - is a pretty good day at the track. The assault was led by Great Valley\'s Janessa Murphy.

The young guns shot out of the Outdoor gate quickly, winning athlete of the meet honors as well as setting a meet record at the annual Pennsylvania Track Classic.

You\'ll see a lot of West Catholic stars Nicole Leach and Latavia Thomas. Leach could contribute to 40 points. And in the 60 Hurdles, Long Jump, Triple Jump and High Jump, watch the battle within the battle, as Nicole Smith goes against Erin Hannon and a host of others.

The NYC Armory held the 2nd annual Coca-Cola Hall of Fame Classic, and PA was very well represented at this incredible meet. Carroll, Hatboro, Simon Gratz boys - Gwynedd Mercy girls - Simkins, Krais, Williams, VanBuskirk excel...

The stars came out and reflected brightly off the shiny Kutztown track with performances that you\'d expect at a meet of this caliber, but some showdowns weren\'t as close as anticipated...

212 teams descended on Lehigh University for the annual PTFCA Track Carnival, usually a look at many of the top contenders for the upcoming state championships. More...

Penncrest\'s Karen Shump had thrown over 40\' twice in this, her first season of high school competition. But a PR of 2\' 5-1/2\" is huge.

She runs, she jumps, she... well, she used to shoot, too, but now she mainly runs and jumps. Very fast, and very far. Meet frosh Ryann Krais of Methacton.

A US#11 Long Jump from Great Valley\'s Janessa Murphy. More standout performances from the girls of West Catholic. And some fast times in the 3000 and DMR.

Great Valley senior Janessa Murphy is hitting her stride this indoor, taking the state lead in the Long Jump and also winning the 55 Dash. Krista Simkins went 25.5 to win the 200. Frosh Ryann Krais won again. West Catholic, behind dual 2:22\'s from Nicole Leach and Latavia Thomas, ran 9:48.1 to win the 4x800. And Frosh Karen Shump put the shot 39-00.

Three of PA\'s best 400m guys offered a possible preview of a hot 400 final at States this year, with three breaking 51 seconds. Coatesville\'s Clarence Smith busted a big triple jump. Those performances, plus the girls 60H, 60m, and 400 led five US#1 performances for the meet. The freshman girls continue to shine in the early going in PA.

Emerging talent is making their mark on the PA indoor season. But it\'s the expected dominance of the West Catholic girls that keeps shining through at every meet.

Hatboro-Horsham delivered a 3200m message. Ryann Krais of Methacton (in photo) burst onto scene in the first two meets, and tonight, she continued to amaze...

Nicole Leach and Latavia Thomas are off and runnin\' fast for West Catholic. And there\'s new freshman talent making their oval debut for Conestoga and others.

Latavia Thomas wins Intermediate Girls\' 800. Saqenda Dallas, who attends Girls\' High in Philadelphia, won the Intermediate Girls\' Triple Jump. Avondale\'s Michael Hall had a 205 point lead heading into the final event of the Young Men\'s Decathlon, the 1500. He used 185 of those and held on to win. Mount Airy TC Intermediate Girls won the national title in the 4x800. David Dareem of Glenside, captured the Youth Boys\' 100. Mt. Airy took the Youth Boys 4x400. Ryann Krais, Eagleville (Methacton), is the Youth Girls\' 400 champ. Khaliff Featherston of Philadelphia, wins the Intermediate Boys\' 400. In the Youth Girls relay finals, Mount Airy won the 4x100.