Notes From Footlocker 2010: Verzibicas Repeats, Cuffe Cruises

I didn't watch yesterday's Footlocker National XC Championships "live" and when I did tune in to the replay of the webcast, I already knew that Luka Verzbicas had won his second straight title. Verzbicas, who was an academic sophomore last year, is now a senior, and became only the third boy to defend a Footlocker championship. He also became the first ever to win both the NXN and Footlocker championship races.

Now one of the most accomplished high school runners in U.S. history, a big question is how Verzbicas will balance his interest in Running with his equally passionate interest in racing triathlons. Offhand, I can't think of any other runner who competed in both sports at such a high level at such an early age. I know that Lance Armstrong was an excellent triathlete before he decided to focus on bike racing. I guess that worked out for him.

But back to the Footlocker race, which you can watch again, below:



The announcers tell us that the first 400m split is around 60 seconds, and 800m is reached in 2:17. At this point, it seems as though the pace should settle down, but instead there is a surprising surge from Mass. State Champion John Murray, who gaps the field briefly before the pack coalesces again through a 4:45 first mile.

Up the first hill, and the top guys have separated themselves, with three guys from the MidWest leading the way: Verzbicas, MW runner-up Futsum Zeinasellassie, and a runner I think is eventual bronze-medalist Tony Smoragiewicz, although it sounds like the announcers mis-identify him as Eddie Owens. Anyway, within another 400m it's Verzbicas and Zeinasellassie pulling away, and then it's just Verzbicas, who is flat out stronger than everyone else and runs the last mile alone. If not for a celebratory final 150 meters, Verzbicas might have been in the low 14:50s, but he lopes in at 14:59 while acknowledging the cheers.

I have to say a few words about John Murray's race. After his early turn leading the race, the Shrewsbury senior fell back in the pack and was apparently in 25th or 30th place in the late stages before rallying with a strong finish to take 21st. For several reasons, I think he is a lot better than that.

It's hard to believe that pushing the pace in the opening 1k of the race didn't hurt Murray's chances for a top-fifteen finish. There's a big difference between running a 2:20 800m surrounded by a lot of other runners doing the same thing, and running 2:17 while out in front driving the train. Also, that quick surge at 800 was impressive but must have been costly. But what do I know? Obviously any kid who makes it to Footlocker has earned the right to run the race any way he or she wants to, but I'm a believer in Murray's talent (I've never seen any H.S. runner look easier closing a 2-mile with a 29s 200) and with the right race, I think he might have been top ten.

Full results of the boys race are here.

In the girls' race, is was all Aisling Cuffe. She went to the front early and never looked back, winning by over half a minute in 16:53. Rachel Johnson was best of the rest, finishing second after her win at NXN last weekend.

It was great to see Peabody sophomore Catarina Rocha represent Massachusetts, as she finished 31st in 18:34. Not bad for her first season of high school cross country.

Here's the finish of the girls race:



Full results of the girls race are here.