The NFL Scouting combine is always a newsmaker prior to the NFL draft, but this year could lead to more headlines than most others. In the latest Scout's Honor podcast Paul Crane and NFL super scout Dave-Te' Thomas run through several player performances, teams taking notice and how they might effect the upcoming draft.
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/17210695
However, one of the most impactful "performances" may have come from a player who just stood still. Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, by measuring over 5' 10" has started a sequence of events that could change the entire top of the draft. It may also change scenarios for veteran quarterbacks who will be looking for new teams.
In addition, hear the team and offer coming to the NY Giants for WR Odell Beckham, one which is good enough the Giants may say "yes." Also, the unusual place the NE Patriots may be getting a new tight end and learn of the players who are rising and falling due to what happened in Indianapolis.
It's another must listen for all football fans!
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Saturday, March 2, 2019
NFL Combine Day Two: Speed Demons
By Steven Weldon
After the first day of the NFL Combine gave us a glimpse of the players attempting the ground-and-pound meat of a pro offense, the second day brought us the money-makers. Quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends were set to show off their talents, and *phew* did they ever.
The most impressive athlete of the day was wide receiver DK Metcalf, of Ole Miss. Metcalf posted top-five numbers for the entire day in the 40-yard dash, posting a 4.33 second time. He also tied for the top spot in the bench press, with 27 repetitions, and his vertical leap measured 40.5 inches. This speed, combined with his strength and the ability to jump over a child only cements his status as Mel Kiper Jr.'s number 2 overall wide receiver.
A wide receiver that I have been watching this past college season was N'Keal Harry, of Arizona State. I was impressed with his size and ability to make tough catches from a reasonably inconsistent quarterback on a very inconsistent (albeit above average) squad. Harry displayed his strength, tying Metcalf with 27 repetitions on the bench, but he does not have the speed comparable to Metcalf. He is still a starting-quality receiver, and on some mock drafts, he is as high as the 16th pick.
No wide receiver is anything without a quarterback, and we got to see what the next class has to offer.
Kyler Murray, of Oklahoma, elected to not work out and may do a pro day at Oklahoma to display his abilities, but as we found out from his interview a month ago on The Dan Patrick Show, he doesn't even know when that will be. One of the projected top-ten picks, Dwayne Haskins, of Ohio State, participated in the combine. His 40-yard dash time of 5.04 was unimpressive, but he has the physical tools to succeed at the next level. A fast quarterback is a nice bonus to have, but it's not the main focus of their skill. Trace McSorely, of Penn State, was the fastest quarterback at a 4.57 40-time, but his physical frame and other scouting points have him pegged as a possible backup.
An excellent offense isn't much without a talented tight end, and it seems this draft has a few. Iowa products T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant displayed excellent metrics, both running 40-times under 4.7 seconds, and both able to vertically jump at least 37 inches. Fant had more to prove, as he is not projected to be selected in the first round, as Hockenson could go as high as the mid-20s in the first round.
There are two more days to go of the NFL Combine with the most talented players who have declared set to participate. The 2019 NFL Draft's strength is in the defensive side of the ball, with edge rushers/defensive ends being the most talented. They will test their athleticism on Sunday with other defensive linemen and linebackers.
Also, special note; I will likely be posting a video of myself going through the combine activities as soon as I can.
Watch the NFL Combine on NFL Network, Sunday at 7 AM PST.
After the first day of the NFL Combine gave us a glimpse of the players attempting the ground-and-pound meat of a pro offense, the second day brought us the money-makers. Quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends were set to show off their talents, and *phew* did they ever.
The most impressive athlete of the day was wide receiver DK Metcalf, of Ole Miss. Metcalf posted top-five numbers for the entire day in the 40-yard dash, posting a 4.33 second time. He also tied for the top spot in the bench press, with 27 repetitions, and his vertical leap measured 40.5 inches. This speed, combined with his strength and the ability to jump over a child only cements his status as Mel Kiper Jr.'s number 2 overall wide receiver.
A wide receiver that I have been watching this past college season was N'Keal Harry, of Arizona State. I was impressed with his size and ability to make tough catches from a reasonably inconsistent quarterback on a very inconsistent (albeit above average) squad. Harry displayed his strength, tying Metcalf with 27 repetitions on the bench, but he does not have the speed comparable to Metcalf. He is still a starting-quality receiver, and on some mock drafts, he is as high as the 16th pick.
No wide receiver is anything without a quarterback, and we got to see what the next class has to offer.
Kyler Murray, of Oklahoma, elected to not work out and may do a pro day at Oklahoma to display his abilities, but as we found out from his interview a month ago on The Dan Patrick Show, he doesn't even know when that will be. One of the projected top-ten picks, Dwayne Haskins, of Ohio State, participated in the combine. His 40-yard dash time of 5.04 was unimpressive, but he has the physical tools to succeed at the next level. A fast quarterback is a nice bonus to have, but it's not the main focus of their skill. Trace McSorely, of Penn State, was the fastest quarterback at a 4.57 40-time, but his physical frame and other scouting points have him pegged as a possible backup.
An excellent offense isn't much without a talented tight end, and it seems this draft has a few. Iowa products T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant displayed excellent metrics, both running 40-times under 4.7 seconds, and both able to vertically jump at least 37 inches. Fant had more to prove, as he is not projected to be selected in the first round, as Hockenson could go as high as the mid-20s in the first round.
There are two more days to go of the NFL Combine with the most talented players who have declared set to participate. The 2019 NFL Draft's strength is in the defensive side of the ball, with edge rushers/defensive ends being the most talented. They will test their athleticism on Sunday with other defensive linemen and linebackers.
Also, special note; I will likely be posting a video of myself going through the combine activities as soon as I can.
Watch the NFL Combine on NFL Network, Sunday at 7 AM PST.
I love high school basketball tournaments; let’s have fewer of them
By Allan Classen
I love high school basketball tournament time and
have attended at least part of about 40 big school boys tournaments in Oregon.
But judging from the declining annual attendance totals since the 1960s, not
everyone loves them as much as I do.
They used to be held in Memorial Coliseum, and even
its nearly 13,000 seats were not always enough. I learned that the hard way; I
was turned away on a sellout night in 1968.
Now the 6A tournament has more than enough room in
the Chiles Center, with just under 5,000 seats. Even the final game doesn’t
generate the attendance or crowd energy I found so inspiring in the past.
There are many reasons for the declining interest,
but one may be the eight-team format for each of six classifications. With as
few as 32 teams per classification, making the tournament is not the rare honor
it once was. A handful of strong programs make it—and win it—almost every year.
Jesuit won four straight titles from 2009-2012 and
then West Linn took its turn with four straight of its own from 2013—16.
Jefferson broke the string of “four-peats” in 2017 after moving up from 5A,
where the Democrats had won five championships since 2010.
Wilsonville has been in the 5A championship game
four straight years. Seaside has been to the final game the past three seasons
in 4A. At 3A, Dayton has been there three out of the past four seasons. You get
the idea.
Whatever merit the six-classification system has had
in the past is diminished by the growing parity across schools of all sizes.
Talented players don’t have to transfer to a big school to attract scholarships
these days; in fact some of the brightest prospects have transferred to small
schools without jeopardizing their future careers.
The smallest Oregon school ever invited to the Les
Schwab Invitation Tournament was 2A Columbia Christian, which proved quite
capable of swimming with the sharks by splitting four games against the best
teams in the state (and country) earlier this season.
School enrollment doesn’t matter that much anymore.
Giving teams from all classifications a shot at a true state championship would
shake up the predictability and perhaps stir new interest. Everyone is
attracted to a Cinderella story.
I lived in Indiana when the tournament was a giant
bracket with a line for every team in the state. Legendary underdog stories
(and at least one great movie) came out of that system.
We should keep the special traditions of Oregon’s beloved
1A and 2A tournaments. I would suggest that those tournaments continue, with
the champions gaining the right to advance in a no-classification tournament.
Other states have adopted such systems, I understand.
There are many ways to make tournament play more
meaningful. I suggest fewer of them, with each one more likely to be something
we haven’t seen before.
Friday, March 1, 2019
NFL Combine Day One In Review
By Steven Weldon
The NFL Draft Combine is, as many performance tests, an inexact science. The exact science part is the measurable aspect of their athleticism, as the potential-draftees test their speed, strength, endurance, and brainpower in the litany of tests. The negative prefix 'in-' refers to the fact that you can not use only these statistics gathered in one weekend to decide whom to take with your many selections in the upcoming NFL Draft.
However, teams press on, hoping that by using the tests, they can understand a player inside and out and assign each player a 'combine grade' before slapping their name on the draft board.
On the first full day of Combine action, the running backs, offensive linemen, kickers, and punters tested their abilities.
For the skill position players, this is an integral chance to shine against fellow players and have a nice measuring stick. Of the players in the running back category, it seems only one player is projected to go first round. Josh Jacobs, of Alabama, did not participate in any of the drills. This is a common theme with players who are already projected highly, as they do not want to exert themselves unnecessarily. While he was attending for interviews, and likely the Wonderlic test, it was likely he knew of his draft stock and decided to err on the side of caution. Meanwhile, his teammate, Damien Harris, arrived with something to prove. It was all for naught though, as Damien's numbers were not up to par with his peers.
A couple of backs that may have raised their draft stock were Justice Hill, of Oklahoma State, and Ryquell Armstead, of Temple. Hill's speed of 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash was impressive but he is still projected to be a special teams player. Armstead finished second in the 40 with a 4.45, and then finished in the top 10 of RB in the bench press, hitting 22 repetitions on the bench. Washington's Myles Gaskin was largely unimpressive, but like I said earlier, it's an inexact science.
One of the most important positions in football is the offensive line, and while it's not sexy, a great line can make a good team a great team. Case in point; the Indianapolis Colts' Quenton Nelson would have had more attention if he was holding the ball for the majority of the time. Instead, he finally allowed Andrew Luck the time to throw and helped lead the Colts to the playoffs this past season.
A lineman who may have improved his draft stock was Garrett Bradbury, of North Carolina State. Bradbury ran a 4.92-second 40-yard dash, hit 34 reps on the bench press, reached a 31-inch vertical, and then shined in 3 cone and 20-yard shuttle drills. He's a bit short for his position, but there are plenty of cases just like him in the NFL today. Watch for him on draft night.
On Saturday, March 2nd, the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends will display their athleticism. Let's see who shows out.
Check out the NFL Draft Combine March 1st-4th on NFL Network.
The NFL Draft Combine is, as many performance tests, an inexact science. The exact science part is the measurable aspect of their athleticism, as the potential-draftees test their speed, strength, endurance, and brainpower in the litany of tests. The negative prefix 'in-' refers to the fact that you can not use only these statistics gathered in one weekend to decide whom to take with your many selections in the upcoming NFL Draft.
However, teams press on, hoping that by using the tests, they can understand a player inside and out and assign each player a 'combine grade' before slapping their name on the draft board.
On the first full day of Combine action, the running backs, offensive linemen, kickers, and punters tested their abilities.
For the skill position players, this is an integral chance to shine against fellow players and have a nice measuring stick. Of the players in the running back category, it seems only one player is projected to go first round. Josh Jacobs, of Alabama, did not participate in any of the drills. This is a common theme with players who are already projected highly, as they do not want to exert themselves unnecessarily. While he was attending for interviews, and likely the Wonderlic test, it was likely he knew of his draft stock and decided to err on the side of caution. Meanwhile, his teammate, Damien Harris, arrived with something to prove. It was all for naught though, as Damien's numbers were not up to par with his peers.
A couple of backs that may have raised their draft stock were Justice Hill, of Oklahoma State, and Ryquell Armstead, of Temple. Hill's speed of 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash was impressive but he is still projected to be a special teams player. Armstead finished second in the 40 with a 4.45, and then finished in the top 10 of RB in the bench press, hitting 22 repetitions on the bench. Washington's Myles Gaskin was largely unimpressive, but like I said earlier, it's an inexact science.
One of the most important positions in football is the offensive line, and while it's not sexy, a great line can make a good team a great team. Case in point; the Indianapolis Colts' Quenton Nelson would have had more attention if he was holding the ball for the majority of the time. Instead, he finally allowed Andrew Luck the time to throw and helped lead the Colts to the playoffs this past season.
A lineman who may have improved his draft stock was Garrett Bradbury, of North Carolina State. Bradbury ran a 4.92-second 40-yard dash, hit 34 reps on the bench press, reached a 31-inch vertical, and then shined in 3 cone and 20-yard shuttle drills. He's a bit short for his position, but there are plenty of cases just like him in the NFL today. Watch for him on draft night.
On Saturday, March 2nd, the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends will display their athleticism. Let's see who shows out.
Check out the NFL Draft Combine March 1st-4th on NFL Network.
Part 2 NHL review
Part 2 of my team by team breakdown 3/4 into the season
Montreal Canadiens Not many pundits thought this would be a playoff team and questioned many of the off season moves but right in the mix to grab a playoff spot. Carey Price has stayed healthy and has bounced back nicely and Max Domi has exceeded expectations coming from Arizona. They have had good production from Thomas Tatar and goal scoring from Brendan Gallagher. Also the return of perennial all star Shea Weber has solidified the blue line. 18 year Finnish rookie Jesperi Kotkaniemi has a chance to be special. A killer schedule for their last 5 games could be make or break getting into the playoffs.
Nashville Predators Still a major threat to win it all and made some nice February offensive additions with Brian Boyle, Mikael Granlund, and Wayne Simmonds. Have had to overcome a plethora of mid season injuries but the goaltending has been solid again with Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros. Rinne had a nightmare meltdown in game 7 of the Western Conference semi-finals against Winnipeg so he should be more than motivated for redemption in this years playoffs.
New Jersey Devils After a 27 point improvement and a playoff spot last season not much has gone right this year with last years MVP Taylor Hall being sidelined since December 23rd and now out for the season. The goaltending has been abysmal and the Devils would love to move on from Cory Schneider.
New York Islanders The biggest surprise of the NHL season considering they lost their franchise star John Tavares to Toronto in free agency and a roster devoid of true star quality. But when you add Barry Trotz as your head coach and have one of the greatest GM's in hockey history Lou Lamoriello guiding the ship you can't be to surprised about the season they are having. Robin Lehner is having a Vezina like season in goal with Thomas Greiss equally impressive. When the playoffs start they will play their home games in Long Island which is a major home ice advantage but will go back to Brooklyn if they advance. No moves at the trade deadline and the question for them is will they have enough scoring in the playoffs.
New York Rangers Weren't seen as a playoff team before the season started so no real surprise they were sellers at the trade deadline trading Mats Zuccarello to Dallas and Kevin Hayes to Winnipeg. Henrik Lundqvist has had a Hall of Fame career and wants to finish as a Ranger but if he wants a chance at a cup he will need to go elsewhere since this team is in rebuilding mode.
Ottawa Senators No real surprise they have been a bottom feeder this year and even with no real expectations they fired their coach Guy Boucher yesterday. They traded their top 2 scorers Matt Duchene to Columbus and Mark Stone to Vegas so this team will need a major rebuild. The future could be bright if they secure the #1 draft pick and have the chance to draft super prospect Jack Hughes. Hughes along with 19 year old rookie stud Brady Tkachuk would have a lot of Senator fans excited for the future.
Philadelphia Flyers Flyer fans have to grumbling why they didn't bring up their young goaltending prospect Carter Hart earlier in the season especially since they used 6 different goaltenders and struggled mightily early in the year. Have come on strong since mid-season even with Hart on the shelf but probably not enough to grab a playoff spot.
Pittsburgh Penguins It will be a dogfight to get into the playoffs as their goaltending has been mediocre and have been very suspect defensively. They still have the front line scoring with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, and Jake Guentzel and with all of their playoff experience would still be a tough out but with so many talented teams in the Eastern Conference I just don't see a Stanley Cup run this year.
San Jose Sharks As talented as any team in the league they have the capabilities, especially in a wide open Western Conference, of making another Stanley Cup run. They can score with anyone and can adapt to any style of play but is Martin Jones good enough in net?
St Louis Blues A team that was all but dead at mid season has had a remarkable turnaround with an 11 game winning streak and the most improbable story of the season in goaltender Jordan Binnington. He wasn't even in the goalie rotation at the start of the year but once he got his chance he has gone 15-2-1 with a 1.61 GAA and a save percentage of .936. Is Binnington a flash in the pan and be exposed in the playoffs or will his greatness continue leading to a Stanley Cup run?
Tampa Bay Lightning The best team in the league and anything short of a Stanley Cup will be a disappointment. No real weaknesses with deep scoring power and probable MVP in Nikita Kucherov. The Eastern Conference is much more rugged and will be a battle to get through. A Victor Hedman injury would the biggest worry going into the playoffs.
Toronto Maple Leafs High expectations in the biggest NHL media pressure cooker for the Leafs to end their Stanley Cup drought. They have all the pieces in place with high scoring forwards Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Auston Matthews for a Stanley Cup run. The ship will be sunk if goaltender Frederik Andersen gets hurt. Head coach Mike Babcock has preached patience to the fan base but these next few years will be there window to make a run.
Vancouver Canucks Much like the Buffalo Sabres have slowly faded from playoff contention but the future is pointing up for this franchise. They have likely rookie of the year in their leading scorer Elias Pettersson and a good core of young players.
Vegas Golden Knights Their improbable Stanley Cup run from last year has not slowed down this franchise and unless they fade badly down the stretch will be back in the playoffs and be a big threat to get back to the final. The Mark Stone acquisition adds more scoring depth and the big playoff question is how Max Pacioretty in his first year with Vegas will perform per being a flame out for Montreal during the playoffs.
Washington Capitals Won't be the favorites to repeat but still have the capabilities of going on a Stanley Cup run. Alex Ovechkin hasn't slowed down with 44 goals and on pace for 50+ and pretty much the same support cast from last year. Goaltender Braden Holtby has had a mediocre regular season but was mediocre in the regular season last year and got hot in the playoffs so Caps fans are hoping history repeats. 1st year head coach Todd Reirden has stepped in nicely but will feel the pressure to live up to last years run.
Winnipeg Jets Looking to take the next step after losing in the conference finals last year to Vegas and will be one of the favorites in the Western Conference. Scoring depth and lethal on the power play they can score with anyone but still questions in net with Connor Hellebuyck. Will Dustin Byfuglien be healthy for the playoffs per struggling with injuries throughout the season at age 33.
Montreal Canadiens Not many pundits thought this would be a playoff team and questioned many of the off season moves but right in the mix to grab a playoff spot. Carey Price has stayed healthy and has bounced back nicely and Max Domi has exceeded expectations coming from Arizona. They have had good production from Thomas Tatar and goal scoring from Brendan Gallagher. Also the return of perennial all star Shea Weber has solidified the blue line. 18 year Finnish rookie Jesperi Kotkaniemi has a chance to be special. A killer schedule for their last 5 games could be make or break getting into the playoffs.
Nashville Predators Still a major threat to win it all and made some nice February offensive additions with Brian Boyle, Mikael Granlund, and Wayne Simmonds. Have had to overcome a plethora of mid season injuries but the goaltending has been solid again with Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros. Rinne had a nightmare meltdown in game 7 of the Western Conference semi-finals against Winnipeg so he should be more than motivated for redemption in this years playoffs.
New Jersey Devils After a 27 point improvement and a playoff spot last season not much has gone right this year with last years MVP Taylor Hall being sidelined since December 23rd and now out for the season. The goaltending has been abysmal and the Devils would love to move on from Cory Schneider.
New York Islanders The biggest surprise of the NHL season considering they lost their franchise star John Tavares to Toronto in free agency and a roster devoid of true star quality. But when you add Barry Trotz as your head coach and have one of the greatest GM's in hockey history Lou Lamoriello guiding the ship you can't be to surprised about the season they are having. Robin Lehner is having a Vezina like season in goal with Thomas Greiss equally impressive. When the playoffs start they will play their home games in Long Island which is a major home ice advantage but will go back to Brooklyn if they advance. No moves at the trade deadline and the question for them is will they have enough scoring in the playoffs.
New York Rangers Weren't seen as a playoff team before the season started so no real surprise they were sellers at the trade deadline trading Mats Zuccarello to Dallas and Kevin Hayes to Winnipeg. Henrik Lundqvist has had a Hall of Fame career and wants to finish as a Ranger but if he wants a chance at a cup he will need to go elsewhere since this team is in rebuilding mode.
Ottawa Senators No real surprise they have been a bottom feeder this year and even with no real expectations they fired their coach Guy Boucher yesterday. They traded their top 2 scorers Matt Duchene to Columbus and Mark Stone to Vegas so this team will need a major rebuild. The future could be bright if they secure the #1 draft pick and have the chance to draft super prospect Jack Hughes. Hughes along with 19 year old rookie stud Brady Tkachuk would have a lot of Senator fans excited for the future.
Philadelphia Flyers Flyer fans have to grumbling why they didn't bring up their young goaltending prospect Carter Hart earlier in the season especially since they used 6 different goaltenders and struggled mightily early in the year. Have come on strong since mid-season even with Hart on the shelf but probably not enough to grab a playoff spot.
Pittsburgh Penguins It will be a dogfight to get into the playoffs as their goaltending has been mediocre and have been very suspect defensively. They still have the front line scoring with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, and Jake Guentzel and with all of their playoff experience would still be a tough out but with so many talented teams in the Eastern Conference I just don't see a Stanley Cup run this year.
San Jose Sharks As talented as any team in the league they have the capabilities, especially in a wide open Western Conference, of making another Stanley Cup run. They can score with anyone and can adapt to any style of play but is Martin Jones good enough in net?
St Louis Blues A team that was all but dead at mid season has had a remarkable turnaround with an 11 game winning streak and the most improbable story of the season in goaltender Jordan Binnington. He wasn't even in the goalie rotation at the start of the year but once he got his chance he has gone 15-2-1 with a 1.61 GAA and a save percentage of .936. Is Binnington a flash in the pan and be exposed in the playoffs or will his greatness continue leading to a Stanley Cup run?
Tampa Bay Lightning The best team in the league and anything short of a Stanley Cup will be a disappointment. No real weaknesses with deep scoring power and probable MVP in Nikita Kucherov. The Eastern Conference is much more rugged and will be a battle to get through. A Victor Hedman injury would the biggest worry going into the playoffs.
Toronto Maple Leafs High expectations in the biggest NHL media pressure cooker for the Leafs to end their Stanley Cup drought. They have all the pieces in place with high scoring forwards Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Auston Matthews for a Stanley Cup run. The ship will be sunk if goaltender Frederik Andersen gets hurt. Head coach Mike Babcock has preached patience to the fan base but these next few years will be there window to make a run.
Vancouver Canucks Much like the Buffalo Sabres have slowly faded from playoff contention but the future is pointing up for this franchise. They have likely rookie of the year in their leading scorer Elias Pettersson and a good core of young players.
Vegas Golden Knights Their improbable Stanley Cup run from last year has not slowed down this franchise and unless they fade badly down the stretch will be back in the playoffs and be a big threat to get back to the final. The Mark Stone acquisition adds more scoring depth and the big playoff question is how Max Pacioretty in his first year with Vegas will perform per being a flame out for Montreal during the playoffs.
Washington Capitals Won't be the favorites to repeat but still have the capabilities of going on a Stanley Cup run. Alex Ovechkin hasn't slowed down with 44 goals and on pace for 50+ and pretty much the same support cast from last year. Goaltender Braden Holtby has had a mediocre regular season but was mediocre in the regular season last year and got hot in the playoffs so Caps fans are hoping history repeats. 1st year head coach Todd Reirden has stepped in nicely but will feel the pressure to live up to last years run.
Winnipeg Jets Looking to take the next step after losing in the conference finals last year to Vegas and will be one of the favorites in the Western Conference. Scoring depth and lethal on the power play they can score with anyone but still questions in net with Connor Hellebuyck. Will Dustin Byfuglien be healthy for the playoffs per struggling with injuries throughout the season at age 33.
WR ALERT! 1500 & Mile Marks Could Fall Sunday
By Harry Cummins
Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha will make a final attempt this indoor season to take down, not one, but TWO, world records in the same race this Sunday at Boston University's fast indoor track following the conclusion of the IC4A/ECAC Indoor Championships.
The special race will be known as the Bruce Lehane Invitational Mile, and according to Kejelcha's coach, Alberto Salazar, will be an attempt to break both the 1500 meter and mile world indoor records in the same race. Salazar said Kejelcha will be going for a 1500m WR and then hopes to maintain his clip another 109 meters to establish the mile world record as well.
Both marks have barely eluded Kejelcha so far in 2019. At the Millrose Games in New York City last month, he ran 3:48.46, missing by a mere hundredth of a second the 22 year old indoor mile world record of Hicham El Guerrouj.
The world record in the 1500 meters was broken last month by Ethiopian Samuel Tefera, who clocked 3:31.04 to break El Guerrouj's previous mark of 3:31.18. Fans of the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon will remember the 18 year-old Tefera from his 2nd place finish to Timothy Cheruiyot in last year's dramatic Bowerman Mile.
Eric Sowinski, an 800 meter specialist, has been enlisted as the all-important pace-setter for Kejelcha's world record attempt. The plan is for Sowinski to run the first 200 meters in 28.0 seconds and run as evenly as possible from that point to hit the 800 meter mark in 1:52.
To run 1:52 for 800 meters would require 28.00 second 200's. The 1500 WR pace is 28.13 seconds per 200 meters. The mile WR record pace is 28.39 seconds per 200.
The race Sunday will have a strange twist, as the rest of the assembled field will be following a second pacemaker, in order to hit the IAAF World Championship "A" standard of 3:53.10 for the mile. The "second pack" of runners will include Craig Engels, Henry Wynne, and Johnny Gregorek. The IAAF "A" standard for 1500 meters is 3:36
The world record attempt will begin at 4 pm (EST) Sunday. Kejelcha is part of a sizable stable of elite runners representing the Nike Oregon Project in Portland, Oregon, half of them coached by Salazar, and the other half by Pete Julian.
Craw’s Corner, Ramping Up Our Coverage
By Gregory Crawford @wchoops
Thank you readers. Craw’s Corner continues to grow at rapid rate and with that, we are growing our content and contributors.
Harry Cummins—— Feature Writer, college hoops, track and field, baseball and tennis
Paul Crane—- NFL and MLB
Steve Weldon—- NFL, MLS and AAF
Chris Phillips—- Special Contributor and Sports Business, Golf
Simon Perez—- Boxing
Kirby Gleason—- At large
Gregory Crawford—- Basketball, Golf, NASCAR, Pro Bowling, Sports Business
Scott Hermo—- A new great addition to our team, covering NHL
Bob Rathbun— Executive Consultant
Jon Spoelstra—- Senior Advisor
We are looking for more contributors, especially to cover the NBA. Interested in joining us, crawscorner@gmail.com
Thank you readers. Craw’s Corner continues to grow at rapid rate and with that, we are growing our content and contributors.
Harry Cummins—— Feature Writer, college hoops, track and field, baseball and tennis
Paul Crane—- NFL and MLB
Steve Weldon—- NFL, MLS and AAF
Chris Phillips—- Special Contributor and Sports Business, Golf
Simon Perez—- Boxing
Kirby Gleason—- At large
Gregory Crawford—- Basketball, Golf, NASCAR, Pro Bowling, Sports Business
Scott Hermo—- A new great addition to our team, covering NHL
Bob Rathbun— Executive Consultant
Jon Spoelstra—- Senior Advisor
We are looking for more contributors, especially to cover the NBA. Interested in joining us, crawscorner@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)