Being undefeated in a track event is a hard thing to do over the course of two years. It’s even harder when the state you run in is the always strong distance state of Illinois. Well, Mat Smoody (Palatine, IL) (pictured left by Paul Kwak) accomplished just that two weeks ago, wrapping up his Illinois season with his second consecutive state 800m title. The Wisconsin-bound senior came into the season ranked ninth among returnees nationally, but with some major accomplishments this season and a stronger base, Smoody is looking towards Greensboro, North Carolina and winning a national title. See what Smoody has to say on a variety of topics, including his tactical state race, how he got into running and what exactly his shoulder tattoo is of.
Today June 11th is the last day to register for the 2008 Midwest Distance Gala.
Get your entries in at the registration page before midnight central time.
Entries/heats will be posted on Friday morning June 13th.
Email any questions/comments/concerns to patrick@midwestdistancegala.com
June 6, 2008
One Week to Go
Midwest Distance Gala
Chicago, IL – The countdown begins as the fourth annual Midwest Distance Gala draws near. On Satutrday, June 14, at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, the Midwest Distance Gala plays host to some of the best high school distance runners in the country, as well as a men’s professional steeplechase that will see Olympic hopefuls take to the track.
While fields won’t be finalized until Wednesday evening, numerous all-American athletes are registered and ready to run. Foot Locker finalists Rob Finnerty, Bobby Nicolls, Tito Medrano and Emily Sisson are a few of the headliners, while middle-distance stars Andrew Perkins, Mat Smoody, Taylor Morgan and Ashley Verplank are scheduled to compete as well.
The men’s professional steeplechase also adds a unique perspective to the event, hosting athletes looking to better their personal bests before the Olympic Trials, as well as a half dozen men looking to qualify for the Olympic Trials. The field includes such notable athletes as Ryan Warrenburg, as well as 2007 USATF finalists Michael Spence and Anderson Smith.
For further information please visit the Midwest Distance Gala website, www.midwestdistancegala.com, while further detailed press releases will be released over this final week leading up to the event.
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The final day of the IHSA boys track and field season is finally here. The long-awaited meet always provides some amazing highlights and this year should be no different. Keep checking back throughout the day for results, highlights and much more.
Top State Meet Highlights
- Kevin Havel (IL) wins 3200m run in 9:01.37
- St. Charles North wins boys 4x8 in IL #1 of 7:45.97
- Dan Block (Lake Park) throws 63-03.75 SP on Friday, wins AA
- Matt Eader (West Frankfort) wins A shot put in 60-00.75
- Mat Smoody (Palatine) wins the AA 800 in 1:50.70
*Mat Smoody will be at the Midwest Distance Gala, June 14th, to take on Iowa State Champ Blake Irwin over 800 meters*
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