Distance Gala Report

Nick Kaiser (Sr., Bedford H.S., MI) ran the US#1 mark for 800m this past weekend, as he competed against strong collegiate talent at the Jesse Owens Track Classic (OH), finishing seventh overall in 1:50.44. Kaiser, who's been one of the country's top prep 800m runners since his sophomore year, took on the challenge of the very fast early pace, getting himself ready for what he is hoping is a state and national title post-season run.

Kaiser, who signed his letter of intent to run at the University of Tennessee next year, eyes sub-1:50 as he moves forward with his season. The next main focus is getting ready for the Michigan State Track and Field Championships, then his attention will switch to the post-season, where he'll get ample opportunity to test his speed and strength against the nation's best two-lappers. Saturday's performance is a great step forward, but Kaiser knows there is work still to be done.

Finals                                                                   
  1 Loxsom, Casimir           SO Penn State           1:46.57    1:46.45$
  2 Brown, Willie             SO University of Akron  1:48.60    1:48.13 
  3 White, Daniel                Unattached           1:48.06    1:48.86 
  4 O'Brien, James            SR Indiana Invaders     1:47.99    1:49.04 
  5 Palmer, Jacob             SR Purdue University    1:48.10    1:49.67 
  6 Williams, Lionel          SR Penn State           1:49.00    1:50.13 
  7 Kaiser, Nick              NA Unattached           1:50.10    1:50.44