It was an incredible night for Maryland's biggest stars! Early in the evening the Blazing Raiders of Eleanor Roosevelt tore it up in the 1600 SMR with a new national record of 3:51.09! Marika Walker held off the likes of New Jersey star Danielle Tauro to split 2:06 in the record breaking run. Walker returned later in the evening to anchor the 4x800-meter relay, making up a significant gap for a come-from-behind victory in 8:55.50.
Several underclassmen made their presence known at Nationals. Thomas Johnson's Emily Vannoy launched the shot to a personal best 47-10, earning her 4th place and All-American status. Only a sophomore, she hopes to continue improving so that she can return next year and win it all.
Maryland's deadly sprinters Justin Murdock and Lamaar Thomas battled each other in the prelims. Both came up short of Texas star Whitney Prevost, but both were able to qualify for the finals based on time. Murdock's 10.78 edged out Thomas in the prelims, but Thomas got the best of Murdock in the finals, running 10.60 to Murdock's 10.69. The two athletes earned 4th and 6th place respectively and hope to return next year to go 1-2!
Three Marylanders made the finals in the Emerging Elite 100-meter hurdles. The duo from CH Flowers High School, Imani Colbert and Lorraine Graham showed great promise for the future with their finishes in 14.52 and 15.26 respectively, but it was Kristen Brown from McDonogh who took home the Emerging Elite crown with the victory in 14.16.
Graham Bazell of Atholton High School improved on his personal best with a 9:10 finish in the two mile race. Bazell took the lead in the final laps of the race but was unable to hang on for the victory. His time would not hold up against the 25 athletes who broke 9:10, but it makes the sophomore the best two-miler in Maryland behind Centrowitz this year.
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