5 Reasons To Watch 3A Boys Indoor State Championships


The SMAC Attack, part 2: While Bennett's success this season has been somewhat predictable, the SMAC features another runner who has taken the mid-distance world by storm this season: Jason Tyler. A transfer from the Grace Christian Academy in Waldorf, Tyler has been unbeatable in the past month or so. He first made headlines with his still-state leading 1:58.00 800 at the Montgomery Invitational and hasn't lost a 500 or 800 since the SMAC Classic in early January. Since he's not running any relays at the state championships, he can focus fully on the 500 and 800, something he's done with great success this season.


With all the attention that the PG county runners get for the 500, Tyler ranks second in the entire state with his time of 1:05.75. The only 3A runner that's been close to him in the 500 was Gary Ross, who came within half a second of beating Tyler at the 3A East Regional Championships. Tyler has been even more dominant in the 800, as no other 3A runner has cracked the 2:01 mark this season. While Tyler is the clear favorite for both events, his racing style - starting fast and maintaining the gap - could open the door for another runner if he gets fatigued by the 800. However, he hasn't shown any weakness in either event all season, and the state championships will be his chance to really get his name out there for people around the state who haven't seen him run.