Reason #26: Waleed Suliman will be showing off his speed here. We all saw what he could do in XC but once you add him, Bashir Mosavel-Lo, David Scherrer, Conor Lyons, Peter Morris, Colton Bogucki, Dalton Hengst, and Conor Lane into the mix you get a nasty deep distance field. More and more signup everyday as well making this meet on the level of Penn Relays for the open distance events.
Reason #27: The shuttle hurdle relay records may too be in record of falling. Western Branch holds the girls' national record at 31.22 which is an average of 7.805 for their splits. That came from open times of 7.91, 7.92, 7.99, and 8.45. This year through just one meet they have run 7.79, 8.01, 8.25, and 8.38. That means the total time from their national record season was 32.37 and this season is already at 32.43 meaning that by the end of the season they could be sub 32 and could also shatter that national record. In true Branch fashion though, we won't know until before the meet if they will stack this and what legs will be running.
Reason #28: State record holder Syaira Richardson and her killer teammate, Kori Cater, will be taking to the oval in both relays and individual events for Team War. Though they like to lay low during the season, expect some fast open races as they will want to put all the parts together for yet another strong post-season up at the NYC Armory.
Reason #29: The Sprint Medleys will not disappoint. We have received many calls from teams up and down the east coast trying to get into the single section final of the sprint medley and it is no surprise considering who is attending this meet. These two races will be some of the toughest all year and likely only bettered by the New Balance Nationals seeded section. These races will be the best previews and practice around for the big one in March.
Reason #30: Though we would like to think we know a lot about who is entered or who the stars are of our sport it is clearer each year that you can never predict the future. Each year new names popup whether they be freshmen or seniors finally putting it all together. Those names often come out of nowhere and shock a whole lot of people and that is another reason to be super excited for the VA Showcase. It will be the perfect place for those athletes to make their pick step up to the superstar level. If you win an event at this meet you are ready to rumble against anyone.