7. Britton Wilson: National Class Record?
(Girls 500)
Last year Britton took down the state outdoor 400m record indoors, that should tell you all you need to know. She also went on to finish as an All-American in the 400 indoors in a sophomore class national record. This year it looks like she is chasing that 500m national class and national overall record.
She went 1:13.70 last year at the Showcase and is certainly looking for more than that this year. She will have to run fast anyways with Adriana Shockley (1:14.51 flat track) the 6A State Champion right by her side.
Jaydan Wood of Pickerington Central is no slouch either with her 54.16 best in the open 400. All three of these ladies in fact should be at the very top of the US leaderboard when this race is over.
Finally we will also see Shaniya Hall of Bullis in her real 500m debut. She may not be a name you know yet but just know she runs under 7 for the 55m dash and split 52 (FAT) last year as a freshman... so study up because she could do some serious damage in this one.
The national record in the event is 1:10.30 and the meet record is 1:11.75.
8. Crean, Wilson, & Others Slated For Fastest 300 of The Year
(Girls 300)
When you have five sections of the 300 and everyone is seeded under 41 seconds, you know you're going to have a great race. In an all sub 39 final it looks like we could have another US #1 time from whoever reigns supreme over this stacked field.
Last year it was eventual national champions Jayla Kirkland and Lynna Irby stealing the show with their US #1-2 finish but this year it could take an even faster time.
Though entries are not finalized it looks like we could have Jenna Crean, Britton Wilson, Kori Carter, Jaydan Wood, McKenzie Long, and others entered in these top sections. Bullis might enter a couple ladies as well but with the 4x400 on Friday it is unlikely to see the likes of Shaniya Hall in this one.
9. Thelma Davies, Is She One Good Start Away From The National Record?
(Girls 55)
Anything under 7 seconds is fast for the girls 55 but when you go 6.82 as a sophomore that's just insane. That is exactly why we are so hype for Thelma Davis and her 11.4 (100) speed to be hitting the straightaway at the VA Showcase.
She will be joined by Jamaican National Champion and another 11.4 100m runner in Kimone Shaw.
Pending other entries it could be a completely sub 7 final this year in the 55m dash.
10. Finally, We Get To See Michaela Rose Race in VA!
(AAU Girls 800)
Homeschooled superstar, Michaela Rose, never gets the chance to run in the actual state of Virginia. That is all changing with the addition of the AAU Girls 800m run this year. In this race she will face off with great competition as she chases some of Virginia's records.
She has already gone 2:57 in the 1K this indoor season and owns pr's of 55.10 in the 400 and 2:12 in the 800. Those last two times... she ran last year in 8th grade!
Finally with equally fast competition she should be able to push close to a sub 2:10 and even faster performance in front of a friendly VA crowd.
11. Will Oscar Smith's 1-2 Punch Be Enough FTW?
(Boys 55m Hurdles)
Oscar Smith enters the meet with their US #2 and US #4 hurdles (Kurt Powdar 7.33 & Aaron Shirley 7.36) not only ready to rumble in the open race but also the shuttle hurdle race as well. They are not the top seeds though with US #1 and National Champion Kyle Garland (PA) 7.25 entered as well.
Expect some fast times from all these superstars and potentially a national record in the SHR?
12. Will We See A 6 Ft. Girls High Jumper?
(Girls High Jump)
It is extremely rarefied air when the cross bar rises to six feet in high school. That is why it is a huge deal that the VA Showcase has three girls within striking distance of this record height.
Entered already in the meet are Sydney Banks (5-11), defending champion Kenya Livingston (5-10), and Thea Shaw (5-8). This means it could be a very tough group of girls still in it with the bar reaching record heights.
The invitational high jump will likely start around 5'-0" meaning it is conducive for record performances where athletes will only have to hit four clearances before six feet.