Photo by Thomas McLeroy
Both Ahmed Bile of Annandale and Sophie Chase of Lake Braddock are returning to San Diego for the Foot Locker Nationals after their runner-up finishes at the Foot Locker South Regional in Charlotte. Bile was just edged out by Craig Nowak (14:37) of Texas for the win, but his time of 14:38 is the fastest ever run by a Virginian besting the previous time of 14:43 ran by both Alan Webb and Bobby Lockhart. The Georgetown recruit is one of only four runners in meet history to run under 14:40. Meanwhile, Chase clocked an 18 second 5K PR at 17:06 for second place and improved six places from a year ago at Foot Locker South. The Lake Braddock junior Chase's performance is the third fastest All-Time by a Virginian at Foot Locker South as her 17:06 places her behind only course record holder and four-time national qualifier Aurora Scott (16:26, 2006) and former record holder and three-time winner Erin Keogh (16:45, 1986). They will be joined by three others from Virginia including Cosby's Megan Moye (4th, 17:11 in girls' race), Chantilly's Sean McGorty (6th, 14:54 in the boys' race), and Skyline's Thomas Madden (8th, 14:56 in the boys' race). Moye bounced back nicely from her third place finish at the state meet to finish only five seconds behind Chase for fourth place to punch her ticket to San Diego. Chase is not the only 11th grader from Virginia headed to Foot Locker Nationals as both juniors McGorty and Madden have an great opportunity to gain national meet experience in two weeks for next year as well after their sub 15 minute regional race performances. More to come from Charlotte.
Photo by Jeff Adams