fastPREPS Runner of the Week - 3/14/01: Ryan Deak

Amidst the excitement and indoor track fervor caused by this past weekend\'s two indoor championship meets, one feat has been slightly overlooked. Yes, Webb ran an 8:45 deuce, yes Curtis outkicked Lockhart to win the mile, surprising both fans and Lockhart himself, yes South Lakes lost the DMR, and yes there were 5 new national records set at the NSIC. But equally impressive was the running display put on by Florida freshman Ryan Deak.

At the NIC Deak ran an 9:29 2 mile. This time not only won his heat, but it set a new national freshman 2 mile record. It was the first sub-9:30 by a frosh EVER indoors. His time placed him first in his heat, and 14th overall in the entire race.

As a frosh at Maclay High, Deak put up impressive numbers all over the board throughout XC season. He placed 5th at the Great American, won numerous other races, and finished 19th at the FL South Regional. His freshman PRs stand as follows: 5k - 15:47; 3mi - 15:04. Possibly even more impressive than these numbers is his 8th grade time in the deuce; a jaw- dropping 9:32! Expect big numbers this outdoor track season. We may have the next great star on our hands.