Big River Running High School Girls Mile Championship
When: 8:40 PM CT
Who: Madison Mooney, Emily Venters, Quinn McConnell, Ellie Friesen, Lauren Neugeboren, Victoria Findley, Cara Melgares, Marlena Preigh, Taylor Somers, Danielle Rinn, Sophie Scott, Rebecca Boushelle, Gracie Hyde, Claire McCune, Madelynn Hill
Why: Madison Mooney of Colorado is one of a handful of girls who can say she beat Sammy Watson in high school. A junior from Broomfield High School, Mooney took down the 2:01 800m performer and national indoor record-holder Watson in the full mile at the Arcadia Invitational this April, 4:47.32 to 4:47.72. However, Mooney hasn't had a flawless season -- she placed just seventh at the Colorado state meet in what is likely her specialty event, while coming back for runner-up honors in the 800m. Granted, Colorado is one of the more difficult state track and field championships in the country, so it will be nice to see her rebound from that disappointing result here. Mooney was the developmental mile champion in 2016, and her PB makes her one of the top seeds for Thursday night's championship.
Watch Madison Mooney win the Developmental Mile at the 2016 Festival of Miles in 4:55.51:
Who: Madison Mooney, Emily Venters, Quinn McConnell, Ellie Friesen, Lauren Neugeboren, Victoria Findley, Cara Melgares, Marlena Preigh, Taylor Somers, Danielle Rinn, Sophie Scott, Rebecca Boushelle, Gracie Hyde, Claire McCune, Madelynn Hill
Why: Madison Mooney of Colorado is one of a handful of girls who can say she beat Sammy Watson in high school. A junior from Broomfield High School, Mooney took down the 2:01 800m performer and national indoor record-holder Watson in the full mile at the Arcadia Invitational this April, 4:47.32 to 4:47.72. However, Mooney hasn't had a flawless season -- she placed just seventh at the Colorado state meet in what is likely her specialty event, while coming back for runner-up honors in the 800m. Granted, Colorado is one of the more difficult state track and field championships in the country, so it will be nice to see her rebound from that disappointing result here. Mooney was the developmental mile champion in 2016, and her PB makes her one of the top seeds for Thursday night's championship.
Watch Madison Mooney win the Developmental Mile at the 2016 Festival of Miles in 4:55.51:
If Mooney shows any vulnerability, Emily Venters of Kansas is the top contender to win. The Boise State signee broke through the 4:50 barrier for 1600m earlier this month with a 4:49.36 effort at the Shawnee Mission North Relays versus fellow Kansas stars Cailie Logue, an Iowa State commit, and junior Molly Born. Venters competes in a different classification from either of those girls and was able to easily sweep the 1600m and 3200m at her state meet for the first time. Last year, she took 11th place at the Festival of Miles so she will look to close her senior year with a big improvement upon that run.
The current national leader for high school girls mile is 4:45.97, run by Taylor Roe of Washington; that time is well within reach for the top entrants here.
The current national leader for high school girls mile is 4:45.97, run by Taylor Roe of Washington; that time is well within reach for the top entrants here.