13-14. Michael Abeyta/Cruz Gomez
School: El Paso Hanks (TX), PSJA Memorial (TX)
Events: Gomez is coming off a wonderful cross country season that saw him get entries at both Nike Cross Nationals and Foot Locker Nationals and returns as the mile champion at Texas A & M. Expect the senior, who recently signed with the University of Texas, to go after his 4:22.16 from last year. He's in fine form after a season that saw him log a 5K personal best of 14:48.66 at McNeil and his first big win at Foot Locker South. His top time at 1600m was 4:13.64 from the outdoor season.
Abeyta, meanwhile, could spoil Gomez's turn for a second win. The distance runner form El Paso had a fine cross country season of his own, finishing fifth in the Class 5A Championship and logging a career best of 14:50.10 at Nike Desert Twilight.
But speed will match up for both runners. Abeyta does have a nasty kick--he ran 1:53.35 in the 800m last outdoor season--though Gomez should hang tough. A year ago, Abeyta ran 4:26.43 at Texas Tech, so both runners will be looking to break 4:20.
Athlete Index:
Jasmine Moore - Darci Khan - Alexis Brown - Rosaline Effiong - Libby McGrath - Krianne McBride - Trinity Rossum - Trinity Price - Marcellus Moore - Chris Ford - Kevin Modesto - Isaiah Teer - Michael Abeyta - Cruz Gomez - Alex Maier - Patrick Piperi - Bryce Foster