The COROS Distance Athletes Of The Week (5/20-5/26)

May 31, 2024

* Dana Hills junior Evan Noonan made a move with just over 400 meters remaining in the state 3,200m race to win

Photo Credit: Raymond Tran/MileSplit

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Winning-time is all about capturing the moment.

On Saturday, two athletes from California and Indiana did just that, claiming state and national titles in their respective races at the CIF State Outdoor Championships and the RunningLane Track Championships.

Perhaps the results were nothing new for Evan Noonan and Nicki Southerland.

But how each got to the finish line?

That always says something more.

Both results echoed a larger story and outlined just how successful each of their campaigns have been across the outdoor season.

Evan Noonan, Dana Hills (CA)

Class of 2025

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Saturday was all about one race for Evan Noonan.

The Dana Hills junior saved himself for the 3,200m at the CIF State Outdoor Championships in Clovis.

As the race played out, Noonan held firm, steadying himself behind the work of Millikan's Jason Parra, the duo shooting off to an incredibly hot pace to start -- 61 seconds after the first lap.

When the race ultimately came back to Parra and Noonan by lap seven, it was the latter who stuck with the move and went full bore, hitting 57.12 over the last quarter to win in 8:43.12.

That performance jumped up to No. 9 all-time in California history.

Nicki Southerland, Delta (IN)

Class of 2024

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Nicki Southerland was eyeing the championship double on Saturday in Huntsville, Alabama.

Few athletes would have even considered it.

But the Delta (IN) senior and Notre Dame recruit isn't just anyone.

She kept her perfect season alive at the 800m and 1,600m distances, winning the RunningLane Track Championships in both events with times of 2:05.14 and 4:38.87, respectively.

In the latter event, Southerland showed her impressive range, leading the entire way as she recorded a U.S. No. 8 time of 4:40.51.