Fastest 1500 EVER in Northern California

Dear Wildcat Supporters,

Do you have plans for Friday and/or Saturday evenings this week? If not, and assuming you’re not too far from Chico, CA, you might want to consider checking out the Chico State Twilight Distance carnival track and field meet to be held at University Stadium. In 2008 the Men’s mile was the highlight event of the Chico Twilight Distance Carnival with Chico’s Scott Bauhs taking the victory in a school record 3:59. Bauhs would later become the fourth fastest American Collegiate ever, at the 10k distance during his final year as a Wildcat. In 2009 the metric version of the mile takes center stage and again Bauhs will be a big part of the excitement. As news of Bauhs’ ’08 mile run made it’s way through the distance running circles, top athletes took notice and partly due to this we have attracted the best field of middle distance runners to ever assemble on a track between Sacramento, CA and Eugene, Oregon. Highlighting this list is Steve Sherer of the New York Athletic Club who has run 3:55 for the mile distance and 3:36 for the 1500m. Sherer is one of the top mid distance runners in the U.S. and will provide plenty of competition to Bauhs and the rest of the talented field. Also topping the list of talented entrants is University of Colorado Alum Brent Vaughn. In 2008 Vaughn ran the fastest 5k in the NCAA and recorded the second best mark by an American for the year. A short bio on the top entrants in this field will be provided below.

Scott Bauhs-Adidas (Chico State Alum) 3 time NCAA Champion. 4th fastest 10k
runner in US in 2008. CSUC School record holder 1500m-3:42.05

Steve Sherer-New York Athletic Club (Michigan St. Alum): 3:36-1500m PR-2008,
3:55 Mile PR. Sherer was the 7th fastest 1500m runner in the U.S. in 2008 and the second fastest Indoor Miler in the U.S. In ‘08!

Brent Vaughn-NIKE (University of Colorado Alum) 3:43-1500m PR. While a senior at Colorado last Spring Vaughn recorded the second fastest 5k by an American in 2008 (13:18) and the fastest by a collegiate athlete. The only American to run a faster mark for the 5k distance in 2008 was 2008 World Champion Bernard Lagat.

Michael Wickman-Chico State University 3:46.11 1500m PR. Wickman is a 2 time All American for the ‘Cats (once in track and once in XC) and leads all DII runners this season in the 800m where his 1:49.90 personal best is the #5 mark all time at CSUC. Wickman a Junior from Walnut Creek, CA recorded his 3:46 PR for the 1500m while red shirting during the 2008 track season.
Charlie Serrano-Foot Pursuit Running 3:52 1500m PR. Serrano a Chico Alum was the 2007 NCAA 5,000m champion (14:07) finishing with teammate Scott Bauhs who placed second. Serrano has recorded some very fine marks since college, including a recent 17th place finish at the US 15k championships in Jacksonville, Florida where he split 29:31 for the initial 10k of the race. Serrano is fit and ready to run fast!

Angel Marquez-Chico State University 3:50.17 1500m PR. Angel surprised the field by finishing as the NCAA runner up in the 1500m at the 2008 Championships. His recent 14:14 PR for the 5,000m ranks #3 All Time for the ‘Cats behind NCAA champions Scott Bauhs and Charlie Serrano.

Cameron Kreuz-Southern Oregon University 3:51 1500m PR. Cameron is currently enjoying a breakout season. He recorded his 3:51 PR on a windy cold day in Sacramento while winning the Hornet Invitational 4 weeks ago. Kreuz is currently ranked #5 in the NAIA with this mark. He has also run 1:52 for 800m this season.

Sean Williams-Brooks-Eastside TC 3:50 1500m PR. A native of Idaho Sean recently placed 6th overall (3:51) at the Oregon Preview meet in Eugene, OR.

David Wellman-Chico State 3:55 1500m PR Wellman has just moved up to the 1500m seriously this season. His 800m PR (1:51) shows a lot of promise toward the longer distance. He is currently ranked 6th in Division II for the 800m event.

Beau Rogers-Chico State 3:55 1500m PR Rogers has an Auto qualifying mark (9:05) for the 3,000m steeple event for the upcoming NCAA championships. He is current ranked #3 in DII for the steeple and will attempt his second 1500m of the season at the twilight meet.
Eric Malain-Humboldt State 3:55 1500m PR run last weekend while winning the Johnny Mathis Invitational in San Francisco, CA.

Manny Mejia-Chico State 3:54 1500m PR. Two time All West Region XC runner for the ‘Cats.

Joshua Linen-Chico State A freshman for the ‘Cats, Josh will attempt his first serious 1500m of the year on Friday. Josh’s HS PR’s of 4:17-1600 and 9:06 for 3200m show plenty of potential at the distance.

Pat Boivin-Pacer: Adidas Transports 3:50 1500m PR To help ensure a fast and even pace through at least 800m Pat Boivin a 4 time All American while running at Chico State (and current CSUC assistant coach) will control the initial tempo of the competition.


Meet Schedule: Of course there’s plenty more on the plate than the men’s 1500m so here’s a quick rundown of the weekend’s event schedule:

Friday April 10, 2009:

6:30pm Men’s 5k B Heat (16:00-18:00 seeds)
7:00 800 Meters (W) Fast Heat
7:10 800 Meters (M) Fast Heat
7:20 Steeplechase (W)
7:40 Steeplechase (M)
8:00 5,000 Meters (M) Fastest Heat (14:30-16:00 seeds)
8:25 5,000 Meters (W)

Saturday April 11th, 2009 Sat. Schedule is subject to change, but should be close to final one.

4:00 100m Hurdles (W)
4:15 110m Hurdles (M)
4:25 4x100m Relay (W)
4:30 4x100m Relay (M)
4:40 1,500 Meters (W)
4:55 1,500 Meters (M)
5:10 400 Meters (W)
5:25 400 Meters (M)
5:40 100 Meters (W)
5:50 100 Meters (M)
6:05 800 Meters (W) Second Heats
6:20 800 Meters (M) Second Heats
6:35 400m Hurdles (W)
6:45 400m Hurdles (M)
6:45 Men’s MATT GOSS SHOT PUT
6:55 200 Meters (W)
7:10 200 Meters (M)
7:30 Invitational 1,500 Meters (W)
Heat II of men’s 1500m will be run just before the Invitational race.
7:40 Invitational 1,500 Meters (M)
7:50 4x400m Relay (W)
7:55 4x400m Relay (M)
8:00 10,000m M/W

Not to forget about our friends in the Field Events Action starts on Saturday at 3:30pm with the Women’s Pole Vault, Women’s Long Jump, and Women’s Hammer

Shot Putters get little recognition but Matt Jarvis has gotten some much deserved attention this year. The Senior transfer from Shasta College has twice been the CCAA athlete of the week this season, and is currently ranked 3rd in the NCAA (DII). Jarvis is on the cusp of making history this season. His PR is now beyond the 57 foot mark and our school’s record is only 58’8. Last week Jarvis barely fouled his final throw of the competition. The toss was a bomb that everyone present knew was really far. They (the crowd) pleaded with the official to measure the toss. With some hesitation he did, and announced SIXTY feet, Two inches! Men’s Shot put starts at 6:45pm. Might want to check that out before the 1500’s get started!

CCAA Championships In CHICO!!! : Right around the corner are the CCAA Track and Field Championships which are being held in CHICO this year. They will be contested on the first weekend of May (May 1st and 2nd). The first evening will include heats in the 1500 and below as well as finals in the 10k’s with finals going in everything else on Saturday the 2nd.

CCAA and NCAA Lists: For those interested in checking out the current and always evolving CCAA and NCAA lists, they can both be found at the following website address:
[ http://www.flashresults.com/flashwest/ ]http://www.flashresults.com/flashwest/


Enclosed Photo (Photo credit Peter Alexander): Bauhs crossing the finish of last year’s Invit Mile in 3:59.81

As always, Thanks for your support and we’ll hope to see you trackside on Friday and Saturday!

Sincerely,

Gary Towne