Not so fast CO: Mankato records fast DMR

Anchored by Denise Mokaya, Mankato State ran a quick 9:52 on their home track to seize the D2 DMR lead.

Although I don't have splits, Mokaya must've ripped a fast one; he's had a 4:11 mile this winter already.

I suspect 'kato's time will get the attention of the Coloradoans.

Central: Adams State, Mwei

I've checked the weather forecast, and it should be a nice day on the Great Plains. Wayne State (Neb.) plays host to the Central Region, which has become D2 dominant region.

Although, five teams will qualify for Evansville, the drama won't be at the front end. Western State might catch Adams State this year, but it's doubtful. The Mountaineers will likely have steadied their emotional ship, after the tragic death of an assistant coach and former WSC national champ.

I'm not exactly sure who Adams State will bring, but I know these three will be on it: Reuben Chebon-Mwei, Aaron Braun and Brian Medigovich. And I suspect Ryan McNiff and Edwin Cruz will make the trip, too. Two Europeans may make the top 7, but I'm unsure of the team selection criteria. I don't want to bet against any of these guys, but I'll take Mwei to win; he's had a great season. (I'm still thinking of that sub-25 minute effort in Denver.)

Western State, though, is no slouch. Led byTyler Pennel, Iain Donnan and Loren Ahonen, WSC won't just hand over the regional title to their rivals over the hill. And if they don't win in Wayne, nationals will present another chance. (It's happened before.)

Colorado Mines, too, is a cinch. Perhaps as a measure of their strength, All-American Ben Zywicki was only the team's No. 4 runner at the conference championships.

The real race is for fourth and fifth, where Metro State (Colo.), Augustana (S.D.), Nebraska-Kearney and Mankato State all have legitimate shots.

• Augustana really put it together to win the Northern Sun, besting Mankato State and keeping their top five pack at one minute. They also topped Mankato at the Griak, albeit by a point.
• >But Mankato State was missing their stalwart No. 3 man, Denise Mokaya, at the NSICs. The squad, Mankato State is led by All-American James Krasja, was eighth last year in Slippery Rock.
• Metro State has been rejuvenated by the presence of 800 outdoors champ Anthony Luna, who may or may not take a liking to 10,000 meters this weekend. (I am impressed by his range.) This is a squad that abruptly lost their coach just before the season start, and they've fared well.
• Nebraska-Kearney has a young squad, but I suspect they'll be on the outside looking in when it's over. Next year?

I'll take Metro State and Augustana. I'm looking forward to seeing how my picks unfold.

Race of the week: Penn Relays steeplechase

As alluded to below, most D2 distance squads appear to be looking for individual efforts at the country's two pre-eminent track and field relays. (This could change with late entries, maybe?)

At Drake (find the start list here), Harding has James Cheriuyot and D. Dirawa signed up for the 10,000, while Philip Biwott is entered in the 5,000. (Harding didn't get much out of Mt. SAC, as Julius Kosegei was a 5,000m DNF and Artek Kern was a DNS.) 

In Philly, indoor 5,000m champ Micheal Crouch of Queens (N.C.) is entered in the both long races. He can't do both, though, as those start just hours apart. Also watch for Edinboro's Ben Hahn in the 5k.

With the focus on fast relay squads, Drake and Penn don't typically produce fast long-distance races. But the race of the weekend -- from a D2 distance perspective, natch -- is the Penn Relays steeplechase.

Scheduled to go off at 7:30 p.m. EDT Thursday, the event should be a small college showdown between Daniel Maina of Abilene Christian ('08 D2 champ and last year's Penn winner in 8:40), Adams State's Reuben Chbon-Mwei ('08 D2 runner-up) and D3 stud Peter Kosgei of Hamilton (here's his own Web page).

On paper, Maina looks like the guy to beat...

4.23 update: Kern (Harding) will run the 10k at Drake

Relays?

The 100th Drake Relays (check out a cool history here) and the "Penn Relay Carnival" get underway this week. 

Mankato State will field 4 x 1600m and 4x 800m squads at Drake, but for D2 distance runners, it's more about individual efforts, according to the start lists I've seen.

Looking at the latest D2 performance list (which, incidentally, has some big omissions, like some sub-14 minute performances by Adams State), it's too bad Alaska-Anchorage couldn't get a 4x800m squad out to Philly. Looks like they have three sub 1:52 performers, with a 3:50 performer (Alfred Kangogo) as a possible fourth leg? That's a long flight, though.

Mt. SAC

For those living in the Midwest or West, the Mt. SAC Relays are a highlight of the collegiate track season. (That Stanford invite is pretty sweet, too, I've heard.) I've seen guys break through the 29-minute barrier in the 10,000, and I've seen a season's worth of work go by the wayside. It's kind of a crapshoot, but if you get in a fast heat, you'll roll.
For D2, it looks like Adams State is absolutely loading up the 5,000 meters (five under 14 minutes?!?!); Abilene Christian has four quality 5k runners; Western State has quite a small (but quality) squad; Mankato St. has a big squad; Harding brought a pair of fast 10k guys; and do my eyes deceive me, but is that THE Willie Gault entered in the 100m? (You can read all the entries at www.mtsacrelays.com.)