Class A Distance Preview

This week The SB Report will preview the distance races of each class for state meets this weekend. Here is the Class A girls preview 

800
           Briana Neault's record time of 2:15.60 back in 1997 could be in jeopardy this Saturday as Lawrence junior Erzsebet Nagy comes into the meet with the fastest time of all classes (2:16.27). The fate of this race will depend on Kennebunk senior Abbey Leonardi. If she decides to triple, look for her to be the favorite to capture the title, and possibly another state record. If she doesn't it opens up the door for Nagy. Don't expect Nagy to go unchallenged though. Senior Emily Tomlin of Scarborough has run under 2:20 this year. She should challenge Nagy for the win. Don't overlook Nyajock Pan of South Portland. She has had a great outdoor season thus far as we've seen her run 2:20.52.The Cheverus duo of Shannon Conley and Emily Durgin should also challenge for a high finish. Both of these girls have hovered around 2:21 for much of the spring. The 800 will be one of the premiere races of the day in Windham on Saturday, and if the weather is up to par, be sure to expect some fast times.

 Prediction (without Leonardi)
1. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence
2. Emily Tomlin Scarborough
3. Emily Durgin Cheverus
4. Nyajock Pan South Portland
5. Shannon Conley Cheverus

 1600 

        The 1600 will be the most exciting race of the day as the top two seeds- Erzsebet Nagy and Abbey Leonardi- come in to the race having both broken five minutes during their brilliant racing careers. This race has the ingredients to be the fastest Maine has ever seen. Leonardi is the current state record holder with a time of 4:51 at last years state meet. These two girls have breezed through the competition this spring and have shown that they belong on the big stage. Expect these two girls to clock in well under five minutes on Saturday. Cheverus senior Emily Durgin should challenge for a top finish. Her season best time of 5:03.59 is the third fastest in Class A. A seasoned veteran like Durgin should never be counted out in big meets like this Saturday. Other girls to watch for in this race will be Fiona Hendry of Cheverus, Alex Leonardi of Kennebunk, and Charlotte Pierce of Thornton Academy.

 Prediction
1. Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk
2. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence
3. Emily Durgin Cheverus
4. Fiona Hendry Cheverus
5. Charlotte Pierce Thornton Academy


3200 
         The 3200 has the potential to be one of the greatest races of all time. Abbey Leonardi, Erzsebet Nagy, and Emily Durgin all come in to the meet with times under 11 minutes. The quality of the field in this race is something we have never seen. Eleven girls come into Saturday all having run under 12 minutes. The question is what order will they place. Fiona Hendry should challenge for a top five finish. Her season best time of 11:17.71 is the fourth fastest in Class A. Other runners to watch for are Katie McMahon of Brunswick, Alex Leonardi of Kennebunk, Kelly Lynch of Mt. Ararat, and Charlotte Pierce of Thornton Academy. All of these girls have run under 11:40. With the amazing quality of competition and the fast times expect to see a race for the ages this Saturday in Windham.

Prediction
1. Abbey Leonardi Kennebunk
2. Erzsebet Nagy Lawrence
3. Emily Durgin Cheverus
4. Fiona Hendry Cheverus
5. Katie McMahon Brunswick