Promises, promises
The other highly-anticipated showdown features 1600 runners
Loyola (Los Angeles) senior and Oregon-bound Elias Gedyon and
Trabuco Hills (Mission Viejo) senior and Cal-bound Jantzen Oshier, who recorded identical top qualifying marks of 4:10.39.
Oshier, the national leader, erased some bad memories when he turned his ankle on lap three during trials last year, ending his season.
It was difficult to watch last year's 1600 finals for two reasons:1. He would have certainly contended for the title and 2. It was a painfully slow pace and strategic race eventually won by Gedyon in 4:21.12.
"I can promise you (today's finals) will be nothing like last year," Oshier said. "It will probably take sub-4:05 to win it."
Gedyon, who has a good, friendly relationship with Oshier, agrees whole-heartedly.
"It's a really talented field and it's going to be a very fast race," he said. "I felt good today and did what I needed to do."
