With most teams only having participated in "Polar Bear" meets thus far, the Durham Striders HS Opener looks to be a good one. A few schools have traveled to Virginia for indoor meets, but for most this is it, the FIRST of the year. Later this week, I'll take a closer look at some of the events, but for now. Here is the performance list, also found on DurhamStriders.com.  IMPORTANT UPDATE ON ENTRIES!!!! New CUTOFF STANDARDSGirls Preview | Boys Preview 

With the New Year quickly approaching, many of you will be setting those WORLD FAMOUS New Year's resolutions. Many of will also take a look back at 2007 and begin to set new goals for your 2008 running career. I just wanted to wish everyone the best of luck on your 2008 goals. I have done a bit of research for you as you look forward to 2008. 

Well . . . the first ever NCRunners.com Show is in the books. It was an honor to sit down and talk with Patrick Campbell and Ryan Hill.  The show is about 24 minutes long, so please set aside some time to check it out.  And yes . . . the entire show was serious. See for yourself. The NCRunners.com Show Part 1The NCRunners.com Show Part 2 

Micah was a 17-year old student-athlete at Northwest Cabarrus High School. He was known as an artist, a runner, a musician, and a great friend. Micah died November 22nd at the UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill of a rare blood-clotting disorder.

Former state track champion Jake Goodchild is making his motion picture debut less than two years after helping West Henderson to the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4x400 relay championship.Goodchild plays a key supporting role in the film, "Me & You, Us, Forever", which opens in theaters in 83 cities and 34 states on February 15th. The film is scheduled for theaters in Asheville, Hickory, Winston-Salem, Durham, Raleigh, Fayetteville, Greenville, Greensboro, Jacksonville, and Wilmington.

 Photo: Courtesy of Queen's  University  XC.One of the finest college coaches around, Scott Simmons of Queens University of Charlotte, will be speaking on Saturday. Scott has been around at a few colleges now, but has landed at Queens. He just completed his first XC season as the head coach and the Queens' men's team had their most successful season. Queens won the DII SE Regional title and then finished 15th at the National Championships.  Scott's resume is very impressive . . .   Queen's Bio

Some of last year's best athletes have quickly put themselves right back at the top.  Liberty University has hosted 2 early indoor meets which some NC teams have decided to travel to. While many teams are running outdoors in "polar bear" meets, Parkland, Cummings and a few others have made the trek to Virginia for the indoors. 

Saturday, December 22nd NCRunners will be interviewing both Ryan Hill and Patrick Campbell. It will take the look of a television talk show and will air sometime in the afternoon.  I'm requesting your help. I'm sure many of you, coaches, parents, athletes, and others, have questions you'd love to ask these two recent XC All-Americans, well this is your chance. Email me at ben@ncrunners.com with questions for the two. During the "show" we will break for email questions.   In your email, please include the following:nameschool affiliated withcitytitle (athlete, parent, coach, etc) 

 Chris waited until the last minute to get his picks in, but they turned out to win top prize. See Chris' picks and how others faired.  Photo: From last year's trip to Australia, taken by Ben Hovis. 

Foot Locker Nationals proves to be huge success for both runners . . . they have made all of NC proud! Congrats, guys.  Ryan Hill of Hickory finished 11th in 15:32Hill post race interviewPatrick Campbell of Mooresville came across in 15:38 for 14th.Campbell post race interview  

 Course Preview Video: Nice shot of Hill and Campbell climbing the steep hill. Ryan's giving him some advice. Photo: Ryan Hill previewing the course on Friday. Taken by John Herzog, Milestat.com  * Ryan Hill and Patrick Campbell will represent North Carolina in San Diego. * Don't forget to get your Foot Locker predictions in. Check out the rules. * Foot Locker National coverage on Milesplit.US beginning tomorrow * LIVE WEBCAST on FootLockerCC.com December 8th - 9:15 Girls & 10:00 Boys (Pacific Coast Times) Photo: Patrick Campbell (medal) and his Mooresville crew after finishing 9th at the South Regional & qualifying for Nationals