(photo: 4x800 from Glenn Bobcat Invitational)
Dylan Ferris of East Forsyth, one of the nation's top returners in the 800, finished 4th today in California. Ferris improved upon his previous best of the season, 1:52.99, which he had run against college athletes at Wake Forest. At the Arcadia Invitational, tonight, he ran 1:52.52!
Congrats to Dylan. He represented NC well!
Hovis: What was your goal going into the race?
Ferris: I was hoping for a chance to go under (1:50) and clearly it was there. I haven't run a good race all indoor or outdoor (except Wake) season where people were actually pushing me. Due to having the flu during Nationals.
Hovis: How did the race play out?
Ferris: I ran what was necessary to do it up (sub 1:50) through 600 meters. I came through how I should and now just need to repeat those steps and get used to what I will have to be doing. I wasn't used to it and feel if I can run that way more and more then I will find myself in position to run sub 1:50. The splits were: 27, 54.1, 1:21/22, then 1:52.52.
Hovis: Anymore BIG meets planned before states and nationals?
Ferris: Taco Bell should be a great chance for a fast mile with Ben Hubers, 2006 All-American and last years second place finisher, 4:17.82 to my 4:17.81. He has run 4:07 for the season already and it should be a wonderful chance to drop a fast time. I haven't looked into the 800 yet, but I will be gunning for 1:49 and defending my title after 1:55.77 last year.
Event 17 Men 800 Meter Run Invitational
# Name Year School Finals
1 Primm, Cory 12 Westlake 1:49.50
2 Bergman, Isak 12 Ellensburg H 1:51.22
3 Zurko, Sean 12 Silverado Hi 1:51.52
4 Ferris, Dylan 11 East Forsyth 1:52.52
5 Richardson, Rocky 12 Madera 1:52.95
6 Williams, Charlie 12 Gig Harbor T 1:53.57
7 Suriano, Zac 11 Shenendehowa 1:54.37
8 Thomas, Joey 12 Acalanes 1:54.63
9 Sam, Sebastian 11 Oak Grove 1:55.15
10 Palladino, Nick 12 Carlmont 1:55.56
11 Nishiyama, Michael 12 Louis St. Lauren 1:56.06
12 Styrk, Ryan 12 Seattle Prep 1:56.22