Boys Distance
1600m
Noah Graham (Brevard) was denied a chance at being a double winner indoors last season after getting passed over the last 200m last season and taking 4th. Dakota Mendenhall (Forbush) was one of the three who beat Graham last indoor season, and is also your top entry in this years event at 4:28.40, though Graham has a full Mile conversion at 4:26.91 from David Oliver. Daniel Alvarez-Orlachia (Surry Central) has the 3rd fastest seed time and was the 1000m champion last season. He didn't run the mile last indoor season and we will see if he will decide to race both, or just focus on defending his 1000 title. Graham and Mendenhall had an epic finish that earned a national kick of the week in cross country and it looks like it'll be the same this weekend.
1000m
Daniel Alvarez Orlachia (Surry Central) scored a huge upset last indoor season at the state meet over Sean Doyle (Polk County) where he ran 2:36.35 to Doyle's 2:36.50. Alvarez-Orlachia has a season's best mark of 2:38.47 over 6 seconds faster than anyone else in 1A/2A. Devin Barnes (Croatan) and Zach Hughes (First Flight) will have their sights set on Alvarez-Orlachia and will see if they'll be able to hold on for a fast mark and an upset state title. Ben Kearsley (DSA) had two very dominant heat wins at the Eastern High School Challenge in both the 1600 and 1000. Kearsley could be in for a big surprise Friday as he won't have to do all the work by himself. His season's best 1000 is 2:47.47 rankings him 5th in this race.
3200m
Last season it was a battle between teammates Andrew Robinson and Noah Graham (Brevard) where Graham took over the lead from Robinson late in the race and pulled away for the victory and were the only boys under 10 minutes in the field. Robinson is not entered in the 1600 where he is the 3rd seed and will likely be looking for a long recovery after the 4x800. Dakota Mendenhall (Forbush) holds the top seed of 9:37.64 with Robinson just off that mark with a 9:37.80 at the David Oliver Classic. Defending Champ Graham is the 3rd seed with a 9:46.81. Chris Maxon (Thomasille), Nathan Richards (Franklin), Kyle Rhodes (East Wilkes) and Brandon Miller (West Wilkes) will look to hold on to the top seeds and will battle for a podium finish.