True Sophomore Clayton Murphy 4th in 1:45!

This kid is very legit. Has a chance to become the next big US miler or 800 runner. This year he has run 14:15 for 5k, 3:40 for 1500, and now 1:45. Probably had better strength than any other guy in that 800m final at USA's.

With 14:15 and 1:45 credentials he should be in 3:37-3:38 shape for 1500 right now.

I wouldn't move him up just yet but he has a future as a miler. I don't know when the last time I have seen a top level NCAA 800 runner with 14:15 type strength, much less a sophomore. I would use a Brandon Kidder type approach. Let him run the mile indoors for NCAA's and then maybe a 1500 outdoors for strength, but focus on the 800 outdoors. I put him as one of the early indoor favorites in the mile.

A lot of racing for him in June. NCAA and USA championships. None of the 5 races were easy...

Probably a blessing in disguise that he "only" finished 4th.

Had he been better positioned with 200m to go, his season may have continued ( he had the second fastest last 200m. Only Simmonds was faster)

It will be interesting to follow him in 2015/2016

We can expect huge improvement from him at 1500m/mile for sure...

He split a 45.95 at outdoor regionals (FAT) in the 4x4 this year and ran 30:30 at XC

regionals back in November!

Tress wrote:

He split a 45.95 at outdoor regionals (FAT) in the 4x4 this year and ran 30:30 at XC

regionals back in November!

this kid gets more and more outrageous every time i hear something. 45.95 speed doesn't just happen out of nowhere. That has to signify the kid had probably 47 speed as a senior in high school. in his small school division state meet, that would have won the open 400 easily, and his 800 time surely would have been faster than 1:54??.

at least the 14:14 5k and 3:40 1500 make more sense; strength/aerobic gains are easy gains coming from low mileage backgrounds. but then how did have enough time or energy to bring his 400 split down to 45.95??

I implied a couple weeks ago on one of the "best range" threads that he might have the best range in the collegiate ranks for a distance runner.

He split some 47s on the 4x4 in high school. Just a straight freak of a talent. I wouldn't be surprised if he is a XC individual qualifier this coming year.

Lee LaBadie seems to manage studs pretty well.

I watched him run an indoor mile back in February. He came in at 4:01, I think.

where did this come from wrote:

Tress wrote:

He split a 45.95 at outdoor regionals (FAT) in the 4x4 this year and ran 30:30 at XC

regionals back in November!

this kid gets more and more outrageous every time i hear something. 45.95 speed doesn't just happen out of nowhere. That has to signify the kid had probably 47 speed as a senior in high school. in his small school division state meet, that would have won the open 400 easily, and his 800 time surely would have been faster than 1:54??.

at least the 14:14 5k and 3:40 1500 make more sense; strength/aerobic gains are easy gains coming from low mileage backgrounds. but then how did have enough time or energy to bring his 400 split down to 45.95??

lhad good speed in HS but only started concentrating the 400 speed his senior year. He wouldn't of won the 400. He did train with the 400 meter champ though. He is blowing up cause he wasn't over trained in HS.

First big win for him, this kid might be something special. Ohio mid-d guys having a good 2015 summer, Murphy and Colby Alexander.