So will Centro be competitive in US Nationals

he's such a smooth runner

he didn't tie up or show any uncomfort in his face the entire race. i don't even think he changed his form for his kick. Might I even dare say that he's as smooth as that sexy frenchman Mehdi Baala?

I agree with this. I would have said 6 weeks ago Wheating, Monzano, Webb...

Now I'm going with Wheating, Centro, Brown/Torrance/Ulrey.

I just don't think Monzano, Lomong or Webb are going to be ready based on what I've seen all spring. Webb was primed for a big one after running 3:36 way back in March... don't know what happened since. He ran as fast as Willis did this weekend 3 months ago... yet no one respected it. Strange.

I also didn't think Brown would hold up til Nationals, but it seems as though he probably will. I figured with so many injury riddled seasons, going this long without injury would actually cause him to be tired... but it doesn't appear to be the case.

Wheating is too young and too good to not be the favorite... but after that, it will be a very interesting race. Ulrey could slip back on there again as well.

Going to be a great race.

After an impressive last 2 laps he still had the capacity to look around and gesture at the finish and seemed barely winded immediately after. Centro could be in pretty solid 3:35-36 form, with speed which is definately a good recipe for competing at National level

At least the collegiate guys are demonstrating some good fitness in their May/June racing, more so than can be said for some of the Pro guys. I understand he is not peaking yet, but even Wheating didn't look that good at Pre...

Agreed, Centro/Ulrey are good picks!

He obviously is in shape to compete judging from his last 800, but thay race went out way slow in 66. So he can compete, but I don't think he will be placing for a spot on the team...if the final is at an honest pace.

Centro is pretty good but I don't think he's going to be competitive at the USA Champs. Then again, if it's a sit and kick race (per usual woosie ass U.S. running) then he's got a shot.

Matt Jr. looked good running the 1200 leadoff leg against Nick S @ the Twilight Meet. If he is on, he can get in the top three regardless of the pace.

The US Champs is going to likely be a race for home 800m out. That favors Torrence, Centro and Wheating.

I wouldn't be shocked if Torrence wins the event.

centro's gonna roll at usa's. end of story. haters hated before ncaa. gonna be the same at usa's.

Um, you need to slit those apostrophes from your prose, brah.

Thanks for the grammar lesson, but this a running forum so a little sloppy with the writing is exceptable - I think there might be a grammar forum somewhere if you looked though?

Centro for a top 3 placing!!

I would not say Centro has no chance, but him making the WC team is doubtful. There are about half dozen pros who could have closed like that off of that opening 800. To make the national team, that’s the type of race you have to run in the rounds and in the final, it will be a 3:38 pace and to the pros, that will be considered tactical. Also, keep in mind, guys like Manzano, Lomong and Wheating have contracts and appearance fee opportunities that are primarily based on making the national team, running well in Daegu and on the European circuit, which is what they are pointing towards. Guys like Brown and Torrence have to run fast all the time, just to get into the next meet; I guarantee you that in 2 weeks, you will see a totally different Manzano, Lomong.

It seem like I give this same speech every year, an athlete has an impressive NCAA season and people don’t realize that there really is step up to the next level. Wheating, Wariner and Sanya Richards are few who made the transition without missing a beat, but they are rare.

Problem is, he looks good even when he is physically shot. He can tend to look better than what he is.

But yeah, you can't argue with the results this past weekend. He's definitely ready to go head to head with runners at the next level. Can't say how he would do, but he deserves to be there.

you have to go with the guys with momentum - Torrence, Centro and a real fight for third - probably wheating

People forget the race two years ago when Centro went into the Prelims at Fayetteville. He looked just as good then as he did yesterday. Unfortunately he came up with that stress fracture after the race, and didn't get the chance to kick GF's butt that day. Yesterday, he ran like he always runs when he's fit, and as he crossed the finish line he appropriately gestured "it's done" to all the asses who doubted him. Eventually, Centro may be a bigger star even than Wheating because he has as much moxie and maybe more talent.

Centro doesn't have the tools (his "Nation" neither counts nor helps) to get it done on the next level at 1,500. Heard it here first.

There have been several of these threads recently. I think this is the first:http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=4056935I picked:

800

Symmonds

Andrews

Primm

1500

Wheating

Lomong

Centrowitz

5000

Lagat

Bethke

Teg

10,000

Solinsky

Rupp

Nelson

Neither Centrowitz nor Andrews looked like an obvious contender at that point, but I like those picks a lot now. In the 800, Primm had just distinguished himself with his 1:44, but I wouldn't pick him today. I think I'd go with Khadevis -- but there are a lot of guys who deserve it this year in the 800. Can't say the same for the 1500, 5000, or 10,000.

So with this effortless speed of Centro Jr. (which I am not disputing) why doesn't the lad run more 800's...like, ever????????

go heidi go wrote:

Might I even dare say that he's as smooth as that sexy frenchman Mehdi Baala?

Mehdi Baala, huh? I thought only beefcakes were sexy? Haha. It must be his unshaven legs:

I think you meant "acceptable".

(It's not letting me quote your post for some reason).