Ritz wins

WI coach isn't one of the more clever guys around. Ever hear him speak? 'ya know' and 'uh' are his favorite words.

that can get you pretty far, provided you know the right people. there are far worse things a dolt can do than lose a 'gimme' national XC title...

wordsmith wrote:

WI coach isn't one of the more clever guys around. Ever hear him speak? 'ya know' and 'uh' are his favorite words.

I was there. It was not Meb who went out with Ritz it was Webb and he was only pacing him out to about 3k before dropping out. Goucher did not run today. Rupp dominated the junior race but he has to wonder how he's doing in light of Withrow's performance today and McDougal yesterday.

I'll second that so every knows it's truth. I just got back home from the meet. Webb ran a little over 3k of the race with Ritz who at the point had already broken a huge gap from the rest. Webb fell off, Jorge passed him, Webb dropped out. I dunno if Webb was pacing or racing but if he was racing I will give him props for going with Ritz and trying to hold on and not letting Ritz run away with it like everyone else did. Sure it got back to him and he had to drop out. But at least the guy had the balls to go for it.

Illinois boys did run well.

Broe - 4k, 1st 12K, 3rd

Sage - 4K, 3rd

Torres - 4K, 5th 12K, 2nd

Withrow - 12K, 4th

Young - 12K, 16th

Pretty good showing for those first four names listed...earning a 1st, a 2nd, two 3rd's, a 4th, and a 5th.

It sounds as if Ritz ran away from the field early on. If you were there, please give a detailed account of the race, including how tired or fresh Ritz looked at the finish. Also, what was the condition of the terrain (mud, hills, etc.)? My guess is that he didn't press himself.

You bro can't tell black people apart. What a shame :(

anyone with a detailed account of the 12K race?... appreciate it, thanks.

Paul, Nice double!! Congrats on making the US team!

ty

leave the man a lone. All East Africans look same:)

Ultra Gal wrote:

You bro can't tell black people apart. What a shame :(

Ritz increased his lead over Jorge to 16 seconds at about the 11K point. At that point, Jorge was about 16 seconds ahead of a pack of four (the three-through-six finishers). Basically, Ritz started at the front and gained time each lap. Jorge ran smart by not trying to go with him early and then gapped the others by the start of the third loop. (I think it was the third loop.) Webb ran not so smart, tried to hang with Ritz, and blew up. Could have been due in part to running the 4K the day before (although Broe and Jorge did), or maybe some bad food the previous night, but it looked like he was going to spew chunks when he stopped. He literally bent over at the waist a few seconds after walking off the course. Ritz looked comfortable throughout.