In the MEN'S mile, I had heard Craig Engels - who may run the 800 next week at Camel City (his home state) as there is huge prize money - might hammer it through 1500 to try to pick up the 1500 qualifier for Worlds as the 1500 time (3:39.50) is way easier than the mile (3:55). But that didn't happen as no one went with the rabbit.
They were 2:03.15 at 809. Oakley was up front.
1209 - Oakley, Engels, Napolitano, 3:01.90. Engels to lead at 1300.
3 man race at bell. Engels and Oakley pulled clear over the final lap and Engels got the win.
Post-race, Engels was smiling but didn't seem to care that he won. He said after the first lap he realized he wouldn't run 3:55 but was still hoping to get the 3:39.50 time. That didn't happen. Engels said his coaches told him not to worry about time and Craig Masback agreed - getting the win was key.
It's so stupid the IAAF makes these guys get standards. They should just give the US 2. I mean if you are Engels. What do you do now? Run the 800 next week or do you scrap that idea and run the mile so you pick up the time?
The HSer Hasty was back 3rd of the field the whole time.
It's worth noting that the Oregon guys in this race ran way slower than the guys in the slow heat as they got out so slow.
Meet (4:01.42)
1 Craig Engels NIKE Oregon Project X3:57.35
Splits>
Lap 31.152 31.077 30.847 30.572 29.535 28.931 27.718 27.518
Split 31.152 1:02.228 1:33.074 2:03.646 2:33.181 3:02.111 3:29.829 3:57.347
2 Julian Oakley Ocean State AC X3:57.45
3 Charlie Grice Nike X3:58.31
4 Pat Casey Under Armour X3:59.13
5 Sam Prakel Oregon 3:59.56
6 Brannon Kidder Brooks Beasts X4:01.74
7 Blake Haney Oregon 4:01.87
8 Drew Piazza USA X4:03.14
9 Brodey Hasty Brentwood Track Club X4:03.26
10 Rob Napolitano Hoka NJ-NY TC X4:03.29