Two USATF State Championships contested last weekend: The Blair Elite Downtown Mile and the NE 5 Mile were both held Saturday, the club was well represented at both.  Peter & Molly, Craig & Linda take the overal and masters titles in the Mile.  Kaci & Mike, Steve and Roxi take the titles in the 5.  BEDM results: Photos can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/teamnebraska   Elite Mile Peter van der Westhuizen * 4:17.3 Shannon Stenger      # 4:17.86 Matthew Schneider        # 4:18.11 Evan Knight             4:22.61 Matthew Pohren     4:23.8 Colin Morrissey        4:24.48 Jordan Tucker   4:26.99 Peter Falcon         4:28.67 Michael Beatie      4:32.74 Keegan Bloomfield              4:32.97 Paul Wilson           4:37.3 Dani Dapo        4:41.22 * = new course record # = beat previous course record Women's Elite Mile Molly Christensen         5:19.23 Michaela Lenihan            6:24.55 Masters Elite Mile 1. Craig Christians            4:53.2 2. Kraig Vanderbeek         4:53.4 3. James Hunter               5:21.0 Masters Women 1. Linda Barnhart              5:43.34 Suing runs American Milers Club High Performance Series 800M in Indianapolis, nice 1:50.84 from the slow heat. Wandzilak captures Sandhill Marathon title, Nott takes Maryville Marathon.  Brian's recap: SANDHILLS MARATHON  By Brian Wandzilak w/ approval from Tom Lewis Cows are surprisingly swift beasts.  How we came to know this is actually a pretty good story. The alarm went off at 4:15 am.  The folks at the Holiday Inn Express had been kind enough to start the breakfast early for those of us staying there.  Only marathoners could be chipper that early in the morning.  I met with Tom Volk, Tom Lewis, and a guy nicknamed Hoss and we loaded up a truck, port a potties in tow, and headed down the starting area. Some places are described as being in the middle of nowhere.  Well the starting line was the middle of nowhere.  About 10 miles south of Merritt Reservoir, the beginning of the Sandhills Marathon was located at the west end of Brownlee Road.  This is actually on most state maps of Nebraska.  It is the only road that goes through this area.  Mostly flat, with a few rolling hills around the 10-mile mark.  This course wanders just enough you don't get bored, or get a view of what is ahead of you. With a true shotgun start from a local rancher, and former Sioux Falls runner, named Jason, off we went.   The more morning was absolutely perfect.  Mid 40s, sunny, fog was around, slight breeze for a headwind, you could not have asked for any better. Most marathons have stretches of the race where there are very few spectators.  Well, with the exception of volunteers and a handful of ranchers, there was nobody watching.  I don't mean that as hyperbole, there was literally no one.  The only fans we had were a few herds of cattle.  Being unaccustomed to people on foot (which to a cow is apparently vastly different than people on horseback), an entire herd would take off running.  But they wouldn't run away.  They would run parallel to you.  They would pause look at you, think WTF (you could see it on their faces), then keep running.  I was averaging right around 7:00/mile and these guys were keeping up.  It was unreal, they would go and go.  Since the ranches out there go for miles, we had bovine pacers for one or more miles. So besides the cows and volunteers, how do you occupy yourself for hours.  You could look at your watch constantly, you could look for out for carcasses of small animals, watch for rattlesnakes that are known to sun themselves on the road.  All of these are options.  But, the beauty of this event is the beauty of the course.  You run through an area that is crossed by one road and that is the one you are on.  There are miles of ranch land to look at, the solitude could be overwhelming, if it wasn't so darn pretty.  Of course the silence was broken by an aid station every 2-3 miles that was manned by the children of a participant, and the cheered loudly. After miles of turning roads and fields, after a quick jaunt into the unincorporated town of Brownlee, you come into the finishing miles.  Like any marathon these hurt.  And so help me the last three were all uphill, despite what the race organizers said.  Post race was filled hanging out by the side of a country road in the middle of the Sandhills, drinking (beer, water, Gatorade, whatever), cheering runners in and socializing.  All the goods things associated with a running event. This is an event that every runner in Nebraska should do.  However, it comes up with a few warnings.  If you like crowds to keep you going, do not do this run.  If you want a really fast time, do not do this.  Otherwise, any Nebraskan should get out to this.  Andy Pollock and Scott Schwartz do a great job as race directors.  They should be given mad props for thinking this up and following through.  To anyone who asks, it is a great running experience. More info on all the races in the news.... Bellevue West All Comers Meet results: 6/10/09 1500M 1. Matt Schneider      3:58.5* 2. Shannon Stenger   4:01.2* 3. Matt Pohren          4:04.6* 4. Evan Knight          4:04.7* 5. Paul Wilson          4:08.3 6. Brian Wandzilak    4:28.1 800M 1. Evan Knight        1:54.3* 2. Mike Beatie         1:58.7* 3. Brian Wandzilak  2:14.8 *=USA Club T&F Championships qualifier Mile PR for Peter: Peter ran a lifetime pr with a very speedy 3:56.26.  Good enough for 11th in the toughest mile field in the world this year.  Good on you mate ! Mile:  1. Asbel Kiprop, KEN              3:48.50 PB, WL  2. Haron Keitany, KEN             3:48.78 PB  3. Nathan Brannen, CAN            3:52.63 PB  4. Belal Mansoor Ali, BRN         3:53.05 SB  5. Nicholas Kiptanui Kemboi, KEN  3:53.43 SB  6. Lopez Lomong, USA              3:53.47 PB  7. Evan Jager, USA                3:54.35 PB  8. Shedrack Kibet Korir, KEN      3:54.77 SB  9. Henok Legesse, ETH             3:54.81 PB 10. Alan Webb, USA                 3:55.99 SB 11. Peter van der Westhuizen, RSA  3:56.26 PB 12. Will Leer, USA                 3:56.63 PB 13. Leonel Manzano, USA            3:58.68 14. Josphat Mitunga Kithii, KEN    4:01.09 PB    Be sure to check the News page for more TNB results and information.  Click here to watch the video Peter moves to #7 on World list for 2009!  After another tough race with Webb at the Drake Relays Mile, Peter headed to the Payton Jordan Stanford Invitational to battle the toughest 1500 field of the year.  A hard charge brought him his 3rd consecutive 2nd place finish, but more importantly his 3:37.22 moves him to #7 for the world this year.  Amazing stuff Peter, Giddyup! Suing debuts in Michigan Nick Suing made his TNB debut this past weekend in Michigan at the USATF Open 800 meters.  It was a quick one, our relay team for NYC is looking formidable! 1 Currie, Adam                 Montreal TC            1:49.51   2 Pawlaczyk, Luke              Siena Heights        1:49.93  3 Suing, Nick                           TNB                      1:51.24   4 Crowe, Jake                  Playmakers             1:52.67   5 Saalfeld, Michael            Concordia              1:52.70   6 Johnson, Kyle                Playmakers             1:56.87   7 Simmons, Adrian              Siena Heights       1:59.62 Henry hits A Standard!  Angee Henry ran a 2:04.79 lifetime pr yesterday winning in Nashville, putting her under the USA Track & Field Outdoor National Champs standard of 2:05.00!  Giddyup Angee!!!  Link to Angee's race: http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view_video/235119/184952-w-800-elite-800 Blair Elite Downtown Mile named USATF Nebraska 1 Mile Road Race Championships.  The BEDM has agreed to a 3 year hosting deal with Nebraska LDR.  The race will be held at noon, June 13, going off in front of the annual parade.  This is great news for the mates as there is a nice prize purse and 3 years experience by the LOC.  Lowell Peterson and Derek Fey have done a great job with this nice little race, Invited Elite fields and a small hometown flavor that makes this one of the real gems of racing in Nebraska!  Come see the mates fly! Recent race results including Bellevue Barn Burner, Havelock and more in the news section.. PETER THE GREAT! Peter ran a gutsy, tough race this afternoon, lifetime pr and his World Championships qualifier.  He broke the magical 3:36.00 barrier with a sparkling 3:35.33.  Next up, Prefontaine Classic!  More recap soon.... The Mates roll through Des Moines en route to Dam to Dam success.  Full race report as soon as results are finalized and published.  Molly Engel had a fine race with 6th overall female in the biggest 20K in the country.  Westhuizen to compete at Reebok Grand Prix and Prefontaine Mile!  To be televised on NBC from 3:30-5:00 pm. Peter's recent racing prowess has earned him a lane at the two biggest track meets in the United States.  He will run the 1500 at this Saturday's Reebok Grand Prix 30 in NYC and will travel to the opposite coast the following weekend to compete in the hallowed Prefontaine Mile.  Giddyup! Peter will speak at the Bellevue Track Banquet tonight, Thursday May 28.   Westhuizen, Shadle to speak at XC Camp. Peter and Nebraska legend Anne Shadle will present at the Papillion La Vista XC camp next Monday at 9:00 am.  The two will represent TNB while speaking to 60 7th-12th graders at the annual running camp.  A great outreach, we are always thrilled to provide speakers and inspiration.          Westhuizen 3rd at Adidas Track Classic Peter ran a great race Saturday evening.  Strong, savvy, confident and courageous.   Peter came up on Bernard Lagat's shoulder at the bell lap wanting to stretch the speed out over the lap instead of the final hundred, gutsy move that took him to a fine 3rd o/a against the finest field of the year.  Good on ya mate!

1 Lagat, Bernard  USA 3:36.38 2 Brannen, Nate CAN 3:37.03 3 Van Der Westhuizen, Peter RSA 3:38.29 4 Lomong, Lopez USA 3:39.21 5 Leer, Will USA 3:39.69 6 Lalang, Boaz KEN 3:39:90 7 Sherer, Steve USA 3:39.97 8 Jager, Evan USA 3:40.60 9 Solares, Pablo MEX 3:42.88 10 Rankin, Jon USA 3:44.83 12 Perkins, Adam   USA 3:48.14 13 Krummenacker, David USA 3:49.70 14 Manzano, Leo USA 3:57.55

A nice Flotrack interview with Peter post race: http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view_video/235054-2009-adidas-outdoor-classic/179578-peter-van-der-westhuizen-adidas-track-classic-2009

Tucker wins TNB debut! Jordan Tucker made his first race with TNB a memorable one winning the Papillion Half Marathon this morning in 1:18:18.  A particularly sweet victory as he chased down a former TNB mate over the last 3 miles, good competition between a couple of great guys.  Jordan joins us after graduating from Concordia University with a double major in Business and Graphic Design, he is also on the Board of Directors for Team Nebaska Brooks.  May this be the first of many Jordan!

Hubbard runs away with Havelock 10K

Brittany Hubbard made it a one woman race yesterday at the Havelock Charity Run 10K, taking the title in 39:36.  TNB mates Bridget Baldwin (41:52) and Courtney Mann (42:55) were 3rd and 5th, great running ladies!  In the men's race Dylan Wilson took 7th in 35:54.  In the accompanying 3K race Evan Knight made his club debut finish 4th in 9:14, a bit of a stretch for our 800m ace.  A big welcome to the club to both Evan and Bridget (Bridget actually debuted at Boystown).

Christians takes Barn Burner 10K

Masters ace Craig Christians continues a strong spring taking his hometown 10K  in 38:38, nice job OldSchool!

Bolder Boulder 10K

Natalie Jetensky returned to racing in a big way running a sparkling 40:53, great job NJet!  Kami Alessandro also returned to racing, it must have been great to not be pushing a stroller!  John Nichols also competed to round out the team.

Boystown 5 Mile.  Results not yet available. 


Great interview of Barry Magee by the Runner's Tribe.  Often described as more Lydiard than Lydiard. (A great read on Barry is "Arthur's Boys, The Golden Era of New Zealand Athletics", a gem if you can find it).  Here is the link to the interview, thanks as always to Nobby Hashizume and the Lydiard Foundation for great source work.
http://www.lydiardfoundation.org/blog/EntryDisplay.aspx?EntryID=85


 Possible attempt at Nebraska Road Mile record in the works.  TNB and the USATF Nebraska LDR leadership are working with the Blair Elite Development Mile in hopes of getting the course officially USATF Certified and Sanctioned.  TNB President Will Lindgren has arranged for Peter vd Westhuizen to attempt to break his 3:58 state record set at the 2008 Omaha Mile should the BEDM get its certification.  All race courses eligible for official record keeping must be USATF Certified.

Team Nebraska Brooks rocks State Farm 10 Mile & 5K. TNB kicked off its spring road season Saturday morning in Lincoln at the annual 5K & 10 Mile.  17 of our athletes were entered, a great showing for the club as Gina Morgan dominated the women's 10, sister in law Kelley did the same to the women's 5K (Mike Morgan took the o/a in the men's 10).  Levi had a good run to lead the TNB men in the 10 finishing 2nd o/a.  Outstanding debuts for the club by Dylan Wilson, and Kaci Lickteig, both are training for the full Lincoln Marathon using the renowned McLatchie Marathon Training Program (the Kool Aid really does work!).  Both had nearly 5 minute prs! 

Full results can be found here: http://www.lincolnrun.org/State%20Farm/sf09-10m.htm
Photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/teamnebraska

The 3rd annual Ni-Bthaska-Ke 12K Trail Run will be held on Saturday, April 4th.  The toughest trail run in the midwest, this event's popularity continues to spread.  Unique give aways (Cabela's Nebraska Throws) take the place of your traditional t-shirts, and the awards presented by Cabela's (cast iron cookware) are as functional as they are collectible.  This year the event will be staged at Mallet Lodge, so there will be plenty of indoor facilities for our piping hot signature dish and ceremonies.  Cabins are available at Platte River State Park, be sure to make a weekend of it if you can.

Course description from Ivan Marsh: the 12k course is on rugged and very hilly single track terrain. total elevation change was GPSed at 3400 feet. not much else to say except this is not a typical city sidewalk or crushed rock trail run. the Ni-Bthaska-Ke trail run is one of the most difficult races in the midwest. when you finish the race you will feel a great sense of accomplishment. this is a very unique race for this area. so if you are up for a challenge while taking in the beauty of the scenic Platte River State Park wilderness, this is the event for you. parking is available by the Mallet lodge, or tennis court areas. the race starts on the dam, across the street from the tennis courts. you will need a Nebraska parks sticker to enter the park. if you do not have one, then you can purchase one at the park office. i hope to see y'all out there. happy trails.


Results from far and wide:

Bozarth kicks off season at Seahawk Invitational: Aaron began his Hammer season at last weekend's Seahawk Invitational at UNC Wilmington.  Good set with a 53.88m toss good enough for 4th overall.  Aaron will be working towards the Hammer  at the USA Club Champs later this summer at Ichan Stadium in NYC. 

Team Nebraska Brooks will be keeping our daily training logs at www.athleticore.com  This site hosts some of the finest clubs and athletes from across the entire U.S.  Great functions and cool to be able to follow the Hansons, TNB mates and many others!

ANGEE HENRY makes USA Indoor finals! Angee ran 2:06.42 on Saturday to make Sunday's final in the Women's 800 at the USA
Indoor National Championships in Boston yesterday.  In the final, she ran a gritty 2:08.53 to finish 5th.  Angee has worked hard all winter and has made the club and entire State of Nebraska proud!  A huge Congratulations Angee!

Indoor results from Feb. 20/21
Matt Pohren: Central Missouri Indoor Mile- 4:24
Shannon Stenger: Nebraska Tune Up Mile- 4:24
Paul Wilson: Nebraska Tune Up 3K- 8:48

Marsh defends at Trek to the Top
Ivan Marsh pulled a hat trick winning the First National Bank Stair Run Up for the 3rd year in a row.  Ivan was nearly a minute quicker than his nearest competitor, making the climb in a quick 4:22.TNB mates Jeff Marshall (5:17), Bob Garcia (6:45) also competed.

Ivan Marsh claims Psyco Wyco 50K Trail title.
Ivan defended his crown on some crappy footing thanks to snow the night before.  Completed the course in 4:22:10, nineteen minutes ahead of second place.  Ivan is just a beast on these trails, the more difficult the better!

Henry qualifies for USA Indoor National Championships!
Angee nailed her qualifer Friday night at the Iowa State Classic, running 2:07.47 for 4th in a stacked field.  We'll see Angee in Boston at the end of this month at the Indoor Nationals, congratulations Angee!     

Henry takes Husker Invite
Angee Henry took care of most of her business Saturday night.  She dispatched the field at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational.  Her winning time of 2:10 just missed her goal of 2:08, the USA National Indoor Championships qualifying mark.  She'll get it next time.

Barnhart claims age group hardware at USA Masters Half Marathon National Championships. Linda toughed out a 1:35:18, good enough for a top 20 and 3rd 45-49 finish. 

Peter vd Westhuizen scores impressive pr at 1500 Peter is in South Africa training at altitude, reports running a pr 3:39.04 this weekend, Giddyup!

Stenger warms up in mile
Shannon Stenger traveled to the Hillenbrand Open for the 1 mile contest and blew some rust out with a hard pressed 4:33.  That brand new baby girl will take some getting used to!

Animal Run 5 Mile
Several TNB females including the following (nta):
1) Gina Morgan
2) Michelle Paxton
4) Stephanie Randall
6) Courtney Mann

TEAM NEBRASKA BROOKS 2009 ROAD RACE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RELEASES EVENTS, DATES! COMING SOON, UPDATED FLYERS AND INFO UNDER UPCOMING EVENTS (TO THE LEFT)

Also on tap for 2009: 

The 3rd annual Monster Dash 5K will also undergo changes to better serve the growing numbers for the event.  The venue will remain the same, the Natural Resources Center at Lake Wehrspann (156th & Giles).   A brand new, faster and friendlier, but no less frightening course will featured along with the outstanding awards (produced by local artist Candace Blanchard, they are truly collectors items), hot signature dish, terrifying t-shirts and monster mash music.  The Monster Dash will be held October 24th.

The 4th annual Swamp Stomp will be making a major move as we have rescheduled to November 7 and taken the Cajun Festivities to the famed cross country course at Chalco Hills (Lake Wehrspann located at 156th & Giles).  The distance will be increased from the historical 5K, team scoring, and a perfect opportunity to prep for Living History Farms.  Same great Cajun music, food, one of a kind awards (2008 featured hand painted ceramic Mardi Gras masks from New Orleans) and great fun, brand new venue!

Howdy from Houston!
Levi Ashley ran a pr 1:06:59 to finish 32nd at the USA Half Marathon National Championships in Houston, TX.  Levi's mate and training partner Tom Nichols also completed the race in 1:11:43 for 51st.  In the full marathon Mike Reilly knocked 14:00 off his pr with a nice 2:58:30, good enough for a top 100 finish.  More proof in the McLatchie marathon training program pudding. 

And from Lincoln...
Angee Henry scorced a 2:09 800 at the Holiday Inn Invite at the Devaney Center.  Angee is this close to getting her USA Indoor National T&F Champs qualifier of 2:08.00.  Giddyup girl!  Also at the Invite, Paul Wilson ran 8:54 in the 3000 for a top 10 finish.  Both Angee and Paul will be running the Twin Cities Mile on May 7.

Team Nebraska Brooks Honorary Membership awarded.  TNB's highest honor has been bestowed on John Fey for his two decades of providing coverage of the Nebraska running scene.  John wrote for the Omaha World Herald until budgetary cutbacks in the late fall eliminated his position.  John fought tooth and nail for coverage of our sport, a battle not many would take up in this football crazy landscape.  Please join me in congratulating John on this award and give him a huge thanks for his years of service to our running community!

Team Nebraska Brooks year end awards announced:
Male Athlete of the Year: Levi Ashley
Female Athlete of the Year: Laura Ferguson
Masters Male AOY: Bob Garcia Masters
Female AOY: Linda Barnhart
Contributor of the Year: Matt Gunderson and the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation