Cade Burks competes at NXR-SW. Photo by Alan Versaw
Generally speaking March is still a little bit early to be putting down really fast performance in the distance races, especially in the 800m. The Chandler Rotary Invitational has proven year in and year out to be the exception to this rule. That fact is undoubtedly part of the reason why the Chandler Rotary is the premiere high school track and field race in the nation during late March.
The 800m features one of Arizona's finest in Perry's Cade Burks. Unfortunately for Arizona track fans since Jordan Gardner had an extended basketball season it does not look like his coaches are having him run the 800m quite yet. That does not mean Cade is going to cruise to victory. William Mayhew from Cheyenne Mountainin Colorado Springs and Wyoming's Hunter Davila should give him all he can handle. William and Hunter will double and compete in the 1600m as well.
The 1600m should sport a strong field, but there may be no stronger runner than Carlos Villarreal of Rio Rico High School. After bursting onto the national scene last fall by scorching the course record at the Twilight Invitational, Carlos has established himself in the converstation for best prep distance runner in the nation. Forgoing the indoor season, look for this to be Carlos' first big test since Nike Cross National. Having always been better suited for the track, maybe a more accurate way to phrase it is Carlos' first shot at making history since NXN. Division 3 rival Jeffery Miller who easily dispatched his heat at New Balance Nationals, will be up there with him as well. Finally, if local distance fans learned anything from Nike Cross Regionals last fall it is that you absolutely cannot count out Utah distance runners. Dylan Anderson from Ogden is the best miler from Beehive state.
Also hailing from Utah is Alek Parson, who comes into the 3200m with one of the fastest times. Look for him to challenge local favorite Lucky Schreiner of Campo Verde for the win. While track fans learned out can't count out Utah, they also should have learned you can't count out Tyler Day. After snagging the most surprising national berth last fall, Tyler looks to carry the momentum forward this spring in track. Look for Tyler to be a dark horse contender for the win in the 3200. Division 1 cross country winner Marcus Wheeler has not yet been seriously challenged in the 3200m. It will be interesting to see how he fairs in a loaded field. If Marcus is close at the end his sprint finish may put him over the top. Alex Stevens rounds out the elite Arizonans in the race.
While Cade Burks is the only returning champion, the field certainly features several familiar faces. This weekend will feature the whose who of distance runners in Arizona, you don't want to miss it! Heat sheets, schedules and more information can be viewed here!