Jeffery Miller (l), Carlos Villarreal (c), and Jordan Gardner (r) are all very accomplished 800m runners, but which one of them will stand at the top of podium? Arizona Milesplit Photos
Why the D3 800m is the Event of the Meet: First off if you haven't heard one of the nation's finest distances runners resides in Rio Rico Arizona. His name is Carlos Villarreal and he basically sprints around the track….2, 4 or 8 laps at a time. While he is known nationally for his speed, it turns out he has some pretty fierce competition on the home front this weekend. Not only has his ability caused his own teammates to step up their game, D3 runners from across the state have stepped up to compete. While Carlos was garnering local headlines for his 1600m and 3200m times at a rate that only people like Larry Fitzgerald, or Kurt Warner understand, Jordan Gardner held the fastest 800m time in the state. Jordan and Carlos are two of the fastest 800m runners not only here in Arizona but nationwide. Carlos has signed to run with the University of Arizona, while Jordan, a junior, has been garnering interest from other division 1 programs. The problem is Arizona track fans have not seen them race each other so far this season. While they haven't raced another, both of these gentleman have had fantastic duels with Jeffery Miller of Page HS. All three of these speedsters are as classy, and friendly as high school boys come. All three of them don't like to lose. Problem is all three can't win the same race so something has got to give. If you are anywhere near Mesa on May 8th, make sure you get over to the MCC. I am hoping I can make it after I get off my shift at Palo Verde NGS (AZ Milesplit will have staff on hand, don't worry). This race could be one for the ages.
Why Carlos will win: Carlos is the defending state champ and holds the fastest time in the event. Not only that, but he has a devastating kick to boot. Calling him anything other than the favorite at this point would be lying. In addition to his times and closing speed, he is very well coached and has a lot of big race experience. Coach Schadler has consistently turned out top performers even without luxuries of a big city at his disposal. He tells his athletes not to worry about their times. Training to race other runners and not the clock has proved a winning strategy for Carlos. Carlos has had the opportunity to race at national level meets like Arcadia, NXN, the Chandler Rotary and the Great Southwest. The pressure of performing well will be nothing new for him.
Why Jordan will win: For much of the season he had a faster 800m than Carlos, even after Carlos ran the 800m at the Arcadia Invitational. What makes this even more impressive is that while Carlos was training over the winter Jordan helped his school's basketball team to a state title. Jordan had to work hard to get in shape fast and he did it. Has he plateaued or does Jordan have another gear for state? If history is any indicator he has another gear. Jordan also get racing tips and advice from Olympic distance runner Josh McAdams. He knows it will take a herculean effort to beat Carlos. He also has the ability to pull off such a feat. Additionally, Jordan should have the freshest legs of the bunch. Carlos and Jeffery will wage a fierce battle in the mile earlier on during the day. This will leave them both a little less than fresh. Jordan on the other hand will have a 400m prelim. While his event is closer to the 800m, all he needs to do is qualify for finals. Running just hard enough to qualify for finals in the 400m should be easier than running an all-out mile. This will benefit him in the 800m. Will it be enough to take down Carlos? Well that's why they run the race.
Why Jeffery will win: Jeffery is a dark horse contender in the 800m. To the best of my knowledge he has never beaten either Carlos or Jordan over the 800m. With that being said Jeffery is as tough as nails. I have watched more than one race of his were he sits and dials into a specific pace. Jeffery will run that pace until the finish line, breaking other athletes who are not up for challenge. Jeffery will ensure this is an honest pace as he is not afraid to front run. If Carlos and Jordan don't go with him, he probably won't slow down on the second lap like most front runners. It is a long shot, but betting against Jeffery's will-to is not a wise move either.
If you absolutely can't make it on Friday night, make sure to come Saturday morning. All three runners are slated to be anchoring their schools 4x800m. All three relay teams have similar times when you add their top 4 800m times (Please note they all qualified at different points in the season so their seed times are very different). It is shaping up to be one heck of an anchor leg battle for the D3 guys!