Ben Weisel
Mar 12, 20205 min
Our TSR staff is previewing each athlete in each distance event for the Indoor National Championships. Below, we offer analysis and evaluate how each of these athletes will fare at the National Championships. Names are ordered by seed time.
Other Events: 5k
Grijalva made a significant leap this year, running an NCAA #1 time in the 3000 meters (7:43) and an NCAA #4 time in the 5k (13:29). A strong runner who is very familiar with altitude, Grijalva might not have the speed to win a tactical 3k compared to someone like Nuguse, but he certainly has a chance to win it all if the pace is quick from the start.
Other Events: Mile
On a deep NAU team, Beamish might be the one with the most range in this race. With a 3:56 mile and 7:44 3k, Beamish will be able to compete in any type of race thanks to his incredible mix of speed and endurance. Coming off of the mile finals will make the 3k difficult, but in a tactical race, he will be very dangerous.
Other Events: 5k
The American Collegiate Record Holder in the 5k has had one heck of a season, running an NCAA #3 time in the 3k as well (7:45). While not known as a kicker, Day has solidified his reputation as one of the best strength-based runners in the country. His ability to put down a hot pace at altitude will give him a great chance to compete for NCAA gold.
Other Events: DMR
The 2019-20 collegiate season has seen Teare break out in a big way. A 4th place finish at NCAA’s in the fall plus a 3:55 mile and 7:46 3k has put the Duck ace in the top tier of runners in the country. The speed he has shown in the mile this year makes him a much more potent threat in the 3k. Based on his times this season, paired with his national meet success, it is hard to say that he isn’t a favorite to take home at least six points in the 3k.
Other Events: DMR
My personal favorite to win the title in this event, the Irish superstar surprised the country with his 7:46 earlier in the season, but we really shouldn’t have been shocked. He has turned into the best miler in the country (although Oliver Hoare might have something to say about that) and is an All-American in cross country. Of course he can run a good 3k! Nuguse should be the favorite because of his finishing kick. If he can hang with the pace (which, after his 7:46, seems to be a non-issue), then there is no one I would trust more winning a race in the final stretch.
Other Events: 3k + DMR (expected to run)
West has entered another stratosphere this season. He has run 3:36 (1500), 1:48 (800), and 7:47 (3k) this winter. There doesn’t seem to be anything this man cannot do. That said, he will likely be tripling this weekend as he attempts to run the DMR, mile and 3k. It is hard to see him competing for a top spot in the 3k with so much high-caliber racing under his legs, but he has proven that he can throw down an impressive double on more than one occasion, so maybe I'm wrong.
Other Events: 5k
Likely the favorite in many people’s eyes, the Buffalo star has been spectacular this season in every event from the mile to the 5k. His experience, accomplishments at altitude, tactical acumen and overall strength will ensure that Klecker gives himself a good chance at taking home the win. No one is a safer bet to finish within the top three. Whether he will be able to hold off kicks from someone like Teare or Nuguse is debatable, but he will absolutely be in title contention with a lap to go.
Other Events: 5k + DMR
A tough front-runner, Seufer is unafraid to challenge his competitors early in a race. He could struggle in a slower tactical race, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him push the pace early on just like Virginia Tech alum Tommy Curtin did against Edward Cheserek in the 5k back in 2016.
Other Events: DMR
The Cardinal veteran has been one of the most consistent performers over the last two years. He might not have the same upside as some of the other guys in this race, but as his 7:49 proved, he is quick enough to hang with almost anyone. While he isn’t expected to compete for a high finish, he surely will put himself in a good position to score.
Other Events: Mile
A candidate for most Improved Runner of the Year, Tuntivate has shown a level of speed this season that few expected. Between his 7:49 (3k) and 3:57 (mile), the Harvard ace has proven that he belongs in the top tier of the NCAA. As a grinder who likes to keep the pace hot, he may struggle in a championship style race that's at altitude, but he will fight hard to give himself a chance at All-American status. If Seufer takes the pace out hot, Tuntivate could benefit.
*Tuntivate will not be competing after being scratched by Harvard due to Coronavirus concerns
Other Events: 5k + DMR
The winner of NCAA’s this past fall has run well this season, but is not the favorite as he enters the 3k this weekend. An impressive talent who has been better over the longer distances, the Cyclone star has shown some wheels in the middle distances as he broke 4:00 in the mile earlier this year (running 3:58). While he may be unable to keep up in a sit-and-kick race against guys like Beamish or Nuguse, he will likely put himself in an ideal position going into the final few laps.
Other Events: Mile
Another athlete who has elevated his stock tremendously, the Paladin stud has been superb over the mile and 3k distances this year. As long as he can hang with the main pack (which will be tough to do after running in the mile), then he will be dangerous in the last few laps with his top-end speed.
Other Events: DMR
A bit of a forgotten man this year, the Hoosier ace has some of the best range in the country. By concentrating on the DMR and 3k, Mau will come into the 3000 meters fairly fresh, especially with all but one athlete in this field also doubling. An experienced runner on the national stage, Mau is a dark horse to reel in a top three finish.
Other Events: DMR
A proven 3k runner who was 3rd in this event two years ago, the Razorback has top-notch speed and NCAA experience which will make him dangerous in this kind of race. Like Mau, he is only running the DMR before the 3k which will give him an advantage over those who are running the mile before doubling back.
Other Events: Mile
The Cornhusker has had a very similar season to Adams and will be a factor in the 3k for the same reasons. He has the speed to compete with the best in country, but the mile may prevent him from being able to hang with the top group in the 3k. If he can keep up, then this 1:49 800 meter speed could make him a factor in a tactical race.
Other Events: N/A
A strong cross country runner, Rowe has taken a big step up in the shorter distances since he transferred to Washington. His 7:51 result was a big PR, and while he doesn’t have the quickest time in the field, he will be the freshest as he is the only entrant running just once this weekend.