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2012 PRESEASON RANKINGS
2011 NATIONAL RANKINGS
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRE

XCNATION RUNNER OF THE YEAR

EDWARD CHESEREK, ST. BENEDICTS HS, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY

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News Flash ...the top boys cross country runner in the United States of America for 2011 is Edward Cheserek . We wonder if Gatorade was privy to this information.

Edward Cheserek...the first to break 15-minutes at Garret Mountain (14:53CR), Holmdel Park course record (14:53CR), the first to break 12-minutes at historic Van Cortlandt Park to claim the Eastern States Championship at the Manhattan Invitational (11:55CR), first ever under 15-minutes at Goddard State Park (14:34CR), US#2 all-time 14:20 to break course record at Brookdale Park, breaks 22-year old record at Warinaco Park (15:18CR), broke the 35-year old Sunken Meadow to claim the Foot Locker Northeast Championship (15:20CR)...then defeated Nike Cross National Champion Futsum Zeneselassie to claim the Foot Locker National Championship.

Congratulations Edward! Those of us who actually followed the season know that you are the best cross country runner in the nation and the 2011 National XC Runner of the Year.

2012 PRESEASON RANKINGS

XCNATION PRE-SEASON WATCHLIST

CBA, NJ REPEAT? YORK, IL IS BACK! (DIVISION I)

US#1 Christian Brothers Academy, New Jersey boys are poised to repeat as National Team Champions. The top returning team in New Jersey State History happens to be the defending National Champions. Can anyone stop CBA? >>2012 BOYS PRE-SEASON RANKINGS

F-M THE GREATEST PROGRAM? (DIVISION I)

The team of the hour is US#1 Fayetteville Manlius, New York. The six-time consecutive defending national champions return 6 of 7 from the 2011 national championship team. Can they be stopped? Not likely. >>2012 GIRLS PRE-SEASON RANKINGS

THE AGE OF THE SMALL SCHOOL (DIVISION II)

More than 13-million students are enrolled in US high schools. 2-million of those students fall into the small school criteria with a total enrollment less than 500-students. As is necessary in collegiate sports small schools must be represented fairly in relation to the large school student-body juggernauts. These students will be recognized with a Small School National Team Championship. >>2012 PRE-SEASON RANKINGS

2011 NATIONAL RANKINGS

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NHSCA PRESS RELEASE

NHSCA OFFICIAL

CROSS COUNTRY

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

TEAM SPOTLIGHT
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FAYETTEVILLE MANLIUS XC

" Having embarked upon the Stotan Way of Life, like the Spartans, one must go through with it to the end. There is no giving up throughout life. The first pre-requisite for a Stotan is tenacity. The next is to understand that his loyalties are towards making the most of the material that is his, to the expansion, or at least the manifestation of the Life Force, and a constant identification of himself with his Life Force through his Way of Life. To live this Way of Life is hard. It is not for weaklings. It is the Way that is travelled by all the truly great ones. It requires strenuous effort of body and mind. " ~Percy Cerutty

ALL TEAM SPOTLIGHTS
Fayetteville Manlius XC Story Slick

ROCKSTAR RUNNERS 314937_2230830344300_1654114606_2189296_1475315060_n.jpg

"My mom always says that I ran as soon as I learned to walk! Running has always been part of who I am; I was called Wheels when I played elementary school soccer and was always the player with the most energy. I am inspired by my love of running. The incredible feeling that comes over me when I run drives me to work as hard as I can." Erin Finn

ERIN FINN "ROCKSTAR RUNNER"

Erin Finn "Wheels"

HALL OF FAME

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME MUSEUM

Flash

TEAM SPOTLIGHTS

ROCKSTAR RUNNERS

A LOOK BACK

CURRENT RANKINGS

Why Do You Run?

XC HISTORY 101

Steve Prefontaine Inspirational Video

-The first national championship system was implemented by Track&fieldnews founder Bert Nelson entitled "Postal Nationals" where teams mailed via mail (postal) time trial results for 2mile and 3mile distances. These began in 1957 and ended in 1978. Read more...

-Craig Virgin of Lebanon ran 13:50.6 in 1972 to set the Illinois State Cross Country Championship record. This is the oldest state cross country record in the books. Read more...

-Founded in 1890 the USA Winter XC Championships are the nations oldest national championship.

-Arcadia HS boys team recorded the fastest team average over the 3-mile distance in US history 10/29/2010 at the Apache Invitational. They averaged 14:28.60 per runner with a 72:23 total team time. They also recorded the second fastest 5k team average at the California State Championships when they averaged 15:14.20 per runner. Read more...

-The first official rankings to girls HS teams was released in 1977 by Marc Bloom's Harrier Magazine. Edison, CA was awarded the team national championship. Read more...

-The Track&fieldnews '57-'78 Postal record for two-miles is 8:51.8 set in 1975 by York HS Ron Craker. Read more...

-Lukas Verzbicas is the only high school athlete to win both Nike Cross and Foot Locker Nationals in the same year becoming the first consensus national champion in history. Read more...

-The tightest 1-5 spread in US history at state meet competition happened in 1981 at the Indiana State Cross Country Championships. Carmel averaged 15:16.66 with a 9-second 1-5 spread. The team average is US#3 all-time over the 5000 meter distance. Read more...

-The Track&fieldnews '57-'78 Postal record for 3-miles is 13:43.6 set in 1973 by Rich Kimball of DeLaSalle. Read more...

-The first HS national champion was awarded to Bromfield, MA senior Lynn Jennings by harrier magazine in 1977.

-The fastest individual 5000 meters in US history happened in 2000 at the Michigan State Championships when Dathan Ritzenhein blasted 14:10.4.

-The Track&fieldnews '57-'78 Postal record for team times are 73:17.6 for 3-miles set in 1975 by York IL and 46:21.0 for 2-miles set in 1972 by Lompoc CA

-Steve Prefontaine won the 1968 Oregon State Cross Country Championship in 11:30.2. The time is the US record for 2.5 miles (4000 meters).

-Boston Bill Rodgers won the first medal for the USA at the World Cross Country Championships finishing 3rd in 1975 a month before winning his first Boston Marathon. Read More...

-Most know Jim Ryun as America's greatest miler and first sub-4 prep. However, he was also an accomplished cross country runner leading Wichita East to the 1964 team championship behind a state record 9:08 for two-miles. Read more...

-Who ran the fastest team average over 5000 meters in US history for boys cross country teams? 1980 Bloomington North HS at the Indiana State Championships when they averaged 15:12.68 for the distance. Read more...

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1980 IAAF World Cross Country Championships (last 1/2 mile)

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NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION

NATIONAL TEAM RANKINGS

2012 BOYS DIVISION I LARGE SCHOOL US#1

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY, LINCROFT, NEW JERSEY

>>>2012 High School National Team Rankings<<<

2012 BOYS DIVISION II SMALL SCHOOL US#1

MONTICELLO HS, MONTICELLO, IOWA

>>>2012 High School National Team Rankings<<<

2012 GIRLS DIVISION I LARGE SCHOOL US#1

FAYETTEVILLE HS, MANLIUS, NEW YORK

>>>2012 High School National Team Rankings<<<

2012 GIRLS DIVISION II SMALL SCHOOL US#1

TATNALL HS, WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

>>>2012 High School National Team Rankings<<<

THEGREATEST

THE GREATEST

A chronicle of the greatest American Prep distance runner of all-time

[2011 World Junior Triathlon Champion; 2011 USA Junior Triathlon National Champion; 2011 National HS Indoor Mile 4:10 (4:03SB)/Two-Mile 8:40/5000 Meter 14:06 Champion; National Outdoor Two-Mile record holder 8:29.46; 2011 Dream Mile Champion 3:59.71; 2009 & 2010 Foot Locker National Champion; 2010 Nike Cross National Champion. National Indoor 5000 Meter Record Holder. Two-time Illinois State Cross Country Champion. Undefeated in prep cross country]

By Aron Taylor

When we first started speaking with Lukas Verzbicas before the cross country season he shared some goals for his senior campaign. He made it clear he wanted to win both national cross country championships. He wanted to break the indoor two-mile record, the outdoor two-mile record, the four-minute mile and to be regarded as the greatest high school distance runner of all-time. History will reflect Lukas Verzbicas accomplished his goal.

In 1963 the prep world was turned up-side down by two 17 year old phenoms Gerry Lindgren and Jim Ryun. In an age without the Internet, national broadcasting of athletic events or instant media access Lindgren and Ryun set the bar. Ryun, the feiry Kansas junior and Lindgren the improbable tiny iron horse Washington senior set sights on the 4-minute mile and the 9-minute two-mile. Each would set a standard of excellence that would stand as benchmarks for the prep distance runner.

An assault on the prep two-mile, with the assistance of Track & Field News founder Bert Nelson the top distance runners in America assembled at the Holiday Invitational in San Fransisco, California for an indoor two-mile. Among them Jim Ryun who had run 9:07 outdoors and Lindgren who had run 8:59 for two-miles in a cross country race the previous fall. On that day Lindgren bested Ryun running 9:00.00 to break the previous indoor record of 9:27, considering the world record was in the high 8:30's Lindgren was the talk of the nation. Several weeks later he would drop that time to 8:46.00. On February 15, 1964 running against world record holder Ron Clarke, Lindgren clocked a hand-timed 8:40.00. Few knew at the time what this one mark, and the 40.00 following it would mean for the sport of prep distance running. 8:40.00 has served as the benchmark for the prep two-mile runner since 1964 and remained an untouched record. The outdoor campaign would see Lindgren and Ryun battle back and forth as each scrambled to read there most recent copy of Track & Field News only to find they were trading off breaking the national outdoor mile record. Ultimately Ryun would run 3:59.00 on June 5, 1964, like Lindgren establishing a benchmark for excellence for the prep distance runner. Lindgren and Ryun left there mark through extraordinary individual achievements that has stood the test of time always remembered, each for their own event the mile and two-mile.

"I want to be remembered...when I win (people) remember me more, when I lose they start forgetting me...it is my drive to win. I terribly want to win. Its this willingness to work so hard and to sacrifice so that I end up on top."~Lukas Verzbicas

In 1968, Coos Bay senior Steve Prefontaine set sights on breaking the 4-minute mile and the 8:40 two-mile. Coming into his senior track season with junior bests 9:01 and 4:14 he felt he had what it took to crack the barriers. When Prefontaine decided to go for the prep two-mile record he knew the task would be challenging. As recorded by his high school coach Walt McClure, Prefontaine ran alone from the gun leading the entire race. The planned pace was 66-seconds for the first 6 laps however Pre went out in 68 and then evened out with a 64. After hammering 66 and 65's he dropped a 64 on his 7th lap and finished with a 61.5 final quarter. His time, 8:41.5 established an outdoor national record just 1.5 seconds shy of his goal of 8:40.0 and superior to the outdoor record of 8:48.3 set in 1966 by Rick Riley. That time is still regarded by the NFHS as the prep two-mile record. At the time Lindgren was running undefeated in the NCAA's with near 10 National Championships and was regarded by many as the finest distance runner in America. To run 8:41.5 put Pre in rockstar status, his eventual 4:06 mile attempt fell just short of his sub four minute goal. As history will reflect Prefontaine left his mark and went on to become America's greatest distance runner.

The Lukas Verzbicas story not only one-ups Gerry Lindgren, Jim Ryun, and Steve Prefontaine, it places Verzbicas on a stratosphere and level never before achieved. Like Lindgren, Ryun and Prefontaine, Verzbicas had goals of breaking records, winning championships, and being remembered. Running against the best in America it can be argued Lukas has faced the stiffest competition ever afforded an American prep while winning every national championship he has competed.

The youngest cross country national champion in history Lukas won the Foot Locker National Championship as a sophomore. At the 2009 Foot Locker National Championship Verzbicas defeated Nike Cross National Champion Craig Lutz solidifying his consensus #1 national ranking. After rigorous summer academic work Lukas announced last fall he would be skipping his junior year and enter the 2010 fall cross country season as a senior. After completing the season undefeated Lukas accomplished a feat never before attained when he claimed both the Nike Cross National and Foot Locker National Championships. Completing his prep career undefeated in cross country races Verzbicas earned a place in cross country immortality and will be regarded by many as the greatest prep cross country runner all-time.

How will Lukas Verzbicas be remembered as a prep competitor? Fearless.

The following indoor season Verzbicas set sights on a monumental task, breaking the 8:40.00 barrier and claiming the National Indoor Championship Triple Crown. At the New Balance National Indoor Championships, on the grandest stage of them all, Lukas ran to an impressive 14:06.78 national indoor 5000 meter record. He then backed that up with a solo 8:40.66 indoor two-mile. The two-mile has been something of question since Lindgren's 8:40.00 was hand-timed while Lukas 8:40.66 was FAT timed, one could assume the marks are near identical. While Lindgren ran 8:40.00 against world record holder Ron Clarke, Verzbicas ran alone with super-soph Edward Cheserek breathing down his back. One of the great individual achievements in prep track & field history the national indoor two-mile will not soon be forgotten. Lukas then faced many fresh and top national milers and claimed the national indoor mile championship in a gutsy courageous race. Like cross country following the New Balance Indoor National Championships Lukas had achieved something never before accomplished and done it in historic fashion. Verzbicas will always be remembered for achieving the "Triple-Crown" at the National Indoor Championships.

he outdoor season would be a short one for Lukas. His goal of breaking the national two-mile record and the 4-minute mile would lead him down a hyper-focused schedule to Hayward Field and the Dream Mile. Traveling to the "House that Pre Built" Verzbicas had utter confidence in himself and set a monumental goal of 8:29. Few would have ever thought that mark could be achieved by a high school athlete. Yet as the laps clipped away and as Verzbicas held on the mark seemed more and more a reality. Heading into the final lap Lukas dropped a 60-second quarter to finish with an 8:29.46. The mark speaks for itself, a time so impressive and astounding it rivals that of the 4-minute mile. A legendary performance immortalizing Verzbicas. However, he was not yet finished. As stated over a year ago Lukas had a goal of breaking 4-minutes in the mile and solidifying his place as a great. Competing at the Adidas Grand Prix High School Dream Mile, an event inspired by the legendary Jim Ryun the phenom Lukas Verzbicas did what he knew possible. 3:59.71...becoming only the fifth prep ever to achieve the mark and the second fastest high school only mile in US history.

It is clear that the complete story of Lukas Verzbicas has yet to be written. However, if his first chapter is a prelude of things to come we are all witnessing something never before achieved and an individual athlete willing to do that which has never been done before. The argument has been made and the marks speak for themselves and present Verzbicas as the most heralded soon to be collegiate freshman all-time. As Lukas Verzbicas closes his high school running chapter he leaves convincingly the finest prep distance runner of all-time.

And they heard them shout, "Lukas, Lukas, Lukas". Good Luck at Oregon!

Bernard Lagat wins 2 mile in Prefountaine - from Universal Sports

High school senior Lukas Verzbicas runs in the mens two-mile championship _ the Prefontaine Classic shattering the prep record for the distance. The mark Established a new high school record 8:29.46 becoming the first prep under the 8:30 barrier.

2010 National Championship Boys Race

High school senior Lukas Verzbicas repeats as Foot Locker National Champion. A week after claiming victory at Nike Cross Nationals Verzbicas runs away from the field becoming only the third prep to repeat at Foot Locker. Verzbicas remained undefeated in cross country his entire prep career.

ROCKSTAR RUNNERS

EDWARD CHESEREK

EDWARD CHESEREK

RISE OF THE KING

[2011 Foot Locker National Champion; 2011 National 5000 Meter Champion; Sophomore Class Record Holder Mile 4:03.29, Two-Mile 8:42.66, 5000 Meters 14:02.33]

By Aron Taylor

"At both races I got the feeling of how fierce of a competitor he is by his persistence to never let me run away from him. At NXN I feel he made some tactical errors leading most of the race into a huge wind, but even so he was able to kick himself into 2nd place by less than 3 seconds. At the New balance 2 mile I really felt his willingness to hang on to me as long as possible, at times in the back of my mind I was content with 2nd place because I felt how strong he was just breathing down my neck ready to strike, it's quite intimidating." ~Lukas Verzbicas

America is the land of freedom and opportunity. The Statue of Liberty, who stands in New York Harbor shining the light of freedom and holding the principles of this country in her hand, welcomes people of all nations. She encompasses the ideals of those who dream of life in America. They visualize a new life where there is no oppression, where they can freely express their ideas, and where they can be educated to openly pursue their endeavors.

"When I was on the plane to America I was so excited. Running here is better for me because there is a lot of opportunities and facilities and I feel better when I'm running here in the States. Life for me here is different than Kenya, I feel comfortable when I'm here and life is safe." ~Edward Cheserek

Cheserek hit the ground running last fall seizing his opportunity and making a statement while competing for St. Benedicts Prep in Newark, New Jersey. Only a sophomore the 17-year old has lined career moment after career moment to his resume and still hasn't been in the US a full year. Coming from the Rift Valley and the heart of great Kenyan distance running Cheserek is currently reaping the rewards of a journey that took him from a life of struggle and danger, from the halls of an orphanage to travel across the ocean to achieve his destiny. Edward Cheserek is a true success story.

Edward Cheserek started his running career as a US prep with an impactful "bang", at the 2010 Great American XC Festival, Edward claimed his first national title by winning The National Independent Schools Championship. He then competed at the Manhattan Invitational finishing second in the Eastern States Championship. The super-soph then smashed the course record winning the Essex County Championships in an astounding 14:42 for 5000 meters. After claiming the NJISAA Prep Championships individual championship Cheserek finished second at the NXN Northeast Regional Championships. As if witnessing the passing of a torch Cheserek finished second to National Champion Lukas Verzbicas at the NXN National Championships. Cheserek left one undeniable statement to the cross country nation, he will be the man to beat in 2011. If the age of Verzbicas reign came to an end the rise of King Edward begins.

March 13, 2011 the New Balance Indoor High School National Championships. Held at the historic Armory Track & Field Center in New York City all eyes were on two-time defending Foot Locker national cross country champion Lukas Verzbicas assault on Gerry Lindgren's historic indoor two-mile record 8:40.00. What occurred was a race for the ages as Edward Cheserek pushed Verzbicas to the line finishing second in 8:42.66. His time, a sophomore class record breaking Rudy Chapa's 1974 record 8:55.8. The time was also the 5th fastest time in the 17-year-old prep age group records and the third fastest prep indoor mark all-time only behind Lindgren's 8:40.00 and Verzbicas 8:40.66.

American 17-Year-Old High School Two-Mile Record

1. German Fernandez , Riverbank, California *Senior Class Record 8:34.40 6/20/2008 11/2/1990

2. Gerry Lindgren , Spokane, Washington 8:40.00i 2/15/1964 3/9/1946

3. Craig Virgin , Lebanon, Illinois 8:40.90 6/9/1973 8/2/1955

4. Matt Centrowitz , Broadneck, Maryland 8:41.55 6/16/2007 10/18/1989

5. Edward Cheserek , Newark, New Jersey *Sophomore Class Record 8:42.66i 3/13/2011 2/2/1994

6. Jeff Nelson , Burbank, California 8:42.70i 2/16/1979 3/28/1961

7. Joe Rosa , Plainsboro, New Jersey *Junior Class Record 8:44.06 6/19/2010 4/7/1993

8. Dathan Ritzenhein , Rockford, Michigan 8:44.12* 5/5/2000 12/30/1982

9. Eric Hulst , Long Beach, California 8:44.90 6/71975 11/28/1957

10. Luke Puskedra , Salt Lake City, Utah 8:46.41 6/8/2008 2/8/1990

Cheserek further established himself as the future of the American prep distance runner while competing at the Larry Ellis Memorial Invitational on April 23, 2011. Competing in his first-ever outdoor 5000 meters at Princeton University against collegiate athletes Cheserek ran 14:02.33. The time, another national sophomore record! and the #3 all-time in the 17-year-old age group records.

American 17-Year-Old High School 5000m Record

1. Chris Derrick , Naperville, Illinois 13:55.96 4/12/2008 10/17/1990

2. Craig Virgin , Lebanon, Illinois 13:58.20 7/28/1973 8/2/1955

3. Edward Cheserek , Newark, New Jersey *Sophomore Class Record 14:02.33 4/23/2011 2/2/1994

4. Ammar Moussa , Arcadia, California 14:05.79 4/30/2011 12/1/1993

Edward Cheserek's legacy has just begun. Already among the elite all-time for the American prep distance runners. Will his times get faster? Most likely Cheserek is on pace to set the bar to such a high level that he may become the standard of excellence that propels the future of American prep distance running. How dominant is Cheserek and what is still yet to come even in this season? Consider the following, on May 21, 2011 at the Essex County Championships he completed a historic triple. The sophomore won the 3200 meters in 8:53.65 winning by almost a minute with second place 9:49.50! he then doubled back with a 4:10.92 1600 meter victory and 1:52.13 800 meter victory. Cheserek may very well dip below 14-minutes in the 5k, 8:40 in the two-mile and 4:06 in the mile this season as a sophomore. For the next two years we will all sit back and watch the rise of King Edward to the top of the prep world. America's next great and perhaps legendary prep distance runner.

At the 2011 Adidas High School Boys Dream Mile Cheserek again left an undeniable mark, 4:03.29. Another Sophomore Class Record and the 6th fastest 17-year old in prep mile history!

American 17-Year-Old High School Mile Record

1. Jim Ryun , Wichita, Kansas *Junior Class Record 3:59.00 6/5/1964 4/29/1947

2. Marty Liquor i, Newark, New Jersey 3:59.80 6/23/1967 9/11/1949

3. German Fernandez , Riverbank, California 4:01.69 5/31/2008 11/2/1990

4. Thom Hunt , San Diego, California 4:02.70 2/21/1976 3/17/1958

5. Mac Fleet , San Diego, California 4:02.90 6/14/2009 10/17/1991

6. Edward Cheserek , Newark, New Jersey *Sophomore Class Record 4:03.29 6/11/2011 2/2/1994

"When I'm running my mind drives me and I push myself to run faster. I want to be remembered as a runner who breaks records. When it comes to my favorite events I can say I'm good in every event but mostly the 2miles, the 5k cross country, 5,000m track and maybe 10,000m when I'm out high school. When asked if I am ready to take that position as the standard of excellence for future generations...yes I am ready to take that." ~Edward Cheserek

AMMAR MOUSSA

AMMAR MOUSSA

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

By Aron Taylor

"I expect alot out of myself, more than my coaches, or my teammates, or even my parents expect from me, and if I don't fulfill those expectations I am really upset with myself. I run to prove to myself that I can do things that no one else expected from me" Ammar Moussa

Ammar Moussa is focused and determined on leaving his mark. A legacy of excellence for himself, his team, his school, his community and the history of the sport of cross country. Moussa understands that when you endeavor to do that which has never been accomplished before it requires high expectations.

"First and foremost I want to lead my team to a podium finish at state and nationals. Thats my first priority. Second is to run the best I can the entire season. It doesn't matter the result, as long as I know that I hammered to the best of my ability. This is my senior campaign and I want to have no regrets."

Rising to the top of the national cross scene as an individual standout takes hard work and focus. Moussa attributes much of this focus to expectations placed by himself and a strong support system behind him. He is the Woodbridge Invitational course record holder in 14:25.00 (3.04 miles), the

Stanford Invitational course record holder in 14:37.00 (3.1 miles) and stands the USAT&F Junior Olympic National Cross Country Champion. The goal of Ammar Moussa is to compete for an individual National Championship, beyond that singular goal he wants to do great things for his team.

" I want to be an individual national champion. I want to be remembered as the person who led his team to the first national title in Arcadia High School Team history. There is so much going against us, to be able to win a national title would give our cross country team the respect that it surely should've earned years ago. I know there are so many great athletes around the country. I have to be on that day, in the right place at the right time. Guys like Jim Rosa won't give an inch so I have to have my best day."

"My family is one of the most important pillars that keep my house of running. My father supports me so much, flying around the country to support. My mom is like my nutritionist, making me the BEST meals that anyone can ask for...I'll bet anyone on that :) Without them, I would not be even close to the runner I am today. But what I love the most about my family is that they are not OVER involved in the sport like many parents are. I know alot of parents who push, push, push to the point where the kid doesn't enjoy the sport any more. But my parents have never crossed that line, and support me in anyway I need, and never cross that line, which I really appreciate."

Moussa is also grounded in faith and unafraid to acknowledge the role it has played in his sucesses. "My faith is one of the pillars of my life. I know there is a greater purpose for me and my life. I know God has a greater purpose for me. My faith in God makes me the person I am and the runner I am today."

"The history of the sport means so much. I read so much about different runners, American and foreign, and as I read more and more, the more I become motivated to add my name to those ranks. That is one of my goals. I want to do the best I can to add myself to those ranks. It would be an honor because there have been so many great runners. But the history of the sport is what motivates me to become the best runner I can be, to maybe one day add myself to those ranks."

"I am driven to be the best. When I run I love to feel the pain. When I hurt I get stronger. This way when I race I know what it feels like. I am one of the most competitive and determined guys out there who always expects the most out of himself. In my room I have my goals. The goals next to my pillow every night and the race results of past disappointments on the wall above me. I never want to forget those races, they motivate me, they look down on me and I am determined to succeed. I know myself better than anyone. I know what I can do. Whether I am ranked first or last I know me and I am ready."

It has been said, "Those who are humble and modest are highly regarded in the sight of both the created and the Creator. Those who are haughty and self-conceited, who belittle others and put on arrogant airs, are always" ~Pearls of Wisdom

"Humbleness for me is the ability to understand that there are others out there that are better than you. Not just running wise, but better sons, better older brothers, better teammates, better captains. I can learn so much from those people, and for me humility is realizing this, and striving to be better in all aspects of life, and never quitting at that. To me courage means going out and doing what no one else wants to do, what others fear, and putting yourself at risk. Courage means so much to me, and I try to surround myself with teammates that are courageous, because then I know they will go to limits for me that no one else will, and I try to do the same for them. This is why I have high expectations."

Ammar Moussa achieved every goal he set out to accomplish in the 2010-2011 season. At the 2010 Nike Cross National Championships Moussa led Arcadia to the team national championship. Then Ammar repeated as USAT&F Junior Olympic National Cross Country Champion leading Arcadia to the National Team Title. One of the all-time prep cross country team in US history LINK. At the 2011 New Balance Outdoor National Track & Field Championships Moussa claimed his first individual national championship winning the two-mile. Moussa then claimed the USA Junior 5000 meter national championship at the 2011 USA Track & Field Championships.

LUKAS VERZBICAS

LUKAS VERZBICAS

LUKAS VERZBICAS

A CHRONICLE OF THE GREATEST

V FOR VICTORY

Dreaming big takes courage. Someone has to believe, even if its only you until what shouldnt happen does happen and you reach that victory.

The Drive to Win

[2011 World Junior Triathlon Champion; 2011 USA Junior Triathlon National Champion; 2011 National HS Indoor Mile 4:10 (4:03SB)/Two-Mile 8:40/5000 Meter 14:06 Champion; National Outdoor Two-Mile record holder 8:29.46; 2011 Dream Mile Champion 3:59.71; 2009 & 2010 Foot Locker National Champion; 2010 Nike Cross National Champion. National Indoor 5000 Meter Record Holder. Two-time Illinois State Cross Country Champion. Undefeated in prep cross country]

By Aron Taylor

Over three decades ago America's greatest running icon Steve Prefontaine stated, "I have to win." That drive to win drove a relentless quest to challenge the limitations of the human body and mind. He said, "A race is a work of art that people can look at and be affected in as many ways they're capable of understanding." That drive to win still inspires a generation, among those Lukas Verzbicas.

"On the wall of my room is a poster of Steve Prefontaine. I have watched movies about him countless times. Pre was different from everyone else. I admire the fact that he believed and stood up for change. Not only did he run differently than everyone else, but his gutsy actions changed track&field into a professional sport. I think this makes me and other people like Pre so much alike, that he was not just another ordinary runner but a figure who inspired like no other; through change."

Verzbicas is pushing the limitations of himself by setting expectations so high that only he can meet them rewriting the record books in the process. He is gifted, talented, and capable of holding every prep record from the mile to 10000 meters. Hailing from Orland Hills, Illinois, Verzbicas has crushed multiple national and class records in track but it is cross that he has reigned supreme having never been defeated!

Lukas V

xcnation.com

STEVE PREFONTAINE

PRE

The Original Rockstar

ERINFINN

Erin Finn "Wheels"
Flash

JOE ROSA

JOE ROSA

PUSHING THE LIMITS

JIM ROSA

JIM ROSA

I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED

LUKE PUSKEDRA

LUKE PUSKEDRA

COOL HAND LUKE

ADAM GOUCHER

ADAM GOUCHER

THE KING OF CROSS

TONY SMORAGIEWICZ

TONY SMORAGIEWICZ

STAR OF THE WEST

CAMI CHAPUS

CAMI CHAPUS

A CHAMPIONS ATTITUDE

ZACH WILLS

ZACH WILLS

FAITH AND PASSION

JAKE LEINGANG

JAKE LEINGANG

Bismarck Tradition

Flash

CROSS COUNTRY

LEGENDS

TEAM CHAMPIONS

All-Time Prep Team Champions

Fayetteville Manlius, NY 2009

Arcadia, CA 2010
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BOYS NATIONAL RECORDS

GIRLS NATIONAL RECORDS

CROSS CHAMPIONS

All-Time Prep Cross Champions

PREP TRACK & FIELD AGE GROUP RECORDS

Slick

2011 National Champion

EDWARD CHESEREK

2011 National Champion

MOLLY SEIDEL
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NATIONAL RECORDS

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NATIONAL RECORDS

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