One of the best high school indoor track meets outside of the east coast takes place this weekend, as the University of Kentucky High School Invitational takes place Saturday in Lexington, Kentucky.  Looking over the start lists, the distance events are stacked with tremendous talent, certain to produce some US top five marks.

The top boys race on paper is easily the mile.  With numerous state champions in the field, three of who have already dipped under 4:15 this season, should be quite the show.  The fastest contestant in the field based on PRs is Michael Atchoo (Sr., Troy, MI), however, Oregon-bound senior Colby Alexander (Sr., Strongsville, OH), Ryan Eaton (Sr., Greenwood, KY) and Omar Kaddurah (Jr., Grand Blanc, MI) should all make a strong push to win the race, as well as push to a mark around 4:10.

Not to be overlooked are underclassmen Zach Wills (Jr., Mason, OH) and Chris Walden (Jr., Carmel, IN).  Wills was easily one of the top harriers in the country this past fall, while Walden earned all-American status at the Foot Locker National Championships.  Both aren't known for having blazing foot speed, but still should challenge for the win and push a sub-4:15 clocking.

In the boys 800m dash, 2009 top sophomore Nick Kaiser (Jr., Bedford, MI) is entered, looking to jump start his season with a US#1 performance.  Kaiser ran 1:51.83 last June at the Midwest Distance Gala.  Gala veteran Quincy Downing (Jr., Cleveland Glenville, OH) is also entered in the field.  Downing is having a strong early season and will certainly challenge for the victory.

Similar to the boys side, the top girls race is the mile.  Emma Brink (Jr., Sacred Heart, KY) is the early favorite, having both home-state advantage, as well as the top PR in the field.  However, she'll find a challenge from fellow junior Carly Hamilton (Jr., Springsboro, OH) and Nike Cross Nationals qualifier Michelle Moriset (Sr., Troy, MI).  NXN qualifier Waverly Neer (Jr., Culver Academies, IN) also has the talent and drive to make a push for victory.

The other girls race that stands out on paper is the 800m dash.  Ohio standout Taneisha Cordell (Jr., New Albany, OH) is the top entrant in the field with her PR of 2:10.79, which she set last spring at the Ohio State T&F Championships.  Her indoor season has gotten off to a slow start, however, she is certainly talented enough to drop a 2:13-15 time despite it being so early in the season.

Further Reading: KYTrackXC Preview / Performance Lists