The fourth annual Franklin Central Showcase Invitational takes place this Friday, April 16, bringing together many of Indiana's top distance runners, squaring off in one amazing night of under-the-lights, distance-only, competition.

Since its inception, this meet has promoted fast paced racing, and with this year's collection of talent, this could very well be the best edition yet.  The showcase event each year is the boy's Miracle Mile.  With 19 runners in this year's field, many worthy of pushing 4:20 or faster, the talent in Indiana will shine bright yet again.

The pre-race build-up focuses on two individuals, Foot Locker All-Americans Tyler Bryne (Sr., North Harrison) and Chris Walden (Jr., Carmel).  These two have put up some tremendous times this season, setting the stage for what could become an epic clash of talent.  Walden leads the state with his 4:14.70 mile performance during the indoor track season at the University of Kentucky, while Bryne seems to just be getting underway with his season, running a 9:19.81 3,200m time last week at the Stargazer Invitational.

Not to be overlooked, Drew Gambill (Sr., Shakamak) should put himself in contention for the victory.  After finishing fourth in the 800m dash last spring, where he ran 1:53.93, Gambill continues to grow his stock in the 1,600m event, running 4:21.71 during the indoor season, while running 1:56.84 for 800m (IN#2) earlier this week.

Some non-senior talent will look to make their mark, proving they are among the state's top five in the event.  Jason Crist (So., Franklin Central) was one of the top freshman runners in the country in 2009.  This season he's already run 4:22.28 for the mile indoors.  Consistent contenders John Mascari (Jr., TH North) and James Martin (Jr., Fort Wayne Carroll) finished first and second at the Hoosier State Relays in the 3,200m run last month, while U.S. sophomore steeplechase record holder Conner Martin (Jr., Westfield) and Jace Lowery (Jr., Martinsville) finished 3-4 in the same race.  All four finished under 9:20.

While the young talent is strong, seniors could dominate the way, as well.  Alejandro Arroyo (Sr., Culver) had one heck of a cross country season, continuing his strong running at Nike Indoor Nationals, where he ran 4:21.10.  State experienced runners David Osborn (Sr., Chesterton) and Scott Vicenzi (Sr., Brownsburg) are entered in the field, while Walden's Carmel H.S. teammate Dan Porter (Sr., Carmel) should contend for a top three finish, especially after running 4:22.36 indoors and already going under the two minute barrier for 800m this outdoor season.

Last, but certainly not least, the darkhorse candidate in the field is Jordan Gornall (Jr., Bloomington South).  Considered more of an 800m runner, especially after finishing in an IN#1 time of 1:54.52 at Nike Indoor Nationals, he'll test his fitness against the state's best, seeing just how well he can handle the longer event.

Other notable competitors in the fast heat are: Gabe Ocasio (Jr., Columbus North), Josh Graham (Sr., Huntington North), Mitch Dutton (So., Fort Wayne Snider), Josh Roche (Jr., Lawrence North), Nolan Fife (Sr., Seymour) and Ethan Wappes (Sr., Fort Wayne Snider).  

Franklin Central Showcase Invitational Entry List