12/08/07 

The boy’s race of the Foot Locker Cross-Country National Championships was being billed as perhaps the greatest national championship of all time. Luke Puskedra of Ogden, UT took the boy’s race out very quickly, just like Hasay had done in the girls’ race. He ran through the 800 meter mark in an insanely-fast time of 2:10.

German Fernandez of Riverbank, CA; Michael Fout of LaPorte, IN and Colby Lowe of Southlake, TX – all regional winners –were in the chase pack. Kevin Williams of Lakewood, CO blew past Puskedra at 1000 meters but Puskedra took the lead right back 100 meters later. Fernandez was 1 meter back, followed by Lowe. They passed the 1st mile in 4:28. At this pace, lactic acid was bound to be making an appearance in the boy’s legs soon. Lowe opened up a lead at the 1 1/2 mile mark, a downhill portion. Puskedra took it back, chased by Fernandez.