Chris Derrick and Kevin Havel finished their seasons on a high note. All season long these two runners distinguished themselves as two of the best runners in the country. Derrick entered as a pre-race favorite, while many predicted Havel somewhere between 12-20. Congrats to both Chris and Kevin on amazing cross country careers!
Derrick and Havel Finish Strong at Foot Locker Nationals
Kevin Havel Post-Race Interview
Chris Derrick Post-Race Interview
Smart starts pushed Kevin Havel and Chris Derrick towards earning first team all-American honors at Foot Locker Nationals Saturday in San Diego. Both athletes talked Friday about getting out smart, not pushing too early and working their way back up from the pack.
Derrick used a smart race strategy, finding position in the first quarter mile and then working his way up into contention. By the end of the first mile Derrick was lurking amongst the top eight, moving into the top six at the two mile marker. Derrick went through the first mile in 4:33 and the two mile at 9:30.
With a mile to go Derrick pulled right up next to the leaders, then surging forward up the back hill to pull just behind Indiana's Mike Fout. With a half mile to go Fout put in a surge and ran away to the win, while Derrick finished strong in second place, finishing perhaps the most impressive season in the country.
Behind Derrick, Havel finished strong as well. Moving up during the entire race, the Hersey senior wanted to prove he belonged amongst the nations best. A strong last mile put Havel in the top ten and then a final kick moved Havel into the seventh spot.