There is no doubt this was the race of the day and could be one of the nation's top highlights
It was the first meet of the 2023 indoor track season at the newly named Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center. The Tracksmith meet directors have enjoyed tremendous success on the east coast with track meets, so why not the midwest?
It was three events: 3000m, 800m, and the Mile in a meet that produced a ton of energy, and the home side stands were full of fans. The races combined both genders and encompassed the very young to the elderly. And oh there was even a 4x400 relay to top the meet off. There was something for everyone.
The 3K races kicked things off and there were four sections. Former Tinley Park standout Arturs Bareikis seized the lead just after the midway point of the final section after the pacemaker stepped off. He would cruise home to win in 8:44.35.
The 800m turned out to be the best event in terms of production. Everyone in the building was excited for the final section #7. Stalwarts Andrew Regnier (Milwaukee Speed Academy) and Nathan Cumberbatch (Sr., Shorewood WI) know one another well as they competed inside the Dr. Worrill Center on numerous occasions. The pace was hot right away with 26.5 and 54.4 opening laps. Plainfield South junior Camyn Viger got into the action and was along for the ride, just a few strides back of the leading Cumberbatch.
Cumberbatch led for on the bell lap in 1:23 high. But it was less than 100m remaining, that Regnier took the lead and roared home in a national leading and big statement 1:51.66. The consolation prize for Cumberbatch was 1:53.20. Viger got a huge PB in 1:54.57.
Veteran Joe Lomnicki won the marathon session mile ran in section 12 with a time of 4:08.04.