Distance Runners of the Year
Ryan Oosting, Arlington
Although we had some stellar distance runners this season, this was one of our no-brainers. Oosting was the state's best for the mile and two mile. He ran an all-time best of 4:11.78 for the mile, an effort that earned him a third-place finish at the New Balance Grand Prix. The Arlington junior was untouchable for two miles, too. He won his first indoor crown by clocking 9:08.34, just an hour after winning the mile in 4:14. He them became one of few MA athletes to break nine minutes by winning the New England title with a nation best of 8:57.99. Oosting continued his excellence this winter by finishing second to Oregon signee and defending champion Brodey Hasty in the deuce at the New Balance Nationals where he crossed the line in 9:01.87.
Lucy Jenks, Newton South
The talented sophomore was our state titlist for the mile with a winning time of 5:01.05. Prior to competing at the state meet, Jenks had already clocked a sub five-minute effort at the Last Chance meet where she defeated teammate Samantha Barry with a then-best of 4:57.94. The gifted runner, who competes in just one season of track & field, saved her best for last. Jenks just missed an All-American nod at the New Balance Nationals where she had a more than six-second PR of 4:51.29. In addition, Jenks was also a runner-up for 1,000m at the New England Championships where she ran a PR of 2:51.82, the state's No. 2 time.