Going to the Ritz again -- Dathan Ritzenhein continues 2-year undefeated string

Since he emerged as a national champion by winning the 2-mile at Raleigh in the Foot Locker Outdoor championships as a sophomore, Dathan Ritzenhein of Rockford MI has faced a series of ballyhooed matchups with formidable opponents.  The result today was the same as every other time:  a dominating victory by Ritzenhein.  He became only the second boy to repeat as Foot Locker cross country champion.  

Ritz in stretch is all alone

Announcer and caltrack.com webmaster Doug Speck asked Ritzenhein what was thinking as he approached the finish line for his second straight championship.  The answer:   "God, this hurts."

Webb  interview -- "I'm disappointed.  I thought I could hang with him (Ritzenhein).  But he ran an awesome race."

Hall interview --
"I was kind of hurting in the last mile.  I didn't have much to come back with."
"I'm a track athlete. I can't wait to get started."  
When The Harrier publisher Marc Bloom asked if a 4 minute mile is a realistic goal now, Hall answered,  "Definitely, I've been dreaming about it ever since I started my 9th grade year."

to the victor go the spoils . . .

a big hug from Rockford MI teammate Kalin Toedebusch . . .

and the championship trophy