Three Big Things: Week One

Track and field is back in Southwest Florida.  Covid restrictions is limiting the number of teams at area meets.  Last year I tried to give blog followers five takeaways from each week but given the numbers we're going to keep it short and sweet.  So as we head into the 2021 season I will break down Three Big Things in an effort to stay on top of the Lee County distance scene.

Thing 1:  I can't wait to see Fort Myers senior Amy Meng tangle with Canterbury senior Jessica Edwards over 3,200 meters.  It's a dream race that may never happen given the way the schedule lines up this season.  Meng opened with an un-pressed 11:48.46 to win the Dunbar opener while Edwards was occupying herself with the shorter distances running a screaming 56.38 in the 400.  Meng also ran a leg on Fort Myers' winning 4x800 team while Edwards ran a respectable third in the 200.  Not bad for one of the nation's best over 800 meters.

Thing 2:  A new distance running force maybe emerging from Ben Pignatone's Lehigh distance crew.  Freshman Gianna Del Pizzo scored double victories in the 800 and 1,600 running 2:32.93 and 5:45.31.  Del Pizzo won both races by sizeable margins.

Thing 3:  It appears Fort Myers senior Liam Holston is on the comeback.  Holston enjoyed a ho-hum cross country season.  He showed a sparkling kick at Dunbar to win the 1,600 4:34.49.  This sets the table for some epic battles with Estero's Kolton Pickard and Lehigh's Evan Meyer who finished second to Holston on Saturday.