Young showcases toughness competing against field of professional and collegiate athletes to become third prep athlete to eclipse 8-minute mark, lower Hunter’s 2016 standard

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

NEW YORK – Nico Young had only taken one day off from training since his victory at Nike Cross Nationals two months ago. The Newbury Park CA senior couldn’t afford even a momentary lapse of focus Saturday in the biggest track race of his career at the 113th NYRR Millrose Games.

But the dedication, tenacity and toughness of the Northern Arizona signee were rewarded at The New Balance Armory Track and Field Center when Young smashed the national high school record competing unattached against a field of professional and collegiate standouts in the Dr. Sander men’s 3,000 meters.

Young placed 11th in 7 minutes, 56.97 seconds, eclipsing the 2016 record of 7:59.33 set by former Loudoun Valley VA standout Drew Hunter at the Camel City Elite meet.

NICO YOUNG INTERVIEW

“I was super happy with my performance,” said Young, who was competing in only the second indoor race of his career and the first this year.

“Not many people have broken 8 minutes in high school, and I really wanted to have a chance to do that, so this was the perfect opportunity.”

Canadian standout Justyn Knight, representing Reebok Boston Track Club, won in 7:46.36 for his second professional victory in three weeks at The Armory, following the mile Jan. 25 at the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge. Colorado’s Joe Klecker was the top collegiate finisher, placing second in 7:47.57.

But even before Knight’s post-race interviews began, he couldn’t help but appreciate Young’s achievement.

“That’s great for him,” Knight said. “We were all hoping he was going to get it, so I think that’s awesome that he was able to accomplish that.”

The top 10 athletes all ran under 7:55, with Young remaining in contact with the pack through the 2,000-meter mark, before the pace increased significantly.

“I thought I was going too slow after a mile, but I guess I wasn’t really,” Young said. “At one point, I was trying to pass somebody, but that was right when the race sped up. I just kept telling myself, ‘This is what I came here to do, I’ve just got to focus my eyes on the next guy in front of me and just chase him down.’”

Young needed only a 37-second last lap to ensure he would join Hunter and Riverbank CA graduate German Fernandez as the only prep athletes to eclipse the 8-minute mark. But much like he did in April to run a personal-best 8:40 in the 3,200 meters at the Arcadia Invitational, Young demonstrated tremendous resolve to block out the pain and complete his record-setting pursuit, covering the final lap in 32.36 seconds.

“I didn’t know what time I was at with 200 left. I knew it was the last lap and I just wanted to try to go as fast as I could,” Young said. “I was locking up in the last 50 and I was basically pretty unstable when I crossed the line, but it feels really awesome. I couldn’t be happier with my results. It feels really good.”

Young also mounted a strong challenge to the American U-20 indoor record of 7:56.31 achieved in 2009 by former Stanford star Chris Derrick, but wound up as the No. 2 all-time U.S. Junior performer.

“I kind of knew what shape I was in for a 3K, but not really, so I really just wanted to test my ability,” Young said. “It means a lot. I was definitely happy about (the post-race recognition). It was really nice to have people congratulate me.”

Although Young has sights on repeating as 3,200 champion April 11 at the Arcadia Invitational, he’s ready to return to training and plan with Newbury Park coach Sean Brosnan for the next historical opportunity to compete against an elite field upon their return to California.

“It’s really satisfying because then all that work (since December) was worth it,” Young said. “It would have been worth it anyways, but it makes it more worth it.”